N550 million converted to dollars cash used to pay for property linked to Yahaya Bello — Witness

A witness in an Abuja High Court has detailed how N550 million, converted into US dollars, was paid in cash for a property allegedly linked to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has presented this transaction as part of its case against Bello, accusing him and others of diverting approximately N110 billion from the state's funds.

Shehu Bello, the EFCC's 17th witness and an estate agent, testified that the property at No 1, Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama District, Abuja, was purchased by Farouk Bello from Efab Estate. Shehu stated he was paid a commission for facilitating the transaction, though the exact amount was not specified. He also did not clarify Farouk Bello's direct relationship with the former governor.

The witness's testimony also covered his role in the purchase of six other properties for Ali Bello, the former governor's nephew and a chief of staff to the current governor. These included a property at Plot 1773, Guzape District, bought for N48 million, and another at Plot 31, Guzape, sold for N100 million. Ali Bello had initially acquired the latter from 'Alhaji Jimeta.'

Further details emerged regarding a property on Lome Street, Wuse 1, Abuja, purchased by Farouk Bello for N105 million. Shehu also facilitated payments for Ali Bello's acquisition of a property on Durban Street for N650 million, intended for building a plaza. Some of these transactions are central to the 16 counts of criminal breach of trust filed by the EFCC against Bello and his co-defendants, all of whom have denied the allegations.