The trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, over alleged money laundering continued on Wednesday, with a prosecution witness telling the court that the ex-governor was not involved in any of the property transactions forming part of the case.
The 17th prosecution witness, Shehu Bello Bala, made the disclosure during cross-examination by counsel to the defendants, Paul Daudu (SAN).
Bala told the court that neither Yahaya Bello nor the second defendant participated in the property transactions under scrutiny, adding that the dealings were handled by one Farouk Bello, who acted as an agent.
The witness, however, acknowledged that he was aware that the title documents relating to the properties, including the deed of assignment and power of attorney, were later returned to Efab Estate by Farouk Bello.
Earlier in his testimony, Bala clarified that he had no family relationship with Ali Bello or Farouk Bello, despite mentioning both individuals during his evidence-in-chief. He also stated that he was not from Kogi State and had no familial ties to the former governor.
Identifying himself as a commodity trader from Katsina State, Bala told the court that he had known Ali Bello for about 14 years through business activities involving the purchase and sale of agricultural commodities.
According to him, their business dealings included the trading of grains, ginger and other products sourced from northern Nigeria.
Bala also informed the court that he was aware Ali Bello had interests in the real estate sector.
When questioned by counsel to the second and third defendants, A.M. Aliyu (SAN), the witness said he did not know the third defendant and confirmed that the individual played no role in the transactions being examined.
He further stated that Farouk Bello, whom he described as a friend of his father, had died before the title documents were returned to Efab Estate.
Responding to questions about the property, Bala said an unidentified individual had approached him with documents indicating an intention to sell the property, although he could not verify whether the person was Farouk Bello’s son.
The witness explained that he subsequently returned the documents to the chairman of Efab Estate, adding that it was at that point they became aware that the property was under investigation.
He also testified that another property which was not marked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was the one purchased by Farouk Bello.
During proceedings, an attempt by defence counsel to raise questions relating to inheritance of the property by Ali Bello drew an objection from prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), who argued that the witness had not given evidence on inheritance.
Daudu, however, maintained that he was entitled to lay the foundation for the defence case and could question the witness on matters within his knowledge.
The matter was subsequently adjourned for continuation of trial.