Witness denies Yahaya Bello’s involvement in transactions as court admits disputed documents in ongoing EFCC money laundering trial

The 10th prosecution witness in the ongoing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has testified that the ex-governor’s name is not linked to the transactions under investigation.

Mahmoud Abdulazeez, an accountant with Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company Limited, made the statement on 9 March 2026 during proceedings at the Federal High Court before Justice Emeka Nwite.

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Abdulazeez identified Exhibit 42 as an Irrevocable Power of Attorney between Dantata and Sawoe and Azab Real Estate Limited, and Exhibit 43 as a Deed of Assignment involving the same parties. Both documents were admitted by the court despite objections from Defendant’s Counsel Joseph Daudu, SAN.

During cross-examination, Abdulazeez emphasised that he had never encountered documents lacking the value of the property being sold and stated that former Governor Bello was not present or involved in the transactions.

“Dantata and Sawoe gave consent and assigned Azbar to execute the deed, and Azbar provided these documents. Our directors signed on behalf of Dantata, and Ali Bello signed on behalf of Azbar,” he explained.

Justice Nwite ruled that the exhibits were admissible under Sections 108, 102, and 104 of the Evidence Act, 2011, noting that their purpose was to establish the existence of transactions, not to prove ownership of property.

Following Abdulazeez, the prosecution called its 11th witness, James Igbakule, a legal practitioner, who testified regarding a property on Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse 2 District, Abuja. Igbakule confirmed that payments were made in three tranches and insisted he had no prior dealings with Bello.

The 12th prosecution witness, Jemilu Abdullahi, a Bureau De Change operator, also provided evidence on transactions conducted mainly with Keyless Nature Limited and Ejadams Essence Limited, including payments in multiples of N10 million by an individual named Abba Adaudu.

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The court further considered an application by the defence to remove a “red alert” issued against Bello, following an earlier order permitting him to travel abroad during Ramadan. Justice Nwite said he would review the matter carefully before ruling.

The trial was adjourned to 22, 23, and 24 April, and 6 and 7 May 2026, for continuation.