A prosecution witness on Monday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi was not connected to the transactions in newly tendered documents in the ongoing EFCC money laundering trial. Mahmoud Abdulazeez, an accountant and staff member of Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company Limited, identified two documents presented by the EFCC: an Irrevocable Power of Attorney and a Deed of Assignment between Dantata and Azar Real Estate Limited.
During cross examination by the defense counsel Joseph Daudu SAN, Abdulazeez confirmed that the property value was not stated in one of the documents and emphasized that ex Governor Bello was neither present nor involved in the transactions. Justice Emeka Nwite admitted the documents as Exhibits 42 and 43 after considering arguments from both sides.
The judge highlighted that the documents were tendered for a criminal trial to elish the existence of transactions and not to prove property ownership. The EFCC also called witnesses James Igbakuleh and Jemilu Abdullahi, who provided additional evidence regarding transactions involving Plot 1058 Cadastral Zone A08 Wuse 2 District Abuja, and other corporate dealings. Both witnesses affirmed they had no personal dealings with ex Governor Bello.
The trial also addressed an application to vacate a travel red alert for the defendant. The court granted permission for travel during Ramadan for ten days starting March 13, while noting any future travel would require a separate application.
Justice Nwite adjourned the case until April 22, 23 and 24, and May 6 and 7 for continuation of proceedings. The trial remains closely watched given its high profile and the involvement of prominent individuals and corporate entities in the financial transactions under investigation.
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