Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday told a Federal High Court in Abuja that funds allegedly diverted from the Kogi State Government House Administration Account were used to acquire luxury properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The court hearing, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, saw Ahmed Abubakar, a senior EFCC investigator, testify as the principal prosecution witness (PW17) in the ongoing trial of Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo and a nephew of former governor Yahaya Bello. The EFCC is prosecuting Bello alongside co‑defendants Dauda Sulaiman and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16‑count charge of misappropriation, money laundering and related offences reportedly involving about N10.27 billion allegedly siphoned from state coffers.
Abubakar told the court that part of the purportedly diverted funds — approximately N900 million — was used to acquire a property at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja, identified in court as Spring Hall School. He said the money was allegedly withdrawn from the Kogi State treasury and handed over to a bureau de change operator in Abuja for conversion and personal use, according to evidence presented by the EFCC.
The witness outlined how investigators traced financial transactions from government house accounts held in banks such as Zenith Bank and UBA. He explained that the funds were allegedly diverted through a series of withdrawals and transfers before being used to pay for high‑end real estate in the capital. Documents and banking records tendered in court were read into evidence to support the prosecution’s narrative.
Abubakar’s testimony described multiple withdrawals from the Government House account, including significant sums on specific dates in April 2021, which were later linked to property acquisitions. He said some of these transactions involved cash withdrawals that were subsequently used in purchases of choice real estate, although precise details on all properties and amounts remain part of the prosecution’s evidence strategy.
The EFCC alleges that Bello and his co‑defendants orchestrated a scheme that diverted public funds for private enrichment and used intermediaries to conceal the origin and destination of the money. The commission maintains that these actions constituted criminal breach of trust and unlawful possession of public property contrary to Nigeria’s anti‑corruption and money‑laundering laws.
Details from the prosecution’s case indicate that other properties in various highbrow areas of Abuja may also be linked to proceeds of the alleged fraud, although the witness’s testimony on Monday focused on specific transactions and the Spring Hall School property as tangible evidence of the alleged diversion.
During proceedings, defence counsel raised objections to aspects of the evidence, challenging interpretations of bank records and noting that ownership of properties alone does not automatically prove illegal acquisition without incontrovertible links to the accused. The defence is expected to continue contesting the admissibility and relevance of certain documents as the trial progresses.
Ali Bello has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He and his co‑defendants are contesting the allegations, and the court will continue to hear evidence as part of the trial process.
The matter remains before the Federal High Court in Abuja. No final judgment has been delivered as of the latest court sitting.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments