A prosecution witness in the ongoing fraud trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja how a luxury property in Maitama was allegedly purchased for the naira equivalent of ₦950 million.
The witness, Ramalan Abdullahi, testified before Justice Maryanne Anenih during proceedings in the case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against Bello and two others over alleged money laundering and breach of trust involving ₦110.4 billion.
According to reports from the hearing, Abdullahi, a legal practitioner with the Federal Capital Development Authority, said he became involved in the transaction after he was asked to conduct due diligence on the property located at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja.
“I picked a call from my friend who informed me that some agents introduced him to this property to sell and that I can conduct due diligence on it,” the witness told the court.
He further stated that he dealt with Ali Bello through Shehu Bello during the transaction and confirmed that the payment was made in United States dollars equivalent to ₦950 million.
“When asked whom he interfaced with as the buyer of the property, the witness said, ‘Ali Bello through Shehu Bello,’” TVC News reported.
Abdullahi also said White Tree Nigeria Limited was presented as the assignee in the deal.
“The person that gave me the name of White Tree Limited was Ali Bello,” he testified.
The EFCC alleges that Bello diverted public funds while serving as governor between 2016 and 2024, claims the former governor has denied.
During the hearing, defence lawyers challenged some prosecution applications, while the court later adjourned the matter for further proceedings and rulings on pending applications.
