By Francis Wilfred
A prosecution witness, PW14, Shehu Bello, has told the court that Ali Bello made several cash payments running into millions of naira for the construction of a property located at Plot 1891, Dala Hills, Maitama, Abuja.
According to a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, the witness, who testified during the continuation of hearing in the alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering trial involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, disclosed that the payments he was aware of included ₦9 million, ₦8.5 million, and ₦5.8 million, all paid in cash.
He explained that his involvement in the Maitama property project began after Ali Bello approached him to recommend a construction company for the development.
The witness also testified regarding another property located at Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse II, Abuja.
According to him, Ali Bello requested his assistance in sourcing a property in Wuse II for the purpose of developing shops.
He further disclosed that the property was purchased from SFC Foods Limited for ₦650 million through a bank transfer.
The witness also confirmed making statements to the EFCC during the investigation and identified the documents presented to him in court as his statements.
After listening to arguments from both parties, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until June 15 and 18, 2026, for ruling on the admissibility of the statements and continuation of trial.
