The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled March 9, 2026, for a ruling on the admissibility of documents the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeks to tender in the ongoing alleged money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned for ruling after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence regarding whether property-related documents could be admitted as evidence.
Background of the Case
Bello is facing a 19-count charge of money laundering totaling N80.2 billion. The disputed documents include a title deed and an irrevocable power of attorney for a property in Gwarinpa District, Abuja, allegedly sold by Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company to Azba Real Estate Limited for N100 million.
The EFCC sought to tender the documents through its 10th prosecution witness, Mahmoud Abdulazeez, Chief Accountant and Head of Accounts at Dantata and Sawoe. Abdulazeez confirmed that a Deed of Assignment was executed for the property located at Plot 1160, Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarinpa II District, Abuja.
Defence Objection
Lead defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), opposed the admission, arguing that:
- The documents were not certified by the appropriate authority; EFCC lacked the power to certify land instruments.
- Only the Abuja Geographical Information Service could validly register and certify land documents.
- The documents lacked a clause reflecting the alleged N100 million consideration.
- EFCC certification alone was insufficient to confer legal probative value.
EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), countered that the instruments were tendered to support oral evidence on the transaction and receipt of funds, not to establish land title.
Other Witness Testimonies
- Gabriel Ochoche, FCMB compliance officer, testified that Bello’s name did not appear in the account documents (Exhibit 37) and could not link him to the transactions, including a N100 million inflow from Keyless Nature Limited in December 2021.
- Oluwafemi Victoria, Polaris Bank compliance officer, also testified on transactions in the accounts under investigation.
Following the arguments, Justice Nwite adjourned the trial until March 9 for a ruling on the admissibility of the EFCC documents and continuation of proceedings.
The outcome of this ruling is expected to significantly influence the progress of Bello’s trial and the handling of key evidence in Nigeria’s high-profile money laundering case.
