BREAKING NEWS: EFCC Witness Again Fails to Link Yahaya Bello to Disputed Properties, Funds
The trial in the ongoing prosecution of former Yahaya Adoza Bello, resumed today in Abuja, as parties appeared before Hon. Justice Josephine Anenih to continue proceedings in the high-profile legal battle.
Shehu Bala Bello, testifying for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), underwent extensive cross-examination by defence counsel in the ongoing trial involving the former Kogi State governor.
The witness, who was subsequently discharged after what courtroom observers described as a “grilling” cross-examination, became the 17th prosecution witness (PW17) called by the EFCC since the commencement of the trial.
During the lengthy and detailed cross-examination, defence counsel questioned the witness on his relationship with Ali Bello, with whom he had earlier testified to having business dealings, including the acquisition of various properties, the source of funds used in those transactions, and the ownership structure of assets central to the prosecution’s case.
Despite the extensive questioning, the witness failed to directly link former Governor Yahaya Bello to the ownership, purchase, financing, or control of the disputed properties and funds currently under scrutiny before the court.
He also clarified that the “Bello” in his name is purely coincidental and that he has no family relationship with the former governor.
Under further questioning, PW17 exonerated Yahaya Bello from allegations of direct business dealings with him. He maintained that his engagements were strictly related to his personal business and property transactions, stressing that he had no direct dealings with the former governor regarding any of the properties or assets in dispute.
The latest development is being viewed by courtroom observers as another challenging outing for the prosecution, which has now called 17 witnesses without, according to the defence, presenting direct evidence linking the former governor to the properties and financial transactions at the centre of the charges.
Proceedings are still ongoing, with more details expected later.
