N80.2bn Money Laundering Trial: Court Reserves Ruling On Key Property Documents In Yahaya Bello Case

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned proceedings to rule on the admissibility of two crucial property documents tendered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello.

At the heart of the legal battle are a Deed of Assignment and an Irrevocable Power of Attorney relating to Plot 1160, Cadastral Zone, Gwarimpa 2, Abuja, allegedly sold for N100 million.

Bello is facing a 19-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering amounting to N80,246,470,088.88.

The controversy erupted when prosecution counsel sought to tender the documents through Mahmoud Abdulaziz, Chief Accountant of Dantata & Sawoe Construction Limited. The witness testified that the 8,240.72-square-metre property was sold to Azba Real Estate Limited for N100 million, paid in tranches via electronic transfers into the company’s Keystone Bank account in February 2021.

While the prosecution maintained that the documents were being tendered to support oral evidence of financial transactions — not to prove title — the defence objected, arguing that the documents are registrable instruments requiring Certified True Copies from the appropriate land registry.

Defence counsel insisted that certification by the EFCC was improper under the Evidence Act, describing the move as legally flawed. However, the prosecution countered that the case is a criminal trial focused on financial flows, not land ownership, and cited Supreme Court authority to support its position that documents submitted during investigation can become public documents in custody.

After listening to extensive arguments from both sides, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to March 9, 2026, for ruling on the admissibility of the documents and continuation of trial.

Earlier, the defence informed the court of ongoing discussions regarding an application to vacate a previous order granting Bello permission to travel for lesser Hajj, while the prosecution indicated it would respond to issues concerning a Red Notice.

The trial also featured testimonies from bank officials who confirmed multiple high-value inflows into accounts linked to companies under scrutiny but stated they were unaware of the underlying business relationships behind the transactions.

The high-stakes trial continues.