A Manager at Efab Property Limited in Abuja, Segun Adeleke has denied any past interactions with a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and other defendants in an alleged fraud case against them.

Adeleke, who was testifying as the second prosecution witness in the case before a HIgh Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said he had no dealings with the three defendants defendants in the case throughout the transactions on the property at the centre of the case. 

Bello is standing trial with Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu in a 16-count charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The three are accused of criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110,446,470,089.

Adeleke, who was being led in evidence by prosecuting lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) recalled that in 2020, his company’s Chairman, Fabian Nwora gave him the brief of the property, in respect of which one Shehu Bello showed interest.

He said the deal was concluded and N500 million was paid for the property. 

On what later happened, the witness said Shehu Bello returned to his office, with the agreement, to tell his Chairman that he was no longer interested in the property as a result of EFCC investigation. 

He added: “My Chairman said he would revert after consulting with our Company Secretary.”

When asked about some documents issued to one Nuhu Muhammed with respect to a property in Gwarimpa Estate, Abuja, the witness said the documents were issued to the said Nuhu Muhammed after he purchased one of the units of the detached bungalows.

Pinheiro asked the witness to confirm if the names of the defendants appeared on any of the transaction documents and the witness said he did not know any of the three defendants.

He said, “This is the first time I am seeing His Excellency (Yahaya Bello) in person, although I have seen him before in print and electronic media but not in any transaction.”

Under cross examination by defence lawyer , Joseph Daudu (SAN), Adeleke said he had given similar evidence in a separate case before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The witness admitted that he was brought into the transaction after the process had commenced, adding that he did not initiate it.

Adeleke said the payment for the property in question was in two tranches and that he had receipts, but admitted later that he did not know the Nuhu Muhammed who was behind the transaction.

At that point Daudu reminded the witness that he had, while giving evidence in the case before the Federal High Court, said funds for the said property at Gwarinpa were transferred at once.

The defence lawyer added that the witness has now contradicted himself by saying it was done in two tranches.

Another prosecution witness, who was on subpoena, Mrs. Williams Abimbola, tendered the statement of account of Kogi State Government House, along with the Certificate of Identification.

The defence counsels said they would speak to the document appropriately in the course of the trial. 

The trial judge, Justice Maryanne Anenih has adjourned till October 8 for the continuation of trial.