Cash for Mansions: Witness Lays Bare Ali Bello’s Abuja Real Estate Deals in ₦80.2bn Trial

ABUJA – Sensational details emerged on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Maitama, as the 14th prosecution witness (PW14), Shehu Bello, provided a granular breakdown of how Ali Bello, a relative and associate of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, allegedly funneled millions in cash into high-end property developments across the Federal Capital Territory.

​The testimony is a pivotal component of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) ongoing prosecution of the former governor in an alleged ₦80,246,470,088.88 money laundering case.

​Millions in ‘Hand-to-Hand’ Cash

​Led in evidence by prosecution counsel Olukayode Enitan, SAN, Shehu Bello—a real estate professional—told Justice Emeka Nwite that Ali Bello bypassed traditional banking channels for several transactions related to a construction project at Plot 1891, Dala Hills, Maitama.

​“My friend Ali Bello approached me to recommend a construction company for his house. I introduced him to Metro Deck Construction Company Limited,” the witness stated. While some funds were moved via bank transfers, the witness specifically highlighted three distinct cash payments he personally witnessed: ₦9 million, ₦8.5 million, and ₦5.8 million, all delivered in local currency.

​Expanding the Abuja Portfolio

​The court further heard details of another significant acquisition in Wuse II. The witness testified that Ali Bello sought his help in securing a commercial plot for developing shops. This search led to Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse II, located on Durban Street.

​Unlike the Maitama project’s cash infusions, this property was reportedly purchased from SFC Foods Limited for ₦650 million via bank transfer. This follows previous testimony from the same witness on Wednesday, which detailed a ₦550 million Maitama property deal allegedly settled in US dollars.

​Legal Fireworks Over Evidence

​The proceedings took a contentious turn when the prosecution attempted to tender the witness’s extra-judicial statements—made during the EFCC investigation—into evidence.

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​Defence counsel Adebayo Adedeji, SAN, raised a stiff objection, arguing that the prosecution cannot legally tender its own witness’s statement as substantive evidence.

​“The prosecution’s attempt to use this statement as substantive evidence is a misconception of the law. Such documents are only admissible for the defense to impeach a witness’s credibility,” Adedeji argued.

​In a swift rebuttal, Enitan maintained that since the witness had acknowledged the signatures and the content of the statement under oath, the document was relevant and therefore admissible.

​What’s Next?

​The trial has been characterized by high-stakes revelations, including earlier testimonies regarding the payment of the former governor’s children’s school fees in advance using foreign currency.

​Justice Emeka Nwite has adjourned the matter until June 15 and 18, 2026, for a ruling on the admissibility of the witness’s statements and the continuation of the trial. Yahaya Bello remains facing a 19-count charge of money laundering and breach of public trust.