A property transaction involving millions of naira paid in US dollars took center stage on Friday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
Ramalan Abdullahi, a legal practitioner with the Federal Capital Development Authority, testified as the prosecution's 15th witness in the trial of Yahaya Bello, the former Kogi State governor.
Justice Maryanne Anineh presided over the hearing. The EFCC is prosecuting Bello alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on 16 counts.
All three defendants face charges of criminal breach of trust and money laundering. The alleged sum involved is N110.4 billion.
Under questioning by prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro, Abdullahi recounted his role in the transaction. He said a friend called him in January 2022 about a property deal.
"Some agents introduced him to this property to sell," Abdullahi told the court. His friend wanted him to verify the property details.
The property sat at 35 Danube Street in Maitama. According to him, the entire transaction involved N950 million paid in dollars.
Abdullahi worked with Ali Bello on the deal. He communicated through Shehu Bello, another person involved in the transaction.
He prepared all necessary title documents. White Tree Nigeria Limited was named as the buyer in the paperwork.
"I was given the name White Tree Nigeria Limited as the assignee," he said. He drafted a deed of assignment between Palchi Ventures Nigeria Plc and White Tree Nigeria Limited.
A power of attorney was also executed. It was issued to the same company, White Tree Nigeria Limited.
Abdullahi confirmed that Ali Bello specifically instructed him to use that company name. "The person that gave me the name was Ali Bello," he testified.
Payment for the property came entirely in dollars. He stressed this point during his testimony before Justice Anineh.
The cross-examination began with Abdullahi Yahaya, counsel for the first and second defendants. He asked whether the witness had testified about similar matters elsewhere.
Abdullahi confirmed he'd previously given evidence at the Federal High Court. When pressed about who gave him instructions, he named Shehu Bello.
Counsel to the third defendant, Z. E.
Abbas, also questioned the witness. Abbas asked if Abdullahi had ever met Abdulsalami Hudu.
"I have never met Abdulsalami Hudu," Abdullahi replied straightforwardly. The question suggested the third defendant may have had minimal involvement.
Before proceedings resumed, Pinheiro briefed the court on administrative matters. He noted the case had previously been adjourned for rulings on pending motions.
The prosecution served Abbas with an application requesting suspension and stay of proceedings. Abbas objected immediately to the timing of the application.
He argued the application wasn't ready for hearing. The documentation had only reached him around 4 p.m. on Thursday, he said.
This objection raised questions about proper notice to all parties. Court procedures require adequate time for counsel to review applications before hearing them.
