Alleged ₦80.2bn Kogi Fraud: Witness Narrates How Maitama Property Was Bought With ₦550m

A Prosecution Witness, PW14, Shehu Bello, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, told Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, that a property located at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama, was purchased for ₦550 million and paid for in United States dollars cash in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Bello on an alleged money laundering amounting to ₦80,246,470,088.88.

Testifying under examination-in-chief by prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN, Bello, a real estate agent and commodity trader, said the transaction was carried out on behalf of his client, Dr. Faruk Bello.

“We agreed ₦550 million, but it was paid in U.S. dollars in cash. I was also paid my commission in cash,” he said.

The witness further disclosed that he facilitated the purchase of another property for the same client at Lome Street, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, for ₦105 million, which was paid via bank transfer to the seller.

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Bello also told the court that he had previous business dealings with Ali Bello, describing him as a friend. “Ali Bello is my friend. We have done some businesses together in the past—commodity and property business,” he said.

He revealed that he sold his personal property located at Plot 1773, Guzape District, Abuja, to Ali Bello for ₦68 million, having earlier purchased it for ₦63 million.

He also stated that he assisted in sourcing a buyer for another property in Guzape on behalf of Ali Bello.

While the prosecution sought to tender the extra-judicial statement of the witness made to the EFCC, the defence counsel J.B Daudu SAN, objected, describing it as a cautionary statement and therefore inadmissible. In a bid to avoid delay in proceedings, the prosecution withdrew the document and proceeded.

Earlier in the proceedings, the prosecution had called PW13, Baba Isa Usman Baffa, an estate surveyor and facility manager, who testified on a property transaction at Plot 739, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, also known as Cityscape Shariff Plaza.

Baffa told the court that Ali Bello purchased a shop in the plaza, stating that: “He paid an initial deposit of ₦40 million and later paid the balance of ₦26 million, including agency fees. A receipt was issued to him, and he was allocated Shop B13.”

He added that the payment was made into the account of Shariff Plaza Management and Facility Company and confirmed under cross-examination that the buyer took possession of the property. The witness was thereafter discharged.

Also testifying earlier was PW12, Jamilu Abdullahi, a Bureau de Change operator, who was cross-examined on his previous testimony before another court regarding a $300,000 transaction allegedly conducted for school fees payment to the American International School.

When asked whether he still stood by the earlier testimony, the witness said: “My Lord, the answer is a little more than yes or no. When I explain, I will then answer.”

Fraud

The prosecution, through its lead Counsel Kemi Pinheiro SAN, objected to the defence’s insistence on a direct answer, arguing that the witness should be allowed to explain. “He cannot be confined… there’s no law that compels him to answer a question. A witness can keep mute. Muteness is an answer,” he said.

The witness, however, stated that he could not fully recall the details, noting that “it has been a long time.” He also confirmed that E-traders was his company and denied any suggestion that he feared being charged by the EFCC for operating an unlicensed Bureau de Change. “I am a licensed Bureau de Change operator “, he said.

He was subsequently discharged.

Justice Nwite thereafter adjourned the matter till May 7, 2026, for continuation of trial.

ICPC Sets To Deepen Partnership With Nigerian Army, To Tackle Corruption, Insecurity

In a bid to tackle the twin scourges of corruption and insecurity, the Edo State office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has moved to deepen its partnership with the Nigerian Army. The move underscores a growing recognition that institutional corruption directly fuels violent crime and undermines national stability.

The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Edo State, Barrister Adenekan Shogunle, fsi, paid a courtesy visit to the Commander of the 4th Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Benin City, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun. The engagement marked a significant step towards a more coordinated, multi-agency approach to upholding integrity and public safety in the region.

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During the meeting, Barrister Shogunle conveyed the warm compliments and best wishes of the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN. He lauded the Nigerian Army for its sustained operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Edo State and its environs, singling out Brigadier General Balogun’s leadership in ongoing security operations aimed at protecting lives and maintaining public order.

Beyond formal commendations, the ICPC Commissioner used the platform to advocate for a transformative national policy. He argued that Nigeria would benefit from introducing compulsory military service for young people; not necessarily as combat personnel, but as a strategic framework to instil discipline, courage, national consciousness and respect for lawful authority.

“Stronger national values anchored in discipline, patriotism and civic responsibility are essential to any lasting anti-corruption drive,” he noted.

Barrister Shogunle thanked the military for its patriotic service to Nigeria, while also stressing that voluntary civic virtue must be reinforced through structured, state-led initiatives that cultivate integrity from an early age.

In his response, Brigadier General Balogun drew a sharp link between corruption and insecurity, describing them as deeply interconnected challenges. According to the Brigade Commander, corruption weakens public institutions, erodes trust in government, and creates the very conditions in which criminality thrives.

“The fight against insecurity cannot be successfully prosecuted without simultaneously addressing corruption in all its forms,” he emphasised.

ICPC

The General warmly welcomed the ICPC delegation and pledged the Nigerian Army’s continued support and cooperation for anti-corruption operations in Edo State.

As a tangible gesture of goodwill and institutional solidarity, Brigadier General Balogun invited Barrister Shogunle to serve as Special Guest of Honour at the Brigade’s monthly officers’ celebration.

The visit concluded with the exchange of plaques and souvenirs between the two leaders, a symbolic reaffirmation of mutual respect, partnership and a shared commitment to national service.

Umahi Hands Over New Carter Bridge Project To CCECC, To Shut Down One Carriageway Of Eko Bridge

The Federal Government has officially handed over the construction of a brand-new Carter Bridge in Lagos to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of Nigerians.

The event took place at Carter Bridge, Lagos Island, Lagos State, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, said the decision to reconstruct the bridge became necessary after years of alarming structural investigations revealed worsening defects beneath both the Carter Bridge and the 3rd Mainland Bridge.

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According to the Minister, investigations into the underwater structural elements of the bridges began as far back as 2013, with another assessment carried out in 2019. The reports, he said, showed that the defects were increasing at what experts described as “geometrical progression.”

“The past administration commissioned investigation of what was happening with the structural elements below the water, and that was in 2013. And the very disturbing defects were noticed in Carter Bridge and 3rd Mainland Bridge,” Umahi stated.

He explained that upon assumption of office, the present administration immediately engaged geologists and specialist divers to conduct further underwater investigations, which confirmed that some piles supporting the bridges had already shifted from their pile caps.

“It’s just like the hip of the leg is cut off,” the Minister explained while describing the severity of the damage.

Umahi said extensive consultations were held with bridge experts, stakeholders and members of the National Assembly, including foreign professionals, to determine the best solution.

Experts, according to him, advised that repairing the Carter Bridge would cost almost twice the amount required to build a completely new structure. Following detailed technical analysis, the Federal Government approved the construction of a new modern bridge.

He revealed that part of the new Carter Bridge will feature a world-class cable-stayed design to improve navigation and add aesthetic value to Lagos.

“We decided that a section of this Carter Bridge will be a cable bridge. You see the cable bridge we see overseas, very beautiful, and that is to enhance our navigational activities,” he said.

The Minister disclosed that the project is expected to last 36 months.

He praised President Tinubu for what he described as bold leadership and commitment to infrastructure renewal across the country.

“So we are here to commend the president, president of first, president of infrastructure, the president of second tenure,” Umahi declared.

The project, valued at N545 billion, will be financed through a combination of Federal Government counterpart funding and external borrowing, with 30 percent to be paid by the Federal Government and 70 percent sourced externally.

Umahi further stated that due process was strictly followed in selecting the contractor, noting that seven firms were invited while six submitted bids, including Julius Berger. According to him, CCECC emerged as the most technically and commercially viable company.

“The CECC was technically and commercially most viable. And that’s why the BPP recommended them and the Federal Executive Council has awarded the project to them,” he said.

Formally handing over the site, the Minister directed the company to immediately mobilize to site while assuring Nigerians that the Ministry would closely monitor the project monthly to ensure compliance with all technical and safety standards.

“By the authority of our president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and with gratitude to God Almighty, it is our prayers that this which the president had started, that will last 36 months… It is the president that has started this work, and God will give him enablement and the second tenure to complete this project to the glory of God,” Umahi added.

Meanwhile, the Minister also announced an emergency closure of one carriageway of the Eko Bridge following severe structural damage caused by illegal sand miners.

He disclosed that illegal dredging activities around the bridge led to the destruction of several supporting piles after miners struck one of the pile caps with a barge.

“When they knocked the pile cap, they broke three piles. And when they were trying to remove the barge, they broke another two,” he said.

Umahi explained that the damage has weakened a section of the bridge, resulting in dangerous cracks and structural instability that could threaten lives if urgent action is not taken.

As a precautionary measure, he directed that one full carriageway of the Eko Bridge be shut down by midnight of Sunday, May 10, 2026, while the unaffected carriageway remains open to traffic.

Umahi

“We will not allow people to endanger their lives. We are a responsible administration,” the Minister said.

He further disclosed that the Federal Government has already designed an emergency technical solution involving the lifting of an entire bridge span to expose and repair the damaged sections beneath.

According to him, Buildwell Construction, which has extensive experience handling bridge lifting operations on the Eko Bridge, will execute the emergency repairs alongside underwater structural investigations by specialist divers.

The Minister assured Lagosians that President Tinubu has been fully briefed on the situation and directed that the matter be treated as an emergency.

“President said I must be in Lagos to examine it and then treat it as an emergency situation. And that is what we are doing,” Umahi stated.

He appealed for patience and understanding from residents, assuring Nigerians that the administration remains fully committed to protecting lives and preserving vital national infrastructure.

“We are solving problems we didn’t create, but that’s why you voted for us, and that we are going to be working day and night,” the Minister said.

Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works
(Media)
May 6, 2026