Witness testifies receiving over N1bn from Ali Bello for house renovations

The trial of Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman before Justice J. K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja continued on Monday, July 15, 2024, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presenting its seventh prosecution witness (PW7).

Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman are facing a 10-count charge of money laundering brought by the EFCC.

The seventh witness, Aminu Rabiu, a businessman with Falala Construction and Interior Decoration Company in Abuja, testified that he received over N1,000,000,000 (One Billion Naira) for the renovation of Ali Bello’s houses. He received the money in cash installments from various individuals. Rabiu stated that the funds were for renovating properties belonging to former Kogi State Governor Yahya Bello, located in various parts of Abuja and Kogi State.

Rabiu recounted his introduction to Yahya Bello through Bello’s wife, Amina Yahya Bello, in 2009. He confirmed that he knew both Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman.

When questioned by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, about the ownership of the properties in question, Rabiu identified them as belonging to Yahya Bello. These properties included locations in Jabi, No. 9 Benghazi Street, No. 9 Sabi Street Zone Four, No. 1 Ikogosi Maitama, and a house in GRA Okene.

Rabiu detailed that the payments for these renovations were made in cash installments, with the smallest amount he received being Eight Million Naira. Payments were often made at No. 9 Benghazi Street and sometimes at Ali Bello’s house in Life Camp.

Specifically, Rabiu noted:

• For No. 9 Benghazi Street, he performed renovations, including furnishing and furniture, and was paid approximately Three Hundred Million Naira in cash installments.
• For the Jabi property, he handled renovations, finishing, and polishing, receiving around Two Hundred Million Naira in cash installments.
• At Life Camp, he worked on furnishing and polishing, with payments totaling around Two Hundred Million Naira, also in cash installments.

Rabiu also disclosed that his company, Falala Construction, operates a bank account with Zenith Bank, through which he receives payments.

In Kogi State, Rabiu’s company demolished and rebuilt the Presidential Lodge, for which he was paid over Six Hundred Million Naira. Also, he renovated and remodeled a house in Okene, receiving around Five Hundred Million Naira in cash for that project.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to July 16, 2024, for the continuation of the trial.