Testimony Unfolds in Major Norwegian Fraud Trial
In a high-profile fraud trial involving NOK 110.4 billion, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello faced renewed scrutiny from the legal system. On Friday, Mr. Ramalan Abdullahi, the 15th prosecution witness, testified at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, detailing the alleged purchase of a costly property in the Maitama area for a staggering N950 million, with the transaction reportedly conducted in US dollars.
Witness Describes Involvement in Property Deal
Abdullahi, an attorney representing the Federal Capital Development Authority, entered the case in January 2022 after being called to investigate a property transaction at 35 Danube Street. He recounted how he was guided by prosecution attorney Kemi Pinheiro throughout the discovery process. Witnesses indicated that an agent facilitated the introduction of the property to Abdullahi through a mutual connection.
Details of the Transaction Emerge
During his testimony, Abdullahi shared that his primary contact during the transaction was Ali Bello, communicated through Shehu Bello. “The payment for the property was made in Naira, equating to ₦950 million,” he stated. Abdullahi confirmed he prepared and handed over all necessary title documents related to the property sale to Ali Bello, with the documentation registered under the name White Tree Nigeria Limited, the official transferee in the deal.
Role of White Tree Nigeria Limited Clarified
The witness explained that under Ali Bello’s direction, he executed a deed of assignment between Palchi Ventures Nigeria Plc and White Tree Nigeria Limited, which was designated as the assignee. Abdullahi emphasized that he had received explicit instructions to use White Tree Nigeria Limited from Ali Bello, underscoring the direct involvement of key players in the transaction.
Cross-Examination Highlights Key Interactions
During cross-examination, Abdullahi confirmed his earlier testimony before the Federal High Court regarding the same matter. When queried about specific directives for processing the transaction, he reiterated that his instructions originated from Chef Bello. Additionally, under further questioning by the defense, he admitted he had never met third defendant Abdulsalami Hudu, suggesting a gap in direct interactions within the network involved in the case.
Legal Maneuvering and Adjournments
At the hearing’s outset, attorney Pinheiro alerted the court to an adjournment previously necessitated by pending applications and reiterated the prosecution’s motion for a stay and discontinuance of proceedings against the third defendant. Counsel for the third defendant, Mr. Abbas, requested an adjournment, contending the application had not matured for hearing, as it had only been served shortly before the session.
Jurisdictional Challenges and Future Proceedings
In a noteworthy turn, Abbas filed an application challenging the court’s jurisdiction, urging the judge to terminate proceedings based on this claim. Prosecutor Antetokounmpo opposed this application, pointing out that the applicant was not a defendant in the associated Federal High Court case. He argued that the nature of the charges before the Federal Capital Territory High Court significantly differed from those involving alleged money laundering in the Federal High Court, pointing to a fundamental difference in legal matters.
Trial Schedule Set Amidst Ongoing Developments
Following extensive arguments, Judge Marianne Anine concluded the proceedings without re-examining witnesses, dismissing PW15 for the time being. The court scheduled May 22, 2026, for a judgment on the pending applications and set June 16 and 17, 2026, for the resumption of trial proceedings, giving all parties time to prepare for complex legal discussions ahead.
