Mr Aminu Rabiu, a businessman associated with Falala Construction and Interior Decoration Company, Abuja, has testified about receiving substantial cash payments for renovating properties belonging to the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.
The payments, totaling over N1,000,000,000, were made in cash installments.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman on a 10-count charge related to money laundering. During the trial, Rabiu, led by the prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, disclosed that the funds were for renovating Bello's houses located in Abuja and Kogi State.
According to Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity for the EFCC, Rabiu revealed he had known Yahaya Bello since 2009 through Bello's wife, Amina Yahya Bello. Rabiu stated, "Yes, I know the immediate past governor of Kogi State, his name is Alhaji Yahya Bello. I knew him through his wife, Amina Yahya Bello sometime in 2009."
Rabiu confirmed his acquaintance with Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman and identified several properties belonging to Yahaya Bello, including those in Jabi, No 9 Benghazi, No 9 Sabi Street Zone Four, No 1 Ikogosi Maitama, and a house in GRA OKENE. He also mentioned that the house in Life Camp, Benghazi, which he renovated, belongs to Yahaya Bello.
Describing the payment process, Rabiu noted that the money was paid in cash installments, with the smallest installment being Eight Million Naira. Payments were often made at No 9 Benghazi Street and occasionally at Ali Bello’s house in Life Camp.
Rabiu detailed his renovation work, stating, "At No 9 Benghazi, I renovated the house, including furnishing and furniture. I was paid about Three Hundred and something Million Naira in cash instalments." He continued, "At Jabi, I did renovations, finishing, and polishing, and was paid around Two Hundred Million Naira, again in cash instalments." For the Life Camp property, he mentioned, "I did furnishing and polishing, receiving around Two Hundred Million Naira in cash."
He also informed the court about his bank account with Zenith Bank, which was used to receive payments through his company, Falala Construction. "I have a bank account with Zenith Bank through which I receive money in my company’s name: Falala," he said.
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