The 17th prosecution witness in the alleged money laundering trial involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, told a Federal High Court on Wednesday that Bello was not involved in any of the property transactions under scrutiny in the case.

The witness, Shehu Bello Bala, made the statement during cross-examination by Bello’s counsel, Paul Daudu (SAN). He also told the court that the second defendant, Umar Shuaib Oricha, did not participate in any of the transactions.

According to the witness, the property purchases were handled by Dr. Farouk Bello, who acted as an agent during the transactions.

Bala, a commodity trader from Katsina State, said he had known Ali Bello for about 14 years through their business dealings. He explained that they traded agricultural products, including grains and ginger, and that he was also aware of Ali Bello’s involvement in real estate.

The witness clarified that he was not related to either Ali Bello or Farouk Bello and had no family connection to the former governor. He also noted that he was not from Kogi State.

During the proceedings, Bala confirmed that title documents, including a Deed of Assignment and a Power of Attorney, were later returned to Efab Estate by Farouk Bello. He added that Farouk Bello had died before the documents were returned.

He told the court that after someone approached him with documents relating to the property, he took them back to the chairman of Efab Estate. It was during that process, he said, that it became apparent the property was under investigation.

The witness further stated that a second property not marked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been purchased by Farouk Bello.

At one point during cross-examination, defence counsel sought to establish whether Ali Bello inherited one of the properties from his mother. However, prosecution counsel Olukayode Enitan (SAN) objected, arguing that the witness had not given evidence relating to inheritance. The defence maintained that it was entitled to lay the foundation for its case.

The trial continues as both the prosecution and defence present evidence over allegations of money laundering against the former governor and his co-defendants.