An EFCC investigator has revealed how Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, allegedly diverted state funds to acquire multiple properties in Abuja.
Ahmed Abubakar, testifying as the 17th prosecution witness on Monday, stated that most of the payments for the properties were made using Kogi State Government funds warehoused with bureau de change operators in Abuja.
Abubakar detailed withdrawals from the Kogi Government House accounts in Zenith Bank and UBA, including N100 million on April 20, 2021, and additional sums of N90 million and N50 million over the following days. These funds were allegedly used to purchase properties without any connection to the state.
Among the properties, Bello allegedly acquired:
- 35 Danube Street, Maitama for N900 million in cash through a BDC operator.
- 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, reportedly bought by former Governor Yahaya Bello with state funds.
- Properties at Masini Street, Wuse Zone 4, 1773 Guzape Street, Lome Street, Wuse, and Aminu Kanu Crescent, Wuse 2.
The witness also said the defendants spent N375 million renovating a property at 6 Dala Hills, though the previous owner could not be identified.
Abubakar emphasized that none of the properties were purchased on behalf of the Kogi State Government or its agencies. The defendants are standing trial for allegedly laundering about N10 billion and acquiring properties with diverted state funds.
The court proceedings are scheduled to continue on February 16 before Justice James Omotosho.