During the cross-examination at the FCT High Court, the 14th prosecution witness in the money laundering case involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two co-defendants clarified that he never communicated with any of the accused concerning the property in question. The witness, Ramadan Jibrin, an employee of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), stated under questioning by defense counsel Abdullahi Yahaya, SAN, that he received no directives from Bello, Shuaib Oricha, or Abdusalam Hudu.
Jibrin revealed that his involvement in the transaction for the property at 35 Danube Street, Maitama, was solely through Shehu Bello Bala, who instructed him to assist with due diligence. He admitted that he did not attend the payment meeting and only learned about the amount paid from Yakubu Haruna. The witness also acknowledged that he had previously testified in a related case before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court.
Under questioning, Jibrin confirmed that he never met any of the three defendants throughout the process. He explained that he prepared legal documents such as the deed of assignment between Palchi Ventures Limited and White Tree Nigerian Limited, along with a power of attorney, based on instructions passed through Yakubu Haruna. The documents were later executed by the client and returned to him for delivery to Shehu Bello Bala.
The trial continues, with Justice Maryann Anenih scheduling a ruling on a pending application for May 22 and further hearings on June 16 and 17.