Yahaya Bello’s nephew trial: EFCC witness alleges threat to life

Ali Bello

Rabiu Musa Tafada, a witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the alleged N10 billion money laundering case involving Ali Bello and Dauda Sulieman, has raised concerns about an alleged threat to his life.

Bello, the first defendant in the matter, is the current Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Usman Dodo, and a nephew of his predecessor, Yahaya Bello.

Speaking on Tuesday, February 13, the EFCC counsel, Hannatu Kofarnaise, told Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that Tafada has been reluctant to show up in court because he has been receiving threats over his earlier testimony before the court on February 6, 2024.

Kafarnaise disclosed that she tried to persuade the EFCC witness to appear in court on Tuesday for the continuation of his testimony but would no longer take her calls because he had become too scared following an alleged threat to his life after his testimony.

However, when all hopes over Tafada’s appearance seemed lost, the witness surprisingly sauntered into the courtroom and continued his testimony.

Witness: How Yahaya Bello’s nephew, others withdrew N10bn from Kogi govt account

During his cross-examination by the defence counsel, Nureini Jimih, the EFCC witness affirmed that he could recognise Bello and recalled that the second defendant, Suleiman, once told him that he doubled as a musician and a contractor.

Tafada further disclosed that one Mutalar Maigeri (now deceased) was his business partner, while another, identified simply as Mubarak, is his office assistant.

He said: “Mubarak is my boy. He works for me in the shop. He is educated and right now he is in university.

“Most times, I am not around because I have an aged father who is 93. I travel often to go and see him so my boys in the office usually keep the records whether I am around or not based on my instruction.”

Justice Omotosho, therefore, adjourned the matter till February 22 and 23, 2024, for the continuation of hearing.

The Star