(EFCC. Photo Credit: ICIR Nigerai)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has concluded its case against Ali Bello a nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and his co-defendant, Dauda Suleiman, having called a total of 17 witnesses in the ongoing trial bordering on alleged fraud and money laundering involving the sum of N10.27 billion.
Both defendants are being tried before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on an amended 16-count charge relating to the alleged misappropriation and laundering of N10,270,556,800.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, the 17th and final prosecution witness, Ahmed Audu Abubakar, an EFCC investigator, wrapped up his testimony under re-examination by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
During the session, the prosecution tendered four statements made by Abdulsalam Hudu a cashier with the Kogi State Government House Administration on various dates in August and September 2024.
The court admitted the statements into evidence as Exhibits B1 through B4, with no objections raised by defence counsel.
While referencing portions of the statements, the witness drew the court’s attention to an entry concerning a N300,000 payment allegedly made by a bureau de change operator to Hudu.
He told the court that according to the statement, the money was received from Ali Bello who currently serves as Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and was intended for the purchase of books in support of a community school project.
After the witness concluded his testimony and was discharged from the witness box, the prosecution formally announced the closure of its case, having presented 17 witnesses and tendered several documentary exhibits in support of the charges.
Following this development, counsel to both defendants indicated their intention to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against their clients.
The defence requested four days to file the application, while the prosecution sought three days to respond.
The defence also asked for an additional 24 hours to address any points of law that might arise from the prosecution’s response.
Justice Omotosho granted all requests and adjourned the matter to June 15, 2026, for the adoption of written addresses on the no-case submission.
Both Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman have maintained pleas of not guilty to all charges brought against them.
