EFCC closes case against Ali Bello in alleged N10.2bn fraud trial
EFCC Closes Case Against Ali Bello in Fraud Trial
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially concluded its case against Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and co-defendant Dauda Suleiman. The proceedings took place in the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the defendants face an amended 16-count indictment related to an alleged N10.27 billion fraud and money laundering scheme.
On Tuesday, the 17th witness for the prosecution, Ahmed Audu Abubakar, an EFCC investigator, finished his testimony under re-examination by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
During the hearing, the prosecution submitted statements from Abdulsalam Hudu, a cashier with the Kogi State Government House Administration, recorded on various dates in August and September 2024. The court accepted these statements as evidence after the defense raised no objections.
One statement highlighted a transaction involving a N300,000 payment allegedly made by a bureau de change operator to Hudu. According to Abubakar, this amount was received from Ali Bello, who is currently serving as Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for purchasing books for a community school initiative.
Following the completion of Abubakar’s testimony, Justice James Omotosho discharged him from the witness stand.
The prosecution announced it had closed its case after presenting 17 witnesses and a number of documentary exhibits. In response, lawyers for both defendants indicated plans to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had not established a prima facie case against them.
The defense requested four days to prepare their application. The prosecution then asked for three days to respond, while the defense sought an additional 24 hours to address any legal points raised.
Justice Omotosho granted the requests and adjourned the case until June 15, 2026, for the adoption of written addresses concerning the no-case submission. Both Bello and Suleiman have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
