The trial of Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, was on Tuesday stalled at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, following an adjournment granted to allow his new counsel to prepare.
Justice James Omotosho adjourned proceedings after the defence’s newly engaged lawyer, Ahmed Raji, SAN, requested time to familiarise himself with the case.
Ali Bello, who is also Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Dauda Sulaiman on an amended 16-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering totalling ₦10.27 billion.
At the resumed hearing, Raji informed the court that he had only been briefed on the matter a day earlier and needed time to study the case file. He added that the prosecution had been notified and appealed for an adjournment.
However, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, opposed the application, arguing that due process under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 was not followed.
He maintained that the existing defence counsel, A.M. Aliyu, SAN, ought to have formally notified the court in advance about the introduction of new counsel, as required by law.
Despite the objection, Justice Omotosho granted the adjournment in the interest of fair hearing.
The case was subsequently adjourned to May 5 and 6, 2026, for continuation of trial.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants diverted public funds and engaged in money laundering, charges to which they have pleaded not guilty.
