The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has closed its case against Ali Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and his co-defendant, Dauda Suleiman, after presenting 17 witnesses in an alleged N10.27 billion fraud and money laundering trial.
The defendants are standing trial before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on an amended 16-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering involving N10,270,556,800.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, the 17th prosecution witness, Ahmed Audu Abubakar, an EFCC investigator, concluded his testimony under re-examination by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
During the proceedings, the prosecution tendered statements made by Abdulsalam Hudu, a cashier with the Kogi State Government House Administration, on August 7, August 14, September 3 and September 24, 2024.
The court admitted the statements into evidence as Exhibits B1, B2, B3 and B4 after counsel to the defendants raised no objections.
While identifying portions of the statements, the witness referred to an entry relating to a N300,000 payment allegedly made by a bureau de change operator to Hudu.
Reading from one of the statements, Abubakar told the court that the money was received from Ali Bello, who currently serves as Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for the purchase of books intended to support a community school project.
Following the conclusion of the witness’s testimony, Justice Omotosho discharged him from the witness box.
The prosecution subsequently informed the court that it had closed its case after calling 17 witnesses and tendering several documentary exhibits in support of the charges against the defendants.
Following the announcement, counsel to the first defendant, A.M. Aliyu (SAN), and counsel to the second defendant notified the court of their intention to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had not established 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 requested an additional 24 hours to address any points of law raised by the prosecution.
Justice Omotosho granted the requests and adjourned the matter until June 15, 2026, for the adoption of written addresses on the no-case submission.
Ali Bello and Suleiman have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
