Alleged N3bn fraud: Alli Bello, three others to continue trial May 27

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned further hearing in the alleged money laundering charges against Ali Bello and three others to May 27, 2024.

Ali Bello, the chief of staff to Usman Ododo, governor of Kog State is standing trial for alleged money laundering.

The judge on Thursday May 2, adjourned the trial following the conclusion of evidence in chief by the second witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olomotane Egoro.

The adjournment was to allow counsel to Ali Bello, Abubakar Aliu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, to cross examine the witness in his testimony against the defendants.

At Thursday’s proceedings, in the suit marked: ABJ/CR/573/2022 (FRN Vs. Ali Bello and three others), Egoro, a Staff of Access Bank, tendered Bank Statements of Keyless Nature Limited, Fasab Business Enterprise and Ari Consulting and Integrated Limited and testified of cash lodgements into the accounts from 14 Local Government Areas of Kogi State.

The witness, who did not state the purpose for which the money was transferred into the accounts, also testified to withdrawals from the said accounts.

The lodgements and withdrawals were said to have been made from between 2017 and 2022.

At the end of the witness’ testimony, Counsel for the 1st Defendant, Ali Bello (A. M. Aliyu SAN) prayed the Court for an adjournment to enable him cross examine the witness. By agreement of Counsel, the matter was adjourned.

Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa, SAN, appeared for the prosecution while Nureini Jimoh SAN appeared for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants.

Ali Bello and three others are facing trial on an alleged N3 billion fraud charge brought against them by the EFCC.