The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has concluded its prosecution in the ongoing alleged N10.2 billion fraud and money laundering case involving Ali Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and another defendant, Dauda Suleiman.
The anti-graft agency formally closed its case on Tuesday after presenting its final witness before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Ali Bello and Suleiman are standing trial on an amended 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and diversion of public funds amounting to N10.27 billion. Both men have consistently denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecution called its 17th witness, Ahmed Audu Abubakar, an investigator with the EFCC. The witness concluded his testimony during re-examination conducted by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
During proceedings, the court admitted several extrajudicial statements made by Abdulsalam Hudu, a cashier attached to the Kogi State Government House Administration. The statements, dated August 7, August 14, September 3 and September 24, 2024, were admitted as evidence and marked Exhibits B1 to B4 after no objection was raised by the defence team.
While reviewing the contents of the statements, the witness drew attention to a transaction involving N300,000 allegedly received from Ali Bello through a bureau de change operator. According to the testimony, the money was said to have been used to purchase books for a community school project.
Following the conclusion of the witness’s evidence, the prosecution informed the court that it had closed its case after calling 17 witnesses and tendering several documentary exhibits in support of the charges.
Lawyers representing the defendants subsequently indicated their intention to challenge the prosecution’s case through a no-case submission. They argued that the EFCC had failed to establish sufficient evidence linking their clients to the offences alleged in the charge.
Counsel to the first defendant, A.M. Aliyu (SAN), requested time to file the application, while the prosecution sought a period within which to respond. The court granted the requests and approved timelines for both parties to exchange legal arguments.
Justice Omotosho thereafter adjourned the matter until June 15, 2026, when counsel for both sides are expected to adopt their written addresses on the no-case submission.
The court’s decision on the application will determine the next phase of the trial and whether the defendants will be required to open their defence.
