The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has closed its case against Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and his co-defendant Dauda Suleiman in a trial over alleged misappropriation and money laundering of N10,270,556,800. The prosecution presented 17 witnesses before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, concluding with testimony from EFCC investigator Ahmed Audu Abubakar on Tuesday. Abubakar, under re-examination by Director of Public Prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), identified statements from Abdulsalam Hudu, a cashier at the Kogi State Government House Administration, dated August 7, August 14, September 3 and September 24, 2024. These statements were admitted as Exhibits B1, B2, B3 and B4 after no objections from defence counsel.
One entry referenced a N300,000 payment allegedly made by a bureau de change operator to Hudu, which Abubakar said was sourced from Ali Bello for the purchase of books to support a community school project. After the final witness was discharged, the prosecution confirmed it had closed its case, having tendered multiple documentary exhibits. Defence lawyers for Ali Bello, A.M. Aliyu (SAN), and counsel for Suleiman announced plans to file a no-case submission, arguing the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case. The defence requested four days to file the application, while the prosecution asked for three days to respond, with the defence also seeking an additional 24 hours to address legal points. Justice Omotosho granted the requests and adjourned proceedings to June 15, 2026, for the adoption of written addresses. Ali Bello and Suleiman have pleaded not guilty to the 16-count amended charge.
Ali Bello is accused of channeling public funds through a cashier for a school project while serving as Chief of Staff, yet faces no administrative action as the trial continues. The N300,000 payment cited in court came from a bureau de change, raising questions about the origin of the funds used for the project. If the money was state-owned, it should have followed official channels, not private handoffs to a government employee. The outcome of the no-case submission may determine whether these irregularities lead to accountability.
⚖️ NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
