The ongoing trial of Ali Bello Ali, a nephew of Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC at a Federal High Court in Abuja is currently causing sleepless nights and causing tension as to what would become of the accused and how the governor would wriggle himself out of the financial mess.
Bellow’s nephew is facing an 18-count charge alongside two other accomplices which they were granted bail on 20th April, 2023 to the tune of N500 million each, but as the May 30 and 31st is fast approaching, tension continue to build up in the family, particularly on the likelihood of long imprisonment in the face of the overwhelming evidences at the disposal of the EFCC.
The anti-graft agency has confirmed in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday that the Federal High Court in Abuja will resume the criminal trial of Ali Bello and three others as earlier scheduled on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 30 and 31, which it expressed optimism that the fate of the accused will be decided.
Those facing the crimes of money laundering, misappropriation and stealing of Kogi State money, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are, Ali Bello Ali, Abba Adauda, Yakubu Adabenege, and Iyada Sadat. Another defendant, Rashida Bello, is at large.
EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN has explained that the witness, Mr. Nicholas Oyemomoni who was docked at the last hearing couldn’t finish is cross examination with the prosecuting counsel before it was cut short when the counsel to the accused, Abubakar Aliyu (SAN), objected to documents that the EFCC sought to tender in evidence through him.
Aliyu however admitted the documents tendered provisionally, but prayed to the Court to allow him object to his last written address.
The prosecuting counsel objected because the documents could not be provisionally admitted.
The judge, after that, adjourned the matter until May 30 and 31, 2023, for the continuation of trial.
