N10.2bn fraud: EFCC closes case against Ali Bello after 17 witnesses

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, concluded its prosecution in the alleged N10.27 billion fraud case involving Ali Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, and his co-defendant, Dauda Suleiman.

The case, heard before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, centres on an amended 16-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering.

At the resumed hearing, the 17th prosecution witness, Ahmed Audu Abubakar, an EFCC investigator, concluded his testimony under re-examination by the prosecution counsel, Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).

During proceedings, the prosecution tendered statements made by Abdulsalam Hudu, a cashier at the Kogi State Government House Administration, dated August 7, 14, September 3 and 24, 2024. With no objections from defence counsel, the court admitted the documents as Exhibits B1 to B4.

While highlighting portions of the statements, the witness identified an entry indicating a payment of N300,000 by a bureau de change operator to Hudu. He noted that, according to the August 14, 2024 statement, the funds were received from Ali Bello—currently Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo—for the purchase of books intended for a community school project.

Following the conclusion of testimony and absence of further questions from both parties, the witness was discharged.

Subsequently, the prosecution announced the closure of its case after presenting 17 witnesses and multiple documentary exhibits.

Counsel to the first defendant, A.M. Aliyu (SAN), alongside counsel to the second defendant, informed the court of their intention to file a no-case submission. The defence requested four days to file their application, while the prosecution sought three days to respond. The defence also asked for an additional 24 hours to reply on points of law.

Justice Omotosho granted the requests and adjourned the matter until June 15, 2026, for the adoption of written addresses on the no-case submission.