The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought forward a significant case against former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, along with his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Sulaiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, for alleged money laundering offences amounting to N84 billion.
The quartet appeared before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, to face an amended 17-count charge.
Prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, presented an application for the amendment of charges against the defendants, seeking to include Yahaya Bello in the trial. Despite objections from counsels representing Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman, the judge granted the prosecution’s request, allowing the amended charges to be read to the defendants.
The charges levelled against the defendants include conspiracy to convert funds amounting to N80,246,470,089.88, believed to be proceeds of criminal activities, into cash. While Yahaya Bello and Abdulsalam Hudu remain at large, Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman, the first and second defendants respectively, entered pleas of “not guilty” to all charges presented against them.
During the trial, the fourth Prosecution Witness, Yakubu Gana, testified regarding the purchase of a property in Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja, allegedly bought by Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman on behalf of Yahaya Bello. Gana revealed that the transaction, amounting to N950 million, involved the exchange of cash, including dollars, at a bureau de change office in Abuja.
Subsequently, Ramalan Jibril Abdullahi, acting as the fifth prosecution witness, affirmed his role as a liaison in the property purchase, emphasizing his responsibility for conducting due diligence on the property.
As the trial progressed, Oyedepo requested the property’s title documents to be tendered in evidence. However, Justice Omotosho instructed the prosecution to formally apply to the defendants before proceeding with the submission of evidence.
The case has been adjourned to March 28, 2024, for the continuation of the trial, marking a significant milestone in the EFCC’s efforts to combat financial crimes and hold individuals accountable for their actions.
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