Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed further proceedings in the alleged money laundering case involving Ali Bello and three others to May 27, 2024.
The adjournment followed the completion of evidence by the second witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olomotane Egoro. The judge granted the adjournment to allow Abubakar Aliu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) representing Ali Bello, to cross-examine the witness.
During Thursday’s session in the case marked ABJ/CR/573/2022 (FRN Vs. Ali Bello and 3 others), Egoro, a staff of Access Bank, presented bank statements from Keyless Nature Limited, Fasab Business Enterprise, and Ari Consulting and Integrated Limited. He testified about cash deposits into these accounts from 14 Local Government Areas of Kogi State, spanning from 2017 to 2022. However, the purpose of these transactions was not disclosed.
Upon the conclusion of the witness’s testimony, Ali Bello’s counsel, A. M. Aliyu, SAN, requested an adjournment to prepare for cross-examination. The court granted the request, and the proceedings were adjourned.
Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa, SAN, appeared for the prosecution, while Nureini Jimoh, SAN, represented the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants. Ali Bello and three others are facing trial over an alleged N3 billion fraud charge brought against them by the EFCC.
