Breaking: EFCC Presents 17 Witnesses in ₦10.2bn Fraud Case Against Ali Bello, Closes Prosecution

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, closed its case against Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and his co-defendant, Dauda Suleiman, after calling 17 witnesses before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The defendants are facing an amended 16-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering involving ₦10,270,556,800 (Ten billion, two hundred and seventy million, five hundred and fifty-six thousand, eight hundred naira).

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

During proceedings, the prosecution tendered statements made by Abdulsalam Hudu, cashier of the Kogi State Government House Administration, dated August 7, August 14, September 3, and September 24, 2024. With no objections from defence counsel, the court admitted the documents as evidence and marked them as Exhibits B1, B2, B3, and B4.

The prosecution then asked the witness to identify portions of the documents relating to a ₦300,000 payment allegedly made by a bureau de change operator to Hudu. The witness referenced the August 14, 2024 statement in response.

While reviewing the document, the witness stated that the ₦300,000 in question was allegedly received from Ali Bello, who currently serves as Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for the purchase of books intended for a community school project.

After the conclusion of his testimony and with no further questions from either side, the witness was discharged.

The prosecution thereafter informed the court that it had closed its case after presenting 17 witnesses and tendering multiple documentary exhibits in support of the charges.

Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, counsel to the defendants indicated their intention to file a no-case submission. The defence requested four days to file their application, while the prosecution asked for three days to respond. The defence also requested an additional 24 hours to reply on points of law.

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