Trial of Yahaya Bello’s nephew stalled by new lawyer’s request
Abdullateef Fowewe
The trial of Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and chief of staff to current Governor Usman Ododo, was stalled Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
According to an EFCC statement, Bello and co-defendant Dauda Sulaiman face a 16-count charge of misappropriation and money laundering worth ₦10.27 billion.
New counsel Ahmed Raji, SAN, requested an adjournment, saying, “I was briefed on the matter just the previous day and needed time to go through the case file.”
Prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, opposed, citing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act: “A.M Aliyu should have made an application not less than three days before the date fixed for hearing. I urge your lordship not to concede to the request.”
Justice James Omotosho granted it for fair hearing, rescheduled to May 5-6, 2026.
