Ali Bello, who currently serves as Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Dauda Sulaiman over an alleged N10,270,556,800 fraud.
The trial of Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, was on Tuesday stalled at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, following a request for adjournment by his newly engaged counsel.
Ali Bello, who currently serves as Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Dauda Sulaiman over an alleged N10,270,556,800 fraud.
The case, which is before Justice James Omotosho, involves an amended 16-count charge bordering on misappropriation and money laundering.
At the resumed hearing on April 21, 2026, the defendant’s new counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), told the court that he had only been briefed on the matter a day earlier and required time to properly study the case file.
However, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the oral application, insisting that due process had not been followed.
“My lord, I can confirm that he spoke to me this morning and I told my learned brother that I don’t have the power to do anything about that” Oyedepo said.
He added, “A.M Aliyu should have made an application, but he is yet to do so. I refer your lordship to Section 46, 47, 49 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which gives the procedure that must be followed where a defendant wants to have two counsels of his choice.”
“The one that is stepping aside must inform your lordship by way of application with clear dates and the law says not less than three days before the date fixed for hearing. I urge your lordship not to concede to the request for adjournment on account of a speculative application that is yet to be filed,” he added.
However, Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the matter to May 5 and 6, 2026, for continuation of trial.
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