Justice Obiora Egwuatu from the Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the proceedings on the alleged money laundering charges against Ali Bello and three co-accused individuals until May 27, 2024.
The adjournment came after the completion of the initial testimony by the second witness from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olomotane Egoro.
To allow Ali Bello’s counsel, Abubakar Aliu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to cross-examine the witness, the judge made the decision to adjourn the trial on Thursday.
During the recent court session in the case with reference number ABJ/CR/573/2022 (FRN Vs. Ali Bello and 3 others), Egoro, an employee of Access Bank, presented Bank Statements of Keyless Nature Limited, Fasab Business Enterprise, and Ari Consulting and Integrated Limited. The witness disclosed cash deposits into these accounts from 14 Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
While the witness did not specify the purpose of the transferred funds, Egoro also talked about withdrawals made from those accounts. These transactions reportedly occurred between 2017 and 2022.
Following the witness’ account, Ali Bello’s counsel, A. M. Aliyu, SAN, requested an adjournment for the opportunity to cross-examine the witness, which was granted with the mutual agreement of the counsels involved in the case.
Representing the prosecution was Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa, SAN, and Nureini Jimoh, SAN, appeared on behalf of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants.
Ali Bello and the other defendants are currently on trial for an alleged N3 billion fraud charge brought against them by the EFCC.