The trial of Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, was stalled on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, following an adjournment at the request of his new counsel, Ahmed Raji, SAN, to enable him familiarise himself with the facts of the case.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Ali Bello, who is also the Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, alongside Dauda Sulaiman on an amended 16-count charge bordering on misappropriation and money laundering to the tune of ₦10,270,556,800.00 (Ten Billion, Two Hundred and Seventy Million, Five Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira).
At the commencement of proceedings, the new defence counsel informed the court that he was briefed on the matter only the previous day and needed time to study the case file and familiarise himself with the facts. He added that he had informed the prosecution and was seeking an adjournment.
Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, opposed the oral application on the grounds that the existing defence counsel, A.M. Aliyu, SAN, ought to have formally notified the court in advance about the introduction of new counsel, in accordance with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
“My Lord, I can confirm that he spoke to me this morning, and I told my learned brother that I do not have the power to do anything about that. A.M. Aliyu should have made a formal application, but he is yet to do so. I refer Your Lordship to Sections 46, 47, and 49 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which outline the procedure to be followed where a defendant intends to engage additional counsel. The counsel stepping aside must inform the court by way of an application with clear dates, and the law stipulates not less than three days before the date fixed for hearing. I urge Your Lordship not to grant the request for adjournment on account of a speculative application that has not yet been filed,” he said.
However, Justice Omotosho granted the request in the interest of fair hearing and adjourned the trial to May 5 and 6, 2026.
