Alleged Money Laundering: EFCC Files ‘Fresh’ Charges Against Ex-Kogi Gov, Others
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has submitted revised charges against former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, his nephew, Ali, and another individual for alleged
money laundering. According to the amended 17-count charges, the EFCC claims that Yahaya Bello, Ali Bello (who currently serves as the Chief of Staff to Governor Usman Ododo), and Dauda
Suleiman misappropriated the sum of N100bn. The anti-corruption agency alleges that the defendants utilized a bureau de change operator named Rabiu Musa Tafada, who operates under Global
Venture Ltd in Abuja, to conceal certain transactions. The defendants have refuted the accusations. Previously, Ali Bello was facing trial for alleged N3bn money laundering alongside Abba
Adauda,
Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, and Iyada Sadat.However, during the recent court hearing on Thursday, Ali’s lawyer, A. M. Aliyu (SAN), requested the recall of EFCC witness Edward Fanada in light of
the revised charges. Likewise, Aliyu, who also represents former governor Bello, objected to his client entering a plea, citing the prosecution’s failure to comply with Section 218 of the
Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 regarding the non-service of the charges. In response, the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the application, as the
the court had previously approved the amendment. Justice James Omotosho ruled that all objections would be temporarily set aside, and the case would proceed with an expedited hearing.
