By Adesakin Adefemi
The trial of Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, resumed on Monday, February 16, 2026, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
Bello, a nephew of former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Dauda Sulaiman on a 16‑count amended charge of alleged misappropriation and money laundering amounting to ₦10,270,556,800.00.
Prosecution witness Ahmed Audu Abubakar, an EFCC investigator and the 17th witness (PW17), identified Exhibit F, a document recovered during the investigation that details inflows and outflows of funds linked to the defendants. He told the court that the exhibit contains a series of transactions that trace money from Kogi State Government accounts to private individuals and companies.
On February 5, 2021, the witness pointed to an outflow of $91,000.00, stating that the amount was paid to “Oga Ali,” a nickname for the first defendant, Ali Bello.
The following day, February 6, 2021, an outflow of ₦150,000.00 was recorded as released to “Presido.” Abubakar explained that “Rashido” referred to Abdulrasheed, who transported money from Lokoja to a bureau de change, and that ₦150 million was moved from Lokoja to that operator.
Further entries dated February 19, 2021, showed endorsements of ₦10 million paid to Ali Bello and ₦500,000.00 to “Daud.” The witness clarified that “Alhaji Ali” also denotes the first defendant, while “Daud” refers to the second defendant, Dauda Sulaiman. These entries, he said, illustrate a pattern of personal enrichment using state funds.
Investigations into account number 1000688500, belonging to Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company, revealed transfers of ₦80 million and ₦20 million for Plot 1060 in Gwarimpa, Abuja.
Abubakar testified that the total ₦100 million was paid to Dantata and Sawoe and reflected in Exhibit F. He added that ten entries of ₦10 million each, totaling ₦100 million, originated from Maigari Murtala, an ally of Ali Bello, and contact with the bureau de change operator.
An irrevocable power of attorney for the said property was subsequently tendered and marked Exhibit Q. The prosecution then sought to introduce extra‑judicial statements of the defendants, dated November 29, 30; December 1, 10, 11 and 12, 2022 for Ali Bello, and November 30 and December 1, 2022 for Dauda Sulaiman.
Counsel for both defendants objected, citing non‑compliance with Sections 15(4) and 17(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) regarding voluntariness and audio‑visual recording of statements.
Justice Omotosho ordered an immediate trial‑within‑trial to determine the voluntariness of the statements, with PW17 testifying as the first prosecution witness in the sub‑trial.
Abubakar affirmed that the statements were made voluntarily, noting that EFCC procedures include no threats or promises and that statements were taken in the presence of counsel, with Z.E. Abbas most often present.
Following the sub‑trial, the statements were admitted into evidence without further objection. Counsel for the first and second defendants cross‑examined PW17, after which Justice Omotosho discharged the witness from the box.
The matter has been adjourned to February 17, 2026, for continuation of trial, as the court continues to examine the alleged ₦10 billion fraud and money‑laundering scheme involving senior Kogi State officials.
