Agency Report
On Thursday, the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court adjourned further hearings on the alleged money laundering charges against Ali Bello and three others until May 27.
Mr Bello is a nephew of Kogi State’s former governor, Yahaya Bello.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the trial following the conclusion of evidence-in-chief by the second witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olomotane Egoro, an Access Bank staff.
The adjournment was to allow Mr Bello’s counsel, Abubakar Aliu (SAN), to cross-examine the witness in his testimony against the defendants.
At Thursday’s proceedings, Mr Egoro tendered the bank statements of Keyless Nature Limited, Fasab Business Enterprise, Ari Consulting, and Integrated Limited. He testified of cash lodgements into the accounts from 14 local government areas of Kogi.
The witness, who did not state the purpose for which the monies were transferred into the accounts, also testified about withdrawals from the said accounts.
The lodgements and withdrawals were said to have been made between 2017 and 2022.
At the end of the witness’ testimony, Mr Aliyu, counsel to the first defendant (Mr Bello), prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him cross-examine the witness.
Following the consensus agreement between lawyers and the parties, Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter until May 27 to continue the trial.
While Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, appeared for the EFCC, Nureini Jimoh (SAN) appeared for the second, third and fourth defendants.
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/573/2022, Mr Bello and three others are facing trial on an alleged N3 billion fraud charge brought against them by the anti-graft agency.
(NAN)
