Proceedings in the alleged ₦10 billion fraud trial involving Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, were on Tuesday adjourned by the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
The trial was stalled after Bello’s newly engaged counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), requested more time to familiarise himself with the case. Raji told the court he had only been briefed a day earlier and needed adequate time to review the case file.
Ali Bello, who currently serves as Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Dauda Sulaiman over an alleged fraud amounting to ₦10,270,556,800.
The case, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, involves an amended 16-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation of funds and money laundering.
However, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the oral request for adjournment, arguing that proper legal procedures were not followed. He maintained that any change of counsel must comply with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which require formal application and prior notice to the court.
Despite the objection, Justice Omotosho granted the adjournment and fixed May 5 and 6, 2026, for continuation of trial.