EFCC Files Amended Charges Against Ex-Kogi Gov Bello Over Alleged N100bn Diversion

An amended charge has been filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, his nephew, Ali, and one other for alleged money laundering.

EFCC, in the amended 17-count charges, alleged that Yahaya Bello, Ali Bello, who is now the Chief of Staff to the current Governor, Usman Ododo, and Dauda Suleiman diverted the sum of N100bn.

According to the anti-graft agency, the defendants allegedly used a bureau de change operator, Rabiu Musa Tafada, trading under Global Venture Ltd. in Abuja, to conceal some of the transactions.

The defendants have since denied the charges.

Previously, Ali Bello was standing trial for alleged N3bn money laundering alongside Abba Adauda, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, and Iyada Sadat.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Ali’s counsel, A. M. Aliyu (SAN), however, applied for the recall of EFCC witness, Edward Fanada in view of the amended charges.

Similarly, Aliyu, also counsel for former governor Bello, objected to his client taking the plea on the grounds that the prosecution failed to comply with Section 218 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, by the non-service of the charges.

In an objection, the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), asked the court to dismiss the application as the court had earlier endorsed the amendment.

Justice James Omotosho ruled that all objections be put on hold, while the matter would enjoy an accelerated hearing.