Court Adjourns N10.27bn Fraud Trial of Kogi Governor's Aide

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Ali Bello, the Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, and nephew of former Governor Yahaya Bello, on charges of alleged N10.27 billion fraud. The adjournment came after Bello's newly engaged Senior Advocate, Ahmed Raji, requested time to familiarize himself with the case, having been briefed only a day prior.

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My Lord, I was only briefed yesterday. I will need time to go through the processes and properly prepare for the defence.

This development stalled proceedings, with the prosecution, represented by Rotimi Oyedepo of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), objecting to the adjournment. Oyedepo argued that due process was not followed for introducing new counsel and that the defense team had not formally notified the court as required by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

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My Lord, I can confirm that my learned brother spoke to me this morning, but I made it clear that I do not have the authority to grant such a request.

Despite the prosecution's objections, Justice James Omotosho granted the defense's application, emphasizing the paramount importance of fair hearing. The trial is now set to continue on May 5 and 6, 2026. The case involves allegations of misappropriation and money laundering, with the EFCC accusing Bello and his co-defendant of diverting over N10 billion in funds.

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The law is clear that such notice must be filed at least three days before the hearing date. What we have before the court is a speculative oral application that does not meet the requirements of the law. I urge the court to refuse the request for adjournment.