Ali Bello's ₦10 Billion Fraud Trial Adjourned Again

The trial of Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, concerning an alleged ₦10 billion fraud, has been stalled due to the appointment of new legal counsel. On Tuesday, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice James Omotosho heard a request from AHM Raji SAN, who informed the court that he needed time to familiarize himself with the case.

The prosecution, represented by Rotimi Oyedepo SAN from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), opposed the request, arguing that due process under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 had not been followed, as there was no formal notification regarding the change of counsel. Despite the objection, Justice Omotosho granted the adjournment to ensure a fair hearing.

The trial is set to continue on May 5-6, 2026, with Bello and co-defendant Dauda Sulaiman facing 16 counts of misappropriation and money laundering involving ₦10,270,556,800.