EFCC Links Ali Bello to Kogi State Fund Misappropriation

The trial involving Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor, and Dauda Sulaiman, is ongoing at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its 17th prosecution witness, Ahmad Audu Abubakar, who linked Bello to the alleged misappropriation of Kogi state funds totaling approximately ₦10,270,556,800.

The charges include 16 counts of money laundering. During the proceedings, Abubakar identified financial transactions, including an outflow of $91,000 on February 5, 2021, and a subsequent outflow of ₦150 million.

The court also examined a payment of ₦100 million to Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company for property development. The prosecution attempted to tender an extra-judicial statement from the defense, which was contested but ultimately admitted as evidence.

The trial is adjourned until February 17, 2026, for further proceedings.