Court adjourns Ali Bello, co-defendant’s trial for witness’ evidence 

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Monday, adjourned the trial of Ali Bello and his co-defendant, Dauda Suleiman, till Tuesday for the continuation of the 7th prosecution witness (PW-7)’s evidence.

Justice James Omotoso adjourned the matter after the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN led Aminu Rabiu, who is the PW-7, in evidence in the ongoing trial of the defendants in the alleged money laundering charge.

The EFCC, in the charge, had sued Bello and Suleiman as 1st and 2nd defendants in the case. 

Upon resuming the hearing on Monday, Oyedepo told the court that the matter was fixed for continuation of trial and that they were ready to proceed.

Counsel for Ali Bello, Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, and Suleiman’s lawyer, Olusegun Jolaawo, SAN, equally indicated their readiness to proceed with the matter.

Rabiu, who said he was a businessman from Falala Construction Company Limited, told the court that he was into interior decoration and furniture work.

He said he knows the former Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the two defendants who are being prosecuted by the anti-graft agency.

The witness, who said the company, Falala Construction Ltd maintains an account with Zenith Bank, said: “I did one job for the state government. I demolished and rebuilt the Presidential Lodge in Kogi State Government House.”

He also said he had handled personal jobs for the former Governor of Kogi State in the past.

Justice Omotoso adjourned the matter till Tuesday for the continuation of the evidence of PW-7.

It would be recalled that Justice Omotoso had, at the last hearing adjourned the matter for continuation of trial after the EFCC’s witness, Olom Otane Egoro, an Access Bank staff, was cross-examined by the defence counsel.

The banker, while being led in evidence, had told the court that the EFCC, via a letter, requested the bank statements of the Kogi State Government House, from 2018 to 2021.

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