A prosecution witness on Monday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that several financial transactions traced to the Kogi State Government were linked to Ali Bello, chief of staff to Usman Ododo, in the ongoing N10.2 billion fraud case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The witness, Ahmed Abubakar, an EFCC investigator and the 17th prosecution witness, said financial records recovered during investigations showed inflows and outflows allegedly connected to Bello and his co-defendant, Dauda Sulaiman.
Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, and Sulaiman are facing a 16-count amended charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering of N10,270,556,800.
Led in evidence by Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel to the EFCC, Abubakar identified Exhibit F as a document containing transaction entries uncovered during the investigation.
He told the court that the document included a $91,000 transaction dated February 5, 2021, paid to “Oga Ali”, which he said referred to Ali Bello. He also pointed to an N150,000 outflow dated February 6, 2021, listed as payment to “Rashido”.
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According to the witness, “Rashido” referred to Abdulrasheed, who allegedly travelled from Lokoja to facilitate the movement of funds. He added that N150 million was transported from Lokoja to a bureau de change operator.
Abubakar further cited entries dated February 19, 2021, showing payments of N10 million to Bello and N500,000 to Sulaiman. He said transaction references such as “Alhaji Ali” and “Daud” corresponded to the first and second defendants.
On transfers linked to account number 1000688500 belonging to Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company, the witness said sums of N80 million and N20 million, totalling N100 million, were paid in connection with Plot 1060 in Gwarimpa, Abuja.
“There were 10 entries of N10 million each, making a total of N100 million. The source is Maigari Murtala, an associate of the first defendant and a contact of the bureau de change operator,” Abubakar said.
An irrevocable power of attorney relating to the property was admitted in evidence as Exhibit Q.
Trial Within Trial
Proceedings were temporarily halted when the prosecution sought to tender extrajudicial statements allegedly made by the defendants in November and December 2022.
Counsel to the defendants objected, arguing that the statements did not comply with sections 15(4) and 17(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), particularly regarding voluntariness and audio-visual recording.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the trial judge, James Omotosho, ordered a trial within a trial to determine whether the statements were voluntarily made.
Testifying during the mini trial, Abubakar maintained that the statements were obtained without coercion.
“In the EFCC, we have a standard. There were no threats or promises, and the statements were taken in the presence of their counsel, with Z.E. Abbas being the most present,” he said.
Following the trial within a trial, the court admitted the statements in evidence after the defence raised no further objections.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to February 17 for continuation of hearing.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
