By Rafiyat Sadiq
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, permission to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment.
Ali Bello, who currently serves as Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, is on trial for an alleged N3 billion fraud. The court also approved a travel request by his co-defendant, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, who sought to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the ruling on Wednesday, following separate applications filed by both men. Bello’s application, dated 12 May, was argued by his lawyer, Z. Abbas. Adabenege’s motion, filed on 23 May, was presented by his counsel, Nureini Jimoh (SAN).
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting the case, did not oppose the requests.
Justice Egwuatu ordered that their international passports previously submitted to the court as part of bail conditions be released temporarily. Bello is to return his passport on or before 12 September, while Adabenege must do so by 30 August.
The court then adjourned the case to 13 and 14 October for continuation of the trial.
Background to the Case
Ali Bello is standing trial on 18 counts of money laundering. He is accused alongside Abba Adaudu, Yakubu Adabenege, Iyada Sadat, and Rashida Bello of diverting over N3 billion from Kogi State and its local governments.
According to the EFCC, the defendants conspired in June 2020 to make E-Traders International Limited retain funds believed to be criminal proceeds, contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering Act.
On 20 May, the prosecution’s seventh witness, Achille Ofure from Access Bank in Lokoja, testified in court. She detailed how large sums were moved from various local government accounts into private and corporate accounts linked to the defendants.
She said the bank flagged the transactions as suspicious and reported them to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
During cross-examination on 17 June, the defence argued that Bello’s name did not appear in the transactions. But EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo countered that the defence had misunderstood the case.
Other Related Cases
Ali Bello is facing another trial before a different judge over the alleged diversion of N10 billion in state funds.
Ali’s uncle, the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is also on trial for the alleged laundering of N80 billion before a Federal High Court in Abuja. In a separate case at the FCT High Court, he faces N110 billion fraud charges.
On 27 June, the EFCC opposed Yahaya Bello’s request to travel abroad for medical reasons. His lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), asked the court to release his passport to enable him to travel for medical attention, but EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) described the request as an abuse of court process. He noted that local hospitals, including one built by Bello, could handle his condition. The court will rule on that application on 27 July.
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.