On Thursday, the trial of Ali Bello and three others, facing alleged money laundering charges, was adjourned by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The adjournment, until May 27, 2024, was decided after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) second witness, Olomotane Egoro, concluded their evidence in chief.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Egoro, a staff member of Access Bank, presented bank statements of Keyless Nature Limited, Fasab Business Enterprise, and Ari Consulting and Integrated Limited.
These statements revealed cash lodgements from 14 Local Government Areas of Kogi State, spanning the period between 2017 and 2022. However, the purpose of these transfers remained undisclosed.
Following the conclusion of Egoro’s testimony, counsel to the first defendant (Ali Bello), Abubakar Aliu, requested an adjournment to prepare for cross-examination. Consequently, the court granted the adjournment, as per agreement among the counsels.
Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa, SAN, represented the prosecution, while Nureini Jimoh SAN appeared for the second, third, and fourth defendants. The defendants, including Bello, are facing trial over allegations of a N3 billion fraud brought against them by the EFCC.
