By Milcah Tanimu
At the Federal High Court in Abuja, confusion reigned on Thursday as amended charges were filed against Ali Bello and Daudu Suleiman, with the inclusion of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) asserted in the amended charge that the trio allegedly misappropriated approximately N100 billion belonging to the state government in September 2015, preceding former Governor Bello’s assumption of office.
Former Governor Bello, who was not initially named as a defendant in the original suit, was absent from the courtroom.
Ali Bello, presently serving as Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor, and Dauda Suleiman, both denied the fraud allegations when arraigned afresh before Justice James Kolawole Omotoso.
Both defendants vehemently contested the accusations outlined in the 17-count amended charges.
Initially, Ali Bello’s counsel, A.M. Aliyu, SAN, objected to the reading of the amended charges, citing the EFCC’s failure to comply with Section 218 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. The defense argued that they had not received a copy of the amended charges as required by the ACJA Act.
In response, EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the defendant’s objections, asserting that the court had endorsed the amendment autonomously.
In a brief ruling, Justice Omotoso recalled his prior directive for expedited proceedings in the case and ordered that objections be deferred until the address stage. Consequently, the Registrar of the Court proceeded to read the amended charges.
The charges included accusations against former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, Ali Bello, and Dauda Suleiman of conspiring to divert N80,246,470,089 for personal gain, violating the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011. Additionally, Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman were alleged to have concealed significant sums with a Bureau De Change operator.
Ali Bello’s counsel requested the recall of EFCC witness Edward Fanada for fresh cross-examination in light of the amended charges, a request granted by Justice Omotoso without opposition from the EFCC.
Furthermore, Justice Omotoso maintained the bail conditions previously granted to Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman.