The trial of Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, was on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, stalled before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, following a request by his newly engaged lawyer, Ahmed Raji (SAN) for time to study the case file.
Bello, who also serves as chief of staff to Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alongside Dauda Sulaiman on an amended 16-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering involving ₦10,270,556,800.
At the resumed hearing, Raji informed the court that he was only briefed on the matter a day earlier and required time to properly acquaint himself with the facts and records of the case.
He therefore urged the court to grant an adjournment to enable adequate preparation.
Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the request, arguing that due procedure had not been followed in notifying the court about changes in the defence team.
He maintained that the application was not formally brought before the court in line with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
Oyedepo cited relevant sections of the law, insisting that any change or addition of counsel must be properly filed and served within stipulated timelines before hearing dates.
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“My lord, I urge your lordship not to concede to the request for adjournment on account of a speculative application that is yet to be filed,” he told the court.
Despite the objection, Justice Omotosho held that the interest of fair hearing must be upheld and consequently granted the request for adjournment.
The matter was adjourned to May 5 and 6, 2026, for continuation of trial.
