The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing trial of Ali Bello, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kogi State, and Dauda Sulaiman, who face revised charges of money laundering brought forth by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The defendants pleaded not guilty to the allegations which include the misappropriation of state funds and engaging in money laundering activities.
During the session, the court heard testimony from Olom Otane Egoro, a representative from Access Bank, who provided details regarding transactions in the Kogi State Government House account. According to Egoro, significant sums were frequently deposited and then withdrawn in cash on the same day throughout 2019. These transactions often involved withdrawals of N10 million each.
Egoro’s testimony, based on bank statements from 2019 to 2021, was critical to the EFCC’s case, illustrating a pattern of rapid and sizable withdrawals. The EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), presented these bank statements as exhibits for the trial.
The defense lawyers, Abubakar Aliyu (SAN) and Olusegun Jolaawo (SAN), decided to reserve their objections to the admissibility of these documents until their final written submissions. Following this, Justice Omotosho adjourned the trial to June 19 and 20 for further hearings.
This case highlights potential systematic issues of financial misconduct within the Kogi State administration, drawing attention to patterns of financial transactions that may indicate money laundering. As the trial proceeds, further evidence is expected to be scrutinized, potentially shedding more light on the extent of the alleged financial improprieties.
