The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has amended its allegations against Alli Bello, Daudu Suleiman, and Yahaya Bello, Kogi’s former governor.
The EFCC alleges in the revised allegations given to Justice James Omotosho that the accused stole roughly N100 billion in public finances in September 2015, soon before Yahaya Bello became governor.
Meanwhile, former Governor Bello was not mentioned as a defendant in the initial complaint and did not show up in court.
During the defendants’ re-arraignment, the former governor’s lawyer, A.M. Aliyu, SAN, objected to his client being read the revised charges.
He predicated his objection on the argument that the anti-graft agency had seriously violated Section 218 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015.
The senior counsel further claimed that they were not served with a copy of the new charges, as required by the ACJA.
On the other hand, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, representing the EFCC, urged the court to disregard the defendant’s claims, adding that the alteration had been independently authorised.
In a brief order, Justice Omotoso reminded the court that he had earlier granted an accelerated hearing in the matter and directed that any objections be deferred until the address stage.
The judge then instructed the court registrar to read the modified charges.
Former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, Alli Bello, and Dauda Suleman were accused of working together in September 2015 to misappropriate N80,246,470,089 for their own gain.
They were charged with violating Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011, since they should have known the monies were obtained through fraudulent acts and breaches of public trust.
In addition, Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman were accused of concealing several million naira with Rabiu Musa Tafada, a Bureau de Change operator in Abuja who trades under the name Global Venture.
Aliyu, who represented Alli Bello at this time, requested that one of the EFCC witnesses, Edward Fanada, be recalled for further cross-examination in light of the increased allegations.
Justice Omotoso approved the plea after receiving no opposition from the EFCC lawyer.
Meanwhile, the judge admitted Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman to a bail condition issued in previous cases.
He adjourned the matter until March 20 and March 21 for trial continuation.