Afrigather On Thursday, on the Federal Excessive Court docket in Abuja, amended fees had been filed in opposition to Alli Bello and Daudu Suleiman, together with the previous governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello by the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee (EFCC) claiming they diverted roughly N100 billion from the state authorities in September 2015, earlier than Bello grew to become governor.
Alli Bello, the chief of workers to the Kogi State governor, and Dauda Suleman denied the fraud allegations within the amended fees at their arraignment.
Justice James Kolawole Omotoso took their plea.
Each Alli Bello and Suleman denied the allegations within the 17 counts amended fees.
Yahaya Bello, by way of his counsel A.M. Aliyu, objected to the studying of the amended fees, citing non-compliance with Part 218 of the Administration of Legal Justice Act 2015 by the EFCC.
Rotimi Oyedepo, representing the EFCC, countered the objection, noting the court docket’s endorsement of the modification.
Omotoso dominated to proceed with the studying of the amended fees, emphasising the order for accelerated listening to and deferral of objections.
The primary depend accused Yahaya Adoza Bello, Alli Bello, and Dauda Suleman of changing N80,246,470,089 to private use in September 2015, violating part 18(a) of the Cash Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.
Further fees claimed Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman hid funds with Rabiu Musa Tafada, a Bureau De Change operator.
Upon Alli Bello’s counsel’s request, Omotoso allowed the recall of EFCC witness Edward Fanada for cross-examination.
The decide additionally ordered that Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman preserve their present bail situations.
