Abiodun Sanusi, Abuja – On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Ali Bello, a nephew of Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Bello was charged alongside Abba Adauda, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, Iyada Sadat, and Rashida Bello (at large) on 18 counts involving criminal misappropriation and money laundering amounting to ₦3,081,804,654.00, according to EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren.
The first count alleges that in June 2020, the defendants procured E‑Traders International Limited to retain the total sum of ₦3,081,804,654.00, which they should have known was derived from unlawful activity—specifically criminal misappropriation. This constitutes an offence under sections 18(a) and 15(20)(d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011, as amended, and is punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act. The third count states that in November 2021, Ali Bello, Abba Adauda, and Rashida Bello (at large) instructed E‑Traders International Limited to transfer $570,330 to account no 426‑6644272 at TD Bank in the United States, a sum they should have known also stemmed from criminal misappropriation. This breaches section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011, likewise punishable under section 15(3).
All defendants entered pleas of “not guilty” to the charges. Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, requested that the court set a trial date so the prosecution could present its case. Defence counsel Ahmed Raji, SAN, sought bail for his client pending the hearing and determination of the case. Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter to February 13, 2023, ordering that the defendants be remanded in a correctional centre while the bail application is considered.
Comments are closed for this story.