Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Premium Times
Published on 2024-02-23 21:58:40
The Federal High Court in Abuja recently gave its approval for the amended N10 billion money laundering charges against Ali Bello, the nephew of the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. This decision came after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed the amended charges on 5 February, increasing the number of counts from 10 to 17 for Bello and his co-defendant, Dauda Suleiman. The trial, which goes back to 2022, accused the defendants and others who are allegedly on the run of diverting N10 billion belonging to Kogi State during Governor Bello’s administration.
Interestingly, the prosecution named former Governor Bello in one of the amended counts as an accomplice but did not charge him as a defendant. This move sparked controversy, with the Kogi State Government, led by the new governor, Ahmed Dodo, expressing opposition to the amended charges, claiming they were politically motivated. The amended charges were filed in February, and objections were raised by the defendants against the competence of the charges and the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to try the case.
During the court proceedings, the defendants, Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman, filed an objection to the amended charges on 22 February, arguing that they should be struck out for being incompetent and an abuse of court processes. The defense maintained that the Federal High Court in Abuja did not have the jurisdiction to try the case. However, the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, opposed these claims, asserting that the offense was committed in Abuja and that all witnesses in the case were residents of Abuja. Oyedepo also highlighted the security challenges that would arise if the case were to be prosecuted in Kogi State.
In a ruling delivered by Justice James Omotosho on Friday, the objections raised by the defense were dismissed for lacking merit. Justice Omotosho stated that the EFCC had the right to amend charges at any time before judgment and that the court had jurisdiction to hear the case. The judge emphasized that it was premature to argue against the EFCC’s ability to make amendments to the charges. He also underscored the importance of the EFCC’s role in investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption and money laundering.
The defense had argued that the EFCC lacked the authority to investigate the revenue of the Kogi State Government. They referenced a resolution from the Kogi State House of Assembly that found no fraud in the state’s accounts. However, the prosecution countered these claims, pointing out that the alleged money laundering activities took place in Abuja, making it within the jurisdiction of the court.
Overall, the court upheld the amended charges and ordered the defendants to take their pleas. The case was scheduled for continued hearing on March 14, 15, and 21. The judge also emphasized the need for an accelerated trial while acknowledging that security concerns could be a factor in trying the case outside the jurisdiction.
In conclusion, the legal battle surrounding the N10 billion money laundering charges against Ali Bello continues, with the court affirming the validity of the amended charges and proceeding with the trial. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the defendants and the broader fight against corruption in Nigeria.
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