Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Sunday Ejike
Published on 2024-03-14 19:33:43
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recently filed a 17-count amended charge against Alli Bello, Daudu Suleiman, and the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. The amended corruption charge alleges that they diverted approximately N100 billion belonging to the state government in September 2015, months before former Governor Bello assumed office. Governor Bello was not initially a defendant in the case and was not present in court at the time of the arraignment.
Alli Bello, who is currently serving as the Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor, and Dauda Suleman both denied the fraud allegations in the amended charges during their fresh arraignment in Abuja. Their plea was taken by Justice James Kolawole Omotoso. Both individuals denied the allegations contained in the 17-count amended charges, with Alli Bello’s counsel objecting to the reading of the charges due to alleged non-compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The defense argued that they were not served a copy of the amended charges as required by the ACJA, but the EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, refuted these claims and asked the court to reject the arguments of the defendant. In a brief ruling, Justice Omotoso recalled that he had previously granted accelerated hearing in the matter and ordered that objections should be held until the address stage. The court then directed the Registrar to read the amended charges.
In the first count, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, Alli Bello, and Dauda Suleman were accused of conspiring to convert N80,246,470,089 to their personal use in September 2015. They were alleged to have violated the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 as they should have known that the money was obtained through fraud and breach of public trust. Other charges included allegations of concealing money with a Bureau De Change operator in Abuja.
During the proceedings, Alli Bello’s counsel requested that one of the EFCC witnesses be recalled for fresh cross-examination due to the amended charges. This request was granted by Justice Omotoso as it was unopposed by the EFCC’s counsel. Additionally, the judge ordered that Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman should continue to enjoy the bail conditions granted to them in the previous charges.
In conclusion, the legal proceedings against Alli Bello, Dauda Suleman, and former Governor Yahaya Bello highlight the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria. As the case moves forward, it remains to be seen how the court will address the amended charges and the defenses presented by the accused individuals.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
