By Busari Kabirat
The alleged money laundering charges against Ali Bello and three others had been adjourned to May 27, 2024, by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for further hearing.
Following the conclusion of evidence by the second witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olomotane Egoro, on Thursday, the judge adjourned the trial as the adjournment was to allow counsel to Ali Bello, Abubakar Aliu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, to cross examine the witness in his testimony against the defendants.
At Thursday’s proceedings, in the suit marked: ABJ/CR/573/2022 (FRN Vs. Ali Bello and 3 others), Egoro, a Staff of Access Bank, tendered Bank Statements of Keyless Nature Limited, Fasab Business Enterprise and Ari Consulting and Integrated Limited and testified of cash lodgements into the accounts from 14 Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
The witness which never stated the reason for which the monies were transferred into the accounts, also testified as to withdrawals from the said accounts.
The lodgements and withdrawals were said to have been made from between 2017 and 2022.
After which the witness testified, counsel to the 1st Defendant, Ali Bello, A. M. Aliyu, SAN, prayed the court adjourn the trial to allow him cross examine the witness with the agreement of counsel.
Nureini Jimoh, SAN, appeared for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants while Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa, SAN, appeared for the prosecution.
