The trial of Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, was on Tuesday stalled at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, following an adjournment granted to enable his new counsel prepare for the case.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter after the defendant’s newly engaged counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), informed the court that he had only been briefed a day earlier and required time to familiarise himself with the facts.
Ali Bello, who serves as Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Dauda Sulaiman on an amended 16-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering to the tune of ₦10,270,556,800.
At the commencement of proceedings, Raji, SAN, told the court that he had notified the prosecution of his appearance and sought an adjournment to properly study the case file.
However, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the oral application, arguing that due process was not followed. He contended that the existing defence counsel, A.M. Aliyu, SAN, ought to have formally notified the court of the change in representation in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Citing Sections 46, 47, and 49 of the Act, Oyedepo maintained that any such application should be filed at least three days before the hearing date and urged the court to reject what he described as a “speculative application.”
Despite the objection, Justice Omotosho granted the adjournment in the interest of fair hearing.
The court subsequently adjourned further proceedings in the matter to May 5 and 6, 2026, for continuation of trial.
The case forms part of ongoing efforts by the EFCC to prosecute alleged high-profile financial crimes involving public officials.
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