The trial of Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, was on Tuesday stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja following a request for adjournment by his newly appointed counsel.
At the resumed hearing before Justice James Omotosho, the defence’s new counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), informed the court that he had only been briefed a day earlier and needed time to familiarise himself with the case.
He told the court that the prosecution had been notified of the development and requested an adjournment to enable adequate preparation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello, who currently serves as Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo.
He is standing trial alongside Dauda Sulaiman on an amended 16-count charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering amounting to ₦10,270,556,800.
Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the request, arguing that due process under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, had not been followed.
He maintained that the existing defence counsel, A.M. Aliyu (SAN), ought to have formally notified the court in advance regarding the change or addition of counsel.
“The law requires that such application be made not less than three days before the hearing date,” Oyedepo submitted.
Despite the objection, Justice Omotosho granted the adjournment in the interest of fair hearing.
The court subsequently fixed May 5 and May 6, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
Ali Bello and his co-defendant are accused of diverting public funds running into billions of naira through alleged fraudulent transactions, a case that has drawn significant public attention given its political connections.