Alleged Money Laundering: Court shifts Ali Bello’s trial to October 7

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, shifted the alleged money laundering case against Ali Bello and his co-defendant, Dauda Suleiman, to October 7 for continuation of trial.

Justice James Kolawole Omotosho adjourned the matter after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) called seven witnesses to prove the 10-count amended charge preferred against the duo.

While Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, appeared for the EFCC, Abubakar Aliyu and Olusegun Jolaawo, both senior advocates of Nigeria, represented Bello and Suleiman, respectively.

In the amended charge, the EFCC accused the defendants of diverting money belonging to the Kogi State government.

The anti-graft agency said the alleged offence contravened Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 201.

In other charges, Alli Bello and Dauda Suleiman were alleged to have concealed several millions of naira with one Rabiu Musa Tafada, a Bureau De Change operator trading under Global Venture in Abuja.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges filed against them by the EFCC.

Justice Omotoso ordered that the defendants should continue to enjoy the bail conditions granted them in the previous charge.