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From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The trial of Ali Bello over an alleged N10 billion fraud has been stalled after his newly engaged counsel requested time to study the case.
Proceedings before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, were adjourned on Tuesday following an application by Senior Advocate, Ahmed Raji, who told the court he was only briefed a day earlier and needed time to familiarise himself with the facts.
Ali Bello, nephew to former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, and Chief of Staff to Governor Usman Ododo, is being prosecuted alongside Dauda Sulaiman by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 16-count amended charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering amounting to over N10.2 billion.
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Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, opposed the oral application, arguing that due process under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 was not followed.
He maintained that the existing defence counsel ought to have formally notified the court about the introduction of new counsel within the stipulated timeframe.
Despite the objection, Justice Omotosho granted the adjournment in the interest of fair hearing.
The matter has been rescheduled for May 5 and 6.
