N10bn fraud: Court rejects Ali Bello’s objection, admits EFCC evidence

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

The Federal High Court, Abuja, has dismissed a key legal challenge by Ali Bello in the ongoing alleged N10 billion Kogi State fraud trial, clearing the way for the admission of crucial evidence against him.

Justice James Omotosho, sitting in Maitama, yesterday ruled that extra-judicial statements made by Bello and his co-defendant, Dauda Sulaiman, were voluntarily given and therefore admissible in court.

The ruling followed a trial-within-trial initiated after the defendants opposed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s attempt to tender eight statements, claiming they were obtained under duress.

However, Justice Omotosho held that the presence and endorsement of the defendants’ counsel during the recording of the statements invalidated claims of coercion.

“It is clear that the defendants had their counsel present during the taking of both statements and the statements were obtained voluntarily,” the judge ruled, affirming compliance with relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

With the decision, the court formally admitted the statements as evidence in the main trial, marking a significant boost for the prosecution’s case.

Ali Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya  Bello, is being prosecuted alongside Sulaiman on a 16-count amended charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering amounting to N10.27 billion.

Following the ruling, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to April 21 and 24, 2026, for the EFCC to conclude its case.