The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned the Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Alli Bello, and Daudu Suleiman for allegedly diverting about N100 billion belonging to the state government, including former Governor Yahaya Bello.
The charges, involving seventeen counts, were presented before Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Both Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman pleaded not guilty to the amended charges, denying any involvement in the alleged fraud. However, objections were raised by Alli Bello’s counsel, Abubakar Aliyu, regarding the service of the amended charge as required by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
Despite the objections, Justice Omotoso ordered continuation of the proceedings, stating an expedited hearing and reserving objections for the address stage.
The accused were accused of conspiring in September 2015 to convert N80,246,470,089 for personal use, allegedly breaching the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.
Additionally, Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman were alleged to have concealed substantial sums with a Bureau De Change operator named Rabiu Musa Tafada, operating under Global Venture in Abuja.
Justice Omotoso maintained the bail conditions previously granted to Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman in relation to the initial charges.
