Court adjourns continuation of trial of Ali Bello, co-defendants

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, adjourned the trial of Ali Bello and his co-defendants until Sept. 26.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the matter for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s 3rd prosecution witness (PW-3), Jamilu Abdullahi, continued with his evidence-in-chief.

It will be recalled that the EFCC, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/573/2022, is prosecuting Bello and three others on an alleged N3 billion money laundering charge.

While Bello is the 1st defendant, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, Abba Adaudu, and Iyadi Sadat are 2nd to 4th Defendants respectively.

At the resumed trial, the EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, led the PW-3, Abdullahi, an Abuja-based Bureau De Change (BDC) Operator, in evidence with respect to the alleged offence.

PW-3 in his oral evidence, told the court that he is the owner of the company, E-Traders International Limited.

Abdullahi explained how the 2nd defendant in the charge, Abba Adaudu (a businessman) deposited cash and made electronic transfers into his company’s Access Bank and personal accounts.

Giving the breakdown, he confirmed the receipt of several cash and electronic deposits paid into his accounts by Daudu.

All the said payments were made between 2021 and 2022.

Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter until Sept. 26 for continuation of trial.

It would be recalled that the judge had, on June 24, adjourned the matter until today (Sept. 24) after the PW-2, Olomotane Egoro, an Access Bank Complaint Officer, was discharged from the witness box.

Egoro was discharged from the witness box following the completion of his evidence and cross examination by the defence counsel.