Federal High Court Judge Threatens to Withdraw from N10bn Fraud Trial of Yahaya Bello’s Nephew

Judge Issues Warning Over Alleged Misrepresentation of Court Proceedings

Abuja, Nigeria – Federal High Court Judge James Omotosho has threatened to withdraw from the high-profile fraud trial involving Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, citing concerns about the integrity of judicial proceedings.

The judge issued the stern warning on Monday after defense counsel Abubakar Aliyu (SAN) accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of publishing allegedly false accounts of previous court proceedings on its official website and social media platforms.

Case Background: N10bn Fraud Allegations

The EFCC filed charges in 2022 against Ali Bello and co-defendant Dauda Sulaiman, accusing them of diverting approximately N10 billion from Kogi State government coffers during Yahaya Bello’s administration. The case bears similarities to separate money laundering charges against the former governor involving N80 billion in state funds.

Key Developments in Court

During Monday’s proceedings, defense counsel Aliyu presented evidence of what he called “mob justice” through EFCC’s online publications. The commission’s counsel, Abbas Muhammed, acknowledged seeing the publication but couldn’t immediately verify its authenticity.

Judge Omotosho expressed strong disapproval, stating: “I won’t take it if it continues this way. I’m going to take all your files and send them back to the Chief Judge for reassignment.” He emphasized that inaccurate reporting undermines public confidence in the judiciary.

Witness Testimony: N500 Million Property Transaction

The court heard testimony from Segun Adeleke, General Manager of EFAB Properties Ltd, who detailed a 2020 property transaction involving N500 million in cash payments for a house at Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama. The witness confirmed the payment was made by someone named Shehu Bello, not the defendants in the case.

Next Steps in the Trial

The judge adjourned proceedings until May 7 and 9 for continuation of trial, giving the EFCC time to verify the contested publication. If Judge Omotosho follows through on his threat to recuse himself, the trial would have to restart before a new judge.

This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of high-profile corruption cases in Nigeria, particularly those involving former government officials and their associates.

Credit: Premium Times