Ahmed Abubakar, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, testified in court. He explained how defendants allegedly diverted funds from the Kogi state government house administration account. Abubakar appeared as the 17th prosecution witness before James Omotosho, the presiding judge at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
The session occurred on February 9, 2026. Abubakar stated that Ali Bello, chief of staff to Kogi Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and nephew of former Governor Yahaya Bello, used the funds to purchase properties in Abuja. He added that the scheme involved withdrawals delivered to Rabiu Tafada, a bureau de change operator, for conversion or safekeeping.
Specific Property Purchases
Abubakar detailed several transactions. He said Bello acquired a property at No. 35 Danube Street in Maitama for N900 million. The site housed Spring Hall School. Additionally Abubakar noted a N920 million purchase at No. 2 Justice Chukwudi Oguta Street in Asokoro.
Furthermore, the witness linked other sums to similar buys. For instance, he mentioned N950 million for a Guzape District property and N100 million for one in Asokoro Extension. Abubakar claimed these funds totaled over N10 billion, misappropriated from state resources.
Background of the Charges
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission prosecuted Bello alongside Dauda Sulaiman and Abdulsalami Hudu, who remained at large. They faced a 16-count amended charge of money laundering and misappropriation amounting to N10,270,556,800.
Prosecutors alleged the group withdrew cash from the treasury between 2021 and 2022. However defense counsel cross-examined Abubakar on the evidence chain. The court adjourned for further hearings.
Trial Implications
This testimony strengthened the prosecution’s case. Earlier sessions saw drama, including a witness falling ill. Moreover the judge ordered probes into related evidence tampering claims involving court staff. The case highlighted ongoing anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.
