Alleged N10.2b Fraud: EFCC Presents 17 Witnesses Against Ali Bello, Closes Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, closed its case against Ali Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, and his co-defendant, Dauda Suleiman, after presenting 17 witnesses before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.

The defendants are being prosecuted on amended 16-count charges, bordering on misappropriation and money laundering to the tune of N10,270,556,800.00 (Ten Billion, Two Hundred and Seventy Million, Five Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira).

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At the Tuesday sitting, the 17th Prosecution Witness, Ahmed Audu Abubakar, an investigator with the EFCC concluded his testimony under re-examination by prosecution counsel, Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.

During the proceedings, the prosecution tendered statements made by Abdulsalam Hudu, cashier of the Kogi State Government House Administration on August 7, August 14, September 3 and September 24, 2024. With no objections from counsel to the defendants, the court admitted the statements in evidence and marked them as Exhibits B1, B2, B3 and B4 respectively.

The prosecution counsel, thereafter asked the witness to identify portions of the exhibits relating to the payment of N300,000 by a bureau de change operator to Hudu. In response, the witness pointed to the August 14, 2024 statement.

While reading from the document, the witness stated that the said N300,000 was received from Ali Bello, who is presently the chief of staff to the Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for the purchase of books intended for support for a community school project.

Following the conclusion of his testimony and in the absence of further questions from either side, the witness was discharged from the witness box.

Thereafter, the prosecution counsel informed the court that the prosecution had concluded its case after calling 17 witnesses and tendering several documentary exhibits in support of the charges against the defendants.

EFCC

With the closure of the prosecution’s case, counsel to the first defendant, A. M. Aliyu, SAN, and counsel to the second defendant informed the court of their intention to file a no-case submission.

The defence subsequently requested four days within which to file their no-case submission. In response, the prosecution sought three days to file a reply, while the defence further requested 24 hours to respond on points of law.

Justice Omotosho granted the applications and adjourned the matter until June 15, 2026, for the adoption of written addresses on the no-case submission of the defence.
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Nigeria Is Open To Investment, Ready For Partnership: Dr. Bernard M. Doro.

The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M Doro has urged Development partners to invest in Nigeria pointing out that, Nigeria has a lot of potential and is open to investment.

The Honourable Minister stated this when he had an audience with the Norwegian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mr. Andreas Krsvik who led a delegation to the minister’s office.

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Dr. Doro said, there’s so much opportunity in Nigeria that, when investors come in and invest, Nigerian youths will have more employment opportunities to build in their talents and contribute their quota to the economy.

He said, ” We need a strong and resilient partnership to make the Nigerian market large and strong. Adding that, the ministry’s focus is to ensure that, the gains from macro- economic reforms translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians especially those affected by Humanitarian crises.

He said the ministry is ready to partner with Norway while paying attention to International Law. Adding that, ” We will align ourselves to Kampala declaration”

The Kampala declaration addresses the entire food value chain including nutrition, economic development and environmental sustainability.

Earlier, the Norwegian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Andreas Krsvik said, their visit is to seek for partnership with the Nigerian Government and the ministry in particular. Pointing out that, Nigeria is looked at, as a super power in the continent hence, working together he said, will benefit both countries in the area of economy, security, Human rights amongst others.

Bernard M. Doro

The Permanent Secretary, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya on behalf of the management of the ministry welcomed and appreciated the delegate, pointing out that their visit is an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in Humanitarian assistance. He hopes for their continue support.

Signed

Janet McDickson Noah
Director Information and Public Relations.
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Civilian Harm Mitigation Enhances Percision, Accountability And Mission Success: CAS

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of civilians with the successful conduct of its maiden Seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) for strategic-level officers at Headquarters NAF, Abuja, on 2 June 2026.

The landmark engagement, which brought together an array of senior military officers, security stakeholders, policy experts, civil society representatives, journalists and subject-matter experts, was aimed at strengthening institutional understanding of civilian protection considerations in contemporary military operations. Declaring the seminar open, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the NAF’s efforts to enhance operational effectiveness while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.

Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that the NAF remains steadfast in its resolve to institutionalise Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response across all levels of operations, noting that public trust and confidence remain essential to lasting operational success. According to the CAS, “Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response is not a constraint on our operational effectiveness; rather, it is a framework that enhances precision, improves decision-making and ultimately preserves strategic legitimacy.”

He further stressed that operational success in today’s complex security environment must be measured not only by mission accomplishments but also by the extent to which civilian lives and property are protected, adding that civilian protection considerations enhance mission effectiveness through informed decision-making, accountability and operational discipline.

In his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations (CCMR), Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the seminar as a landmark initiative in the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing efforts to strengthen professionalism, accountability and civilian protection in military operations.

He noted that modern military operations require a delicate balance between mission accomplishment and humanitarian considerations, particularly in environments where civilians are often present.

NAF, Aneke

According to the CCMR, “Operational success is not defined solely by tactical achievements, but by the ability to conduct operations with precision, discipline, restraint and utmost regard for the safety, dignity and wellbeing of civilian populations within areas of operation.”

The seminar provided a platform for knowledge sharing, professional reflection and constructive dialogue on best practices aimed at further strengthening the NAF’s commitment to operational excellence, civilian protection and mission success.

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