The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has closed its case against Ali Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and his co-defendant, Dauda Suleiman, in an alleged N10.27 billion fraud and money laundering trial.

The defendants are standing trial before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 16-count amended charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, the EFCC’s 17th prosecution witness, Ahmed Audu Abubakar, an investigator with the commission, concluded his testimony under re-examination by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).

During the proceedings, the prosecution tendered several statements made by Abdulsalam Hudu, a cashier with the Kogi State Government House Administration, covering dates in August and September 2024.

The court admitted the documents as exhibits after the defence raised no objections.

The witness also referenced entries relating to a ₦300,000 payment allegedly made by a bureau de change operator to Hudu, which he said was linked to Ali Bello for a community school project involving the purchase of books.

After the witness completed his testimony, Justice Omotosho discharged him from the stand.

The prosecution subsequently informed the court that it had closed its case after calling 17 witnesses and presenting documentary evidence in support of the charges.

Following this, counsel to the defendants indicated plans to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had not established sufficient evidence to proceed against them.

The court granted the request, allowing time for written addresses from both sides before adjourning the matter to June 15, 2026, for hearing on the application.

Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman have both pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.