A prosecution witness on Tuesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that funds linked to the alleged ₦10.27 billion fraud involving Ali Bello were routed through Bureau De Change (BDC) operators to his associates.
Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and current Chief of Staff to Governor Usman Ododo, is facing trial alongside Dauda Sulaiman on a 16-count amended charge of alleged money laundering and misappropriation filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Testifying before Justice James Omotosho, the 17th prosecution witness, Ahmed Audu Abubakar, said the funds were disbursed through BDC operators based on instructions allegedly given by the first defendant.
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the witness told the court that Ali Bello, in an extra-judicial statement, admitted to inflows and outflows of funds processed through the BDC network.
He further claimed that most beneficiaries of the transactions were close associates of the defendant.
“The utilisation of the funds through the BDCs was carried out on the instruction of the first defendant, and most beneficiaries are his cronies,” the witness said.
Abubakar also linked parts of the funds to both Ali Bello and former Governor Yahaya Bello, citing payments to CI Automobiles, Dantata, and other individuals.
He told the court that ₦100 million was allegedly paid to Dantata in two instalments of ₦80 million and ₦20 million.
The witness also mentioned Mother Care Welfare, an NGO he claimed is associated with the former governor’s wife.
Defence counsel Ahmed Raji (SAN) and O. Jolaooyo (SAN) cross-examined the witness during the hearing.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to May 6, 2026, for continuation of cross-examination.
