May 5, 2026 | SUNTV Global
Fresh revelations have emerged in the ongoing ₦10.27 billion fraud trial involving , as a prosecution witness told the court how funds were allegedly diverted through Bureau De Change (BDC) operators to associates and linked entities.
Testifying before Justice at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the 17th prosecution witness, Ahmed Audu Abubakar, detailed what he described as a pattern of financial transactions allegedly carried out on the instructions of Bello.
Led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecutions, (SAN), the witness claimed that the defendant had acknowledged both inflows and outflows of funds through BDC channels in an extra-judicial statement.
According to the testimony, large sums were allegedly distributed to individuals described as close associates of Bello, as well as for purposes linked to the administration of former Kogi State governor, .
The court heard that some of the funds were allegedly routed to an organisation identified as Mother Care Welfare, reportedly linked to the former governor’s wife, alongside other beneficiaries including individuals in Abuja.
Abubakar also outlined specific transactions, including a ₦100 million payment made in two instalments to a recipient identified as Dantata. Additional disbursements reportedly included ₦19 million to another associate and payments to a company identified as CI Automobiles.
“The spending of the money was for the first defendant and for the former governor,” the witness told the court, adding that several beneficiaries were individuals closely connected to the defendant.
During cross-examination, defence counsel challenged aspects of the testimony, seeking to question the credibility and interpretation of the financial records presented.
Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the case to May 6, 2026, for continuation of cross-examination.
The case, being prosecuted by the (EFCC), involves a 16-count amended charge bordering on alleged money laundering and misappropriation of public funds totaling over ₦10 billion.
Ali Bello is standing trial alongside Dauda Sulaiman, as proceedings continue to unfold in what is shaping up to be a closely watched anti-corruption case in Nigeria.
