The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned the trial of Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, over an alleged N10.27bn fraud.
Bello, who is also a nephew of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission alongside Dauda Sulaiman on a 16-count amended charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering.
The anti-graft agency accused the defendants of diverting N10,270,556,800, said to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Proceedings before Justice James Omotosho were stalled after a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ahmed Raji, announced his appearance for Bello and requested time to study the case.
Raji told the court that he had only been briefed a day earlier and needed adequate time to familiarise himself with the processes and prepare the defence.
“My Lord, I was only briefed yesterday. I will require time to go through the case file and prepare appropriately,” he said.
However, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, opposed the request, arguing that due process was not followed in introducing new counsel.
He maintained that the existing defence counsel ought to have formally notified the court in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Oyedepo cited relevant sections of the law, noting that such notice must be filed at least three days before the hearing where there is a change in legal representation.
He described the application as improper and urged the court to reject it.
Despite the objection, Justice Omotosho granted the request, ruling that the interest of fair hearing must be upheld.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case until May 5 and 6, 2026, for continuation of trial.
