Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja delivered a significant ruling on 18 March 2026, affirming the voluntariness of extra-judicial statements made by Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and co-defendant Dauda Sulaiman during their Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) money laundering prosecution.
The duo faces a 16-count amended charge alleging misappropriation and laundering of ₦10,270,556,800. The trial-within-trial determined admissibility of eight contested statements, which defendants claimed were obtained under duress and threats.
Omotosho dismissed the objection, finding clear evidence that defendants’ counsel was present throughout. The lawyer endorsed the statements as confessional and voluntary, satisfying Sections 15(4) and 17(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. He specifically noted the investigative team’s compliance in allowing counsel’s participation.
Consequently, Ali Bello’s statements (marked Exhibits TWA–TWA5 during proceedings) were admitted as R2–R5 in the main trial. Sulaiman’s statements (TWB and TWB1) became Exhibits S and SW1.
The judge adjourned the case to 21 and 24 April 2026 for the prosecution to close its case.