A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Ali Bello, the Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor and nephew of former Governor Yahaya Bello, until May 2026. 

The proceedings, which center on an alleged ₦10.27 billion money laundering and misappropriation case, were stalled on Tuesday, April 21, following a formal request for an adjournment by the defense’s newly engaged legal team.

Trial Judge, James Omotosho granted the request after the new lead counsel for the first defendant informed the court that he required additional time to thoroughly study the extensive case files and previous testimonies. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Ali Bello alongside his associate, Dauda Sulaiman, on an amended 16-count charge.

The anti-graft agency alleges that the duo diverted billions from the Kogi State Government House Administration Account for personal use, including the purchase of luxury properties in Abuja.

The trial has recently been marked by significant developments, including a “trial-within-trial” to determine the voluntariness of statements made by the defendants during the investigation phase. In March 2026, the court dismissed a no-case submission filed by the defendants, ruling that the prosecution had established sufficient evidence to warrant a full defense.

The current delay comes as the prosecution was prepared to call further witnesses to testify on the flow of funds and specific cash withdrawals allegedly linked to the defendants.

With the trial now shifted to May, the court has emphasized the need for a steady pace in the proceedings once they resume. Legal analysts suggest that the outcome of this case is being closely monitored, as it represents one of the most high-profile financial crime trials involving a sitting state official and the inner circle of the previous administration.

The EFCC has maintained that it is ready to proceed with its remaining witnesses to bring the long-running matter to a conclusion.