The money laundering trial involving Ali Bello, the nephew of Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, and three others faced a delay at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday due to the absence of the defendants’ lead counsel, Ahmed Raji, SAN.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed the suit against Bello and others.

Mariam Ediawe, a lawyer standing in for Mr. Raji, informed Justice Obiora Egwuatu about her unavailability.

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Bello, along with Abba Adauda, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, and Iyadai Sadat, was arraigned on 18 counts of money laundering and misappropriation of approximately N3 billion.

The trial had previously granted them bail of N500 million each. During the recent hearing, the prosecution called its first witness, but the defense objected to the documents presented through him.

As a result, the judge adjourned the trial until July 17 and July 18, 2023.