Nigeria's EFCC closes Ali Bello fraud case as witness clash erupts in Sule Lamido trial

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concluded its presentation of evidence in the N10.27 billion fraud and money‑laundering trial of Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, and co‑defendant Dauda Suleiman. After calling 17 witnesses, the prosecution announced the case was closed and the defence filed a no‑case submission, with the matter adjourned to 15 June 2026.

In a separate proceeding, former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido and his sons faced a N1.35 billion money‑laundering case. A dispute arose over a subpoenaed EFCC investigator who testified that he had only been tasked with locating documents, not investigating the case. The court allowed a brief adjournment for the defence to meet the witness before resuming, and the trial was postponed to 4 June.