Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja threatened on Monday to return the EFCC’s case file against Ali Bello, the Chief of Staff to the Kogi State government, to the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment.
This threat came after a complaint from Bello’s counsel, Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, accusing the EFCC of publishing false reports regarding the proceedings of the last adjourned date on its website. The charges, filed by the anti-graft agency in 2022, allege that Bello and Dauda Sulaiman were involved in a fraud involving the diversion of funds from the Kogi State Government. Bello is the first defendant, while Sulaiman is the second defendant in the 10-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022.
Aliyu informed the court that his client was being subjected to “mob justice” due to allegedly false publications. He cited a particular report on the EFCC’s website, which claimed that Bello had made a payment for a property on Ikogosi Close in Maitama, Abuja, and later returned the documents upon learning that the property was under investigation. Aliyu contended that his client did not purchase the property.
Justice Omotosho asked EFCC’s counsel, Abbas Muhammed, for a response, to which Muhammed admitted he could not verify the authenticity of the publication at that moment but would confirm with the EFCC’s media team.
The judge then warned that such actions could undermine public confidence in the court, stating: “I am going to take all your files and send them back to the CJ for reassignment. It is not only against the defendant but against the court.” He emphasized that misleading reports could damage the integrity of the judiciary, particularly when they contradict court findings.
Justice Omotosho also expressed frustration over inaccurate media reports, noting that they could create negative public impressions and cause misunderstandings. He called for accurate reporting, referring to past incidents, including a controversy over the Rivers State matter where some social media users criticized the court’s judgment in favor of lawmakers led by Martins Amaewhule.
The EFCC’s lawyer, Muhammed, informed the court that the trial would continue with the testimony of Segun Adeleke, the 11th prosecution witness. Adeleke, the General Manager of EFAB Properties Ltd, explained his role in the company’s property transactions and testified about a payment made by Shehu Bello for a property on Ikogosi Close. He confirmed that the payment, amounting to N500 million, was made in cash.
During cross-examination, Bello’s counsel, Aliyu, asked Adeleke if his client was Shehu Bello, to which Adeleke replied: “No, My Lord.” Similarly, Olusegun Jolaawo, SAN, representing the second defendant, Sulaiman, asked the same question, and Adeleke gave the same response.
After discharging the witness, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until May 7 and May 9 for continuation of the trial.
(NAN)