Federal High Court sets March 18 for ruling on Ali Bello's money laundering trial
Federal High Court in Abuja set March 18 for ruling in trial-within-trial of Ali Bello (CoS to Kogi Governor) and Dauda Suleiman over N10 billion laundering charges. EFCC alleges funds diverted during former Governor Yahaya Bello's administration. Trial examines voluntariness of defendants' extra-judicial statements after claims of duress. Defense lawyers argue statements obtained under coercion; prosecution maintains voluntary compliance with ACJA 2015. Next steps: Court to decide admissibility of statements before full trial proceeds.