Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has expressed strong displeasure with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a report allegedly misrepresenting court proceedings involving Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Government.
The judge, angered by what he called misleading and potentially damaging information published on the EFCC’s website and other social media, warned that he may return the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment if the situation persists.
Bello’s counsel, Abubakar Aliyu (SAN), accused the EFCC of publishing false claims that his client paid for a property later discovered to be under investigation and returned its documents—an allegation Bello denies. Aliyu said the publication was not only untrue but also widely circulated on social media, amounting to “mob justice.”
EFCC’s counsel, Abbas Muhammed, admitted seeing the publication but said he could not verify its authenticity without consulting the agency’s media team. The judge ordered a report on the issue by the next court session.
Justice Omotosho stressed that inaccurate reporting could harm the court’s integrity and mislead the public. “Writing fictitious stories about court proceedings can erode public confidence,” he warned.
Meanwhile, the trial continued with the EFCC’s 11th witness, Segun Adeleke, General Manager of EFAB Properties, testifying. He confirmed a N500 million cash payment for a Maitama property by one Shehu Bello—not Ali Bello or the second defendant, Dauda Sulaiman. Both defense counsels confirmed their clients were not Shehu Bello.
The case was adjourned to May 7 and May 9 for continuation.
