The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Haliru Bello, former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over allegations of money laundering and criminal breach of trust. Bello, along with his company, Bam Projects and Properties Ltd., pleaded not guilty to the four-count amended charge during the court session on Monday.
Kanu Agabi, Bello’s counsel, requested that his client continue on existing bail terms granted by the previous judge, Ahmed Mohammed. Despite opposition from the EFCC counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, the presiding judge, Peter Lifu, allowed Bello to remain on bail and scheduled trial dates for May 7 and May 8.
Bello’s case is part of the EFCC’s prosecution related to the arms purchase saga, with allegations of receiving N300 million meant for the purchase of arms from Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser. Previously appointed acting national chairman of the PDP in May 2015, Bello’s legal proceedings continue amidst the shadow of his son’s untimely demise in January 2023.