The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated a new trial against the former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bello Mohammed, and his firm, Bam Projects and Properties Ltd.
They are facing allegations of criminal breach of trust and money laundering before Justice Peter Lifu at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Mohammed is accused in a four-count charge of misappropriating funds designated for arms procurement, managed by the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
During the latest court session, Mohammed and his company pleaded not guilty, prompting the EFCC’s counsel to request a trial date.
The defense counsel, Kanu Agabi, sought the court’s permission for Mohammed to remain on the previously granted bail, assuring that his client had complied with all conditions and would not abscond.
The prosecution did not contest the bail continuation, although they noted a past instance where Mohammed’s bail was revoked for a violation.
Justice Lifu granted the request, allowing Mohammed to remain on bail and scheduled the trial for May 7 and May 8.
The charges include the alleged illegal possession of ₦300m by Mohammed, his now-deceased son Bello Abba Mohammed, and their company, which the EFCC claims were unlawfully obtained from the NSA’s office and are in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
Previously arraigned in 2016 and granted bail, Mohammed’s case is restarting due to the elevation of the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed, to the Court of Appeal.
