Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has been unsuccessful in his attempt to transfer his N80.2 billion fraud case from Abuja to his home state.
The ruling was delivered by Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, who dismissed Bello’s application for transfer.
Justice Tsoho, in his decision on Monday, upheld arguments presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that the trial should proceed in Abuja.
Bello faces a 19-count charge involving allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds. Despite denying these accusations, he has consistently failed to appear in court for arraignment.
Bello’s legal team had sought to relocate the trial to Lokoja, Kogi State.
However, EFCC opposed the motion, pointing out that the alleged offences occurred in both Kogi and Abuja, making either jurisdiction suitable for trial.
In a statement from his Special Assistant, Joshua Ibrahim Aji, Justice Tsoho concurred with EFCC’s stance, citing legal provisions allowing charges to be filed in either Abuja or Lokoja.
He also noted ongoing similar criminal cases in the Federal High Court, Abuja, suggesting that transferring Bello’s case prematurely would be inappropriate pending appeal.
The ruling underscores the complexities and legal considerations involved in determining jurisdiction for high-profile criminal trials, particularly when offences span multiple locations.
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