Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has been unsuccessful in his attempt to move his N80.2 billion fraud case from Abuja to Kogi State. On Monday, Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, dismissed Bello’s application.
The judge agreed with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that the case should continue to be heard in Abuja.Yahaya Bello is currently facing a 19-count charge that includes accusations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds. Despite his denial of these allegations, he has been consistently absent from court for his arraignment.
In an attempt to transfer the trial to Lokoja, Kogi State, Bello’s lawyers filed an application. However, the EFCC opposed the move, arguing that the alleged offenses were committed in both Kogi and Abuja, making either state an appropriate venue for the trial.
According to a letter signed by Yahaya Bello’s Special Assistant, Joshua Ibrahim Aji, the Chief Judge concurred with the EFCC’s position. The Chief Judge acknowledged that the law allows for the filing of the charges in either Abuja or Lokoja.
Additionally, the judge highlighted that there are already two similar criminal charges being tried in the Federal High Court in Abuja. Considering these factors, the judge deemed it premature to transfer the case at this stage, particularly with a pending appeal.
