The immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has requested that his trial for alleged money laundering be transferred to Lokoja. Bello, represented by his counsel Adeola Adedipe (SAN), informed Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday that a letter requesting the transfer had been sent to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for administrative consideration.
Adedipe argued that the trial should be held in Lokoja, where the alleged offense took place, as the Federal High Court there has the territorial jurisdiction to hear the matter.
He also mentioned that the legal team was still awaiting a response from the Chief Judge regarding the transfer request. The prosecution, represented by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), had been notified of this request through a letter dated June 14, 2024.
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However, the request for transfer was strongly opposed by the lead counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dr. Kemi Pinheiro. Pinheiro described the request as an attempt to frustrate the trial and urged Justice Nwite to hold Adedipe and another defense counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN), responsible for their failure to produce Bello in court despite their undertakings. Pinheiro also called for the two senior advocates to be cited for contempt of court.
The court has scheduled July 17 for the arraignment of Bello and to rule on the EFCC’s request to cite the senior lawyers for contempt. The EFCC is seeking to arraign Bello on 19 counts related to alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion.
