Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has lost his attempt to transfer his N80.2 billion fraud case from Abuja to Kogi State. On Monday, July 8, 2024, Justice John Tsoho, 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 remain in Abuja.
Bello faces a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds totaling approximately N80.2 billion in suit FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024 before Justice Emeka Nwite.
Despite denying the allegations, Bello has repeatedly failed to appear in court for his arraignment, missing scheduled appearances on June 13 and June 27.
At the last hearing, Bello’s lawyer, Abdulwahab Muhammed (SAN), filed an application dated June 10, 2024, to the Chief Judge to transfer the trial to the Federal High Court in Lokoja.
However, Dr. ‘Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) opposed the application, arguing that since the alleged offenses were committed partly in Kogi and Abuja, the case could be filed in either state.
Chief Judge Tsoho, in a July 2 letter signed by his Special Assistant Joshua Ibrahim Aji, supported Pinheiro’s argument. The judge emphasized that the main complaint involved the alleged conversion and transfer of Kogi State funds to Abuja for purchasing property through acts of concealment.
He stated that the law allows filing the charge in either Abuja or Lokoja since the offenses were allegedly committed in both locations.
Additionally, the judge noted that two related criminal charges are being tried in the Federal High Court, Abuja.
He highlighted that formal applications to transfer these charges to Lokoja had been refused and that this ruling could not be overturned by administrative action.
The judge also mentioned a pending appeal by Yahaya Bello seeking to remit the case to the Chief Judge for reassignment, stating that any action preempting the appeal’s outcome would be improper.
The issue of jurisdiction was also considered, with the judge asserting that it should be decided in open court.
In conclusion, the EFCC has issued a warrant for Bello’s arrest after his repeated failure to comply with court orders to surrender for arraignment.
