In a recent development, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has denied the request to transfer the N80.2bn fraud trial of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, from Abuja to Kogi State. This decision came after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) argued that Bello should be tried in Abuja.
Bello’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), had filed an application on June 10, requesting the transfer of the case to Kogi State. Adedipe stated that Bello made this decision after being briefed about the proceedings of June 13 in court.
However, the prosecuting counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed the transfer and expressed dissatisfaction with the defense’s attitude. Pinheiro also argued that Bello should have been present in court for his arraignment.
In a letter dated July 2, the Chief Judge’s Special Assistant, Joshua Aji, stated that Justice Tsoho agreed with the EFCC’s position that the case should be tried in Abuja. The letter highlighted that the alleged offense involved the conversion and transfer of funds from Kogi State to Abuja for the purchase of property through acts of concealment. It also mentioned that there are pending criminal charges related to the same scheme of fraud being tried in the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The Chief Judge’s letter emphasized that the issue of jurisdiction is a matter for the court to decide and should be presented in open court. It also mentioned that there is a pending appeal filed by Bello seeking a consequential order remitting the case to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
Bello has been facing allegations of N80.2bn fraud and had been declared wanted by the EFCC due to his repeated absence in court. The case has been adjourned till July 17 for ruling.
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