Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello’s attempt to move his N80.2 billion fraud case from Abuja to Kogi State has been rejected.
On Monday, Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, dismissed Bello’s application. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully argued 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. Despite denying the charges, he has repeatedly failed to appear in court for his arraignment.
Bello’s legal team had sought to transfer the trial to Lokoja, Kogi State, but the EFCC opposed this, asserting that the alleged offences occurred in both Kogi and Abuja, making either location appropriate for the trial.
In a letter signed by his Special Assistant, Joshua Ibrahim Aji, the Chief Judge concurred with the EFCC, noting that the law allows for the case to be filed in either Abuja or Lokoja.
The judge also pointed out that two similar criminal charges are currently being heard in the Federal High Court, Abuja, and transferring the case at this stage would be premature due to a pending appeal.
