The immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has requested the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to transfer his trial on alleged money laundering charges to Lokoja, Kogi State.
Bello, represented by his counsel Adeola Adedipe, SAN, expressed his preference to be arraigned in Lokoja, where the alleged offense was committed.
During the resumed sitting yesterday, Adedipe informed Justice Emeka Nwite that a formal request for the trial’s transfer had been submitted to the Chief Judge for administrative consideration. Adedipe emphasized that the Federal High Court in Lokoja has the territorial jurisdiction to hear the case.
“The legal team of the former Kogi governor is still awaiting the Chief Judge’s response to the transfer request,” Adedipe stated. He added that although the letter was written by Bello’s lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, it was essential to bring this matter to the court’s attention.
Adedipe mentioned that the prosecution had been notified of the request, with the Chief Judge’s office forwarding a letter dated June 14, 2024, to EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, seeking their opinion. The letter, signed by the Special Assistant to the Chief Judge, Joshua Ibrahim AJI, Esq., requested a response within six days.
However, the EFCC’s lead counsel, Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, strongly opposed the transfer request, describing it as an attempt to delay the trial. Pinheiro urged Justice Nwite to hold Adedipe and Mohammed accountable for failing to produce their client in court, despite their undertakings.
He also requested that the two senior advocates be cited for contempt of court.
The court has scheduled July 17 for the arraignment of the former governor and to rule on the EFCC’s request to cite the two SANs representing Bello for contempt.
