Yahaya Bello’s Fraud Trial to Remain in Abuja, Says Chief Judge
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has declined the request to transfer the N80.2bn fraud trial of ex-Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, from Abuja to Kogi State.
In a letter dated July 2, signed by his Special Assistant, Joshua Aji, Justice Tsoho agreed with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that Bello should be tried in Abuja, not Kogi State.
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Bello’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), had applied on June 10 to transfer the trial, citing territorial jurisdiction. However, the EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed the request, emphasizing the necessity of Bello’s presence in court for his arraignment.
The CJ’s letter highlighted that the alleged crimes were committed partly in both Abuja and Kogi State, making the trial’s location in Abuja permissible. It also noted that previous similar cases had been tried in Abuja, with applications for transfer to Lokoja being denied.
Justice Tsoho stressed that jurisdictional matters should be decided in open court and that ongoing appeals should not be pre-empted.
Bello, who has been absent from court, has been declared wanted by the EFCC. The trial is set to continue on July 17.
