The attempt by Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, to relocate his N80.2 billion fraud case from Abuja to his home state has been denied, according to 9AM News Nigeria. Federal High Court Chief Judge John Tsoho rejected Bello’s request to transfer the case to Kogi State.
On Monday, July 8, Justice Tsoho upheld the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) argument that the case should remain in Abuja. Yahaya Bello faces 19 counts of money laundering, breach of trust, and theft of public funds. Despite denying the allegations, Bello has repeatedly failed to appear in court for his arraignment, as reported by 9AM News Nigeria’s correspondent Ogasabi.
Yahaya Bello’s legal team had sought to move the trial to Lokoja, Kogi State. However, the EFCC opposed the move, arguing that the alleged offenses were committed in both Kogi and Abuja, making either location suitable 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 the charges to be filed in either Abuja or Lokoja. The judge also pointed out that two similar criminal charges are currently being tried in the Federal High Court, Abuja, and transferring the case would be premature given the pending appeal.
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