The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Nigeria, Yahaya Bello, has lost his bid to transfer his ₦80.2 billion fraud case from Abuja to Kogi State.
This decision followed the ruling of Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, who dismissed Bello’s application seeking to transfer his case to Kogi State.
Justice Tsoho upheld the argument of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) 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 allegations, he has consistently failed to appear in court for his arraignment.
His lawyers had applied to transfer the trial to Lokoja, Kogi State. However, the EFCC opposed the move, arguing that the alleged offenses were committed partly in Kogi and Abuja, making either state a suitable venue for the trial.
In a letter signed by his Special Assistant, Joshua Ibrahim Aji, the Chief Judge agreed with the EFCC, stating that the law permits the filing of the charge in either Abuja or Lokoja. The judge also noted that two similar criminal charges are already being tried in the Federal High Court, Abuja, and that transferring the case would be premature given the pending appeal.
