Former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, currently facing a 19-count charge, has petitioned Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court to relocate his trial to Kogi State.
The charges, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission include allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds totaling N80.2 billion, involving his nephew Ali Bello and two others.
In a letter presented by his legal team, led by Mr. Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, Bello argued that only the Lokoja Division of the High Court has the jurisdiction to hear the allegations. The letter emphasized that the territorial jurisdiction lies with the Lokoja Division, not the Abuja Division.
During a recent court session in Abuja, Bello was absent, but his counsel, Mr. Adeola Adedipe, SAN, informed Justice Emeka Nwite about the letter to the Chief Judge. Adedipe stated, “My lord, a letter was written on behalf of the defendant requesting that this matter be administratively transferred to the Federal High Court, Lokoja Judicial Division, which we believe has territorial jurisdiction.” He also highlighted that while the Chief Judge had directed the prosecution to respond to the transfer request, they were awaiting feedback.
However, EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Kemi Pinhero, SAN, expressed dissatisfaction with Bello’s absence, despite assurances to the court. Pinhero urged the court to dismiss the defense’s explanations as dilatory and disrespectful. Pinhero argued against delaying tactics, emphasizing that the letter to the Chief Judge did not invalidate Bello’s obligation to appear in court.
Despite previous non-attendance, Bello seeks to set aside an arrest warrant issued in April and contests the court’s jurisdiction based on a Kogi State High Court ruling. The court has deferred judgment on vacating the arrest warrant, offering Bello an opportunity to voluntarily present himself for arraignment.