Yahaya Bello’s bid to transfer his N80.2 billion fraud case from Abuja to Kogi State has been denied

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s bid to transfer his N80.2 billion fraud case from Abuja to Kogi State has been denied. Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, dismissed Bello’s application on Monday, siding with 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 repeatedly failed to appear in court for his arraignment.

His lawyers had sought to move the trial to Lokoja, Kogi State, but the EFCC opposed this, arguing that the alleged offences were committed partly in Kogi and Abuja, making either location suitable for the trial. Justice Tsoho agreed with the EFCC, noting that the law allows for the charges to be filed in either jurisdiction.

In a letter signed by his Special Assistant, Joshua Ibrahim Aji, Justice Tsoho pointed out that two similar criminal charges are already being tried in the Federal High Court, Abuja, and transferring the case would be premature given the pending appeal.