The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has turned down a request to transfer the N80.2 billion fraud trial of former 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 endorsed the position of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that the trial should proceed in Abuja rather than in Kogi State.
Yahaya Bello had filed an application on June 10, seeking the transfer of his trial to Kogi State. His lawyer, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), informed the trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, on June 27 about this application, citing reasons that included jurisdictional considerations and the alleged partial commission of the offenses in Kogi State.
However, the prosecuting counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed this move and expressed dissatisfaction with Bello’s absence in court for his arraignment.
In response to the arguments presented, Justice Tsoho’s Special Assistant stated in the letter, “His Lordship’s position on the matter is as follows: The main complaint in the case borders on the alleged conversion and transfer of funds of Kogi State to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, to purchase property through acts of concealment.”
The letter further explained that since the offenses were allegedly committed in both Abuja and Kogi State, the law allows for the charges to be filed in either jurisdiction. This distinguishes Bello’s case from precedents such as IBORI v. F.R.N. (2008) and other legal authorities cited by the defendant.
Therefore, Justice Tsoho upheld the EFCC’s argument that the trial should proceed in Abuja, citing the nature of the alleged offenses and the provisions of the law regarding jurisdiction.
This decision maintains the trial’s venue in Abuja, ensuring continuity in the judicial process regarding the allegations against Yahaya Bello.
