Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, has failed to transfer his N80.2 billion fraud case from Abuja to his home state.
This development came after Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, dismissed Bello’s application seeking to relocate his case to Kogi State.
On Monday, Justice Tsoho upheld the argument presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that the trial 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.
Bello’s legal team had filed an application to transfer the trial to Lokoja, Kogi State.
However, the EFCC opposed this move, contending 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, citing that the law allows the charge to be filed in either Abuja or Lokoja. Justice Tsoho also noted that two similar criminal charges against Bello are already being heard in the Federal High Court in Abuja.
He further stated that transferring the case would be premature, given the pending appeal.