In a significant legal maneuver, former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has petitioned the Federal High Court for his trial to be moved from Abuja to Lokoja, Kogi State, where he believes the court has the proper territorial jurisdiction to hear the case. The request was made in a letter addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, by Bello’s legal team led by Mr. Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN.
Bello faces a 19-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds totaling approximately N80.2 billion.
At the resumed hearing in Abuja on Thursday, Bello was notably absent. His counsel, Mr. Adeola Adedipe, SAN, informed trial Justice Emeka Nwite of the letter sent to the Chief Judge, requesting the case be administratively transferred to the Lokoja Judicial Division.
“My lord, after the proceedings of the last adjourned date, I went back and reported what happened in court to our team. I was informed that a letter had been written on behalf of the defendant to the honourable Chief Judge, requesting that this matter be transferred to the Federal High Court, Lokoja Judicial Division, which we believe has territorial jurisdiction to handle this matter,” Adedipe stated.
He further noted that the Chief Judge’s Chambers had acknowledged receipt of the letter and had requested a response from the EFCC’s prosecution team, which is yet to be provided.
In response, EFCC counsel Mr. Kemi Pinhero, SAN, urged the court to hold the defense accountable for Bello’s absence, citing an undertaking made on June 13 to ensure his presence in court. Pinhero argued that the request for transfer does not absolve the defendant from appearing in court and labeled the defense’s actions as dilatory.
The EFCC also applied for the court to invite Bello’s senior lawyers to explain their client’s absence and show cause why they should not be sanctioned for contempt.
Bello, who served as governor for eight years, has faced multiple legal challenges since leaving office, including a recent arrest warrant issued against him, which his legal team has sought to overturn.
The case’s next hearing will determine whether the trial will be transferred to Lokoja, as requested, or continue in Abuja, potentially setting a significant precedent for jurisdictional claims in high-profile political cases.
