The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has decided not to move 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 agreed with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that the trial should stay in Abuja.
Bello’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, had asked for the trial to be moved to Kogi. Adedipe said that after hearing about the June 13 court session, Bello wanted the case transferred.
The EFCC lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the transfer request, saying Bello should be in court for his arraignment. Pinheiro criticized the defense for Bello’s absence in court.
In his response, Justice Tsoho said the case involved alleged conversion and transfer of Kogi State funds to Abuja. He noted that the law allows the trial in either Abuja or Kogi, but other similar cases were already being tried in Abuja.
“The law permits the filing of the charge either in Abuja, FCT or in Lokoja, Kogi State, the offence(s) having been allegedly partly committed in both places,” the letter stated.
The EFCC had already charged other people involved in the same fraud scheme in Abuja courts.
Justice Tsoho mentioned that there is an ongoing appeal related to this case, making it improper to move it.
The Chief Judge also said that jurisdiction issues should be decided in open court. Bello has been avoiding court appearances, leading the EFCC to declare him wanted.
The next hearing is set for July 17.
