The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has rejected a request to transfer the N80.2bn fraud trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, from Abuja to Kogi State. This decision aligns with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) stance that Bello should be tried in the capital, not in his home state.
In a letter dated July 2, Justice Tsoho’s Special Assistant, Joshua Aji, communicated the CJ’s agreement with the EFCC’s argument. Bello’s application, submitted on June 10, sought to move the trial for alleged fraud to Kogi. The former governor’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), reiterated this request on June 27 before Justice Emeka Nwite, citing the defendant’s preference to be tried in Kogi.
However, the prosecution, led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed this move. Pinheiro highlighted that Bello should have been present for his arraignment and argued that his trial should remain in Abuja.
In his detailed response, the Chief Judge noted that the allegations against Bello involved the conversion and transfer of Kogi State funds to Abuja for purchasing property. This connection justified the trial location in either Abuja or Lokoja, but the decision favored the capital.
Justice Tsoho referenced previous rulings in similar cases involving co-defendants, which had also been decided to remain in Abuja. He emphasized that jurisdictional issues are best resolved in court rather than through administrative decisions.
Bello, embroiled in multiple fraud cases, faces trial for procurement fraud, forgery, and substantial financial misappropriation, with significant charges related to the diversion of state funds to Abuja.
The Chief Judge’s decision underscores the judiciary’s stance on handling high-profile corruption cases within the nation’s capital to ensure impartiality and comprehensive legal proceedings.
