By Teniola Amokeodo
Yahaya Bello and EFCC boss, Ola Olukoyede
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has directed that the request by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to transfer his money laundering case to Kogi be heard in an open court. This decision was communicated through a letter to Bello’s counsel, Abdulwahab Muhammed (SAN) and Musa Yakubu (SAN), referencing a pending appeal in the case of Yahaya Adoza Bello vs. Federal Republic of Nigeria. The appeal, filed on May 17, 2024, involves jurisdictional issues and seeks an order to remit the case for reassignment, making it improper to take any steps that could preempt the appeal’s outcome.
Justice Tsoho noted that the main offence pertains to the alleged conversion of state funds to purchase property in Abuja, and the charge could be filed either in Abuja or Lokoja. He mentioned two similar ongoing cases where transfer requests were denied. Bello faces a 19-count charge of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of approximately N80.2 billion in public funds brought by the EFCC. During the last proceeding, Bello’s counsel informed the court of a letter requesting his trial in Kogi High Court, with the prosecution and EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), given six days to respond.