Abuja Federal High Court, has refused to transfer the N80.2 billion fraud trial of Alhsji Yahaya zbello, former Kogi State governor from the capital to Kogi State.
According to Justice John Tsoho, this is in line with the position of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Background
Bello filed this application through his lawyer, Adeola Adedipe (SAN) on June 27 after the June 13 sitting. Adedipe had argued that the case should be moved to the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State citing territorial jurisdiction.
EFCC’s Position
Pinheiro (SAN), representative of the commission, opposed the request
Kemi Pinheiro was not pleased with Bello’s absence from court and described it as an attempt to stall the trial.
Chief Judge’s Ruling
In a letter dated July 2 signed by Special Assistant Joshua Aji, Justice Tsoho agreed with the EFCC. The letter stated that the alleged crimes involved transfer of funds from Kogi State to Abuja and therefore the trial should be in the Federal Capital Territory.
Legal Angle
The Chief Judge referred to previous related cases and stated that two other criminal charges related to the same fraud were already being tried in Abuja. He noted that an application to transfer those cases to Lokoja had been earlier refused and cannot be reversed administratively.
Jurisdiction
Justice Tsoho said jurisdictional issues are best decided in open court not through administrative decisions. He stressed the need to preserve judicial integrity and transparency in the court proceedings.
Verdict
Yahaya Bello still has a lot to answer to the EFCC on the N80.2 billion fraud. The court will deliver ruling on July 17 on the overall legal issues and Bello’s defense. Justice is served.
Source: The Punch Newspaper
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