Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has formally requested the transfer of his alleged money laundering case to the Federal High Court in Lokoja. Bello’s legal team, led by Mr. Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, submitted a letter to Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho under Section 45 of the Federal High Court Establishment Act, arguing that only the Lokoja Division has the territorial jurisdiction to hear the allegations brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The letter, currently pending before Justice Tsoho, seeks administrative transfer of the case from its current jurisdiction.
During a recent court session, Bello’s lawyer, Mr. Adeola Adedipe, SAN, informed Justice Emeka Nwite of the letter and its status. He emphasized that the defence team was awaiting a response from the prosecution regarding the transfer request.
In response, EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Kemi Pinhero, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the defence’s assertions, arguing that the letter did not absolve Bello from his earlier commitment to appear in court for arraignment. Pinhero emphasized that administrative actions such as a letter to the CJ do not halt ongoing court proceedings.
Justice Nwite, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned proceedings to July 17 for ruling and potential arraignment. The case involves allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to approximately N80.2 billion against Yahaya Bello, his nephew Ali Bello, and two others, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu, as stated by the EFCC.
