Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, has petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice John Tsoho, to transfer his money laundering trial to Lokoja.
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Bello, through his counsel Adeola Adedipe (SAN), argued that Lokoja is the appropriate venue for his arraignment, as the alleged offences occurred there.
At a resumed hearing on Thursday, Adedipe informed Justice Emeka Nwite that a formal request had been submitted to the Chief Judge for administrative consideration.
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Adedipe emphasized that the Federal High Court in Lokoja has the territorial jurisdiction to adjudicate the case.
He also mentioned that the defense team is awaiting a response from the Chief Judge, noting that the prosecution has been informed of the request through a letter dated June 14, 2024.
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This letter, addressed to Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was signed by Joshua Ibrahim Aji, Esq., the Special Assistant to the Chief Judge.
However, the EFCC, represented by lead counsel Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, strongly opposed the transfer request, describing it as a delay tactic.
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Pinheiro urged Justice Nwite to hold Adedipe and Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN) accountable for their failure to present Bello in court, despite previous commitments.
He also called for the senior advocates to be cited for contempt of court.
The court has scheduled July 17 for Bello’s arraignment and for ruling on the EFCC’s request to cite the defense lawyers for contempt.
Bello faces 19 counts of alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion.
