By Seyi Babalola
Yahaya Bello, the immediate former Governor of Kogi State, lost his plea to have his N80.2 billion fraud case transferred from Abuja to his state.
This came after Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, refused Bello’s bid to move his case to Kogi State.
On Monday, Justice Tsoho backed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) position that the case should continue in Abuja.
Bello is facing a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds.
Despite denying the allegations, he has consistently failed to appear in court for his arraignment.
His lawyers had applied to transfer the trial to Lokoja, Kogi State.
However, EFCC opposed the move, arguing that the alleged offences were committed partly in Kogi and Abuja, making either state a suitable venue for the trial.
In a letter signed by his Special Assistant, Joshua Ibrahim Aji, the Chief Judge agreed with EFCC, stating that the law permits the filing of the charge in either Abuja or Lokoja.
The judge also noted that two similar criminal charges are already being tried in the Federal High Court, Abuja and that transferring the case would be premature given the pending appeal.
