Yahaya Bello’s Fraud Case Stays in Abuja as Transfer Request Denied

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, faced a setback as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice John Tsoho, rejected his plea to transfer his ₦80.2 billion fraud case to the Kogi division of the court.

Bello, who has been in legal conflict with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had sought to relocate the case, arguing that the alleged offences occurred during his tenure as governor of Kogi State and thus should be adjudicated in Lokoja.

His request, conveyed through his legal team led by Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, was contested by the EFCC, represented by Dr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), who argued against it on procedural grounds.

The ruling, delivered on Monday, upheld the EFCC’s objections, affirming that the case will proceed in Abuja rather than being transferred to Kogi State.

The EFCC had previously issued a warrant for Bello’s arrest after he failed to comply with court directives for his arraignment related to the fraud charges.