Yahaya Bello Requests EFCC Prosecution in Kogi State, Citing Territorial Jurisdiction

Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State currently facing a 19-count charge, has formally requested the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute him in Kogi State rather than Abuja.

Bello, who has been at odds with the anti-graft agency over allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure, argues that the alleged offenses were committed within Kogi State’s jurisdiction.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, Bello’s legal team led by Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, emphasized that all charges related to mismanagement of state funds are centered around activities in Kogi State. They underscored that the funds in question were government funds of Kogi State, housed in bank accounts located within Lokoja, the state capital.

“While the Federal High Court holds jurisdiction nationwide, criminal proceedings should be conducted in the judicial division where the alleged offenses occurred,” the letter stated. It pointed out that Bello’s tenure as governor involved allegations of criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and money laundering specifically tied to Kogi State’s statutory funds.

“We respectfully urge the Chief Judge to transfer the case to the Lokoja Division of the Federal High Court, which holds the appropriate territorial jurisdiction,” the letter concluded.

Bello’s plea seeks to align the legal proceedings with the locality where the purported offenses took place, maintaining that the Federal High Court in Lokoja is the proper venue for adjudicating the charges against him.