Yahaya Bello Seeks Transfer of EFCC Fraud Case to Kogi State

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has formally requested the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to transfer his alleged fraud case to Kogi State, citing territorial jurisdiction.

In a letter submitted by his legal team led by Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, Bello argued that since the alleged offences occurred during his tenure as governor of Kogi State, only the Lokoja Division of the High Court has the appropriate jurisdiction to hear the case.

During the latest court proceedings in Abuja on Thursday, Bello was absent. His lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, informed Justice Emeka Nwite about the letter sent to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho. The letter requested the administrative transfer of the case to the Federal High Court in Lokoja.

Adedipe mentioned that the Chief Judge’s office had acknowledged the letter and directed the prosecution team to respond. However, as of the court session, there was no response or decision communicated regarding the transfer request.

Adedipe emphasized that their primary duty was to inform the court of these developments and affirmed that they awaited further directives in compliance with the administrative procedures outlined by the Chief Judge.

Addressing the court after the matter was called, Adedipe, SAN, said, “My lord, after the proceedings of the last adjourned date, I went back and gave a report of what happened in court to our team.

“However, I was made to understand that a letter had been written on behalf of the defendant to the honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court requesting in substance, that this matter be administratively transfered to the Federal High Court, Lokoja Judicial Division, which we believe have territorial jurisdiction to handle this matter.

“That letter was received at the Chief Judge’s Chambers and the office of the of honourable CJ wrote the prosecution team through Mr. Iseoluwa Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, on June 13, notifying him that administrative steps has been activated, whereof he was directed to provide a response to the request for transfer of the matter.

“My lord, as of this morning, I am not aware whether there has been a response by the prosecution team in compliance to the directive of the CJ.

“We are also not in receipt of any decision that has been made on this request by the CJ.

“I am also aware that this administrative directive of the CJ has been formally communicated to this court.

“We have filed an affidavit wherein we attached two documents referencing the details that I have just highlighted.

“My duty is first to the court. As of the moment, I am not urging anything from the court, but just to present the facts as they were.”