The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has rejected an application filed by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, which sought to halt the N110 billion fraud trial brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ruling on Jurisdiction
Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, Justice Maryann Anenih declared that the court possesses the requisite jurisdiction to hear the case. Consequently, she dismissed Bello's request to strike out the 16-count charge filed by the anti-graft agency.
Defence Arguments
Bello's counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), had argued that the FCT High Court lacked territorial jurisdiction over the matter. The defence also claimed that the charge constituted an abuse of court process, citing a related criminal case before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Daudu maintained that the issues in both cases overlapped, making the proceedings improper.
Prosecution's Response
EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) opposed the application, describing it as lacking merit and a tactic to delay the trial. Pinheiro argued that the offences were brought under the Penal Code and are properly triable before the FCT High Court. He noted that some properties linked to the offences are located within the Federal Capital Territory, conferring jurisdiction. Regarding the abuse of process claim, the EFCC maintained that the charges before the two courts are separate and distinct. The FCT High Court case involves conspiracy and criminal breach of trust under the Penal Code, while the Federal High Court case concerns money laundering. Additionally, the parties differ: Bello is the sole defendant in the Federal High Court, but the FCT High Court charge includes two additional defendants.
Court's Decision
Justice Anenih agreed with the EFCC's submissions, ruling that the court has jurisdiction and that the proceedings do not amount to an abuse of process. She dismissed Bello's application in its entirety. A similar application by the third defendant was also struck out for lacking merit.
Next Steps
Following the ruling, the court directed the prosecution to continue with its case and proceed with the testimony of its 16th witness, who was already present in court. The EFCC is prosecuting Bello and his co-defendants over allegations of misappropriating N110 billion in public funds, charges the defendants have denied.
