The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has dismissed an application by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello challenging its jurisdiction to hear the N110.4 billion alleged fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Court Ruling on Jurisdiction
Justice Maryanne Anenih ruled on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, that the court has legal authority to entertain the charge marked FCT/CR/778/2024: Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Yahaya Adoza Bello & 2 Ors. Bello is standing trial alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge including criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
Defense Arguments Rejected
The former governor had asked the court to strike out the charge, arguing that the FCT High Court lacked territorial jurisdiction and that the proceedings constituted an abuse of court process due to a separate case before the Federal High Court in Abuja. However, prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed the application, describing it as an attempt to delay the trial. Pinheiro argued that the alleged offences were under the Penal Code and properly within the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court, noting that properties linked to the offences are located in Abuja. He also clarified that the Federal High Court case and the FCT High Court matter involve separate allegations and parties.
Trial Continues with 16th Witness
Justice Anenih dismissed Bello's application and a similar request by the third defendant for lacking merit. The court then directed the trial to continue. The prosecution called its 16th witness, Baba Isah Usman Baffa, who testified about a property transaction involving Sherrif Plaza, Abuja. Baffa stated that Ali Bello purchased Shop B13 at the plaza for N66 million, with payments made in two instalments of N40 million and N26 million.
