AGS NEWS – Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, has denied the request to move the N80.2 billion fraud trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, from Abuja to Kogi State.

In a letter dated July 2, Justice Tsoho, through his Special Assistant Joshua Aji, concurred with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that the trial should remain in Abuja.

Bello’s application for the transfer, submitted on June 10, was rejected. His lawyer, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), had sought the transfer after being informed of the June 13 court proceedings.

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The EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed the transfer, emphasizing that Bello should be tried in Abuja.

Justice Tsoho’s decision was based on the nature of the alleged crimes, which involved transferring funds from Kogi State to Abuja.

He noted that similar cases had been tried in Abuja and that transferring the case to Kogi would not be appropriate.

The Chief Judge also highlighted ongoing related cases in Abuja and the legal precedent for keeping the trial in the capital.

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Bello faces charges of fraud involving N80.2 billion and has been absent from court, prompting the EFCC to seek disciplinary actions against his lawyer for failing to produce him for arraignment.

The next court ruling is scheduled for July 17.