Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, was absent from his scheduled arraignment and plea bargain at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
In a surprising move, Bello sent a letter through his legal team requesting that his trial be relocated to Kogi State.
Bello’s team, led by Abdulwahab Mohammed, asserted that the Kogi High Court in Lokoja holds the territorial jurisdiction to oversee the allegations against the former governor.
Adeola Adedipe, one of Bello’s lawyers, presented the letter to the court, detailing their request.
Jurisdiction Challenge
Addressing the court, Adedipe explained: “After the last sitting, I reported back to my team, and I was informed that a letter had been written on behalf of the defendant to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. We are requesting that this matter be administratively transferred to the Federal High Court, Lokoja Judicial Division, which we believe has territorial jurisdiction to handle this matter.”
He added that the letter had been received by the Chief Judge’s Chambers, and the prosecution team had been notified.
However, Adedipe noted that he was unaware of any response from the prosecution or a decision from the Chief Judge regarding the transfer request.
Prosecution’s Objection
The prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinhero, strongly opposed the defense’s actions and questioned Bello’s absence from court. Pinhero reminded the court that Bello’s counsel had previously undertaken to ensure the defendant’s presence.
He argued, “The letter to the Chief Judge does not discharge the undertaking made by Bello’s counsel at the previous sitting.”
Pinhero further contended that a petition against a judge does not halt ongoing proceedings in related cases. He urged the court to compel Bello’s lawyers to explain the defendant’s absence and show cause why they should not face consequences for contemptuous conduct.
Pinhero described the defense’s actions as “dilatory and a further attempt to treat this court with scorn.”
Charges Against Bello
Bello is facing serious charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to approximately N80.2 billion. The case has garnered significant public attention, and the request for trial relocation adds another layer of complexity to the proceedings.
As the court deliberates on the jurisdictional challenge and the next steps, all eyes remain on the legal battle that continues to unfold around the former governor.