The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, has denied former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s request to transfer his money laundering trial from Abuja to the Lokoja division of the court.
In a letter dated July 2, Chief Judge Tsoho outlined the reasons for rejecting the transfer. He cited a pending appeal regarding the transfer request, noting that it would be improper to preempt the Court of Appeal’s decision.
After reviewing the arguments from both the defense and prosecution, Chief Judge Tsoho concluded that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) appropriately filed the case in the Abuja division. The allegations involve the conversion and transfer of Kogi State funds to Abuja to purchase property through acts of concealment.
The letter, signed by Joshua Ibrahim-Aji, Special Assistant to the Chief Judge, highlighted that the law permits the charges to be filed either in Abuja or Lokoja since the alleged offenses were partly committed in both locations.
Addressed to defense lawyers Abdulwahab Muhammed and Musa Yakubu, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), the letter emphasized the prosecution’s justification for filing the case in Abuja. The Chief Judge noted that the ruling on this matter has not been overturned and cannot be changed by administrative means.
The letter also stressed the need to wait for the Court of Appeal’s decision on Bello’s request. It referenced the pending appeal filed on May 17, 2024, in which Bello, as the appellant, sought an order to remit the case to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
“It is not proper to take any step that will be tantamount to pre-empting the outcome of the appeal,” the letter read.
Bello had requested the transfer of his trial to Lokoja, arguing that the alleged money laundering offense was committed there. However, the court maintained that the trial should proceed in Abuja until the appeal decision is made.
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