The embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has asked for the transfer his trial in alleged money laundering to Lokoja. This is even as he prayed the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho to transfer the case to Kogi State.
According to the former Governor, he preferred to be arraigned in Lokoja. This is because that was the place the alleged money laundering offence was committed.
Bello made the request at the resumed sitting on his case on Thursday in Abuja.
The embattled former Governor, who was represented by his counsel, Adeola Adedipe SAN, informed Justice Emeka Nwite that a letter requesting for the transfer of the trial had already been delivered to the Chief Judge for his administrative decision.
Adedipe stated that the request for Lokoja was due to the fact that the Federal High Court has territorial jurisdiction to hear the matter in Lokoja.
The lawyer said that the legal team of the former Kogi State Governor was still awaiting the response of the Chief Judge on the request.
“The letter requesting for transfer of this matter to Lokoja, was written by Yahaya Bello’s lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed SAN. However, I am under obligation to draw the attention of this honourable court to the issue,” he said.
Adedipe said the prosecution had been notified and their opinion had been sought via a letter. It was dated 14th June, 2024 and from the office of the Chief Judge.
He stated that the letter, addressed to the EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, was signed by the Special Assistant to the Chief Judge, Joshua Ibrahim AJI, Esq.
“You will find attached the copy of a letter by Counsel to the Defendant on the above subject matter. It is dated 10th June, 2024,” he said.
The letter read in part, “I am directed by His Lordship, the Honourable, the Chief Judge, to forward the letter to you for your response within 6 (six) days of receipt.”
But reacting to the request, the EFCC lead counsel, Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, vehemently opposed the letter. He described the request as an attempt to frustrate the trial.
Pinheiro, therefore, pleaded with Justice Nwite to hold Adeola Adedipe, SAN, and Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, responsible. He said the duo have failed to produce their client in court. This, he said, is despite their undertakings to do so.
The EFCC counsel also requested that the two SANs be cited for contempt of court.
Meanwhile, the court has fixed July 17, for arraignment of the former Governor. It will also on that date rule on the request of EFCC to cite the two SANs for contempt.
Recall that the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello is facing money laundering charges. He was accused by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, N82 billion.
His arrest and arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, has been marred by drama. With the former Governor evading arrests.
source: Arise News
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