Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, has ordered that the request by former Governor Yahaya Bello to transfer the money laundering case filed against him by the EFCC to Kogi State be heard in open court.
In a letter to Bello’s legal representatives, Abdulwahab Muhammed and Musa Yakubu, the Chief Judge brought to their attention a pending appeal in the case, specifically the appeal filed by Yahaya Adoza Bello against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in which the defendant sought an order to remit the case to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
The letter, signed by Special Assistant to the CJ, Joshua Ibrahim-AJI, said as a result of this, it would be improper to take any step that would be tantamount to preempting the outcome of the appeal.
“There is documentary evidence of a pending appeal in the case Yahaya Adoza Bello Vs FRN filed on 17/05/2024 wherein the defendant as appellant has sought a consequential order remitting 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 main issue raised is jurisdictional in nature and will be more appropriately decided by the court.
“The matter should therefore be presented in open court,” the CJ stated.
Tsoho observed that the main offence allegedly bordered on conversion of the state’s funds to purchase property in Abuja, and that the filing of the charge could either be in Abuja or Lokoja.
He referred to two ongoing cases before the FHC in charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/550/22 FRN Vs Ali Bello and another, and another charge in FRN Vs Ali Bello and 3 others, where a similar request for transfer was made and the lower court refused the application.
The EFCC charge against the former governor is currently before the trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite and the matter had been adjourned until July 17 for hearing.
Credit: NAN
