Why I want my arraignment, trial in Lokoja – Ex-Kogi gov Bello

The immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has asked the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to transfer his trial in alleged money laundering to Lokoja.

Bello said that he preferred his arraignment in Lokoja, being the place where the alleged money laundering offence was committed.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had accused the former governor of financial crimes, including money laundering and made several attempt to arrest him, even flouting court orders.

The ex-governor’s arraignment was taken to Abuja by the anti-graft body.

The EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede had made personal commitment towards ensuring that Bello got deserving punishment for his alleged crimes.

The ex-governor had subsequently absent in court, seeking quarantee that he would not be illegally arrested by the EFCC.

At a resumed sitting on Thursday, Bello, 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 said, “The request for Lokoja was due to the fact that the Federal High Court has territorial jurisdiction to hear the matter in Lokoja.

“The legal team of the former Kogi Governor is still awaiting the response of the Chief Judge on the request for transfer of the case to Lokoja.

“Although the letter requesting for transfer of this matter to Lokoja, was written by Yahaya Bello’s lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed SAN, I am however under obligation to draw the attention of this honourable court to the issue.”

Adedipe said the Prosecution had been notified and their opinion had been sought via a letter dated 14th June, 2024 from the Chief Judge’s office.

The letter, addressed to 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, dated 10th June, 2024.

“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,” the letter read in part.

However, the request for transfer was opposed by the EFCC lead counsel, Dr Kemi Pinheiro SAN, who described the request as an attempt to frustrate the trial.

The EFCC lawyer pleaded with Justice Nwite to hold Adeola Adedipe SAN and Abdulwahab Mohammed SAN, responsible for their inability to produce their client in court, despite the undertakings they made.

The EFCC lawyer 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 and ruling on the request of EFCC to cite the SANs for contempt.