A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja has dismissed an application filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, seeking to strike out the criminal charge brought against him in Charge No. FCT/CR/778/2024: FRN v. Yahaya Adoza Bello & 2 Ors.
Bello, through his lead counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, alongside a team of senior advocates, had asked the court to nullify the 16-count charge, arguing that the court lacked territorial jurisdiction to hear the matter.
He also maintained that the case amounted to an abuse of court process because a related case, Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024, is currently pending before the Federal High Court.
In response, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the application, describing it as misconceived and a deliberate attempt to delay the trial.
Pinheiro argued that the offences listed in the charge were based on provisions of the Penal Code and were therefore properly within the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court.
He further submitted that several of the properties allegedly acquired with proceeds from the offences are located in Abuja, thereby giving the court territorial jurisdiction over the case.
Addressing the allegation of abuse of court process, the EFCC lawyer argued that the charges before the two courts involve different offences.
According to him, the matter before the FCT High Court relates to allegations of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy under the Penal Code, while the case before the Federal High Court concerns alleged money laundering offences under the Money Laundering Act.
He also noted that the parties involved in both cases are not the same, explaining that Bello is the sole defendant in the Federal High Court matter, whereas the FCT High Court case includes two additional co-defendants.
Delivering ruling on June 16, 2026, Justice Annenih agreed with the EFCC’s arguments and held that the court has the legal authority to hear the case and that the proceedings do not amount to an abuse of court process.
The court consequently dismissed Bello’s application.
A similar application filed by the third defendant in the case was also dismissed on the grounds that it lacked merit.
Following the ruling, Justice Annenih directed that the trial should proceed, with the prosecution moving ahead to present its 16th witness (PW16), who was already in court and prepared to testify.
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