The Yahaya Bello fraud case recorded a fresh development on Tuesday after a court in Abuja dismissed an application filed by the former Kogi State governor.
The application sought to challenge the court’s jurisdiction to hear the N110.4 billion fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Furthermore, the ruling clears the way for the trial to continue.
Court Rejects Bello’s Application
The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, ruled against the application filed by Yahaya Bello.
The former governor had argued that the court lacked the authority to hear the case brought against him by the EFCC.
However, the court dismissed the request and affirmed its jurisdiction over the matter.
Consequently, the legal proceedings against Bello and his co-defendants will continue before the court.
EFCC Opposes Jurisdiction Challenge
During the hearing, EFCC lead counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed Bello’s application.
According to the prosecution, the application was designed to delay the trial process.
Pinheiro argued that the charges were based on offences under the Penal Code.
Therefore, he maintained that the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory was the proper court to hear the case.
The prosecution further stated that properties allegedly linked to the offences are located within Abuja.
As a result, the court has territorial jurisdiction to handle the matter.
Details of the Allegations
The EFCC is prosecuting Yahaya Bello alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
The defendants are facing a 16-count charge.
The charges include allegations of money laundering and criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion.
However, it is important to note that the allegations remain before the court and have not yet resulted in a conviction.
The trial is expected to continue as both parties present their arguments.
What the Ruling Means
The latest ruling means that the court can proceed with hearing the case.
Meanwhile, legal observers believe the decision is a significant step in the ongoing proceedings.
Furthermore, the ruling removes one of the preliminary legal challenges that could have delayed the trial.
The focus will now shift to the substantive hearing of the allegations brought by the anti-graft agency.
Conclusion
The Yahaya Bello fraud case has moved forward after the court dismissed the former governor’s challenge to its jurisdiction.
While the EFCC continues its prosecution, the court will now proceed with hearing the allegations against Bello and the other defendants.
Meanwhile, Nigerians will be watching closely as the high-profile case unfolds.
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