In a surprising turn of events, the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has requested the transfer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) case against him to Kogi State. Bello argues that since the alleged offense occurred during his tenure as governor of the state, it is appropriate for the legal proceedings to be conducted there.
The EFCC has been investigating Bello over allegations of financial misconduct and misuse of public funds during his time in office. The former governor is facing a 19-count charge from the EFCC, and is accused of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds totaling N80.2 billion.
Bello, through his team of lawyers led by Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, requested that since he was alleged to have committed the offense when he was the state governor, it is proper for the case to be held in Kogi State. He maintained that only the Lokoja Division of the high court has the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the allegations raised against him by the EFCC.
Bello failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja to enter his plea to the charge against him. However, a lawyer who announced an appearance for him, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, brought the attention of trial Justice Emeka Nwite to the letter his client wrote to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.
In the letter, Bello claimed that the alleged offenses were committed in Kogi State, and that the EFCC lacked the territorial jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute him in Abuja. He also argued that the Federal High Court in Abuja lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case, and that the case should be transferred to the Lokoja Division of the high court.
The EFCC has asked all security agencies to place Bello on their watch list to prevent him from leaving the country “through any land, air or sea borders.” The EFCC has been investigating Bello over allegations of financial misconduct and misuse of public funds during his time in office.
The case has sparked a heated debate in the legal community, with many arguing that Bello's request for a transfer of the case is a delaying tactic. Others have argued that the case should be heard in Abuja, as the EFCC has the territorial jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute financial crimes committed across the country.
As the legal battle continues, many are left wondering what this means for the future of the case and the country at large. One thing is certain, however - the people of Kogi State and Nigeria deserve justice, and it is the responsibility of the legal system to ensure that justice is served.
The case has also raised questions about the role of the EFCC in investigating and prosecuting financial crimes in Nigeria. The EFCC has been at the forefront of the fight against corruption in Nigeria, and has secured several high-profile convictions in recent years.
However, the agency has also faced criticism for its handling of cases, with many accusing it of being selective in its prosecution of corruption cases. The agency has also faced challenges in its efforts to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, with many cases being delayed or dismissed due to lack of evidence or jurisdictional issues.
As the legal battle between Bello and the EFCC continues, many are left wondering what this means for the future of the fight against corruption in Nigeria. One thing is certain, however - the people of Nigeria deserve justice, and it is the responsibility of the legal system to ensure that justice is served.
