The embattled former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, has asked the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, to have his case moved to Lokoja, the Kogi state capital. Bello claims the alleged crimes were committed in Kogi state and the case should therefore be tried there.
At the resumption of hearings on Thursday, July 28, 2024, Bello who was still absent in court and 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.
Specifically, 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 Kogi State capital. The lawyer also said they will be waiting to hear a response from the chief judge.
“My lord, after the proceedings of the last adjourned date, I went back and gave a report of what happened in court to our team.
“However, I was made to understand that a letter had been written on behalf of the defendant to the honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court requesting in substance, that this matter be administratively transfered to the Federal High Court, Lokoja Judicial Division, which we believe have territorial jurisdiction to handle this matter.
“That letter was received at the Chief Judge’s Chambers and the office of the of honourable CJ wrote the prosecution team through Mr. Iseoluwa Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, on June 13, notifying him that administrative steps has been activated, whereof he was directed to provide a response to the request for transfer of the matter.
“My lord, as of this morning, I am not aware whether there has been a response by the prosecution team in compliance to the directive of the CJ.
“We are also not in receipt of any decision that has been made on this request by the CJ.
“I am also aware that this administrative directive of the CJ has been formally communicated to this court.
“We have filed an affidavit wherein we attached two documents referencing the details that I have just highlighted.
“My duty is first to the court. As of the moment, I am not urging anything from the court, but just to present the facts as they were,” Adedipe, SAN, added.
Counsel for the EFCC Kemi Pinhero (SAN), however, opposed the application saying, “the story of the defence lawyer as dilatory and a further attempt to treat this court with scorn.”
Pinhero also asked the court to charge Bello’s lawyer with contempt of court.
