By Lami Ibrahim
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has rejected a fresh application by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, seeking to halt his ongoing N110 billion fraud trial, clearing the way for the case to continue.
Justice Annenih, who presided over the matter, dismissed Bello’s application challenging the court’s jurisdiction and alleging abuse of court process in the charge marked FCT/CR/778/2024: FRN v. Yahaya Adoza Bello & 2 Ors.
Bello, through his lead counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), had urged the court to strike out the 16-count charge, arguing that the FCT High Court lacked territorial jurisdiction to entertain the matter. He also contended that the charge constituted an abuse of court process because a related case is pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed the application, describing it as misconceived and aimed at delaying the proceedings.
The EFCC argued that the offences contained in the charge were based on provisions of the Penal Code and were therefore properly triable before the FCT High Court.
The prosecution further maintained that properties allegedly acquired with proceeds of the offences are located in Abuja, thereby conferring jurisdiction on the court.
On the issue of abuse of court process, the anti-graft agency submitted that the charges before the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court involve different offences.
According to the EFCC, the FCT case concerns allegations of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy under the Penal Code, while the Federal High Court matter relates to alleged money laundering offences under the Money Laundering Act.
The prosecution also noted that Bello is the sole defendant in the Federal High Court case, whereas he is standing trial alongside two co-defendants in the FCT High Court matter.
In his ruling delivered on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Justice Annenih agreed with the submissions of the EFCC and held that the court possesses the requisite jurisdiction to hear the case and that the proceedings do not amount to an abuse of court process.
The court subsequently dismissed Bello’s application. A similar application filed by the third defendant was also dismissed for lacking merit.
Following the ruling, the court directed that the trial should continue, with the prosecution proceeding to call its 16th witness, who was present in court and ready to testify.
The ruling marks another significant development in the high-profile case, as the EFCC continues its prosecution of the former governor over allegations involving N110 billion.
