Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday dismissed an application by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, challenging its jurisdiction to hear the N110.4 billion alleged fraud case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Prime Business Africa reports.
The ruling removes a significant procedural hurdle in one of Nigeria’s most closely watched corruption trials and clears the way for the prosecution to continue presenting evidence in the case.
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Bello is being prosecuted alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and money laundering involving N110.4 billion.
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In his application, Bello sought an order striking out the charge marked FCT/CR/778/2024: Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Yahaya Adoza Bello & 2 Ors, arguing that the FCT High Court lacked territorial jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
He also contended that the proceedings amounted to an abuse of court process because a separate charge involving him is pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Opposing the application, prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) argued that the motion was misconceived and aimed at delaying the trial. He maintained that the offences contained in the charge were brought under the Penal Code and were therefore properly triable before the FCT High Court.
Pinheiro further submitted that the properties allegedly acquired with proceeds of the offences are located within Abuja, thereby vesting the court with the requisite territorial jurisdiction to hear the case.
On the allegation of abuse of court process, the senior advocate argued that the charge before the FCT High Court is distinct from the one pending before the Federal High Court. According to him, while the FCT case primarily concerns allegations of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy under the Penal Code, the Federal High Court matter relates to alleged violations of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
He also noted that the parties in both proceedings are not the same, as Bello is the sole defendant before the Federal High Court but is standing trial alongside two co-defendants before the FCT High Court.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Maryanne Anenih, the court upheld the prosecution’s arguments and held that it possessed the necessary jurisdiction to entertain the charge.
The judge further ruled that the proceedings did not constitute an abuse of court process and dismissed Bello’s application for lacking merit.
Justice Anenih also dismissed a similar application filed by the third defendant, describing it as equally unmeritorious.
Following the ruling, the prosecution proceeded with its case and called its 16th witness, Baba Isah Usman Baffa, who testified about the sale of a commercial property at Sherrif Plaza in Abuja.
Baffa told the court that Ali Bello approached his company to purchase a shop within the plaza and subsequently acquired Shop B13 for N66 million. He said an initial payment of N40 million was made into the company’s FCMB account, while the balance of N26 million was paid later.
According to the witness, the company issued an allocation letter and formally handed over the property after full payment was made.
During cross-examination by defence counsel P.B. Daudu (SAN), Baffa said he could identify Ali Bello if he saw him but denied having any personal relationship with him. He also confirmed that he had previously testified on the same transaction before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Asked whether he knew Yahaya Bello, the witness replied that he knew him only as “a public figure.”
The prosecution subsequently called its 17th witness, estate agent and commodity trader Shenu Bello, who testified that he facilitated several property transactions on behalf of Ali Bello.
The witness told the court that he sold a property at Plot 1773, Guzape District, Abuja, to Ali Bello for N48 million and another property at Plot 31, Guzape District, for N100 million.
He further testified that a property located at Plot A02/176, Block 488B, Lome Street, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, was purchased by Dr. Faruk Bello for N105 million, while another property at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Road, Maitama, Abuja, was acquired from Efab Estate for N550 million.
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According to the witness, the Maitama property was paid for in cash in United States dollars, while his commission was also settled in cash.
Shenu Bello also told the court that he introduced Ali Bello to Metro Dec Construction Limited, the company handling the development of a property at Plot 1981, Dalla Hills, Maitama, and made several payments on his behalf to the contractor.
The witness further testified that he sourced a property on Durban Street, Wuse II, Abuja, for Ali Bello, who intended to develop a shopping plaza on the site.
According to him, the property was purchased from FSC Food Limited for N650 million after negotiations.
Following the examination-in-chief, defence counsel Daudu sought an adjournment to continue cross-examination, arguing that proceedings had run for an extended period.
The prosecution opposed the request, maintaining that the witness’s testimony was brief and introduced no new issues, while noting that additional witnesses were available to testify.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Anenih adjourned the matter until June 17, 2026, for the continuation of trial.
The latest ruling is expected to strengthen the prosecution’s momentum in the case, as the court has now firmly rejected attempts to halt proceedings on jurisdictional grounds and allowed the trial to move deeper into the evidentiary stage.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
