Court Rejects Yahaya Bello’s Bid to Halt ₦110bn Fraud Trial, Orders Proceedings to Continue

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has dismissed an application filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking to terminate the ₦110 billion fraud case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a ruling delivered by Justice Maryanne Anenih, the court held that it has the legal authority to hear the matter and rejected arguments that the case should be struck out on jurisdictional grounds.

The decision clears the way for the anti-graft agency to continue presenting evidence and witnesses in the high-profile prosecution.

Bello Challenged Court’s Jurisdiction

Bello, who is facing trial alongside two other defendants, had approached the court through his lead counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), urging the judge to dismiss the 16-count charge filed against him.

The defence argued that the FCT High Court lacked the territorial jurisdiction required to entertain the case.

According to Bello’s legal team, a separate criminal proceeding involving similar allegations was already pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja, making the current trial improper.

The defence further contended that maintaining both cases simultaneously amounted to an abuse of court process.

The application specifically referenced a separate matter, Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024, currently before the Federal High Court, insisting that the existence of that case should prevent the FCT High Court from proceeding with the trial.

EFCC Opposes Application

The EFCC strongly opposed the request, describing it as legally flawed and an attempt to delay the judicial process.

Lead counsel to the commission, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), argued that the offences contained in the charge before the FCT High Court were based on provisions of the Penal Code and were therefore properly within the jurisdiction of the court.

He further submitted that several assets allegedly linked to the offences under investigation were located within the Federal Capital Territory, providing sufficient territorial grounds for the court to hear the case.

Pinheiro also dismissed claims that the proceedings constituted an abuse of court process.

According to him, the charges before the Federal High Court and those before the FCT High Court relate to different offences under separate laws.

Two Cases, Different Allegations

The senior advocate explained that while the Federal High Court matter concerns allegations of money laundering under the Money Laundering Act, the case before the FCT High Court revolves around allegations of conspiracy and criminal breach of trust under the Penal Code.

He also pointed out significant differences in the parties involved in both cases.

According to the prosecution, Bello is the sole defendant in the Federal High Court proceedings, whereas the FCT High Court case involves two additional co-defendants standing trial alongside the former governor.

The EFCC maintained that these distinctions clearly demonstrated that the two cases were separate and could proceed independently.

Court Sides With EFCC

In her ruling delivered on June 16, 2026, Justice Anenih agreed with the arguments advanced by the prosecution.

The judge held that the FCT High Court possesses the necessary jurisdiction to entertain the charges and ruled that the case was properly instituted before the court.

She further rejected the claim that the proceedings amounted to an abuse of court process.

As a result, Bello’s application was dismissed in its entirety.

The court also struck out a similar application filed by the third defendant in the matter, ruling that it lacked merit.

Trial to Continue

Following the dismissal of the applications, Justice Anenih ordered that the substantive trial should proceed without further delay.

The court subsequently directed the prosecution to continue presenting its case.

The EFCC was therefore called upon to produce its 16th prosecution witness, who was already present in court and prepared to testify.

Major Boost for Prosecution

The ruling represents a significant victory for the EFCC in its efforts to prosecute the former governor over allegations involving the alleged misappropriation and handling of public funds.

With the jurisdictional challenge now resolved at the trial court level, attention is expected to shift to the testimonies of witnesses and the presentation of documentary evidence by the prosecution.

The case remains one of the most closely watched corruption trials in the country, with both legal and political observers monitoring developments as proceedings continue before the FCT High Court in Abuja.