The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has dismissed an application by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello to strike out the N110 billion fraud charge filed against him.
Presiding judge Justice Annenih ruled on June 16, 2026, that the court has jurisdiction to hear the case and that the proceedings do not amount to an abuse of court process. The ruling clears the way for the trial to continue.
Bello, represented by lead counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN, had asked the court to quash the 16-count charge in Charge No. FCT/CR/778/2024: FRN v. Yahaya Adoza Bello & 2 Ors.
His legal team argued that the FCT High Court lacked territorial jurisdiction and claimed the case was an abuse of process because a related matter, Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024 is already pending before the Federal High Court.
Opposing the application, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, described it as misconceived and a delay tactic.
He told the court that the charges are based on the Penal Code and are triable by the FCT High Court. Pinheiro added that properties allegedly acquired with proceeds of the offences are located in Abuja, giving the court territorial jurisdiction.
On the abuse of process claim, the EFCC argued that the two cases involve different offences and parties. The FCT High Court case deals with alleged criminal breach of trust and conspiracy under the Penal Code, while the Federal High Court case relates to money laundering under the Money Laundering Act.
Bello is the sole defendant in the Federal High Court matter, but is standing trial with two co-defendants in the FCT High Court.
Justice Annenih upheld the EFCC’s arguments and dismissed Bello’s application for lacking merit. A similar application by the third defendant was also struck out.
The court directed the prosecution to continue with the trial. The EFCC is set to call its 16th witness, PW16, who was present in court and ready to testify.
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