By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has dismissed an application filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, seeking to strike out the 16-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Justice Annenih held that the court has the requisite territorial jurisdiction to entertain the matter and that the proceedings do not constitute an abuse of court process.
Follow DDNewsOnline on Facebook For More Breaking News
Bello, through his lead counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, had argued that the FCT High Court lacked jurisdiction and that the charge amounted to an abuse of process due to the pendency of a related case (Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024) before the Federal High Court.
Opposing the application, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that the charges before the two courts relate to different offences. He noted that the FCT High Court case borders on criminal breach of trust and conspiracy under the Penal Code, while the Federal High Court matter involves alleged money laundering under the Money Laundering Act.
Follow And Like Us On Tiktok
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
Pinheiro further submitted that the parties in the two cases are not the same, as Bello is the sole defendant in the Federal High Court case but is being tried alongside two co-defendants in the FCT High Court.
Justice Annenih agreed with the EFCC’s submissions and dismissed Bello’s application, describing it as lacking merit. A similar application filed by the third defendant was also dismissed.
Following the ruling, the court directed that the trial should continue, with the prosecution set to call its 16th witness (PW16), who was present in court and ready to testify.
For Breaking News And More Follow Us On Instagram
The case has been adjourned to a later date for continuation of trial.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
Send tips to: adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
09164987165 / 08168555497
©️ 2026 DD NewsOnline
Kadıköy Acil Su Kaçağı Tespiti Online randevu sistemi çok pratik. Hem de fiyat teklifi hemen geldi. https://www.klinetikpodiatry.com/