A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed an application filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the N110bn fraud case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The trial judge, Maryann Anenih, in a ruling delivered in Abuja, held that the court was competent to entertain the charges and subsequently refused Bello’s request to strike out the 16-count charge.
Bello is being prosecuted by the anti-graft agency over alleged financial misappropriation amounting to N110 billion during his tenure as governor.
The former governor had, through his legal team, questioned the jurisdiction of the court, urging it to dismiss the charges on grounds that it lacked the authority to try the matter.
However, Justice Anenih, in her decision, ruled otherwise, affirming that the court has the requisite jurisdiction to proceed with the trial.
The ruling clears the way for the continuation of Bello’s prosecution, marking a significant development in one of the high-profile corruption cases currently before the court.
Further proceedings in the matter are expected to continue on a date to be communicated by the court.
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