…Dismisses Yahaya Bello’s Application Challenging FCT High Court Jurisdiction
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has dismissed an application by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello challenging its jurisdiction to hear a ₦110.4 billion alleged fraud case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, by Justice Maryanne Anenih, allows the trial to proceed against Bello and two co-defendants — Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu — over a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering allegations.
Bello had asked the court to strike 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 over the matter.
He also claimed that the proceedings amounted to an abuse of court process because a related charge was already pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that the application was without merit and intended to delay the proceedings.
The prosecution maintained that the alleged offences were properly before the FCT High Court because they fell under the Penal Code and involved properties located within Abuja.
Pinheiro further argued that the two cases before the FCT High Court and Federal High Court were legally distinct, noting that the FCT matter centres on alleged criminal breach of trust and conspiracy, while the Federal High Court case relates primarily to alleged violations of money laundering laws.
Justice Anenih agreed with the prosecution’s position, ruling that the court had the required jurisdiction to hear the case and that the proceedings did not constitute an abuse of judicial process.
The judge also dismissed a similar application filed by the third defendant.
Trial Continues as EFCC Presents Property Evidence
Following the ruling, the prosecution continued with its case and called its 16th witness, Baba Isah Usman Baffa, who testified about property transactions involving Ali Bello, a co-defendant.
Baffa, a representative of Sherrif Plaza, Abuja, told the court that Ali Bello purchased Shop B13 at the commercial complex for ₦66 million.
He said the payment was made in two instalments — an initial ₦40 million payment into the company’s FCMB account and a subsequent ₦26 million balance — after which allocation documents were issued.
The witness said he was not personally acquainted with Yahaya Bello, describing him only as a public figure.
The prosecution later called its 17th witness, estate agent and commodity trader Shenu Bello, who testified on several property transactions allegedly linked to Ali Bello and others.
The witness told the court that he facilitated the purchase of properties in Abuja, including assets in Guzape, Wuse II and Maitama districts.
Among the transactions mentioned was a property at No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Road, Maitama, allegedly acquired for ₦550 million, which the witness said was paid for in United States dollars in cash.
He also testified about a Wuse II property purchased for ₦650 million, which he said Ali Bello intended to develop into a shopping plaza.
Defence counsel, P.B. Daudu, SAN, requested an adjournment, citing the length of proceedings, but the prosecution opposed the request, saying the witness testimony was brief and consistent.
Justice Anenih adjourned the matter until June 17, 2026, for continuation of trial.
The case remains one of Nigeria’s most closely watched corruption trials, with proceedings expected to continue as the EFCC presents additional witnesses and evidence.