The judge warned the EFCC to be diligent in its prosecution against Bello’s nephew and Daudu or its case would be closed.
By Jeffrey Agbo
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday refused to transfer the money laundering charge filed against Ali Bello, ex-Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello’s nephew and Suleiman Daudu to Kogi State.
Mr Daudu through his counsel, Jimoh Nureni, had argued that since the alleged offence was committed in Lokoja, the proper and appropriate place for the trial should have been the Federal High Court in Lokoja.
He also argued that having earlier filed a 10-count criminal charge and called three witnesses, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was abusing the court with the amended charge.
But Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, held that since the charges bordered on money laundering, the EFCC had powers to investigate and prosecute the matter.
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The judge also said that the Federal High Court in Nigeria was one and that the trial of any criminal matter could be prosecuted in any of its divisions.
The judge refused to quash the 17-count amended charge, and instead warned the EFCC to be diligent in its prosecution against Bello’s nephew and Daudu or its case would be closed.
He asked the anti-graft agency to get all its witnesses and exhibits ready on each adjourned date so as to avoid any delay.
He also directed the defendants to keep further objections against the charge and bring them up at the final address stage.
The judge fixed March 14, 15, 20 and 21 for the amended charge to be read to the defendants to take a fresh plea.