By EDITH NWAPI

An Abuja High Court on Tuesday dismissed an application filed by former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello challenging its jurisdiction over the alleged fraud case filed against him and two others.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Bello, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu with breach of trust.

Bello and his co-defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Justice Maryann Anenih in a ruling, rejected the request to strike out the charges and adjourned proceedings until Wednesday.

Bello’s counsel, Mr Paul Daudu, SAN, had sought to strike out the charge, arguing that the FCT High Court lacked territorial jurisdiction and that the trial should be moved to Kogi.

Justice Anenih held that the court possesses the requisite jurisdiction because the alleged offence and properties involved are partly situated in Abuja, dismissing Bello’s application.

Daudu prayed for an adjournment. After the 16th and 17th witnesses finished with their evidence.

Taken in evidence by prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan SAN, the 16th witness Baba-Isah Baffa, told the court that some properties were in Ali Bello, the Chief of Staff of the Kogi Government’ s name.

Also, Mr Shehu Bello, an Estate Agent and Commodity Trader was taken in evidence by Enitan (prosecution counsel)

He told the court that he was invited by the EFCC in 2023 in connection with Ali Bello and some properties. (NAN)