In a short ruling Justice Maryanne Anenih held that the court has the authority to entertain the matter, dismissing Bello’s argument that the case was wrongly brought before the FCT High Court and constituted a duplication of proceedings.
The decision allows the anti-graft agency to continue its prosecution of Bello alongside the two other defendants in the case, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN had argued that the alleged offences were outside the geographical jurisdiction of the FCT High Court.
The defence also maintained that the existence of a separate criminal matter involving Bello at the Federal High Court made the present suit an abuse of judicial process.
However, counsel to the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed the submissions, noting that the charges before the FCT High Court were properly filed under the Penal Code.
He further argued that some assets allegedly linked to the offences are situated within Abuja, giving the court the power to hear the case.
Pinheiro clarified that the charges before both courts are distinct, explaining that the FCT case centres on alleged conspiracy and criminal breach of trust, while the Federal High Court trial concerns allegations of money laundering.
In her ruling, Justice Anenih upheld the prosecution’s submission and also rejected a similar application filed by the third defendant. She subsequently ordered the prosecution to proceed with the presentation of its evidence, including the testimony of its 16th witness.
The former governor is currently battling separate corruption cases linked to his time in office.
In the Federal High Court, the EFCC has also charged him with alleged laundering of N80.2 billion, accusing him of diverting funds belonging to the Kogi State Government and local councils to purchase high-value properties in Abuja and Dubai.