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

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

Mr 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.

Mr Bello’s counsel, 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.

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

Mr 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 the name of Ali Bello, the Chief of Staff of the Kogi State government.

Also, Shehu Bello, an estate agent and commodity trader, was taken in evidence by Mr 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)