The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday dismissed an application by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the N110.4 billion case against him.

The case was instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Maryanne Anenih held that the court possessed the requisite territorial jurisdiction to entertain the 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving Bello, alongside co-defendants Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. 

The judge also ruled that the proceedings did not constitute an abuse of court process despite the existence of a separate charge against Bello before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Bello had sought an order striking out Charge No. FCT/CR/778/2024, arguing that the alleged offences fell outside the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court and that the case amounted to an abuse of process due to the pendency of Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024 before the Federal High Court. 

However, prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, contended that the offences were triable under the Penal Code and that properties allegedly acquired with proceeds of the offences were located within Abuja, thereby conferring jurisdiction on the court.

In her ruling, Justice Anenih upheld the prosecution’s arguments and dismissed the applications filed by Bello and the third defendant for lacking merit. 

She subsequently directed that trial should continue.

Proceedings resumed with the testimony of the prosecution’s 16th witness, Baba Isah Usman Baffa, who testified on the purchase of Shop B13 at Sherrif Plaza, Abuja, allegedly by Ali Bello for N66 million. 

According to the witness, the transaction was completed in two instalments, after which an allocation letter was issued to the purchaser.

The prosecution also called its 17th witness, estate agent and commodity trader Shenu Bello, who testified on several property transactions allegedly linked to Ali Bello and Dr. Faruk Bello. 

The witness told the court that properties in Guzape, Wuse Zone 7, Maitama and Wuse II districts of Abuja were acquired for sums ranging from N48 million to N650 million, with one transaction allegedly settled in United States dollars paid in cash.

He further disclosed that he facilitated payments to contractors handling developments at Dalla Hills, Maitama, on behalf of Ali Bello, including several naira payments and $6,000 in cash.

Following arguments by counsel over an adjournment request by the defence, Justice Anenih adjourned the matter until June 17, 2026, for continuation of trial.