A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed an application filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking to quash the ₦110 billion fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court ruled that the application lacked merit and could not be used to stop the ongoing criminal trial, insisting that the case must proceed to full hearing.
Bello had approached the court asking for the charges to be struck out, arguing that the allegations against him were not properly established and should not proceed to trial.
However, the EFCC opposed the request, maintaining that it had sufficient evidence to prosecute the former governor over the alleged financial misconduct involving state funds.
Delivering the ruling, the judge held that issues raised by the defendant were matters that could only be properly determined during full trial and not at the preliminary stage.
The court therefore ordered that the case should continue, paving the way for the EFCC to present its witnesses and evidence in support of the charges.
The ruling is the latest development in the long-running legal battle involving the former governor, who is facing multiple counts of alleged money laundering and fraud.
The EFCC has accused Bello of being involved in the mismanagement and diversion of funds during his time in office, allegations he has consistently denied.
With the court’s decision, the trial is expected to continue as both parties prepare for further hearings in the high-profile case.
The matter has drawn significant public attention due to the size of the alleged funds and the political profile of the defendant.