Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi state, has requested that his trial be moved from Abuja to his home state of Kogi. Bello, who is facing 19 charges, believes that since the alleged crimes occurred while he was governor of the state, it is appropriate for the legal proceedings to be conducted there.
Bello’s request comes amid ongoing legal battles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has accused him of converting a total of 80,246,470,089.88 naira belonging to the Kogi State government for personal use in February 2016. The EFCC has been relentless in its pursuit of the former governor, even withdrawing an appeal against a contempt of court charge brought by Bello against the chairman of the commission.
The decision to request the trial to be moved to Kogi State has drawn attention, with many questioning the motives behind the move. Some have speculated that Bello may be seeking a more conducive environment for his defence, while others believe he may be trying to rally support from his home state.
As the legal case unfolds, Kogi state residents remain divided over the former governor’s fate. Supporters say he should receive a fair trial in his home state, while critics say justice must be served wherever he is.
