The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice S.C. Oriji, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 declined to rule immediately on a preliminary objection by former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku and former Permanent Secretary Bello Yero.
The two are challenging the court’s jurisdiction over a N27 billion fraud case filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The defendants, facing 15 counts of criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and diversion of public funds, argued that the FCT High Court lacks jurisdiction since the alleged offenses did not occur in Abuja.
However, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, countered that the court has full jurisdiction under federal law and requested dismissal of the objection, citing a counter-affidavit as support.
Justice Oriji, referencing Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, ruled that the objection would be considered only alongside the final judgment, effectively postponing any jurisdictional ruling until the trial concludes. The case was adjourned until January 21, 28, and 29, 2025, for further hearings.
