Daudu, through his counsel, Mr. Jimoh Nureni, SAN, argued that since the alleged offence was committed in Lokoja, the proper and appropriate place for the trial should have been the Federal High Court in Lokoja.
He also argued that, having earlier filed a 10-count criminal charge and called three witnesses, the anti-graft agency was abusing the court with the amended charge.
But Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, held that since the charges bordered on money laundering, the EFCC had powers to investigate and prosecute the matter.
The judge also said that the Federal High Court in Nigeria was one and that the trial of any criminal matter could be prosecuted in any of its divisions.
Justice Omotosho, who made the observation while ruling in a motion on notice filed by Suleiman Daudu challenging the amended charges, however, refused to quash the 17-count amended charge, involving alleged money laundering.
He also declined to transfer the trial of the two defendants to Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, in line with the argument of the second defendant.
The judge noted that the Federal High Court in Nigeria was one and that trials of any matter could be prosecuted in any of its divisions.
He, however, fixed March 14, 15, 20, and 21 for the amended charge to be read to the defendants to take a fresh plea. (NAN)