AMINA ADAMU AUGIE, JCA (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The Appellants and the three Respondents/Accused Persons, who are limited liability companies, were arraigned before the Federal High Court, Kaduna on the 13th of December, 2007. They pleaded not guilty to 103-count charge of corrupt enrichment, money laundering, etc., leveled against them. They later pleaded not guilty to 129-count amended charges on the 11th of January, 2008. After the 1st and 2nd Appellants were admitted to bail on the 11th of February, 2008, the lower court adjourned the matter to the 18th of February, 2008, for hearing.
However, before the commencement of trial, the Appellants filed an application dated 18th February, 2008, praying for the following orders-
"(1) An order transferring this matter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for onward transfer and assignment to the Judicial Division where the 129 counts in this Charge were allegedly committed on the ground continuing with the trial in Kadun…