The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought contempt charges against two defence lawyers involved in the N80.2 billion money laundering case against former Kogi State governor, Mr. Yahaya Bello and others. The charges relate to their failure to produce Bello for arraignment despite multiple undertakings.
During the recent court session on June 27, 2024, EFCC's lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the court to take disciplinary action against Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, and Adeola Adedipe, SAN, citing their breach of professional undertakings. Pinheiro emphasized the lawyers' obligation to fulfill their commitments, noting that their actions amounted to professional misconduct and contempt of court.
Mohammed and Adedipe had previously assured the court they would ensure Bello's presence, but failed to do so on multiple occasions. Adedipe later mentioned a letter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court seeking a transfer of the case to the Lokoja Judicial Division, arguing for territorial jurisdiction.
Pinheiro contested this, asserting that the issue at hand was the lawyers' failure to uphold their undertaking, regardless of subsequent letters or requests. He emphasized that the court should address the contempt charges to uphold the integrity of legal proceedings.
In response, Adedipe attempted to withdraw from representing Bello, but Pinheiro opposed, stating it was too late to withdraw after engaging in the proceedings. Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to July 17, 2024, to rule on the contempt charges and proceed with Bello's arraignment.
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