EFCC Calls for Trial of Yahaya Bello’s Lawyers for Misconduct and Contempt
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to prosecute two lawyers representing former governor Yahaya Bello for alleged professional misconduct and contempt of court.
Senior Advocates of Nigeria Abdulwahab Mohammed and Adeola Adedipe are accused of failing to present their client in court despite an open court commitment to do so. The EFCC, through its lead counsel Kemi Pinheiro SAN, claims that the lawyers’ actions have obstructed the arraignment of Bello.
Pinheiro requested Justice Emeka Nwite to apply Rule 31 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for legal practitioners, arguing that sanctions are necessary to uphold the court’s integrity. He contended that Mohammed and Adedipe have exploited their legal expertise to hinder the trial of the former governor on criminal charges.
Highlighting his 38 years of legal practice and 19 years as a Senior Advocate, Pinheiro expressed that he has never witnessed such blatant disrespect for the court by its officers.
In defense, Adedipe responded by applying to withdraw from representing the former governor in the ongoing trial.
