A recent court hearing involving former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, was postponed because he appeared in court without legal representation. The situation unfolded when the judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, was about to read the charges against Bello but noticed that no lawyer was present to represent him.

Bello explained that he only learned about the court session late on Thursday night, which made it impossible for him to get in touch with any of his lawyers in time. Despite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Kemi Pinheiro, pushing for the trial to continue, Justice Nwite decided to postpone the case. The judge stated that proceeding without Bello’s lawyers would violate his right to a fair trial.

Aloy Ejimakor, the lead lawyer for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), weighed in on the situation. He recalled a similar incident from June 29, 2021, when Kanu’s case was heard without informing his lawyers, highlighting concerns about fairness in legal proceedings.

For now, Yahaya Bello’s case will be delayed until his lawyers are able to attend. This situation raises important questions about the right to legal representation and fair hearings in court.