The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged two lawyers defending former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, with contempt of court. Bello faces charges of laundering N80.2 billion, alongside his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu. The allegations involve 19 counts of money laundering amounting to N80,246,470,089.88.

During the hearing on June 27, 2024, EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinhero, SAN, urged the court to discipline Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, and Adeola Adedipe, SAN, for failing to bring the former governor to court as they had promised. Pinhero cited professional misconduct, referencing the 2023 rules of professional conduct. He argued that their failure to comply with their commitments constitutes contempt of court and professional misconduct. Pinhero suggested removing Adedipe from the inner bar and dealing with him summarily in court.

Pinhero emphasized the seriousness of their responsibility, stating,

“A lawyer who fails to comply with any undertaking by him either personally or to his client, aside from being in contempt of court, is prima facie guilty of professional misconduct.”

He requested the court to hold the two lawyers in contempt to set an example for others.

Adedipe informed the court about a letter sent to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, requesting the case be moved to the Lokoja Judicial Division due to territorial jurisdiction. He claimed the letter had been received by the Chief Judge’s office.

However, Pinhero insisted that the primary issue was the defense’s failure to produce Bello in court, despite their previous promises. He pointed out that the letter to the Chief Judge predated their undertaking and did not absolve them of their commitment. “The letter does not discharge the undertaking made in this judicial proceeding, nor does the Chief Judge discharge the proceedings,” Pinhero argued, stressing that Justice Emeka Nwite still held authority over the case.

Adedipe sought to withdraw his legal services to the defendant, but Pinhero objected, arguing that such a withdrawal could not occur after engaging with the prosecution. Pinhero maintained that the lawyers must be held accountable for their promises and that any withdrawal should have been made earlier in the process. “We have reached a point where they cannot withdraw. The undertaking is on record, and I also undertook that because of their undertaking that day, we withdrew our undertaking of arrest to the suspect,” Pinhero stated.

After hearing all arguments, Justice Nwite adjourned the case to July 17, 2024, for a ruling on the contempt charges and the arraignment of the former governor.