The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to charge two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Ifedayo Adedipe and Abdulwahab Muhammed, with contempt. The request stems from their failure to present former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello for arraignment as promised. Justice Emeka Nwite, who had previously adjourned the case on the assurance that Bello would appear, has now rescheduled the ruling on the EFCC's application for July 17.
Former Governor Bello, facing an N80.2 billion money laundering charge, has petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to transfer his trial to Lokoja, Kogi State's capital. Bello argues that since the alleged laundered funds belong to Kogi State, the trial should take place there. This request was made through a letter from his counsel, Abdulwahab Muhammed, citing jurisdictional reasons.
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The Chief Judge responded by instructing the EFCC to reply to Bello's request within six days. Meanwhile, in court, Adedipe referred to this correspondence, suggesting that the matter of Bello's appearance should be postponed until the request is addressed. Prosecuting counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) opposed this, emphasizing that the defence had already assured the court of Bello's attendance.
Adedipe denied any formal commitment to produce Bello and hinted at withdrawing from the case, while Pinheiro urged the court to consider the failure to present Bello as contempt and professional misconduct. Justice Emeka Nwite confirmed the adjournment for ruling on the contempt application and Bello's arraignment to July 17.
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