Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, adjourned proceedings on the alleged money laundering case against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to September 25. The case, instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), faced delays as the defense counsel filed an application for stay of proceedings pending an appeal. Despite the defense’s contention, Justice Nwite emphasized that proceedings would continue.
During the hearing, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, representing Bello, argued that the court should not proceed due to a pending appeal challenging an earlier arrest warrant and other rulings. He accused the prosecution of misleading the court and asserted that continuing the case would be judicially irresponsible. However, EFCC Counsel Kemi Pinhero, SAN, countered that there was no directive from the Court of Appeal to halt proceedings, emphasizing that the case’s nature did not warrant an automatic stay.
Justice Nwite questioned whether it would be appropriate to proceed given the jurisdictional issues raised. Nonetheless, Pinhero maintained that the matter should be addressed as planned, focusing on arguments presented in the previous session. Mohammed insisted that the June 27 proceedings should be nullified, claiming the court was misled and functus officio—lacking the authority to proceed further due to the pending appeal.
Ultimately, Justice Nwite ruled that while the stay of proceedings is discretionary, the defense appeared to be using the appeal to delay the trial. He acknowledged previous appellate decisions on similar issues and granted the application for the withdrawal of Defendant’s Counsel Adeola Adedipe, SAN, referring potential misconduct to the LPDC. The judge adjourned the case to September 25 for arraignment, marking the next step in the high-profile legal battle.
The laws of karma and heaven wld surely revenge on all creatures, never think you’re above the laws for the sake of corruption, never