Tension Escalates in Court as Lawyers Clash in Yahaya Bello’s Fraud Case

The trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, facing fraud charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), witnessed heated exchanges between senior advocates during Wednesday’s proceedings.

Abdulwahab Mohammed, representing Bello (SAN), and Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), representing the federal government, engaged in a verbal battle that disrupted the courtroom. The conflict arose when Mohammed announced his appearance but omitted his colleague, Adeola Adedipe (SAN).

Pinheiro objected, arguing that Adedipe should be included until formally discharged by the court. Adedipe himself intervened, declaring his lack of readiness to participate.

Mohammed then disclosed that Adedipe had filed a notice of withdrawal from the case, prompting further contention. As Justice Emeka Nwite prepared to rule on the matter, Mohammed requested to step out if the court proceeded with its decision.

In a tense moment, Mohammed openly criticized Pinheiro, accusing him of misleading the court and refusing to retract his statement despite objections. The escalating confrontation led Justice Nwite to abruptly adjourn proceedings, retreating to his chamber due to rising tensions in the courtroom.

As of the latest update, tensions remained palpable among the legal teams involved in the case.