The fraud case against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello took a dramatic turn on Wednesday during proceedings led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The session became heated as two senior advocates, Abdulwahab Mohammed representing Bello and Kemi Pinheiro representing the federal government, engaged in a verbal clash.
The confrontation began when Mohammed announced his representation for Bello but did not mention his colleague, Adeola Adedipe. Pinheiro objected, arguing that Adedipe should remain involved until formally discharged by the court. Adedipe then interrupted, stating he did not wish to participate in the proceedings.
Mohammed clarified that Adedipe had filed a notice of withdrawal, but when Justice Emeka Nwite prepared to rule on the matter, Mohammed requested to leave the proceedings if the ruling went ahead. Mohammed then accused Pinheiro of misleading the court, refusing to apologize and threatening to leave if the judge proceeded.
As tempers flared, Justice Nwite abruptly ended the session by retreating to his chambers. The courtroom atmosphere remained tense as the confrontation left proceedings unresolved.
