The scheduled arraignment of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, regarding alleged N82 billion fraud charges, assumed a perilous aspect on Wednesday as two senior advocates engaged in a verbal conflict during the legal proceedings.
Abdulwahab Mohammed, representing Bello, SAN, and Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, representing the federal government, are the two attorneys involved.
The conflict arose when Mohammed declared his representation of yahaya Bello, omitting his colleague, Adeola Adedipe, SAN.
Nonetheless, the federal government’s legal counsel objected to the exclusion, asserting that Adedipe should be part of the proceedings until discharged by the court.
Adedipe intervened in the federal government lawyer’s argument, stating that he was not ready to participate in the proceedings.
At this point, Mohammed interjected and disclosed that Adedipe had submitted a notice of withdrawal from the proceedings.
Just as Justice Emeka Nwite was about to issue a decision on the disputed appearance issue, Bello’s attorney rose and requested to observe the proceedings from outside if the ruling proceeded.
Mohammed, visibly upset, publicly referred to Pinheiro, SAN, as a contentious lawyer who enjoys leading the court astray.
Although his attempt to make further disparaging comments about the federal government lawyer was thwarted, Mohammed declined to apologize, maintaining that he would exit the courtroom if the judge proceeded with the ruling.
As tensions escalated, Justice Emeka Nwite abruptly adjourned the proceedings by retreating into his chamber in frustration.
At the time of this account, the atmosphere in the courtroom remained tense.
