The planned arraignment of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, on alleged ₦82 billion fraud charges failed to go as planned on Wednesday.
Two Senior Advocates were seen engaged in a war of words during the proceedings.
The planned arraignment of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, on alleged N82 billion fraud charges took a heated turn on Wednesday. Two senior advocates, Abdulwahab Mohammed (representing Bello) and Kemi Pinheiro (representing the federal government), clashed during the proceedings.
Trouble began when Mohammed announced his appearance for Bello, excluding his colleague, Adeola Adedipe.
Pinheiro opposed this, arguing Adedipe should be included until discharged by the court. Adedipe interrupted, insisting he was not prepared to be part of the proceedings. Mohammed then announced Adedipe had filed a notice of withdrawal.
As Justice Emeka Nwite was about to rule on the matter, Mohammed requested to stay outside the proceedings if the court proceeded.
Mohammed then called Pinheiro a rough lawyer and refused to apologize, threatening to leave the court if the judge went ahead with the ruling.
Tempers flared, prompting Justice Nwite to abruptly end the proceedings and leave the courtroom. Reports indicated that tension remained high.
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