Bello, along with his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, faces 19 counts of money laundering involving N80,246,470,089.88.
At the hearing on June 27, 2024, EFCC lead counsel Kemi Pinhero, SAN, requested disciplinary action against defense lawyers Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, and Adeola Adedipe, SAN, for failing to produce Bello for arraignment despite prior undertakings. Pinhero cited professional misconduct under Rule 32 sub 33 of the 2023 Rules of Professional Conduct.
Pinhero emphasized that the defense lawyers had not honored their commitment, which undermines their professional responsibilities. He urged the court to hold them accountable to deter similar behavior among other lawyers.
Adedipe informed the court about a letter sent to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, requesting the case be transferred to the Lokoja Judicial Division due to territorial jurisdiction issues. However, Pinhero argued that the defense’s primary responsibility was to explain Bello’s absence in court, and noted that the letter predated their last undertaking.
Pinhero asserted that the Chief Judge’s letter did not absolve the lawyers from their commitment. He called for immediate disciplinary measures against Mohammed and Adedipe.
Adedipe then applied to withdraw his legal services to Bello, but Pinhero contended that he could not do so after engaging with the prosecution. Pinhero stated that the lawyers must face the consequences of their commitments, highlighting the issue as one of contempt.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter to July 17, 2024, for ruling on the contempt charges and the arraignment of the former governor.
