On Wednesday, the legal proceedings of the N82 billion fraud case involving former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello came to an abrupt halt. The cause? A heated argument erupted between two senior advocates, Abdulwahab Mohammed and Kemi Pinheiro, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).
Tensions flared when Mohammed, representing Bello, announced his appearance in court without mentioning his colleague, Adeola Adedipe, also a SAN. This exclusion sparked immediate opposition from the federal government, which insisted that Adedipe should participate in the case until formally excused by the court.
Amidst the growing dispute, Adedipe himself intervened, asserting that he was not prepared to be part of the proceedings at that moment. Mohammed countered by revealing that Adedipe had already filed a notice of withdrawal from the case, further complicating the situation.
As Justice Emeka Nwite prepared to deliver his ruling on the matter, Bello’s legal team requested permission to remain outside the courtroom if proceedings were to continue without Adedipe’s involvement. The request only escalated tensions in the courtroom.
Frustrated by the escalating conflict and unable to restore order, Justice Nwite abruptly adjourned the proceedings by retreating to his chambers in evident displeasure. Thus, what began as a routine legal session swiftly devolved into a scene of discord and unresolved legal maneuvering.
