The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to sanction the defence counsel representing former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, following his failure to appear in court for a hearing on Wednesday. Bello, facing 19-count charges related to money laundering amounting to ₦82 billion, was absent despite publicized photos of his recent visit to the EFCC headquarters.
During the hearing, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) urged the court to hold defence lawyers responsible for professional misconduct and to refer them to the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee. He accused them of filing appeals to delay proceedings and not following proper legal processes.
Pinheiro also criticized Bello for appearing at the EFCC car park with Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, suggesting a display of immunity and disregard for the court’s orders. The defence, however, argued that the prosecution’s application was premature, as their motion had not yet been heard.
