CurrentReport Blog Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned proceedings in the alleged money laundering case against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to September 25. This decision was made despite an appeal filed by Bello’s legal team.
On Wednesday, the defense, led by Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, requested a stay of proceedings pending the outcome of an appeal regarding an arrest warrant previously issued by the court. Mohammed argued that continuing the case would amount to judicial rascality, given the pending appeal on jurisdiction.
However, the prosecution, represented by Kemi Pinhero, SAN, contended that the defense had not presented any directive from the Court of Appeal to stay the proceedings. Pinhero argued that the court should proceed based on prior rulings and cited legal precedents to support his stance.
Justice Nwite acknowledged receiving the application and affidavit concerning the appeal but initially questioned whether it would be appropriate to proceed. He ultimately decided that the defendant’s appeal appeared to be a tactic to delay the trial.
The judge granted the withdrawal request of Defendant’s Counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, and referred the matter of alleged misconduct to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for investigation. Justice Nwite emphasized that the power to grant a stay of proceedings lies within the court’s discretion, which he exercised judiciously in deciding to adjourn the case.
The court session concluded with the adjournment of the case to September 25, where further proceedings, including arraignment, are expected to continue.
