A heated argument between two senior lawyers on Wednesday disrupted the court hearing of former Kogi State Gov. Yahaya Bello, who is facing allegations of fraud totaling N82 billion.
The two lawyers involved in the face-off are Mr. Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN), representing Bello, and Mr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), representing the Federal Government.
The conflict began when Mohammed announced his representation for Bello but failed to acknowledge his co-counsel, Mr. Adeola Adedipe (SAN).
Pinheiro objected to the exclusion, arguing that Adedipe should continue to be involved in the case until the court explicitly releases him from his responsibilities as co-counsel.
Adedipe interrupted the federal government lawyer’s argument, insisting that he was not prepared to be involved in the proceedings.
Mohammed then interjected, revealing that Adedipe had submitted a formal notice of withdrawal from the case.
Just as Justice Emeka Nwite was preparing to make a ruling on the disputed matter of representation, Bello’s lawyer, Mohammed, rose to his feet and requested permission to withdraw from the proceedings if the court insisted on issuing one.
In a fit of rage, Mohammed publicly lambasted Pinheiro, accusing him of being a rough lawyer who takes pleasure in deceiving the court.
Mohammed aborted his attempt to make further abusive remarks about the FG’s lawyer, but he refused to apologize, insisting that he would leave the court should the judge proceed with the ruling.
When tempers rose beyond control, Justice Emeka Nwite, out of anger, abruptly brought the proceedings to an end by walking straight into his chamber.
Details later…
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