The saga surrounding former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello and his ongoing legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has just taken another turn. The cornerstone of this was a Federal Court in Abuja where the judge decided to hit the snooze button on the proceedings and adjourn the case until January 21, 2025. Yes, you read that right. It seems the only thing moving faster than this case is a sloth on a Sunday walk.
When the courtroom was full of anticipation on Wednesday, things got a little dramatic. Kemi Pinheiro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) representing the EFCC, was in the spotlight. He told the court that his team was ready to take the stand with two witnesses. Perhaps channeling his inner lawyer superhero, Pinheiro made a bold move: He pleaded not guilty on Bello’s behalf – even though Bello was conspicuously absent from the courtroom.
Talk about a power move! “My first request is to officially plead not guilty on behalf of the defendant, even in his absence,” Pinheiro said boldly. Apparently he believes that just because Bello was missing doesn’t mean his innocence needs to be negotiated. He argued that this was fully consistent with Section 276 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). If only everyone could get away with it while not present, you’d never have to attend a boring family dinner again!
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However, the other side of the courtroom didn’t take too kindly to Pinheiro’s antics. Michael Adoyi, Bello’s defender, sprang into action like a knight defending his castle. Adoyi claimed that continuing the prosecution without the presence of Bello violated the court’s earlier order. “The application is contrary to the existing order of this honorable court,” he said with the conviction of a seasoned lawyer who has seen too many courtroom dramas.
Adoyi further clarified his position, stressing that the court should remain a fair and impartial space for both sides. “Our first response to the learned Senior Counsel’s application to the complainant is…” and here comes the legal jargon, “the court cannot prove helplessness in any proceedings.” Correct, because we all know that helplessness is just as appealing in the courtroom as a root canal treatment.
The tension grew as Adoyi argued that different rules apply in a criminal case than in a civil case. Citing Supreme Court decisions to back himself up, he said, “The application by the learned senior counsel for the applicant is a dangerous invitation to this honorable court.” Sounds like the courtroom is not just a venue but a battlefield!
As sparks flew, Pinheiro refused to back down and urged the judge to sweep Adoyi’s claims under the carpet. He urged that the court reject the defense’s arguments about Bello’s absence and simply go ahead and rule that his client was – you guessed it – not guilty. One almost wonders if Ballyhoo (Bello’s nickname) has a fan club in the courtroom, after how much enthusiasm everyone seems to have for his alleged crimes!
Justice Nwite, perhaps sensing the weariness of the whole scenario, remarked: “It may be that this judgment cannot be delivered this year.” Evoking the inner collective sigh of all involved. After all, waiting has become the sport of choice in this courtroom.
As observers exchanged glances, Pinheiro suggested January 21, 2025 as the date. Everyone, mark your calendars! It appears we have a legal history appointment that will take place… well, in two years.
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But let’s go back to the previous session – on September 25 – when it was revealed that the issue of charges against Bello was part of an appeal to the Supreme Court. Adoyi reminded everyone in attendance that the most sensible course of action is to wait for the big guns (i.e. the Supreme Court) to make their stand before moving forward. In this legal chess game, patience seems to be both a virtue and a necessary evil.
To paint a vivid picture, imagine a courtroom buzzing with anticipation, similar to a movie premiere, except instead of glittering gowns and celebrities, there are serious faces, stacks of papers, and lots of legalese. Will Yahaya Bello finally make an appearance? Will the courtroom be graced with his presence next time? For now, the public watches with popcorn in hand.
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In conclusion, as we approach 2025, one thing is certain: the Yahaya Bello-EFCC saga is far from over. Whether you’re a fan of high-risk dramas or just curious about how it all plays out, keep an eye on this one. Ultimately, it turns into a legal tale worthy of its own courtroom reality show – who needs The Real Housewives when you’ve got that?