EFCC Seeks Contempt Charges Against Senior Lawyers for Failing to Produce Ex-Governor Bello

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to cite two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Ifedayo Adedipe and Abdulwahab Muhammed, for contempt due to their failure to present former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello for arraignment.

The court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, had previously adjourned the case based on the SANs’ assurance to produce Bello. However, Bello was absent again at the rescheduled hearing.

The judge has now adjourned the case to July 17 to rule on the EFCC’s application to cite the defense counsel for contempt.

In the midst of these proceedings, Bello has requested that his trial for the N80.2 billion laundering charge be moved to Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. This request was made in a letter written by Muhammed, citing that the alleged laundered funds belonged to Kogi State, making Lokoja the appropriate venue for the trial.

The letter reads: “We hereby apply for the transfer of the case from the Abuja judicial division of the Federal High Court, where it is pending presently, to the Lokoja division of the Federal High Court pursuant to the provisions of Section 45 of the Federal High Court (Establishment) Act.”

The Chief Judge has directed the EFCC to respond to Bello’s request within six days. This directive was communicated in a June 14 letter from the Chief Judge’s office to EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).

During the court session, Adedipe referenced the letters and suggested that the court await the outcome of Bello’s transfer request before proceeding. However, prosecuting counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) opposed this, arguing that the defense had defaulted on their promise and that this should be treated as professional misconduct and contempt of court.

Adedipe denied giving any undertaking to produce Bello, but the judge cited court records indicating otherwise. Justice Emeka Nwite has postponed the ruling on the contempt application and Bello’s arraignment to July 17.

If found guilty of contempt, an individual can face up to six months in prison or a fine.