‘We don’t know where he is’ — lawyer begs court for more time to produce Yahaya Bello

‘We don’t know where he is’ — lawyer begs court for more time to produce Yahaya Bello

Abdulwahab Mohammed, lead counsel to Yahaya Bello, former
Kogi governor, has asked a federal high court in Abuja to give him four weeks
to search for his client.

 

Mohammed added that the ex-governor’s whereabouts remain
unknown.

 

Addressing the court shortly after a ruling which insisted
on the arrest of his client, Mohammed said Bello has deep concerns about his
safety.

 

“My lord, this has to do with his right to life. If someone
has a genuine concern about his life, it ought to be considered,” the counsel
submitted.

 

“At this stage, we don’t know where the defendant is.
Therefore, subject to the convenience of this court, we will be asking for a
reasonable time.

 

“My client does not have any problem answering to this
charge. We ask for a reasonable time to enable us to access him.

 

“My lord, we will ask for four weeks.”

 

Mohammed also prayed the court to stay further proceedings
in the criminal charge.

 

However, Emeka Nwite, presiding judge, refused to stay the
proceedings.

 

“I am shocked to my bone marrow that despite the ruling, the
senior lawyer made this application,” Nwite said.

 

“Notwithstanding this flagrant abuse of court process, in
view of section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015,
this court shall not stay proceedings in this charge.”

 

Addressing the senior lawyer, the judge said: “You, as a
counsel ought to advise him correctly. Is he the only former governor that has
been invited or charged by the EFCC?”

 

“How many people have been killed by the EFCC? This is a
matter that has attracted the attention of the whole world,” the judge stated.

 

“If he reports himself and anything untoward happens to him,
the EFCC will be held accountable.

 

“The law is very clear that an accused is presumed innocent.
This is merely a charge, an allegation that has not been proved.

 

 “It is for you to
advise him properly. Bring him here and prepare yourself. This is only an
allegation that has not been proved.”

 

In his submission, Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel to the EFCC, said
his client, as a law abiding organisation, would not take any illegal action
against the defendant.

 

He noted that the agency earlier undertook not to execute
the arrest warrant should the defendant voluntarily submit himself for trial.

 

Turning to the defence lawyer, Oyedepo said: “The EFCC will
not kill your client. We have never killed anyone before.”

 

 “But my lord, Adoke
collapsed in their custody,” Bello’s lawyer retorted light-heartedly.

 

Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter till June 13 for
arraignment.

 

The EFCC is seeking to arraign Bello on 19 counts bordering
on alleged money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of funds to
the tune of N80.2 billion.

Source: ‘We don’t know where he is’ — lawyer begs court for more time to produce Yahaya Bello

 - NigerianEye
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