On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) requested Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, to proceed with the trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in absentia, arguing that his absence should not hinder the trial....CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.>>
EFCC lead counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, also asked the court to enter a “not guilty” plea on Bello’s behalf. He faces 19 charges related to money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion and has failed to appear for arraignment six times.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Pinheiro characterized Bello’s refusal to appear as malicious and insisted that the court should not appear powerless, stating, “A court can never demonstrate helplessness.
That would indicate anarchy and undermine the rule of law.” He emphasized that a defendant’s absence should not obstruct justice, which involves the defendant, the prosecution, and society.
He argued that under Section 276 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), a defendant’s physical presence is not mandatory for arraignment and that a defendant can waive their right to plead. He urged the court to enter a not guilty plea for Bello, asserting that the trial could proceed without him, as it would not prejudice his rights.
In contrast, defense counsel Michael Adoyi opposed the motion, referencing a prior court order that required the defendant’s presence for any proceedings. He argued that the current application violated this directive.
Pinheiro countered Adoyi’s claims, urging the court to reject the defense’s stance and proceed with entering the plea, assuring that it would not compromise the defendant’s rights or the trial’s fairness.
Justice Nwite indicated that a ruling might not be possible this year due to court schedules. Pinheiro suggested adjourning the matter for a ruling and arraignment, which the judge approved, rescheduling the case for January 21, 2025.READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
