Yahaya Bello: Court heard Nnamdi Kanu’s case without his lawyer – Ejimakor

Aloy Ejimakor, the lead Counsel of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has reacted to the Abuja Federal High Court’s decision to adjourn the case of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, due to absence of his lawyers.

Ejimakor recalled that a court had on June 29, 2021, heard Kanu’s case without informing his lawyers.

a mild drama erupted when the charges against Bello were about to be read to him and the judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, discovered that the defendant had no legal representation.

Bello told the court that he got to know about the arraignment late Thursday night and hence, could not reach any of his lawyers.

Although the EFCC, represented by Kemi Pinheiro, insisted that Bello be arraigned, Justice Nwite refused the request on the ground that such would amount to breach of Bello’s fundamental rights to fair hearing.

Justice Nwite said he was mindful of Bello’s claim that he got to know about the arraignment late yesterday night.

Reacting, Ejimakor posted on X: “The Judge noted that Bello’s lawyers were not notified & that it is a breach of fair hearing to proceed with the hearing in their absence.

“But on 29th June 2021, the Judge in #MNK’s case held a hearing without notifying his FORMER lawyer who was known to the Judge.”