EFCC probe: Root out lawyers defending Yahaya Bello, PDP chieftain tells DSS

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The 2023 People Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal House of Representatives, Usman Okai, has called on the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), and the Department of State Security Service to root out lawyers, who undermine the integrity of our judicial system defending embattled former Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, following the alleged N80.2bn money laundering.

On Friday, May 11, in Abuja, some lawyers led by one Emmanuel Kayode accused EFCC boss, Ola Olukayode of flagrantly disregarding valid court orders and breaching the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

Agada said, “As young lawyers, we envisage a judiciary where justice is not only done but manifestly seen to be done. It is in our patriotic quest to always pursue ventures that guarantee an independent judiciary that dispenses justice without fear nor favour that we formed this civil society of lawyers.”

Reacting to the development, Okai said the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) must launch a thorough investigation into the duplicitous practices of these self-styled lawyers, whose conduct tarnishes the reputation of the legal profession.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) also bears the responsibility of cleansing our legal system of individuals who treat it as nothing more than a marketplace.

He said in the realm of law, the term “lawyer” has been reduced to a mere facade, devoid of any substantial practice or ethical integrity.

“These so-called legal practitioners are nothing more than mercenaries for hire, prostituting their services to the highest bidder without a second thought to justice or morality.

“Instead of advocating for justice, individuals like Olukayode deserve commendation for daring to challenge the status quo.

“No decree can shield Yahaya Bello, who have shamelessly pillaged our state coffers, from facing the consequences of their actions.

“It is imperative that the international community, including nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and China, dismiss the baseless pleas of these lawyers and consign their letters to the oblivion they deserve.

“Nigerians are well aware of Yahaya Bello’s excesses and must not be swayed by his desperate attempts to evade justice”.

He noted that; “the rampant bribery and corruption, exemplified by the lavish expenditures of faceless civil society organisations, obscure lawyers, and self-proclaimed pundits, are emblematic of the decay within our society”.

“It is incumbent upon the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Security to root out these lawyers, who undermine the integrity of our judicial system with their deceitful practice,” he added.

Speaking further, the good governance advocate said the pervasive culture of legal malpractice and political corruption in Kogi demands immediate action from both domestic and international institutions.

“We must not allow the sanctity of justice to be defiled by mercenaries masquerading as lawyers, nor permit unscrupulous politicians to trample upon the rule of law for their personal gain.”

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