Governor of Maranhão Requests Removal of STF Minister from Case Relating to Him
The defense of Maranhão Governor Carlos Brandão has requested the removal of Supreme Court Minister Flávio Dino from overseeing investigations into alleged criminal organization activities. The two were once political allies but became rivals after Dino left the state executive in 2022. The defense claims Dino has political ties in Maranhão and that the investigation is being used for electoral gain.
The legal team of Maranhão Governor Carlos Brandão has formally requested the removal of Supreme Court Minister Flávio Dino from presiding over investigations into alleged criminal organization activities involving Brandão. The two were once close political allies, but their relationship soured after Dino left his position as governor of Maranhão in 2022 to join the judiciary.
## Allegations of Political Bias
In their petition, Brandão’s defense argues that despite Dino’s transition to the judiciary, he maintains political ties in Maranhão that could influence the investigation. They allege that the inquiry is being manipulated to benefit Dino’s political group, particularly in light of the upcoming 2026 general elections.
The petition states: *Currently, there is an intense political dispute for influence ahead of the 2026 elections between the group led by Governor Carlos Brandão and the remaining political group from the legacy of the former governor and current presiding minister.*
The defense further accuses Dino of overstepping judicial boundaries by initiating investigative actions without proper legal justification, suggesting a politically motivated agenda.
## Investigations and Political Connections
According to reports, Dino is overseeing multiple investigations into Brandão, including allegations of murder and misappropriation of parliamentary amendments. The cases were transferred to the Supreme Court due to potential involvement of Senator Weverton Rocha (PDT-MA), who holds privileged legal status.
Investigations suggest that Brandão used family-owned companies and shell entities to divert funds from parliamentary amendments. His nephew, Daniel Brandão, who was recently suspended from his role at the Maranhão Court of Accounts (TCE-MA) by a Dino-ordered precautionary measure, is also under scrutiny.
Daniel Brandão was reportedly present near the scene of a murder in São Luís, though his name was not included in the state police’s investigation. Federal authorities suspect political interference to shield him from state-level probes. The murder is believed to be connected to a bribery demand made by Daniel while he served as a secretary in his uncle’s government. The perpetrator, Gilbson Cutrim Junior, was sentenced to 13 years in prison.
The governor’s defense maintains that Dino’s actions violate procedural norms, citing unauthorized investigative steps and a perceived bias in handling the case.
