The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kekere-Ekun, to stop Justice Bilkisu Yusuf of the Niger State High Court from delivering a judgment in a case that is already under review at the Court of Appeal.
HURIWA expressed deep concern that Justice Yusuf is proceeding with Suit No. NSHC/MN/247/2014 despite an ongoing appeal—Appeal No. CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/1392MI/2024—which is already being heard by the appellate court. According to a Court of Appeal record dated January 22, 2025, the matter is actively before the higher court.
The case involves a billion-naira shopping mall and a land dispute between Foundation Mira Ltd & Anor and Homefront Consultants Ltd & six others. The defendants reportedly have a Certificate of Occupancy issued over 30 years ago, with no record of revocation.
HURIWA’s national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, criticized Justice Yusuf’s refusal to step aside, describing her continued adjudication as a clear violation of judicial hierarchy. “Once a case is before the Court of Appeal, the lower court must halt all actions,” he said.
The group also condemned reports that Justice Yusuf intends to deliver judgment imminently, calling it “contempt for the appellate process” and a threat to judicial order.
Adding to the controversy, HURIWA criticized the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Minna Branch Chairman, Isyaku Barau, for defending Justice Yusuf and dismissing concerns raised by civil society. The group said Barau’s stance undermines public confidence in the legal system.
HURIWA warned that judges have previously faced sanctions from the NJC for defying superior courts and urged Justice Yusuf to respect judicial protocol. The group also questioned the fairness of the proceedings, noting that the defendants had faced obstacles in presenting their case and were denied their request for the judge to recuse herself—leading to the appeal.
“Our concern isn’t personal,” Onwubiko said. “It’s about protecting the judiciary’s integrity and ensuring no lower court disregards the authority of the Court of Appeal.”
HURIWA called on the Chief Judge of Niger State to reassign the case and appealed to the CJN to intervene promptly. The group warned that failure to act could lead to peaceful nationwide protests to defend judicial accountability.
“This isn’t just about one judge or one case,” HURIWA concluded. “It’s about preserving faith in Nigeria’s entire justice system.”
