In a significant development within Nigeria’s judicial system, Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, has announced a series of changes following the suspension of Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Abuja division. Justice Ekwo was suspended for a period of one year by the National Judicial Council (NJC), prompting these adjustments to ensure the continued functioning of the court.
At the heart of these changes is the reassignment of Justice M. G. Umar from the Enugu judicial division to Abuja, where he will take over the court previously presided over by Justice Ekwo. This move is part of a broader redeployment that affects four other judges, who have been transferred from their current divisions to new ones. The list of redeployed judges includes Tijjani Garba Ringim, who moves from Gombe to Yola; M. T. Segun-Bello, moving from Abakaliki to Enugu; Bala Khalifa-Mohammed Usman, transferred from Yola to Awka; and Amina Aliyu Mohammed, who goes from Awka to Gombe.
The Director of Information of the Court, Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, made the announcement public in a statement issued on Sunday. According to the statement, the redeployment of these judges takes immediate effect, underscoring the court’s commitment to minimizing disruptions and ensuring continuity in its operations. The affected judges have been instructed to prioritize the delivery of pending judgments in their current stations, aiming to complete these tasks within the shortest possible timeframe.
To address potential concerns about the impact of these changes on ongoing cases, the court has provided clear directives. Judges currently based in the Abakaliki and Katsina judicial divisions have been tasked with overseeing all pending and newly instituted cases in their respective areas until further notice. Specifically, the public has been informed that cases previously assigned to Court No. 5 in the Abuja judicial division will now be handled by the judge newly assigned to Abuja, thereby ensuring that all matters continue to receive the necessary attention without delay.
Importantly, the Chief Judge has reassured litigants and their counsel that there is no need to apply for the reassignment of cases that were previously under Justice Ekwo’s jurisdiction. This measure aims to streamline the process and reduce potential bureaucratic hurdles, ensuring that the legal proceedings continue with as little disruption as possible.
These changes reflect the dynamic nature of the judicial system in Nigeria and its ability to adapt to challenges while upholding the principle of continuity and fairness in the administration of justice. As the situation unfolds, it will be important to monitor how these adjustments impact the court’s operations and the broader implications for the legal community and the public.
