Drama in Kano as application to recuse Judge from LG case sparks heated exchange
The Kano State Government has accused Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court of bias, prompting a dramatic courtroom exchange after the Attorney General, Isa Haruna Dederi, filed a motion asking the judge to recuse himself from a case involving the state’s local government election funds.
The lawsuit, with suit number FHC/KN/CS/425/2024, involves the All Progressives Congress (APC) and others seeking a declaration that Kano State lacks democratically elected council chairmen. The plaintiffs are also asking the court to stop the Federal Government, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Accountant-General from disbursing statutory funds to Kano’s 44 local government councils.
The state government, through its Attorney General, alleged that Justice Amobeda harbours grudges against it, citing his past actions, such as frequent criticisms of Kano State officials during court proceedings.
“The Honourable Judge spends considerable time in court castigating the state government before his proceedings begin,” Dederi alleged.
The AG also pointed to what he described as the judge’s tendency to preside over politically sensitive cases involving opposition figures, creating a perception of bias among Kano residents.
The courtroom turned tense as Justice Amobeda rejected the allegations, describing the motion as a tactic employed by “lazy lawyers.” He vehemently defended his impartiality, stating, “I do not belong to the other side; I belong to justice.”
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Justice Amobeda further dismissed the accusations, asserting that he had previously ruled in favour of the Kano State Government in other cases. “I am not against the Kano State Government, but against impunity,” he declared.
Amid the heightened emotions, Senior Advocates Chief Adegboye Awomolo and Chief Nureini Jimoh intervened, urging the judge to remain calm.
Chief Awomolo pleaded for restraint, saying, “I have seen the level of emotion in your lordship,” while Jimoh remarked, “Simon Amobeda can be angry, but Honourable Justice Simon Amobeda should not be angry.”
Due to a lack of service on other parties, the application for Justice Amobeda’s recusal could not proceed. The matter was adjourned to January 21, 2025, for the hearing of the motion.
This high-profile case, involving allegations of judicial bias and political interference, underscores the tension between Kano State officials and the judiciary. As the January hearing approaches, all eyes remain on the Federal High Court to ensure justice is served impartially.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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