Feelings flared in Courtroom No. 3 of the Federal Excessive Court docket, Kano Division, on Friday, as Justice Simon Amobeda responded to an software requesting his recusal from listening to a case associated to final October’s native authorities elections in Kano.
The state of affairs escalated after Usman Umar Fari, the lead lawyer for the Kano State Authorities, filed the recusal software, prompting a response from Justice Amobeda.
The choose addressed the courtroom, stating, “Attorneys in Kano State have been saying ‘despicable issues’ about myself,” including, “solely lazy attorneys make purposes for recusal.”
Justice Amobeda clarified that his stance was not in opposition to the Kano State Authorities, however in opposition to “the impunity of the state.” He famous that he had, actually, delivered judgements in favor of the federal government in some instances.
Ademoyega Awomolo, SAN, noticing the choose’s agitation, remarked, “I’ve seen the extent of emotion in your lordship,” urging for circumspect within the matter. John Bayyshea, SAN, and Nureini Jimoh, SAN, additionally joined in to calm the state of affairs.
Jimoh, addressing the choose’s outburst, stated, “Simon Amobeda may be indignant, however Honourable Justice Simon Amobeda shouldn’t be indignant.”
Regardless of the heightened feelings, the appliance for recusal couldn’t be heard, because it had not been correctly served to the opposite events concerned.
Justice Amobeda assured the courtroom that the appliance could be addressed at a later date.
“The listening to of the movement for recusal, and if potential, different purposes, could be taken on twenty first of January, 2025,” he concluded earlier than adjourning the case.
