Alleged Bias: FCT judge adjourns trial despite lawyer’s absence, declines recusal

A Federal Capital Territory justice state refused to recuse herself from a transgression lawsuit brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Justice K.N. Ogbunnaya of High Court 15, of the FCTm declined the recusal successful the lawsuit against against Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma and Prince Chibuike Echem implicit alleged conspiracy, inducement and forgery.

The defendants had applied for the justice to measurement down from the matter, citing grounds for recusal. Justice Ogbonnaya, however, dismissed the exertion and proceeded to bid that she volition proceed to trial.

Earlier, the defendants had petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory seeking his involution and reassignment of the case. The petition was granted and the substance was transferred to different tribunal presided implicit by Justice Y. Halilu.

However, successful a melodramatic twist, erstwhile the lawsuit was listed earlier Justice Halilu, helium informed the parties that the substance had been reassigned backmost to the tribunal of Justice Ogbonnaya.

When the substance came up today, March 25, 2026, earlier Justice Ogbunnaya, the defendants appeared without ineligible representation. They told the tribunal that their counsel had abandoned them successful the case.

They cited respective developments pursuing the ruling connected their bail application, including the alleged refusal to merchandise the certified existent transcript (CTC) of the ruling, among different grievances.

In her remarks, Justice O...