The Federal High Court of Nigeria has refuted claims that any judge on its bench defied an order from the court’s Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, regarding judicial transfers.
The court clarified that a previous transfer order issued by Justice Tsoho was later reversed due to administrative requirements.
This statement came in response to a recent report by Sahara Reporters, which alleged that Justice Simon Amobeda refused to comply with a transfer directive from the Chief Judge, choosing to remain in Kano instead of relocating to Kogi.
The Federal High Court has now dismissed this claim, affirming that Justice Amobeda remains one of the sitting judges in Kano and did not defy any directives.
The court’s Director of Information, Dr Catherine Oby Christopher, stated on Wednesday to set the record straight. “It is important to clarify,” the statement read, “that the recent assignments of judges to various divisions within the Federal High Court were communicated in a circular by Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho on July 12, 2024.”
Initially, Justice Amobeda was assigned to Lokoja, Kogi State. However, a subsequent circular dated August 9, 2024, directed that he and six other judges remain in their current postings. This adjustment, the court stated, was necessitated by “administrative exigencies.”
The statement further listed other judges affected by the reversal, including Justice M.G. Umar (originally reassigned from Enugu to Kano), Justice R.N. Aikawa (from Kaduna to Katsina), and Justice Isa Adama Dashen (from Yenagoa to Osogbo), among others.
As Chief Judge, Justice Tsoho holds the authority to make necessary changes to judicial assignments, particularly when continuity in case management demands it. This adjustment aims to streamline operations and maintain stability within the judiciary.
The statement urged the public to disregard the report from Sahara Reporters, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in journalism. “Journalists must verify information before publishing,” the court said, advising Sahara Reporters to ensure factual reporting in future instances.
The court’s clarification underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing judicial postings across Nigeria, affirming that no judge has defied the authority of the Chief Judge in this matter.