Ekiti lawyers drag Nwite to NJC over controversial verdict claims

A large number of lawyers under the aegis of Ekiti Lawyers Pioneers for Transparency, the Chairman of the National Judicial Council, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun against Judge Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja for his alleged controversial rulings and other misconduct.

The lawyers also accused Nwite of bias and desecration of the sacred temple of justice, what they described as unjust behavior, and argued that the judge’s actions, if not prevented, could bring Nigeria into great disgrace.

Lawyers alleged that Judge Nwite’s alleged unfair decisions were an embarrassment to the judicial community, saying that Nwite, who obstructed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating former Governor Kayode Fayemi and Ariyo Oyinkolawa’s former aide, Oluwaseun Odewale, is henceforth. expressed his concern. The person who appointed Adesola and shielded them from prosecution for their alleged role in corruption cases was the same judge who issued a controversial court order for former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, pending the decision of the State High Court. halted his arrest and prosecution.

The petition sent to the NJC Chairman was signed by 10 lawyers, including Ademiloye Oladotun, Balogun Adeyemi, Fadeshola Alice, Ola-Ojo Samuel, Olayinka Ibrahim, Adebayo Joel, Akintoye Bayonle, Ogundare Kayode, Adaramola Olakunle and Igandan Olawunmi. On behalf of 54 lawyers who are members of Vanguard.

It is titled: “Invitation to Investigate Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, into Matters of Blatant Judicial Immorality, Inconsistent Decisions, Bias, Conduct That May Lead to Public Distrust in the Judiciary, Injustice and Improper Use of Court.”

Seeking the immediate intervention of the NJC, the lawyers alleged that justice had become a commodity in favor of the highest bidder when the cases were brought before Nwite.

The letter of protest, received by the NJC office on October 14, 2024, stated: “Preserving our peace or maintaining silence is no longer noble or golden in a situation that could destroy these principles and fabric.” The foundation of our justice system. To maintain silence at a time like this is to turn a blind eye to disrespect and aid in things that could bring disrepute to the nation.

“From the above, we humbly urge the NJC to take a critical look at the conduct of Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, FCT-Abuja. In Justice Emeka Nwite’s recent actions and decisions in the courtroom, we have observed a clear pattern of behavior that indicates a lack of impartiality, adherence to the rule of law, adherence to court orders, judicial loyalty and justice. This perception not only damages the integrity of the judicial system, but also undermines the public’s trust in our courts and creates dissatisfaction among litigants and the public.

“It is of great concern to us that Justice Emeka Nwite is unfortunately notorious for delivering inconsistent verdicts that go against the spirit of the age-old principle of stare decisis and is often alleged to be a pliable tool in the hands of corrupt individuals and overzealous institutions. Abuse of executive and judicial powers. Corrupt individuals also see the court as a safe haven and an escape route from the long arm of justice. Even more unfortunate is that justice has now become a commodity for the highest bidder…

“It is shocking that Justices Emeka Nwite and Ariyo Oyinkolawa Adesola, who blocked the EFCC from investigating Oluwaseun Odewale, are the same judge who issued a controversial court order for the arrest of former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. Pending the decision of the State Supreme Court to stay his arrest and prosecution. It is unlawful for a judge to condemn or approve; Issuing an order stopping the EFCC from investigating Adewale for corruption and on the other hand, issuance of a court order for the arrest of someone who has a valid court order staying his arrest and prosecution.

“It is a fundamental principle in law that a restraining order is issued for any agency to arrest or prosecute a person; The only remedy for any such order is to be set aside without reversal, either by the court that issued the order or upon appeal. by a higher court. Thousands of applicants have received such orders, and they remain binding until rescinded or revoked. In other words, as long as the court’s restraining order continues, the status quo will be preserved and nothing will be done to disrupt it.”

“Although Justice Emeka Nwite had knowledge of the existing order, he neither sought its implementation, stay or reversal by the high court but arrogantly issued an arrest warrant in violation and disregard of the existing valid court order. but he did the opposite and supported former Governor Kayode Fayemi’s aides. “This is a double standard, my Lord,” the lawyers told Kekere-Ekun.

They also expressed dismay at the incident, recalling how Nwite had made a separate application to the Police to arrest Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, and five others for alleged complicity in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly. the judge later annulled the decision after the disclosure.

Legal dignitaries said: “This strange practice and obstinate behavior of Justice Emeka Nwite has brought shame to the sacred temple of justice and turned our judicial system into a laughing stock of the public. It has also continued to undermine people’s confidence in the ability of the Court to deliver consistent and non-contradictory decisions on the same issues before it, and worse, Justice Emeka Nwite is pushing the dangerous notion that the court order should not be followed. .

“Undue bias, conflicting court decisions and disregard for, or abuse of, existing court decision heralds a worrying and dangerous precedent. As Senator Elizabeth Warren would say, ‘When judges allow their biases to influence their decisions, they undermine the foundations of justice.’”

Meanwhile, CJN Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun declared zero tolerance for judicial disgrace.

The CJN expressed concern over the many conflicting decisions coming out of different courts and Rivers judges reportedly ordered an investigation of the FCT.