The Federal High Court of Nigeria has officially refuted claims regarding Judge Simon Amobeda, who was reported to have defied a transfer order issued by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho. The court’s statement, released by Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, its Director of Information/ICT, emphasized the inaccuracies in a report by Sahara Reporters that alleged Judge Amobeda refused to leave Kano for Kogi State.
Key Points from the Court’s Statement
- Status of Justice Amobeda: The court clarified that Justice Amobeda continues to serve in the Kano Division and has not disobeyed any transfer orders.
- Judicial Posting Details: The statement provided context on the transfers of judges, noting that a circular from Chief Judge Tsoho on July 12, 2024, initially posted Justice Amobeda to Lokoja, Kogi State. However, a subsequent circular dated August 9, 2024, reversed this order, allowing him and six other judges to remain in their current judicial divisions due to administrative necessities.
- Judicial Authority: The Chief Judge has the authority to make changes to judicial postings to ensure continuity in case management, a critical aspect of the judicial process.
- Reversal of Transfers: The reversal affected several judges, including:
- Hon. Justice M. G. Umar from Enugu to Kano
- Justice R.N. Aikawa from Kaduna to Katsina
- Justice S.M. Shuaibu
- Evelyn N. Anyadike from Awka to Warri
- Hon. Justice Isa Adama Dashen from Yenagoa to Osogbo
Importance of Clarification
The court stressed that this clarification aims to address the misleading report concerning Justice Amobeda’s situation and to uphold transparency and accountability in judicial postings. This incident highlights the sensitivity and significance of judicial transfers, which are integral to maintaining the integrity of the legal system in Nigeria.
Conclusion
The Federal High Court’s response serves to reinforce the importance of accurate reporting and the judiciary’s commitment to transparency in its operations. It also underscores the authority vested in the Chief Judge to manage judicial postings effectively for the greater good of justice administration in Nigeria.