Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court has yet to comply with a judicial transfer order issued nearly three months ago, directing him to relocate from Kano to Kogi State.
Despite a nationwide transfer directive from Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, dated July 12, 2024, Justice Amobeda has continued to preside over cases in Kano, raising significant discussion within the judiciary.
According to the transfer order, Justice Tsoho directed all reassigned judges to report to their new divisions, which included major judicial centers such as Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kogi.
Judges were to finalize any remaining cases with closed defense hearings before moving. However, a source indicates that Justice Amobeda’s reason for non-compliance remains unclear, and it is yet to be confirmed if disciplinary action will be considered.
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In his recent rulings, Justice Amobeda has made headlines in Kano. On Friday, just before the local government elections, he annulled the results of all 44 chairmanship and councillorship positions won by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), citing disputes within the party’s leadership.
The ruling, which ordered the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) to accept a new list of candidates from a faction led by Dalhatu Usman, occurred even as the judge was officially assigned to Kogi.
Justice Amobeda’s involvement in high-stakes cases continued last week, as he removed Prof. Sani Malumfashi as Chairman of KANSIEC just four days before the elections. Citing the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Law, Justice Amobeda ruled that active members of the NNPP could not serve in official roles, as this contravenes sections of the 1999 Constitution and the KANSIEC Law.
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In addition to his recent judgments, Justice Amobeda previously ruled in June in favor of deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, affirming his right to freedom of movement and civil liberties, and ordering Kano State to pay N10 million in damages for rights violations.
The Federal High Court’s leadership is reportedly monitoring the situation as judicial circles discuss Justice Amobeda’s stance, with implications for judicial protocol and adherence to official directives expected to be examined in the coming weeks.