Abuja, Nigeria — In a landmark decision, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has condemned the actions of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyabosa Okugbowa, over the transfer of a high-profile libel suit filed by Hon. Mike Igini against Col. David Imuse.
NJC Condemns Case Transfer Decision
According to a letter dated July 18, 2025, and signed by the NJC Secretary, Ahmed Sambo Sale, Esq, the Council found that the Chief Judge abused his discretionary power by transferring the case to another judge to start de novo without serving the petition on all parties.
Case Background and Procedural Concerns
The suit, marked B/555/2020, had been ongoing for four years before the Chief Judge’s decision. Igini, the plaintiff, had closed his case, and the 2nd and 3rd defendants had also concluded their defense when the Chief Judge suddenly ordered the case to start afresh.
NJC Harmers Edo Chief Judge, Okugbowa Over Abuse Of His Judiciary Discretion In Suite no B1/555/2020
NJC Rules in Favor of Fairness
The NJC noted that the Chief Judge’s actions were prejudicial to the plaintiff, the 2nd and 3rd defendants, who would suffer financial and physical hardship if the case were to start anew. The Council resolved that the matter be transferred back to the original judge, Hon. Justice V.O. Eboreime, to continue and determine the case.
Allegations of Ethnic Bias Rejected
The decision of the NJC has thwarted Justice Okugbowa’s ethnicisation of Nigerian Judiciary as was allegedly chanted in the court room that the plaintiff should go to his state to seek justice by favouring the 1st defendant from Edo State. The plaintiff is from Delta state, while the 2nd and 3rd defendants are from Oyo and Enugu States, respectively.
A Victory for Judicial Integrity
The NJC’s decision has been hailed as a victory for justice and fairness. Igini’s petition to the NJC sparked an investigation, which revealed that the Chief Judge’s decision was one-sided and lacked consideration for all parties involved.
Case to Continue with Original Judge
The NJC’s directive to reinstate the original judge is seen as a measure to prevent further delay and ensure that justice is served. The case will now proceed with Hon. Justice Eboreime, who had previously been handling the matter.
Restoring Public Trust in the Judiciary
This development serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of justice and fairness in judicial proceedings. The NJC’s decision is expected to restore confidence in the judiciary and ensure that cases are handled in a fair and impartial manner.
