Judge considers stepping aside from IG contempt case

A judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja is contemplating recusal from hearing contempt proceedings against Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police. Justice Binta Nyako indicated that she would decide within a week whether to continue presiding over the case or transfer it to another judge.

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I have been thinking about this matter, and I am of the opinion that I should send this case to one of my brother judges to take the contempt proceedings.

The proceedings concern the alleged disobedience of a court judgment. The judgment creditor's counsel, Vincent Adodo, informed the court that they had filed an application to commit the respondent for contempt. However, Justice Nyako stated her reservations about continuing, explaining, "I feel I have been so involved in the matter," suggesting her deep engagement with the substantive suit could warrant a reassignment.

Adodo conveyed that the applicant had no objection to the potential transfer, stating, "We are comfortable with it, My Lord." The judge acknowledged this and announced her intention to take a week to make a final decision on continuing the hearing or reassigning the contempt proceedings.

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We are comfortable with it, My Lord.

In a related development, Adodo reported progress in recovering the police investigation file, which is central to the dispute. He informed the court that the file had been found and released for photocopying, though it still requires certification. Justice Nyako acknowledged this development, remarking, "At least something is happening." The contempt case arises from a September 2025 judgment ordering the IGP to release specific police investigation reports and related documents concerning the 2017 disappearance of John Chukwuemeka Anozie.

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At least something is happening.