In an open court session held on Friday, Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano accused Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado, the Chairman of the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, of attempting to interfere with the judicial process.
Justice Amobeda revealed that Rimin-Gado had filed five separate petitions against him with the National Judicial Council (NJC), alleging that the judge had delivered rulings unfavorable to the commission and delayed a judgment for over seven months.
Despite these claims, Justice Amobeda insisted that all his rulings were grounded in the evidence presented before the court and that no external influences played a role in his decisions.
In his remarks, Amobeda expressed his refusal to be intimidated, saying, “I am not a state high court judge; I am a Federal High Court judge. God has brought me here, and I refuse to be intimidated or cowed.” He further expressed his frustration, explaining that he had to respond to numerous petitions related to judgments already delivered by five other judges.
The judge went on to accuse Rimin-Gado of habitually ignoring court orders, particularly criticizing the legality of some actions carried out by the anti-corruption commission.
“Your law does not envisage that you arrest somebody, detain, and grant him bail. You have disobeyed court orders several times. Because we are keeping quiet, you think you can continue to disgrace the system,” Amobeda said.
He also pointed out that he had resisted various attempts to influence his judgments, particularly citing a significant ruling related to the relocation of the Sabon Gari drug market.
Justice Amobeda assured that, despite the pressures he has faced, he would continue to administer justice fairly and without bias.
“By the grace of God, I am paid to do this work, and I will do it very well, without fear or favor or ill will. All of us are answerable to God Almighty,” the judge stated.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Rimin-Gado were unsuccessful. However, a lawyer representing the Kano Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, who requested anonymity, declined to comment on the matter.
The lawyer explained that the case is currently before the NJC, and only the council or its designated representatives are authorized to speak on the matter.
“We will not comment on this issue because it is before the National Judicial Council, and it is only they or their assigned agent who can talk on it,” the lawyer said.
