The Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly, NEYGA, has raised concerns about the conduct of Justice Isah Abdullahi Jamil of the High Court of Kogi State, specifically regarding his handling of a case involving the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
NEYGA has formally requested the National Judicial Council, NJC, to investigate Justice Jamil for alleged abuse of power.
NEYGA spokesperson, Dan Musa, articulated the group’s stance, highlighting that they perceive the orders issued by Justice Jamil as not only illegal but also constituting a significant abuse of judicial authority.
They argue that such actions undermine the integrity of the judicial process and set a dangerous precedent.
In their statement, NEYGA points out several legal principles that they believe were violated by Justice Jamil’s interim injunction.
They assert that the High Court of Kogi State lacks the jurisdiction to handle matters concerning the Federal Government or its agencies, such as the EFCC and ICPC, as outlined in the Constitution.
They cite relevant legal precedents to support their argument, emphasizing that any proceedings or orders made without proper jurisdiction are considered null and void following established legal doctrine.
Moreover, NEYGA highlights the Supreme Court’s rulings on the powers of federal law enforcement agencies, particularly in prosecuting economic crimes, which they argue are exclusive to the Federal Government.
They reference specific cases to illustrate the legal basis for their position and express dismay at what they perceive as Justice Jamil’s disregard for established legal precedents.
Furthermore, NEYGA condemned the actions of Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, accusing him of attempting to circumvent the law and interfere with the operations of federal agencies through the court system.
They condemn Bello’s actions as an affront to the authority of the Supreme Court and the Constitution.
In response to Justice Jamil’s recent order directing the chairman of the EFCC to appear in court for alleged contempt, NEYGA reiterates their concerns about the judge’s conduct and the broader implications for the judiciary’s integrity.
They view Justice Jamil’s actions as further evidence of his disregard for established legal principles and call for accountability.
NEYGA’s statement reflects their deep concern over the perceived abuse of judicial power and the potential ramifications for the rule of law in Nigeria.
They urge the NJC to thoroughly investigate the matter and take appropriate action to uphold the integrity of the judiciary.
