A Federal High Court judge in Abuja, Justice Emeka Nwite, has warned lawyers and litigants involved in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and two others, cautioning against any attempt to influence the court.
Justice Nwite gave the warning on Wednesday after delivering his ruling on a bail application filed by the defendants.
Addressing counsel and parties in open court, the judge admonished them to conduct themselves professionally and desist from approaching him privately in an attempt to sway judicial proceedings.
“I want to admonish and warn both counsel and litigants. They should know the type of court they are appearing before,” Justice Nwite said.
He stressed that familiarity or personal relationships would not affect his handling of cases, noting that judicial independence remained non-negotiable.
“All judges are not the same. Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing with any case, please don’t approach me.
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“The best you can do for your client is to engage the best lawyers in this country,” he stated.
Justice Nwite further emphasised that the court would not compromise legal principles under any circumstances.
“The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned,” the judge declared.
He warned that any attempt to interfere with the judicial process would attract severe consequences.
“I want to warn everyone, both litigants and lawyers, appearing before this court to understand how this court works. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
“Any attempt to try my will be severely dealt with. I warn! I warn!! And I warn!!!” he said.
