In a recent statement via his official X account, Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a well-known human rights lawyer and former Chairman of Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission, has voiced his concerns regarding a judicial decision by Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court.
Justice Amobeda has issued an ultimatum to Justice Faruk Adamu and Justice Zuwaira Yusuf, judges of the Kano State High Court, instructing them to resign from their roles as chairmen of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on Misappropriated Public Properties and Assets, aimed at APC national chairman and former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The case, which involves the National Judicial Council (NJC), Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Attorney General of Kano State, and the aforementioned judges, was adjudicated upon following a suit filed by former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Justice Amobeda's ruling decreed that if Justices Adamu and Yusuf fail to comply with the resignation order, the NJC must cease all payments of remuneration, allowances, and benefits to them from the revenue fund.
Commenting on the situation, Professor Odinkalu expressed strong criticism.
"In Kano, judges of @FederalHigh are not even interested in disguising or covering any suggestions of judicial transaction. They are advertising the majestic nakedness of judges amok," Odinkalu wrote.
This statement underlines his belief that the judicial proceedings lack transparency and integrity.
The outcome of this case has brought discussions about the autonomy of judicial commissions and the ethical obligations of judges serving in such capacities.