The Federal High Court headquarters Abuja, on Wednesday, made clarification on the transfer saga involving Justice Simon Amobeda.
Recall that an online medium had reported recently, that “Justice Amobeda Defies Federal High Court Chief Judge’s Transfer Order since June, Refuses to Leave Kano for Kogi’’.
However, a statement by Catherine Oby Christopher, PhD Director Information/ICT, Federal High Court of Nigeria, said the report was untrue.
“Contrary to the Sahara report, Justice Simon Amobeda remains one of the Judges serving in the Kano Division of the Court.
“He did not defy the posting made by the Chief Judge.
“It is instructive to state for the records, that the recent posting of Judges to various Divisions of the Federal High Court was communicated in a circular from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Hon. Justice John Tsoho on July 12, 2024” Dr. Oby Christopher stated.
According to the statement, “In the circular, Justice Simon A. Amobeda was initially posted to Lokoja, Kogi State.
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“However, a subsequent circular dated August 9, 2024, instructed that Justice Amobeda, alongside six other Judges should remain at their then respective Judicial Divisions, Dr. Oby Christopher said.
She hinted that the reversal by the Chief Judge of the initial posting was as a result of certain administrative exigencies.
Other Judges affected were: Hon. Justice M. G. Umar from Enugu to Kano; Justice R.N Aikawa from Kaduna to Katsina; Justice S.M Shuaibu; Evelyn N. Anyadike from Awka to Warri and Hon. Justice Isa Adama Dashen, from Yenagoa to Osogbo, which were equally reversed.
The statement further explained that Justice Tsoho as head of the Federal High Court of Nigeria possesses the authority to reverse administrative decisions regarding judicial postings, especially when continuity in case management is crucial to the administration of justice.
“This clarification has become necessary to clear the alleged reportage surrounding Justice Amobeda’s status and to also demonstrate transparency and accountability in the process of judicial postings.
“We therefore urge members of the public to disregard that report by the online platform.
“One of the most significant responsibilities of journalists is to verify the accuracy of their reports and communicate same, Dr. Oby Christopher stated.