Emotions flared in Courtroom No. 3 of the Federal High Court, Kano Division, on Friday, as Justice Simon Amobeda responded to an application requesting his recusal from hearing a case related to last October’s local government elections in Kano.
The situation escalated after Usman Umar Fari, the lead lawyer for the Kano State Government, filed the recusal application, prompting a response from Justice Amobeda.
The judge addressed the court, stating, “Lawyers in Kano State have been saying ‘despicable things’ about myself,” adding, “only lazy lawyers make applications for recusal.”
Justice Amobeda clarified that his stance was not against the Kano State Government, but against “the impunity of the state.” He noted that he had, in fact, delivered judgements in favor of the government in some cases.
Ademoyega Awomolo, SAN, noticing the judge’s agitation, remarked, “I have seen the level of emotion in your lordship,” urging for circumspect in the matter. John Bayyshea, SAN, and Nureini Jimoh, SAN, also joined in to calm the situation.
Jimoh, addressing the judge’s outburst, said, “Simon Amobeda can be angry, but Honourable Justice Simon Amobeda should not be angry.”
Despite the heightened emotions, the application for recusal could not be heard, as it had not been properly served to the other parties involved.
Justice Amobeda assured the court that the application would be addressed at a later date.
“The hearing of the motion for recusal, and if possible, other applications, would be taken on 21st of January, 2025,” he concluded before adjourning the case.
