Former EFCC boss, Nuhu Ribadu. Photo: NEXT

Chief judge opts out of Ribadu’s case

By Elizabeth Archibong

July 29, 2009 11:25PM

The suit filed by Nuhu Ribadu, the ex-chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, against the Federal Government, challenging his dismissal from the police force, was on Wednesday put off indefinitely.

The case was scheduled for hearing at the Federal High Court, Abuja but adjourned sine die (indefinitely) by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abdullahi Mustapha who reassigned it to another judge, Adamu Bello who is said to be out of the country at the moment.

Mr. Mustapha opted out of the case on the ground that he will soon proceed on his formal retirement from the bench and, therefore, would not be able to complete the matter.

Counsels to Mr. Ribadu and the Police Service Commission did not object to the decision of the chief judge.

Mr. Ribadu had sued the Federal Government through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, challenging his dismissal from the force.

The suit has the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission as co-defendants. The Plaintiff claimed that he was denied fair hearing and trial before the purported dismissal was effected.

He also urged the court to declare as illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional his dismissal and pleaded that he should be reinstated.

The three defendants had also filed different motions seeking the dismissal of the suit, on the ground that it lacked merit.

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Reader Comments (2)

Posted by Julie Sanusi-Williams on Jul 30 2009

Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abdullahi Mustapha seems to lack the moral conviction and inner strength to be a judge. Is he is afraid to discover that the charges against Mallam Ribadu are trumped up with no bases in the law? Is he afraid that if he ruled justly he would be rubbished? Only he can answer these question, but he has chosen to run instead of dispensing justice as he was sworn to do. What a shame!

Posted by Arthur Iyke on Jul 30 2009

This is another example of the judiciary's lack of autonomy from the executive branch. The chief Judge, who was obviously appointed by the president but from all indications, lacked the merit and courage of a Judge, has finally exposed his incompetence. But for records sake, I think the FCJ atleast has conscience, compared to most other Nigerian judges, who has thwart justice for money or loyalty, by circumventing the truth and justice for common Nigerians. Poor Ribadu, this is the price you pay when you stand up for justice in Nigeria. I know you are not a saint, but atleast you did what nobody in Nigeriam has ever done. Bravo, you are still my hero.