The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken legal action against the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and others, alleging judicial bias, abuse of powers, and disobedience of court orders. The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, also names the National Judicial Council (NJC) and Justice Peter Lifu as defendants.
Details of the Suit
The suit, marked FCT/ABJ/CS/1165/2026, was filed by the ADC National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu. It seeks to compel the NJC to investigate allegations of corruption and manifest bias against Justices Tsoho and Lifu. Ukandu, who is seeking to be joined in an ongoing suit challenging the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the ADC, accused Justice Tsoho of improperly reassigning the case from Justice Emeka Nwite to Justice Peter Lifu despite a Supreme Court directive remitting the matter back to Justice Nwite.
Allegations of Violations
According to the plaintiff, the reassignment violated both the Supreme Court’s order and subsequent directives issued by Justice Nwite, who had adjourned proceedings pending resolution of issues surrounding the transfer request. Ukandu further alleged that Justice Lifu proceeded to entertain the matter despite being aware of existing court orders and pending objections regarding the reassignment.
Concerns Over Bias
The plaintiff claimed that the ADC had earlier raised concerns over alleged plans to transfer the case to a judge perceived to be favourable to the opposing party and argued that those fears had now materialised. He also referenced public allegations made against the judicial officers, claiming they had created a reasonable apprehension that justice may not be served in the dispute involving the party’s leadership.
Reliefs Sought
Among the reliefs sought, Ukandu is asking the court to declare that it is the constitutional responsibility of the NJC to investigate complaints against judicial officers and impose appropriate sanctions where necessary. He is also seeking an order compelling the NJC to investigate the allegations against Justices Tsoho and Lifu, as well as an injunction restraining Justice Lifu from further presiding over the leadership dispute pending the outcome of the petition before the NJC. Additionally, the plaintiff wants the court to order Justice Lifu to recuse himself from the matter on grounds of alleged bias and abuse of judicial powers.
