Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, on Wednesday, warned lawyers and litigants against any attempt to approach him with a view to influencing court decisions or judgments.
The judge issued the warning shortly after delivering the ruling on a consolidated bail application filed by former AGF Abubakar Malami and his co-defendants.
The ex-AGF’s co-defendants include his wife, Asabe Bashir, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, who are facing an alleged N8.7 billion money laundering charge.
“Before concluding, I want to admonish and warn counsel and litigants that all judges are not the same. When I am handling any case, please don’t approach me.
“When you are doing your case, you can get the best lawyers in this country to do your case, but don’t attempt to approach me for any help.
“I am not the type of judge. I know what God has done for me by giving me this job, and I have a vow to do it to the best of my ability. I have sworn before Almighty God and man that I am going to do my duty without fear or favour,” he said.
The judge, who warned lawyers and litigants to desist from coming to him with the aim of perverting justice, added, “Any attempt to try this will be vehemently resisted.”
The judge said instead, his judgments and decisions could be tested by approaching the Court of Appeal up to the Supreme Court.
Earlier, the judge admitted Mr Malami, his wife, and son to a N500 million bail each, with two sureties in the like sum, who must be property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa within the Federal Capital Territory.
(NAN)
