Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Abuja has given reasons for his withdrawal from suit instituted by the ‘RevolutionNow’ protests convener, Omoyele Sowore, seeking an order for his release from custody of the Department of State Service.
Recall that on November 20, Mr Sowore had sued the Department of the State Security Services, SSS, over his continuous detention by the agency which he considered as illegal and violated his fundamental rights to liberty as guaranteed by Section 35 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
However, on Monday when the matter came up for hearing, the presiding judge he could not go on with Mr Sowore’s case, saying that the Sahara Reporters’ publisher had twice published reports in his newspaper accusing him of collecting bribe in two judgements.
In his short ruling on Monday, Mr Mohammed said his decision to hands off the case was anchored in the spirit of honesty and confidence.
He, therefore, held that “Justice is rooted in confidence. That us to say none of the parties should have any fear that he will not get justice before any particular court.
“It is my belief that the only fair just and proper cause to take in the circumstance is to recuse myself from taking this matter.”
“Consequence of the above development, this matter is remitted back to the chief judge for reassignment to another judge,” he ruled.
