Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 delivered a blistering warning to lawyers and litigants, declaring that any attempt to influence his decisions would be flatly resisted.
The judge sounded the note of zero tolerance shortly after ruling on a consolidated bail application filed by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his co-defendants.
Malami, alongside his wife, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, is standing trial over an alleged N8.7 billion money laundering case.
In unusually blunt terms, Justice Nwite cautioned counsel and parties against trying to “approach” him behind the scenes.
“When I am handling any case, please don’t approach me,” the judge warned. “You can hire the best lawyers in this country, but don’t attempt to come to me for any help. I am not that type of judge.”
He said his judicial oath was non-negotiable, stressing that he would discharge his duties without fear or favour.
“I know what God has done for me by giving me this job, and I have vowed to do it to the best of my ability. Any attempt to pervert justice will be vehemently resisted,” he added.
Justice Nwite advised dissatisfied parties to seek redress through the appellate courts, noting that his rulings could be tested at the Court of Appeal and up to the Supreme Court.
Earlier, the court granted Malami, his wife and son bail in the sum of N500 million each, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be property owners in Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarimpa within the Federal Capital Territory.
(NAN)
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