Controversy Erupts Over FCT Chief Judge’s Affidavit Regarding Judge Representation & Appointment

A recent court filing by the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has generated controversy in an ongoing case concerning the appointment of new judges.

Chief Judge Husseini Baba-Yusuf in a counter-affidavit responding to allegations of unfairness in selecting judges, but critics say some claims directly contradict facts or are misleading.

In the affidavit, Baba-Yusuf states that Kogi and Oyo States do not currently have two judges each on the FCT High Court bench. However, court records confirm Hon. Justice E. Enenche and the Chief Judge himself reside from Kogi State on the court. Additionally, Hon. Justices Mohammed Alhaji Madugu and Ajoke Adepoju have been verified as judges hailing from Oyo.

The filing comes in a case brought by Azubuike Nicholas Oko, a lawyer from Ebonyi State, who had instituted an action in court, seeking among other reliefs, the inclusion of Ebonyi State among the list of states from which judges of the High Court of FCT will be appointed to fill the vacancies in the FCT High Court bench

Baba-Yusuf has pushed forward with selecting new judges despite opposition. Critics say the counter-affidavit shows a lack of transparency in failing to acknowledge documented judges from the stated regions.

Other statements, including that federal character principles were fully complied with in past appointments, have also drawn skepticism. Legal experts suggest a perceived tendency toward obscuring facts could undermine public trust in the applicant selection process.

As the case proceeds, the focus shifts to whether Baba-Yusuf can provide justification for rushing appointments while an open challenge remains before the court.