A coalition representing over 75 civil society organisations has raised alarm over what it describes as serious judicial misconduct by a High Court judge in Niger State, calling for urgent intervention from the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
In a statement signed by Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary of the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs), the group accused Justice Bilkisu Yusuf of the Niger State High Court, Minna, of disregarding judicial protocols and acting in ways that undermine the integrity of the judiciary.
The controversy centers on Suit No. NSHC/MN/247/2014, involving a land dispute between Homefronts Consultants Limited and Foundation Mira.
The coalition claims that Justice Yusuf continued proceedings despite the matter being under appeal at the Court of Appeal—a move legal experts describe as a breach of judicial hierarchy and an act of “judicial collision.”
According to the coalition, Foundation Mira holds a valid Certificate of Occupancy issued over three decades ago, with no record of revocation. The disputed land is reportedly the site of a multi-billion naira shopping mall.
Despite the ongoing litigation and pending appeal, Justice Yusuf allegedly permitted the plaintiffs to erect residential structures on the portion of the land meant for mall parking, raising concerns about fairness and due process.
“Justice Yusuf’s decision to press forward with hearings, despite a pending appeal and active proceedings at the Court of Appeal, shows a clear disregard for judicial order,” the statement read. “This not only affects the parties involved but also erodes public trust in the judiciary.”
The coalition also revealed that Justice Yusuf is facing multiple petitions before the NJC, including a similar case—Suit No. NSHC/MN/727M/2024—where she allegedly proceeded with hearings despite a pending appeal. One of these petitions was officially received by the NJC Secretariat in Abuja on February 14, 2025.
As a result, the CNCSOs has demanded for an immediate investigation by the NCJ into the conduct of Justice Yusuf, with disciplinary action if wrongdoing is confirmed.
More to their demands, the need for the case to another judge by the Chief Judge of Niger State to preserve judicial neutrality, they believed has become necessary.
The coalition warned that failure to act swiftly would result in mass protests at the NJC and other relevant institutions.
“Our call is not just about this case, but about protecting the rights of every Nigerian who turns to the courts for justice,” the statement concluded. “A judiciary without accountability threatens our democracy and peace.”