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 warning was issued shortly after he delivered a ruling on a consolidated bail application filed by former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and his co-defendants, including his wife, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, who are facing an alleged N8.7 billion money laundering charge.
The judge cautioned that efforts to pervert justice would be firmly resisted, adding that dissatisfied parties should instead seek redress through the appellate courts.
Addressing counsel and litigants, Justice Nwite said: “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.”
Earlier, the judge admitted Mr Malami, his wife, and son to bail in the sum of N500 million each, with two sureties in like sum who must be property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa within the Federal Capital Territory.