The relentless onslaught against Justice Simon Amobeda, how long a night?
By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice
In recent times, though not a lawyer, I have found myself deeply engrossed in the unfolding judicial absurdities in Kano State. Like a carefully orchestrated plot, some lawyers in the state have been relentless in their character assassination of Justice Simon Amobeda. Day after day, like peeling layers of an onion, they devise new schemes—ranging from frivolous restraints and baseless petitions to coordinated media attacks—all aimed at discrediting a judge whose only “crime” is dispensing justice impartially.
Yet, amid this onslaught, the world—especially the judicial community—stands idly by, watching as one of their own is maligned, harassed, and intimidated by lawyers driven by self-interest and political motivations.
The latest smear campaign involves a sponsored publication in selected blogs, falsely alleging that Justice Amobeda made derogatory remarks about the Kano Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). With calculated and malicious intent, these judicial mercenaries rushed to the public, casting aspersions on a judge known for his commitment to justice.
However, Barrister Hadiza Ahmad Nasiru, Assistant Secretary of the NBA Kano Branch, who was present in court, has set the record straight:
“Justice is best served with truth, not distortion. Contrary to misleading reports, the atmosphere in Justice Amobeda’s court was calm, professional, and technologically advanced. His Lordship did not discredit the NBA Kano but rather expressed disappointment in certain individuals allowing politics to undermine the judiciary. Legal integrity demands that grievances be pursued through proper channels—not through media sensationalism. The courts remain pillars of justice, not battlegrounds for misinformation.”
She further exposed the falsehoods peddled by Solace Magazine, a publication that was not even present in court. The court session, she affirmed, was cordial and professional, with His Lordship addressing the Kano Bar in a friendly manner, encouraging them to protect the judiciary’s integrity rather than becoming pawns in political schemes.
Justice Amobeda never dismissed the NBA Kano but merely expressed concern over certain executives who have allowed political interference to erode the judiciary’s independence.
So, where did Solace Magazine get its so-called “facts”? Why are some journalists willingly serving as mouthpieces for political opportunists, enabling lawyers without integrity to distort reality and tarnish the reputation of a judge who refuses to be compromised?
What these Kano lawyers are engaged in is nothing short of a witch hunt, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking. Their actions blatantly violate section 24(2) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024), which criminalises online harassment and the spread of falsehood or threatening information. Their goal is clear: to intimidate and undermine the judiciary. But in doing so, they threaten the very foundation of the justice system.
Who will protect the law when those entrusted with upholding it turn against it? Is the Nigerian Bar Association National Executive Committee watching this disgraceful spectacle unfold in Kano?