FCT Judge Refuses Recusal, Fixes Trial

Justice K.N. Ogbunnaya of High Court 15, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday declined an application seeking her recusal from an alleged criminal case involving Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma and Prince Chibuike Echem.

The federal government, through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, had charged the duo with alleged conspiracy, inducement and forgery.

In a ruling that sparked fresh drama in court, Justice Ogbunnaya dismissed the defendants’ request for her to step down from the matter, insisting she would proceed with the trial.

The defendants had earlier petitioned the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, seeking reassignment of the case. Their request was initially granted, and the matter was transferred to another court presided over by Justice Y. Halilu.

However, proceedings took a twist when Justice Halilu informed parties that the case had been reassigned back to Justice Ogbunnaya’s court.

When the matter was called on March 25, 2026, the defendants appeared without legal representation. They told the court their counsel had abandoned them following developments after the ruling on their bail application.

They also complained about the alleged delay in releasing the certified true copy of the bail ruling.

Responding, Justice Ogbunnaya described the release of the document as “purely administrative,” attributing the delay to erratic power supply that has affected court processes.

She maintained that only the Chief Judge had the authority to halt proceedings or order reassignment, stressing that the trial would continue until such a directive was issued.

The defendants’ appeal for time to engage new counsel was denied. The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to March 26, 2026, for continuation of the trial.