By Our Correspondent <\/p>\n
A coalition operating under the banner of the Legion of Mary Social Justice Organization in Nigeria on Thursday staged protests at the Federal High Court, the United States Embassy, and the European Union Office in Abuja, demanding urgent judicial action in a controversial lawsuit and calling for the reassignment of the presiding judge.<\/p>\n
The protesters, led by Comrade Tijani Usman, a former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), accused the court of delaying proceedings in the matter of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, US Visa Fraud and Treason in Suit No. FHC\/ABJ\/CS\/1774\/2025, between Adaeeze Ireoma Nwosu and Mr George Edokpe Et’al. <\/p>\n
The suit is filed by Mrs. Adaeze Ireoma Nwosu against several defendants, including officials linked to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of the United States.<\/p>\n
Addressing journalists during the protest, Usman said the group was seeking the intervention of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to ensure what it described as a fair and timely hearing of the matter.<\/p>\n
According to him, the case raises issues relating to constitutional rights, fair hearing, national sovereignty, and concerns, which the group believes are of public importance.<\/p>\n
“We are here to speak on a matter pending before the Federal High Court which, in our view, affects the interests of Nigerians. We are calling for urgent judicial action and a fair hearing in the interest of justice,” he said.<\/p>\n
The protest followed a petition submitted to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court by K.C. Ukaegbu & Co., solicitors to the claimant, seeking the recusal of Justice M.G. Umar from the case and its reassignment to another judge.<\/p>\n
In the application, the lawyers alleged that the claimant could be denied a fair hearing if the matter remained before the current court. <\/p>\n
They argued that despite what they described as proper service of court processes on certain defendants, there had been no appearance by those parties and that an application for entry of default had not been granted.<\/p>\n
The law firm contended that the court’s decision to adjourn the matter to June 30, 2026, without granting the requested relief, had raised concerns about impartiality.<\/p>\n
The petition also referenced previous letters allegedly written by the claimant to the Chief Judge, urging intervention on issues she described as relating to national security and Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with Western nations.<\/p>\n
Court documents associated with the suit contain a wide range of allegations and requests directed at foreign governments, international institutions, multinational corporations, and some Nigerian public officials.<\/p>\n
Among other reliefs, the claimant is seeking judicial declarations touching on foreign policy, visa arrangements, diplomatic relations, trade agreements, and the activities of foreign entities operating in Nigeria.<\/p>\n
The claimant also alleges discrimination, foreign interference, and economic exploitation, claims that have not been independently verified and remain subjects of litigation before the court.<\/p>\n
Speaking during the protest, members of the group insisted that their primary demand was the protection of the claimant’s constitutional right to fair hearing.<\/p>\n
Usman urged judicial authorities to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done, stressing that public confidence in the judiciary depends on transparency, impartiality, and timely adjudication of cases<\/p>\n
The protesters also submitted letters at the U.S. Embassy and the European Union Office, where they reiterated concerns about Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements with Western countries and called for what they described as greater respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.<\/p>\n
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Federal High Court, Justice M.G. Umar, the United States Embassy, nor the European Union delegation in Nigeria had issued official responses to the protesters’ demands.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also not commented on the allegations contained in the court filings.<\/p>\n
Applications seeking the recusal of judges are recognized under the law but are typically determined on the basis of evidence demonstrating actual or perceived bias.<\/p>\n
The case is expected to come up again on June 30, 2026, when the court may address pending applications and determine the next stage of proceedings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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