By Francis Wilfred
Justice of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, has warned lawyers appearing before her against engaging in conduct capable of delaying proceedings, threatening to invoke the court’s contempt powers where necessary.
The warning was issued during proceedings in a case involving the and a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, , over properties allegedly linked to him.
At the hearing, counsel to the EFCC, , informed the court that he had earlier received a call from lead defence counsel, , notifying him of his engagement at the Court of Appeal on time-sensitive matters and indicating that a representative would appear with a formal letter.
Justice Abdulmalik cautioned against any form of misconduct in court, stressing that parties dissatisfied with her decisions should seek redress at the appellate court rather than disrupt proceedings. She warned that any lawyer found engaging in unruly behaviour could be cited for contempt.
The judge subsequently ordered all parties and interested persons to file and serve their processes on or before April 27, 2026, stating that any defaulting party would be deemed to have abandoned its case. She added that processes filed after the deadline would not be recognised by the court.
She further directed that responses must be filed within stipulated timelines to ensure readiness for hearing.
The matter was adjourned to May 26, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications.
