The National Judicial Council (NJC) has dismissed a petition accusing a Nasarawa State High Court judge of bias and abuse of judicial powers, ruling that the complaint lacked merit and emphasizing the importance of obeying court orders.
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In a decision reached at its 110th Meeting held on January 14, 2026, the NJC cleared Honourable Justice Abdullahi Hassan Shams Shama of the Nasarawa State High Court, sitting in Doma, following a petition filed by legal practitioner Barrister Isah Hassan Nalaraba.
The petition stemmed from an incident on February 5, 2025, during a court session where Nalaraba was appearing as counsel. According to the NJC’s findings, the dispute arose when Justice Shama ordered Nalaraba to hand over his mobile phone allegedly in connection with concerns over recording court proceedings or related issues. Nalaraba’s refusal to comply led to his detention by the police at the Doma division, where he spent the night, and the eventual seizure of his two phones as a condition for release.
Nalaraba subsequently petitioned the NJC (dated February 7, 2025), alleging bias, abuse of powers, and infringement on his rights. He also filed a separate fundamental human rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Lafia (suit no. FH/LF/FHR/6/2025), seeking over ₦610 million in damages, compensation, and exemplary awards against Justice Shama, police officials, and others for alleged violations under the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
After reviewing the petition, Justice Shama’s response, and the report from its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, the NJC concluded that Nalaraba’s non-compliance with the court order was the direct cause of his detention and related consequences.
The Council’s official resolution stated:
“Council finds that your refusal to hand over your mobile phone as ordered by the Respondent Judge in the Court caused your detention by the Police. Council noted that Court Orders are meant to be obeyed, and failure to do so impugns the dignity and authority of the Court. You should have obeyed the Court order to hand over the phone. Thus, your failure to do so is what caused your predicament.”
Consequently, the petition was dismissed for lacking merit. The decision was signed by Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Esq., Secretary of the NJC.
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s stance on upholding court authority and the expectation of compliance with judicial directives, even amid disputes. The separate fundamental rights suit filed by Nalaraba at the Federal High Court remains ongoing, with previous reports indicating adjournments (including to April 29 in earlier proceedings), though its current status would depend on further court developments.
The NJC’s decision affirms confidence in Justice Shama’s conduct in this matter and reinforces principles of professional and ethical behaviour in judicial proceedings.
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