Shakeups In FHC As Justice Abang, Dimgba, Others Redeployed

His redeployment, according to a circular by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Adamu Abdu-Kafarati, is to take effect on February 11. Our correspondent obtained the circular dated January 21, 2019, on Tuesday. Judges affected by the redeployment include Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, who was transferred from Abuja to replace Justice Abang in Asaba. Justice Dimgba, who is reputed for a speedy hearing and determination of both civil and criminal cases, became a judge in 2015. Also redeployed are Justice Babs Kuewumi, who was moved from Lagos to Ado Ekiti, Justice Babatunde Quadri, who was transferred from Abuja to Maiduguri, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, who was sent to Abuja from Ado Ekiti, and Justice J. K. Dagat, who was posted to Lagos from Maiduguri. The circular titled, ‘Further posting of judges’, added, “Hon. Justice B. O Kuewumi will resume in Ekiti on February 4, while all other judges affected by the transfer will resume in their divisions on February 11.” Although Justice Abang was redeployed to Asaba in January 2017, he was directed by Justice Abdu-Kafarati to continue to hear some criminal cases in the Abuja division. Some of the cases included the ones involving former spokesman for the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, a former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, and the late former Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh. With his redeployment, it is believed that the cases will be concluded. Justice Abang, who has often expressed his desire to give effect to the relatively new provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act relating to speedy trial, was able to devote only a week in two or three months to hear the cases. Following his redeployment to Abuja, it is believed the judge will devote more time to the cases. It is also believed that Justice Dimgba will be given the authority to conclude a number of high-profile criminal cases pending before him. The cases include the ones involving Ex-Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose’s former aide Abiodun Agbele; former Chief of Air Staff, Mohammed Umar; and former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, Robert Azibaola. During his period in Abuja, Justice Dimgba gave judgments with far-reaching implications, including the one ordering the reinstatement of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.]]>