The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for an immediate halt to lower court proceedings in a Niger State land dispute, alleging breaches of judicial ethics.

The dispute involves a multi-billion naira shopping mall built on land for which the defendants reportedly hold a valid Certificate of Occupancy issued over 30 years ago.

The appellants, Foundation Mira Ltd and another party, are contesting Justice Bilkisu Yusuf’s refusal to recuse herself from the case, which is also under consideration at the Court of Appeal.

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, criticised Justice Yusuf of the Niger State High Court for continuing to preside over the case despite the existence of an active appeal. The association referenced Appeal No. CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/1392MI/2024 and official appellate court records dated January 22, 2025, which confirm that the Court of Appeal has commenced hearings on the matter.

“Justice Bilkisu Yusuf’s refusal to stay proceedings in deference to the Court of Appeal constitutes a brazen violation of established judicial norms,” HURIWA said. “The principle of judicial hierarchy is unambiguous; once a matter is elevated to a higher court, the lower court must halt proceedings.”

Reports indicate that Justice Yusuf intends to deliver judgement today, May 5, 2025, despite the pending appeal. HURIWA warned that such an action would undermine the authority of the appellate court and subvert Nigeria’s legal system.

The group also condemned the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Minna Branch, Isyaku Barau, for what it described as a partisan endorsement of Justice Yusuf’s actions.

In a statement dated May 3, 2025, the NBA Minna Branch dismissed civil society concerns as a “media trial” and defended the judge’s actions as consistent with judicial integrity.

The association reminded judicial officers that the National Judicial Council (NJC) has sanctioned judges for defying superior courts and urged Justice Yusuf to halt proceedings until the appellate court resolves the matter.

HURIWA warned it would mobilise peaceful protests at key institutions, including the NJC Secretariat and the Supreme Court, if immediate action is not taken.

“This is about the integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary and the trust millions place in it for justice,” Onwubiko said.