Justice K.N. Ogbunnaya of High Court 15, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has declined to recuse herself from a criminal case filed by the Federal Government through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Mohammed Danjuma and Prince Chibuike Echem over alleged conspiracy, inducement, and forgery.

The defendants had earlier applied for the judge to step down from the case, citing alleged bias. However, Justice Ogbunnaya dismissed the application and ruled that proceedings would continue to trial.

Prior to the ruling, the defendants had petitioned the Chief Judge of the FCT, seeking a reassignment of the case. The request was initially granted, and the matter was transferred to another court presided over by Justice Y. Halilu.
However, in a twist, when the case came up before Justice Halilu, he informed the parties that it had been reassigned back to Justice Ogbunnaya’s court.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, the defendants appeared without legal representation, informing the court that their counsel had withdrawn from the case.

They also raised concerns over developments following the ruling on their bail application, including the alleged refusal to release the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling.
Responding, Justice Ogbunnaya described the issuance of the CTC as an administrative matter, attributing any delay to erratic power supply.

The judge maintained that the trial would proceed as scheduled, even in the absence of defence counsel.
She noted that only the Chief Judge has the authority to reassign cases or halt proceedings, stressing that the court would continue hearing the matter until directed otherwise.

When the defendants appealed for time to engage new legal representation, the request was declined.

The case was subsequently adjourned to Thursday, March 26, 2026, for continuation of trial.