Justice Lifu dismisses bias claims, describes application as abuse of court process and forum shopping.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, ₦500,000 each over an application seeking the withdrawal of Justice Peter Lifu from a suit involving the party.
Justice Lifu, in a ruling delivered on Tuesday, dismissed the applications filed by ADC and Aregbesola, ruling that they lacked merit and were not supported by credible evidence of bias.
The judge described the motions as an abuse of court process, saying allegations of bias against judges are serious claims that must be backed by clear evidence.
Justice Lifu held that the applicants failed to prove their allegations and warned against attempts by litigants to influence the choice of judges handling their cases.
He ruled that the applications amounted to “forum shopping” and could set a dangerous precedent if allowed without substantial evidence.
The court subsequently awarded a cost of ₦500,000 against each applicant in favour of the plaintiff.
The ruling followed separate motions by ADC and Aregbesola seeking the judge’s recusal from a suit filed by party member Nafiu-Bala Gombe, who is challenging the leadership structure of the party.
Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until June 23 for hearing of pending applications.