ADC asks NJC to investigate Justices Tsoho and Lifu over the Nafiu Gombe case

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has filed a petition with the National Judicial Council (NJC) demanding an inquiry into the conduct of Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and Justice Peter Lifu. The petition concerns the handling of a lawsuit involving the party and its former National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe.

In a document dated 1 June 2026 and addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the petitioner, Nkemakolam Ukandu, accused the judges of abusing judicial power, disobeying court orders, and showing manifest bias in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 between Nafiu Bala Gombe and the ADC.

Ukandu noted that the Supreme Court, in Appeal No. SC/CV/180/2026 involving Senator David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe, had ordered the matter to be remitted to Justice Emeka Nwite, who was initially handling the case.

According to the petition, Justice Tsoho subsequently reassigned the case to Justice Peter Lifu, contrary to the apex court’s directive.

The petitioner further alleged that Justice Nwite, during proceedings on 8 May 2026, directed the plaintiff to provide a Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment and adjourned the matter indefinitely pending compliance.

He argued that the reassignment and the subsequent scheduling of a hearing before Justice Lifu on 3 June amounted to a violation of both the Supreme Court’s judgment and Justice Nwite’s earlier order.

Ukandu also accused Justice Tsoho of abusing his administrative powers by reassigning the matter despite the Supreme Court’s decision, which he said is binding on all courts under Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

The petitioner claimed that the reassignment created an appearance of bias and encouraged forum shopping.

He said concerns about the reassignment had earlier been raised before the court by his counsel, who allegedly objected to the transfer of the case to Justice Lifu or Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

The petition also accuses the two judges of breaching the judicial oath and the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

Ukandu urged the NJC to investigate the actions of Justices Tsoho and Lifu, determine whether they abused judicial powers or disobeyed court orders, and impose appropriate disciplinary measures if found culpable.

He also asked the council to direct immediate compliance with the Supreme Court’s remittance order and the earlier order made by Justice Nwite.