Judge Refuses To Hear Case Of Attorney For Arriving At Court In “Juju Priest”

Judge Refuses To Hear Case Of Attorney For Arriving At Court In “Juju Priest”

Due to Malcolm Omirhobo‘s appearance before the court dressed as a “juju priest,” a Federal High Court in Lagos declined to hear his case.

Omirhobo attended proceedings at the Supreme Court last Thursday while clad in juju priest garb. He wore chains on his legs, a red cloth around his waist, and feathers on his head. One of his eye sockets had white chalk-drawn on it.

Omorhibo told reporters that in light of the recent ruling by the Supreme Court, which upheld the wearing of the hijab in schools, he was simply practicing his fundamental rights.

On Monday, June 27, the lawyer appeared before Tijani Ringim, the judge, dressed the same way sparking reactions from some lawyers who argued he could not be heard. He was almost stopped at the entrance of the gate because of his dressing but he made his way inside, arguing that he was well dressed.

Omirhobo’s first suit, FHC/L/CS/929/2022, was against the federal government of Nigeria and others while the second suit; FHC/L/CS/1392/2021, was against the Nigeria Army and two others.

When his case was called up and he was rejected, Omorhibo said;

“My Lord, the rules cannot supersede the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Justice Ringim instructed Omirhobo to address the court on the following adjourned date and explain why he should be heard despite how he was dressed after hearing his argument.

The address must be filed before the postponed date, according to a court ruling, and it cannot be longer than five pages including references.

“You cannot address the court like this as a professional. I will adjourn your matter and you come and address the court if the rules allow you to appear in court like this,” the judge said.

The judge adjourned the hearing to October 10, 2022.