Abdullahi Liman, and the making of a judicial scandal, by Chidi Odinkalu

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Chidi Odinkalu 

Since May 23, 2024, Abdullahi Liman, a senior judge of Nigeria's Federal High Court, has embroiled himself in a judicial controversy involving the Emirate of Kano. Liman has issued at least five rulings that defy established Supreme Court jurisprudence, asserting federal jurisdiction to decide on the emirate's leadership, despite the matter being pending at the Court of Appeal. This has raised serious concerns about judicial overreach and misconduct.


The heart of the scandal lies in Liman's issuance of a late-night order on May 23, 2024, demanding parties maintain the status quo concerning the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law. This law had been assented to by the Governor of Kano State earlier that day. Questions arose because it appeared there was no legitimate case filed before Liman issued his order. The order was made during a virtual proceeding and was purportedly enrolled on the same date, yet the specifics of the case filing remain dubious.


Liman, with nearly 40 years in the legal profession and 24 years as a judge, was recently recommended for elevation to the Court of Appeal. Despite his extensive experience, this incident has called into question his judicial integrity. His rulings, particularly one on June 20, 2024, which nullified the actions of the Kano State government under the new law, lacked transparency regarding the case's filing details and appeared to bypass standard legal procedures.


The Federal High Court’s registry closes at 5 PM, yet the Governor's assent to the law occurred at 5:10 PM. Therefore, any case filed to challenge the law could not have been processed that day without prior arrangements extending registry hours, which were not documented. This discrepancy suggests Liman’s order was based on an unfiled case, pointing to severe judicial impropriety.


Abdullahi Liman


Moreover, on June 13, 2024, Liman ruled to claim jurisdiction over the emirate dispute, dismissing a relevant 1988 Supreme Court decision without substantial justification. He later declared the case involved "traditional and cultural rights," terms not recognized as fundamental rights in Nigeria's Constitution, further clouding the legitimacy of his actions.


Liman’s insistence that his May 23 order was valid and widely known on social media does not hold against the fact that it was served on the Kano State Government only on May 27. His disregard for procedural norms and invention of rights not enshrined in the Constitution underscore a significant judicial overstep.


In conclusion, the case of Abdullahi Liman reflects a profound judicial scandal, characterized by questionable legal practices and potential misuse of judicial authority. This incident underscores the need for rigorous oversight to maintain the integrity of the judiciary in Nigeria.

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