A lawyer, Mr Ibrahim Waru, has called on the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, to transfer an alleged $2.1 million land fraud case involving the son of FCT Minister, Jordan Wike, over concerns about a possible perception of bias arising from alleged family and community ties with the presiding judge.
Waru, counsel to the claimants, Safwan Garba GY and GY Global Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited, requested in a letter dated October 7 and received by the Chief Judge’s chambers on October 8.
A copy of the letter Titled, “Request for Transfer of Suit CV/008/26 between Safwan Garba GY & Another Vs Jordan Ezenwo Nyesom Wike from Court 2 on Grounds of Reasonable Apprehension of Bias,” was made available to journalists on Monday, October 12 in Abuja.
The letter seeks the reassignment of the case from Court 2 of the FCT High Court, presided over by Justice Sylvanus Chinedu Oriji.
Waru said the request was prompted by social media publications which, according to him, could raise concerns about the appearance of impartiality in the proceedings.
He specifically alleged that the judge and the defendant shared a common community background and close geographical, community and family affinities.
The lawyer, however, stressed that the application was not intended to question the integrity, impartiality or professional competence of Justice Oriji.
“Our clients do not equally allege actual bias against His Lordship, the presiding Judge.
“Rather, the request is founded on the need to avoid circumstances capable of creating a reasonable perception or apprehension that the matter may not be determined with the required appearance of complete impartiality,” he stated.
Waru noted that a fundamental principle of justice was that it must not only be done but must also be seen to have been done.
He argued that transferring the case to another court would help preserve public confidence in the judicial process and prevent circumstances that could create a reasonable apprehension of bias.
According to him, the application is based on the possibility that the judge’s alleged relationship and shared community background with the defendant could create an impression among reasonable observers that the circumstances might influence, or be perceived as capable of influencing, the proceedings.
“In the circumstances, and purely in the interest of justice, fairness and preservation of confidence in the judicial process, we respectfully urge Your Lordship to exercise the administrative powers of the Honourable Chief Judge to transfer the suit No. CV/008/26 from Court 2 and assign same to another court of FCT High Court,” he wrote.
Waru noted that the requested transfer should not be interpreted as an adverse finding against Justice Oriji but as a measure to eliminate any reasonable apprehension of bias and ensure that all parties had confidence in the impartiality of the proceedings.
The claimants alleged that they met Jordan Wike in London and developed a relationship before meeting him again in Abuja about three months later.
According to their account, they subsequently approached him for assistance in facilitating the acquisition of land in the FCT.
They alleged that Jordan assured them he could facilitate the acquisition of 30 hectares of land in Katampe and another 30 hectares in Guzape.
The claimants further alleged that Jordan demanded $2.1 million for the arrangement, comprising $2 million allegedly meant for his father and $100,000 for himself.
They claimed that the money was delivered on September 26, 2025, in the presence of Adamu Sani, Aliyu Sarki and Sai Wani, while Jordan was allegedly accompanied by Onor Sandy.
According to the claimants, Jordan neither delivered the promised land nor refunded the money after receiving it, but subsequently became unreachable.
However, Jordan denied the allegations in his statement on oath.
During cross-examination by the claimants’ counsel, he reportedly denied knowledge of the allegations and told the court that his signature on a document presented as evidence had been forged.
He also denied having any connection with the claimants. Justice Oriji has adjourned the case until December 1, 2 and 14, 2026, for continuation of trial.
