The chairmen of the eight branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers State recently convened a joint press conference to address allegations made by Chief Tony C. Okocha, JP, DSSRS, against Hon. Justice S. H. Aprioku of the Rivers State High Court.
These accusations centered on allegations that Justice Aprioku had been bribed and exhibited bias in the case of Sam Sam Etetegwung v. His Excellency, Abdullahi Ganduje & Ors. (Suit No: PHC/3592/CS/2023) as well as other cases under the judge’s purview.
During the briefing, Mrs. Cordelia Uwuma Eke, Chairman of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch, alongside the leaders of the other seven branches, strongly denounced Chief Okocha’s claims.
The NBA chairmen explained that the cases in question were originally assigned to Hon. Justice C. N. Wali and Hon. Justice O. Ollor. However, they were later consolidated and reassigned to Hon. Justice S. H. Aprioku following a request by the National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The request alleged that the two initial judges were strongly opposed to the APC-led government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC Caretaker Committee in Rivers State.
The chairmen made it clear that litigants do not have the right to select which judge hears their case, nor can they make baseless accusations against judges.
They emphasized that allegations of bribery against members of the judiciary must be substantiated with concrete evidence, as unfounded claims can damage both the reputation of the judiciary and public confidence in the legal system.
Moreover, the NBA chairmen described Chief Okocha’s accusations against Justice Aprioku as “spurious and unfounded.” They called on him to retract his statements and issue a public apology to the judge, urging him to focus on his legal cases instead.
In a stern warning, the chairmen noted that such baseless statements amount to contempt ex facie curiae (contempt committed outside the court) and indicated that the NBA is prepared to take legal action against anyone who disrespects the judiciary.
They reaffirmed their dedication to upholding due process and maintaining the rule of law in the judicial system.
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