FG urged to reconsider cases of arrested Judges

  THE Federal Government has been urged to reconsider its stance on the fate of the judges arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).

International Human Rights and Anti-corruption Society (IHRAS) Director General Dr. U. O. Udofia made the request in a letter dated October 26 and sent to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN).

The group, which said it was particularly concerned with the case of Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja, noted that from its members' findings, the judge was above board.

In the letter, a copy of which was sent to the Director General of the DSS, IHRAS argued that although it support efforts by the government to curb corruption, it must be done in accordance with the rule of law and due process.

"Our independent investigation reveals that Justice Dr. Dimgba was appointed in December 2015 as a judge of the High Court and started sitting in January 2016 and has remained a judge of high repute in the discharge of his constitutional duties effectively and transparently.

"The case files taken by the DSS in Justice Dimgba's residence during the DSS operations were for judgments on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the following week, before the DSS operation on Friday night.

"Justice Dimgba has a right under the law to take the case files for study and writing of the judgments. During the DSS operation, noting was found, no monetary materials were found in his residence.

"It is upon this background that we appeal to the Federal Government, particularly the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the DSS, to reconsider the case of Justice Dimgba, whose residence was mistakenly invaded by the DSS.

"The appeal is predicated on the outcome of our untainted and undiluted investigation and opinion poll conducted among legal practitioners and others, within and outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

"All those contacted on this issue attested to the sincerity and honesty of Justice Dimgba in the discharge of his duties," IHRAS said.

The group urged the government to ensure that the fight against corruption should serve as incentive, to encourage and not discourage all those who are working sincerely in the interest of public.

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