The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA has expressed deep concern over the repeated delays in the appeal of Mr. Bright Emeka Ngene, a lawyer and member of the Association, following yet another recusal by the presiding judge.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its 1st Vice President and Chairman of the Human Rights Institute (HRI), Sabastine Anyia, the NBA described the situation as “inhumane” and a violation of Mr. Ngene’s right to a fair and timely trial.
The case, which had previously reached judgment stage, was stalled when the initial presiding judge withdrew on the very day judgment was to be delivered. It was subsequently reassigned and scheduled for hearing on September 23, 2025, before Hon. Justice E.N. Oluedo. However, Justice Oluedo has now recused herself, marking yet another setback in the prolonged proceedings.
Part of the Statement reads “In a democracy governed by the rule of law, justice delayed is justice denied. The prolonged delay in determining the appeal of Mr. Bright Emeka Ngene, a legal practitioner and member of the Nigerian Bar Association is fundamentally inhumane. It calls for concern that the matter, which had reached the judgment stage, was halted on the very day judgment was to be delivered due to the presiding judge recusing himself.
“The case was assigned to a new judge to start de – novo. The case was rescheduled for hearing on 23rd September 2025, offering a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, as usual, the new judge like the previous ones has equally dashed our hope.
“It should be made known to all Nigerians that the newly assigned judge, Hon. Justice Oluedo, has also recused herself from the matter creating another hurdle in a case that has already suffered undue stagnation. Who is next on the recusal list? Has the Judiciary become this weak in the face of the Executive? For how long shall we allow the case dilly dally? The cumulative effect is a violation of Mr. Ngene’s right to a fair and timely trial. This, to say the least is a painful reflection of systemic delay that risks decreasing public confidence in our justice delivery institutions.
“The continued detention without any judge accepting to hear his Appeal strikes at the heart of our collective sense of justice as a profession. The NBA’s intervention through the 1st Vice President, Sabastine Anyia under the visionary and people-centred leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, rightly affirms that the Association will not stand idly while the rights of its members and Nigerians are trampled upon. What trampling is worse than this?
“We need to send a strong message that no lawyer or any Nigerian citizen should suffer injustice in silence.
“The courts must make a decision one way or the other and act urgently, Mr Ngene deserves fair hearing. Right now.
“Permit me to ask here : Is reassigning the case again the best route? Or compelling the previous judge to hear it? A step that promises fruition must be taken. The Judiciary must be seen by Nigerians to be fearless in performing their constitutional duty.
“We are watching eagerly,” he stated.
