Shakeups In FHC As Justice Abang, Dimgba, Others Redeployed

Justice Okon Abang has been redeployed to the Abuja division of
the Federal High Court, from where he was posted to the Asaba
division two years ago.

His redeployment, according to a circular by the Chief Judge of
the Federal High Court, Justice Adamu Abdu-Kafarati, is to take
effect on February 11.

Our correspondent obtained the circular dated January 21, 2019,
on Tuesday.

Judges affected by the redeployment include Justice Nnamdi
Dimgba, who was transferred from Abuja to replace Justice Abang in
Asaba.

Justice Dimgba, who is reputed for a speedy hearing and
determination of both civil and criminal cases, became a judge in
2015.

Also redeployed are Justice Babs Kuewumi, who was moved from
Lagos to Ado Ekiti, Justice Babatunde Quadri, who was transferred
from Abuja to Maiduguri, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, who was sent to Abuja
from Ado Ekiti, and Justice J. K. Dagat, who was posted to Lagos
from Maiduguri.

The circular titled, ‘Further posting of judges’, added, “Hon.
Justice B. O Kuewumi will resume in Ekiti on February 4, while all
other judges affected by the transfer will resume in their
divisions on February 11.”

Although Justice Abang was redeployed to Asaba in January 2017,
he was directed by Justice Abdu-Kafarati to continue to hear some
criminal cases in the Abuja division.

Some of the cases included the ones involving former spokesman
for the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, a former governor of
Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, and the late former Chief of Defence
Staff, Alex Badeh.

With his redeployment, it is believed that the cases will be
concluded.

Justice Abang, who has often expressed his desire to give effect
to the relatively new provisions of the Administration of Criminal
Justice Act relating to speedy trial, was able to devote only a
week in two or three months to hear the cases.

Following his redeployment to Abuja, it is believed the judge
will devote more time to the cases.

It is also believed that Justice Dimgba will be given the
authority to conclude a number of high-profile criminal cases
pending before him.

The cases include the ones involving Ex-Ekiti State governor
Ayodele Fayose’s former aide Abiodun Agbele; former Chief of Air
Staff, Mohammed Umar; and former President Goodluck Jonathan’s
cousin, Robert Azibaola.

During his period in Abuja, Justice Dimgba gave judgments with
far-reaching implications, including the one ordering the
reinstatement of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.