From Idu Jude, Abuja
The Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs), representing over 75 civil society groups, has urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to urgently investigate alleged judicial misconduct by Justice Bilkisu Yusuf of the Niger State High Court in Minna.
In a statement issued on Thursday, May 1, signed by National Secretary Alhaji Ali Abacha, the coalition expressed concern over Justice Yusuf’s actions in a land dispute case, which they claim undermine judicial integrity.
The CNCSOs highlighted Suit No. NSHC/MN/247/2014, involving Homefronts Consultants Limited and others against Foundation Mira and others, concerning a valuable land parcel along David Road, Minna.
The coalition stated, “Justice Yusuf took his illegality to the extreme by looking into the sunny face of the Court of Appeal by refusing to stay proceedings even when an appeal over the subject matter has been filed before the Court of Appeal.” They allege Justice Yusuf continued hearings despite a pending appeal (CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/1392MI/2024), filed after her refusal to recuse herself, creating a “judicial collision” with the appellate court.
The coalition noted that Foundation Mira holds a valid Certificate of Occupancy for the land, issued over 30 years ago, with no revocation and consistent payment of ground rent. The land hosts a multibillion-naira shopping mall, yet Justice Yusuf allegedly permitted plaintiffs to build residential structures on designated parking spaces.
The CNCSOs also cited another case, Suit No. NSHC/MN/727M/2024, where Justice Yusuf proceeded despite an appeal, with a related petition filed with the NJC on February 14, 2025.
The group warned, “The actions of Justice Yusuf do not only endanger the outcome of the specific case in question, but also tarnish the sanctity and public perception of the judiciary in Niger State and Nigeria at large.”
They urged the NJC to investigate Justice Yusuf’s conduct and the Chief Judge of Niger State to reassign Suit No. NSHC/MN/247/2014 to an impartial judge.