NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION
MINNA BRANCH
Protecting the Rule of Law – Safeguarding Judicial Integrity
RE: UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HON. JUSTICE BILKISU YUSUF – A DEFENSE OF THE JUDICIARY
The attention of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Minna Branch, has been drawn to a publication dated 1st May 2025, issued by the so-called Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs), alleging judicial misconduct against Hon. Justice Bilkisu Yusuf of the High Court of Niger State in relation to proceedings in Suit No. NSHC/MN/247/2014.
The NBA Minna Branch views this publication with utmost dismay, deep concern, and unreserved condemnation. It is not only reckless and inflammatory, but it also constitutes a gross assault on the independence of the judiciary and an unwarranted attack on the person of a sitting judicial officer, conducted in a manner that subverts lawful channels of redress and accountability.
Let it be made unequivocally clear: the judiciary is a sacred institution whose sanctity must be preserved at all times. While no judge is above the law, the principles of due process, fair hearing, and institutional accountability apply equally to all parties—including civil society organisations. The correct forum for ventilating grievances against judicial officers remains the National Judicial Council (NJC), not the pages of newspapers or public propaganda campaigns designed to intimidate judges and influence judicial proceedings.
It is particularly troubling that the CNCSOs would embark on a media trial, laced with unsubstantiated claims, emotive language, and clear bias, all in a matter that is sub judice. Such conduct violates the core tenets of the rule of law which civil society ought to protect—not undermine. It also raises serious questions as to the motive and sponsors behind this coordinated smear campaign.
The NBA Minna Branch holds Hon. Justice Bilkisu Yusuf in the highest regard for her judicial temperament, integrity, and commitment to justice. Allegations of impropriety, if any, should follow due process, not be turned into a tool for character assassination or a means to blackmail the judiciary into submission. It is curious that these allegations only surfaced after certain judicial decisions did not favour the parties now crying foul.
We categorically reject the vilification of Hon. Justice Yusuf and call upon all concerned to refrain from further statements or actions that seek to erode public trust in the judiciary. We also urge the Chief Judge of Niger State and the National Judicial Council to treat this publication as an affront to judicial independence and an act of institutional intimidation.
In conclusion, the NBA Minna Branch stands firm in defense of the judiciary, the rule of law, and judicial officers who perform their duties without fear or favour. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and take all necessary legal and institutional steps to ensure that the independence and dignity of the bench are not compromised by unscrupulous actors.
Signed:
Isyaku Barau Esq.,
Chairman, NBA Minna Branch
3rd May 2025
