A judge in a Lagos Federal High Court has refused to hear the cases filed by human rights lawyer, Malcolm Omirhobo, after he appeared before the court dressed as a ”native doctor”.
The drama occurred Last Monday 23rd June, 2022 as Lawyer Omirhobo decided to attend proceedings at the court dressed like a juju priest. He had white chalk-drawn on one of his eyes balls, had leg chains, and tied a red cloth around his waist with feathers on his head.
Lawyer Omorhibo told newsmen that he was only exercising his fundamental rights following the recent verdict of the apex court which affirmed the wearing of hijab in schools.
On Monday, June 27, the lawyer appeared again before Tijani Ringim, the judge, dressed the same way sparking reactions from some colleague lawyers who argued that he should not be heard.
Even before making his entry into the court room, he was almost stopped at the entrance of the gate because of his dressing. But he still managed to make his way into the court room with the argument that he was well dressed.
Omirhobo’s first suit, FHC/L/CS/929/2022, was against the federal government of Nigeria and others while the second suit; FHC/L/CS/1392/2021, was against the Nigeria Army and two others.
When his case was called up and he was to be rejected, Omorhibo said
“My Lord, the rules cannot supersede the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
After listening to his argument, Justice Ringim directed Omirhobo to address the court on why he should be heard the way he was dressed on the next adjourned date.
“You cannot address the court like this as a professional. I will adjourn your matter and you come and address the court if the rules allow you to appear in court like this,” the judge said.
The judge then adjourned the hearing to October 10, 2022.
Ewurama Acheampoma