Judge fails to hear lawyer's case over native doctor’s attire

By Francis IWUCHUKWU, Lagos

A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos State, Nigeria, presided over by Justice Tijani Ringim on Monday declined to entertain two cases involving a human rights lawyer, Malcolm Omihrhobo, who adorned himself in a lawyer’s gown with ‘native doctor’ attire to court.

Besides, Malcolm Omihrhobo, also appeared barefooted with cowries tied on his two legs. His wig had two long feathers, with cowries in his two hands and tied a red wrapper, while he wore his lawyer’s gown on it.

However, the human rights crusader who appeared before Justice Ringim, was greeted with resistance by some lawyers who disagreed with his appearance before the court in such dressing; arguing that he could not be heard as he was not properly dressed as a lawyer before the court.

It would be recalled that Malcolm Omihrhobo, who had last Thursday caused a stir at the Supreme Court in Abuja for appearing in court the same way, insisted that it would be a violation of his right if he was not heard; noting that the rules could not be above the nation’s Constitution.

According to the lawyer, “My Lord, the rules cannot supersede the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

But based on his position, Justice Ringim directed Omihirhobo to address the court on why he should be heard the way he was dressed on the next adjourned date in a suit designated FHC/L/CS/929/2022; (Chief Malcolm Omihrhobo) sued the Federal Government of Nigeria and others.

The same development happened in his second suit marked FHC/L/CS/1392/2021 against the Nigerian Army and two others before the same court.

In its directive, the judge declared that the address must not be more than five pages with the authorities, and must be filed before the adjourned date.

The matter has been adjourned to October 10, 2022.

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