Nigerian lawyer sues judge, claims fundamental rights infringement
A Nasarawa State-based lawyer, Isah Hassan Nalaraba, has filed a lawsuit against Justice Abdullahi Shams Shama of the State High Court in Doma for alleged infringement of his fundamental human rights.
The suit was initiated in response to an incident that occurred on February 5, 2025, during which Nalaraba claims he was unlawfully detained and had his two mobile phones confiscated by the judge.
Reports have it that Nalaraba arrived at the court to conduct legal business when he encountered a misunderstanding with Justice Shama regarding recording of court proceedings.
Following this misunderstanding, Justice Shama allegedly ordered Nalaraba’s detention and the seizure of his phones.
According to Nalaraba’s counsel, Abubakar Dogara Esq., this action constituted an infringement of his client’s rights as a lawyer.
The details provided indicate that Nalaraba was fully robed as a lawyer at the time of his arrest. He was taken to the Doma police division where he spent the night in custody.
His release was reportedly conditioned upon surrendering his two phones, which raises significant concerns about due process and the treatment of legal professionals within judicial settings.
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The lawsuit has been filed before a Federal High Court in Lafia, with both Justice Shama and the Nasarawa State Police Command named as respondents.
During hearing, Dogara informed the court about attempts to serve legal processes on the respondents, which were confirmed by Justice Shama’s counsel, Yahaya Dangana Esq.
The case has been adjourned until April 29 for further hearing.
This case highlights issues related to judicial misconduct and fundamental human rights within legal proceedings. It raises questions about how judges exercise their authority and how such actions may infringe upon the rights of individuals involved in legal matters.
