Judge Warns Counsel Against Misconduct in Court Proceedings

On Tuesday, Justice Joyc Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, issued a warning to counsel regarding unruly conduct that could impede court proceedings. This warning comes in the context of a case involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami.

Counsel J.S. Okutepa, SAN, informed the court that he had received a call from lead defense counsel J.B.

Daudu, SAN, regarding an appeal that is time-sensitive. Justice Abdulmalik expressed dissatisfaction with how the matter was being handled and stressed the need for strict compliance with court directives, particularly concerning an interim forfeiture order that must be published within 14 days to allow interested parties to show cause.

The judge warned that any misconduct could lead to contempt charges, and if processes are not filed by the next adjourned date, they would be deemed abandoned.