From: Lydia Zakka
A Yola High Court in Adamawa State has sentenced M. K. Tijjani, the Counsel for the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Barr. Hudu Ari Yunusa, to prison for contempt of court.
The controversial incident occurred during the court's resumed sitting on Thursday when Tijjani displayed what the court deemed "insolence" and "dishonourable acts" during proceedings. Upon the calling of the case, Tijjani failed to announce his appearance, instead turning his back on the court.
When the presiding judge, Justice Benjamin Lawan Manji, ordered Tijjani to announce his presence, the lawyer responded with disrespect, telling the judge he was "not a party to the case" and that he was only representing another counsel at the previous sitting.
The judge, clearly angered by Tijjani's defiance and rude behavior, directed him to step into the witness box and explain why he should not be held in contempt of court. Even in the witness box, Tijjani continued to exhibit the same attitude, prompting Justice Manji to issue a direct order for his detention at the Yola Correctional Centre.
The case marks a continuation of tension surrounding the conduct of Tijjani in the courtroom. On January 23, 2025, during a previous hearing for the same case, Tijjani had attempted to record the court proceedings with his mobile phone. When the judge discovered this, he instructed the lawyer to cease recording. However, Tijjani defiantly rejected the judge’s order, arguing that no law prohibits lawyers from recording court proceedings and that he would not be stopped.
The confrontation only ended when the prosecuting counsel, Chief L. D. Nzadon, intervened, urging Tijjani to comply with the court’s authority and calling for patience from the judge.
This latest incident has drawn widespread attention to courtroom decorum and the importance of respecting judicial authority. Legal experts have noted that this is a rare instance where a lawyer’s contemptuous behavior has led to imprisonment, underscoring the gravity with which courts treat disruptions during proceedings.
As of now, Tijjani remains in detention, awaiting further developments in the case. The actions of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr. Hudu Ari Yunusa, also remain under investigation by the court and relevant authorities.
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