Tension In Courtroom As Judge Delivers Controversial Ruling Amid NBA Objections, Pending Jurisdiction Challenges
By The9jaTREND
Dramatic scenes unfolded at the High Court 4 sitting in Aba, Abia State, on the 11th April, 2025, as Hon. Justice C.K. Nwankwo delivered a controversial ruling in a case involving Ribiza Hotels Ltd, amidst growing tensions, pending motions, and formal objections by legal observers and practitioners.
According to eyewitness accounts from the courtroom, the atmosphere was already charged even before the day’s proceedings began, following petitions submitted by parties in the suit to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Aba Branch, Bar/Bench Relations Committee. The petitions reportedly expressed serious concerns about the handling of the case, particularly the perceived denial of fair hearing by the presiding judge, Justice C. K. Nwankwo.
In response to the petitions, members of the NBA Aba Bar/Bench Relations Committee were present in court to observe the proceedings. They officially announced their appearance before the court and informed the bench that they were acting based on petitions received regarding the judge’s conduct in the ongoing matter.
Crucially, the NBA team also alerted the court that several motions were pending, particularly those contesting the jurisdiction of the court and specifically challenging the authority of Justice Nwankwo to proceed with the ruling scheduled for that day.
Despite this, eyewitnesses reported that the judge acknowledged the NBA’s appearance but dismissed the gravity of their submissions. He proceeded without recognizing or addressing the concerns raised, effectively sidelining the objections and appeals from both the NBA representatives and two other legal counsels who announced their appearance and expressed interest in the pending motions.
The courtroom was left in shock as Justice Nwankwo proceeded to deliver his ruling, controversially granting possession of the disputed property to Ribiza Hotels Ltd even though the matter of ownership and title is still being contested in court.
Legal observers and concerned parties present were visibly unsettled by what appeared to be a blatant disregard for due process, particularly given the unresolved jurisdictional questions.
The events of the day have now cast a shadow over the ruling, with legal analysts suggesting that the actions taken by Justice Nwankwo could become the subject of further investigation or appeal, especially considering the formal involvement of the NBA’s Bar/Bench Relations Committee.
Stakeholders in the legal community continue to express concern over what they described as a judicial process tainted by procedural irregularities and an apparent disregard for motions lawfully brought before the court.
As the case unfolds, all eyes will remain fixed on the next steps to be taken by the affected parties, the NBA, and possibly higher judicial authorities.
