There was a courtroom disagreement on Thursday when Abia State lawmaker, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, objected to the appearance of a lawyer representing him in an ongoing criminal case before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.
The case, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), concerns allegations of forgery and other offences against the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The incident occurred when the matter came up before Justice Halilu Yusuf, with Ogah rejecting the appearance of Barrister V.C. Ifacho, who is from the chambers of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN).
Ogah reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the legal representation, arguing that the seriousness of the case warranted the appearance of a more senior lawyer.
The lawmaker also referred to the financial resources he had committed to his defence and questioned why a junior counsel had appeared on behalf of Agabi to handle a matter he considered sensitive.
During the exchange, Ogah reportedly made remarks about the level of influence he claimed to wield within Nigeria’s judicial and political circles.
The latest courtroom development comes amid ongoing proceedings in charge No. CR/650/2024, in which the Federal Government accused the lawmaker of offences relating to alleged false declaration, perjury and injurious falsehood involving Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, a former Minister of State for Labour and Employment.
The prosecution’s case is linked to statements allegedly contained in an affidavit sworn to by Ogah in May 2023.
The case had earlier attracted attention following reports that the lawmaker was remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pursuant to a court order.
Proceedings in the matter are ongoing, and the allegations against Ogah remain to be determined by the court.
