The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday imposed a N1 million fine on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its embattled National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, over applications seeking the recusal of Justice Peter Lifu from a suit filed by an aggrieved party member, Nafiu-Bala Gombe.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ADC and Aregbesola had separately asked the judge to withdraw from the case, alleging bias.

Delivering his ruling, Justice Lifu held that the applications lacked merit and were unsupported by credible evidence, describing them as attempts to frustrate the Supreme Court’s directive for an accelerated hearing of the matter.

The judge said the grounds relied upon by the applicants were irrelevant to the issues before the court.

According to him, after carefully reviewing all the processes and affidavit evidence presented by the parties, there was no indication of bias.

“There is no element of bias being painted by the applicants as alleged,” he said.

Justice Lifu noted that the applications for recusal were filed even before the court had assumed jurisdiction over the matter.

“Where then is the element of bias in the motions for recusal?” he queried.

Describing the applications as “an abuse of court process,” the judge said they were fundamentally defective.

“The law is settled that allegations of bias are grave allegations which are not made lightly.

“Whoever alleges bias must provide clear evidence.

“It becomes apparent that the applicants have failed completely to prove the allegations.

“It is a cheap attempt to blackmail and intimidate the court.

“As I said, nobody can intimidate the court,” he stated.

Justice Lifu warned that judges must be cautious about yielding to baseless accusations so as not to allow litigants select judges of their choice.

He further described the applications as “forum shopping.”

According to him, the allegations were aimed at having the case reassigned to another judge who would favour the applicants.

“Parties cannot choose which court they should be heard.

“Matters are assigned to judges by the administrative head of the court and no applicant can choose who will hear and determine their matters.

“A judge must be firm in doing justice and not dance to the whims and caprices of counsel.

“No court worth its salt should allow this,” he said.

The judge added that the applications were based entirely on speculation and warned that granting them would encourage lawyers to weaponise allegations of bias whenever they feared an unfavourable outcome.

According to him, approving such an application without credible evidence would create a dangerous precedent.

“On the whole, I found no merit in the application and it is hereby dismissed with N500,000 cost each against the applicants and in favour of the plaintiff,” Justice Lifu ruled.

Earlier, when the matter came up, counsel to the ADC National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, Mr Kalu-Kalu Agu, challenged the judge’s decision to proceed with the ruling in light of Monday’s judgment ordering the deregistration of ADC.

NAN reports that Agu had filed an application seeking to join the suit on behalf of Ukandu.

President Bola Tinubu has extended greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on the occasion of the Islamic New Year, 1st Muharram 1448AH, urging citizens to embrace patriotism and good citizenship.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President congratulated the Muslim Ummah as they marked the beginning of a new Hijri year, which coincides with June 16, 2026.

Tinubu said the Islamic New Year offers an opportunity for reflection on the virtues of the Hijrah, including the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Madina.

According to him, the lessons of the Hijrah, including sacrifice, renewal, patience and faith in Allah’s divine plan, remain relevant to efforts aimed at building a peaceful, just and prosperous nation.

“As Muslims mark the beginning of a new Hijri year, President Tinubu reflects on the virtues of the Hijrah, the migration from Mecca to Madina that marks the commencement of the Hijri calendar.

“He said the lessons, which include sacrifice, renewal, patience, and faith in Allah’s divine plan, remain central to building a peaceful, just, and prosperous nation,” the statement said.

It added, “The President admonishes all Nigerians, particularly the Muslim faithful, to embrace the spirit of the new year by rededicating themselves to the ideals of good citizenship.

“He urges acts of kindness, tolerance, honesty, and devotion to duty as necessary contributions to national unity, security, and development.”

Tinubu also prayed for peace, prosperity and divine guidance for Nigeria in the new Islamic year.

“The President prays that the new Islamic year brings blessings, peace and prosperity to every household, and that Allah continues to guide our nation on the path of progress,” the statement added.

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, on Monday declared Tuesday, June 16, as the first day of Muharram 1448AH in Nigeria.

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has revoked the bail granted to the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore.

Justice Umar revoked Sowore’s bail following his failure to appear in court for the continuation of his trial.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, counsel for the prosecution, Kehinde Akinlolu, informed the court that Sowore was absent despite being aware of the scheduled hearing.

Akinlolu urged the court to revoke the defendant’s bail, citing his failure to appear and his alleged persistent efforts to delay the trial.

In his ruling, Justice Umar noted that although Sowore had written to the court seeking an adjournment, the letter did not provide any reason for the request.

The judge subsequently revoked the bail and adjourned the matter until June 22 for hearing.