Justice Wifa-Adedipe of the Rivers State High Court has withdrawn from presiding over a human rights lawsuit involving Ibiama Omuso, a former contractor, and Saipem Engineering. Omuso has accused the company of unlawfully detaining him at their Aker Road office in Port Harcourt for four days.
The judge recused herself after the plaintiff’s counsel, Lawrence Oko-Jaja SAN, requested her to step aside, citing her previous involvement as a lawyer representing Saipem in a matter against Oko-Jaja’s clients. Justice Wifa-Adedipe agreed, acknowledging the potential conflict of interest.
Oko-Jaja explained the case stems from Omuso’s alleged detention between November 29 and December 2 after his contract with Saipem was terminated. According to Oko-Jaja, Omuso was barred from leaving the company’s premises, purportedly for his safety, until police intervention secured his release.
The plaintiff argues that Saipem’s actions violated Omuso’s fundamental human rights and is seeking a public apology in two national newspapers and compensation for damages.
The defense counsel did not oppose the judge’s decision to recuse herself.
