The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has approved the arrest of Senator Ahmad Muhammad Bulkachuwa, on Tuesday for publicly claiming that he influenced the decisions of his wife, Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa who was a former Court of Appeal President.
Justice Inyang Ekwo held that the lawmaker has no right to influence the judgments of a judge.
There had been calls for Bulkachuwa’s arrest after the lawmaker during the valedictory session of the 9th Assembly, said his wife, Justice Zainab, “accepted my encroachment, and extended her help to my colleagues.”
In the viral video clip on June 12, he said his wife assisted his colleagues at the National Assembly, as a serving judge.
Bulkachuwa had later filed a suit seeking an order restraining anti-graft agencies from inviting, interrogating, or arresting him over what he said about influencing his wife’s judgement.
Bulkachuwa, through his lawyer, Mr. Donald Ayibiowu, in his originating summons before Justice Inyang Ekwo stated that the leadership of the 9th Assembly did not allow him to “fully speak” during the valedictory session.
Ayibiowu claimed that his client’s political opponents are now twisting the development to malign his reputation and that of his family.
Moreso, Ayibiowu argued that in line with Section 1 of the Legislative Houses’ Powers and Privileges) Act 2017, only the Senate in session or any of its sub-committees has the disciplinary power to invite Bulkachuwa to answer any question relating to his conduct/utterances on the floor of the Nigerian Senate.
The plaintiff therefore asked the court to declare that he “is covered, privileged and protected by the parliamentary immunity as enshrined in Section 1 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act 2017 and freedom of speech and expression made thereto is privileged.”
The Attorney-General of the Federation, the Clerk of the National Assembly, State Security Service, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), and Nigeria Police Force, were listed as 1st to fifth defendants.
Amid the development, the retired justice had debunked the comments credited to her husband, saying she “never favoured any party” during her time as a judge.
But in his judgement on Tuesday, Justice Ekwo held that the most rational interpretation of the statement made by Bulkachuwa was that it is contrary to the law.
“The answer is simple, he influenced his wife, ” Ekwo said, adding this is an act of corruption.
Ekwo said the statement of the lawmaker is a confession of an irregular act that is subject to be investigated and prosecuted.
The judge said the plaintiff is liable to be arrested based on his statement, adding that the National Assembly is not a place to hide any person who has committed a crime involving influencing the administration of criminal justice.
“I hold that this case lacks merit and ought to be dismissed. The case is dismissed. “
