Judge Warns Against Disobedience Of Court Orders

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An Abuja High Court judge, Justice Folasade Ojo, on Tuesday warned against the flagrant disobedience of court orders, by legal practitioners and parties in disputes.

She said the trend could expose the judiciary to ridicule.

Justice Ojo gave the warning after Mr. Akin Aina, counsel to an Abuja-based businessman, Kanachukwu Anyaocha, had told the court that its order of August 24, 2011, had not been complied with.

On August 24, 2011, the judge had ordered Mrs. Ifeoma Anyaocha (Anyaocha’s wife) to hand over custody of their two-year-old daughter to Anyaocha, pending when the suit would be heard and determined.

The court granted Anyaocha an interim order against Ifeoma for custody of the child, pending the hearing of a motion on notice filed by him, asking for full custody of the child.

Ojo, at the resumed hearing on Tuesday, expressed concern that the court’s order had not been complied with by Ifeoma, four months after it was issued.

“This trend is quite worrisome. This court issued an interim order and the respondent has flouted it.

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“We should not encourage this type of attitude. If a law court gives an order it should be duly complied with.”

Earlier, Mr. Afam Osigwe, counsel to Ifeoma, had apologised to the judge on behalf of his client.

Osigwe gave assurance that he would ensure that his client complied with the court’s order.

“I will not support any actions that would ridicule this court and the judiciary, of which I am a member.

“I will meet with my client and I promise that if by the next adjourned date she does not obey the order, I will not represent her again.

“I will never be seen to aid the violation of any order issued by My Lord.”

Justice Ojo gave Ifeoma till Feb. 9 to comply with the order, or be held in contempt of the court.

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