Fmr NHRC Chair Odinkalu Demands Judge’s Recusal in $2.1m Wike Land Dispute Case
Professor Chidi Odinkalu, the former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has called on Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court to recuse himself from a high-stakes $2.1 million land dispute involving Jordan Wike, the son of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The civil suit, numbered CV/008/2026 and filed by Safwan Garba & Anor against Jordan Wike, has sparked intense scrutiny over judicial impartiality and conflict of interest.
In a statement, Odinkalu argued that Justice Oriji’s alleged personal ties and shared geographical background with the Wike family severely undermine the credibility of the proceedings.
Both the presiding judge and the FCT minister hail from the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where they are reportedly related or closely acquainted.
“Only a judiciary that is not interested in its credibility or in justice could possibly think that is proper, normal, or acceptable,” Odinkalu stated, expressing deep concern over the assignment of the case.
Drawing a historical parallel to the 1983 Supreme Court election petition between Jim Nwobodo and Christian Onoh, Odinkalu recalled how Justice Anthony Aniagolu voluntarily stepped down from the panel because he knew both parties and shared a neighborhood with Chief Onoh. Odinkalu urged Justice Oriji to follow this precedent to protect the integrity of the bench.
The human rights advocate criticized both the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court for assigning the case and Justice Oriji for accepting it, noting that the constitutional standard for a fair trial demands an independent and impartial tribunal.
“The judge is in an impossible position,” Odinkalu warned. “Whether the case succeeds or fails, extraneous factors will be imputed.”
Odinkalu further expressed surprise that the claimants’ legal team had not yet filed a formal application for recusal, calling it an “obligation of professional conscience.” He asserted that justice cannot be seen to be done under the court’s current composition, emphasizing that it is not too late for the judge to step aside.
