By our reporter| A federal high court in Lagos has declined to proceed with two cases filed by Malcolm Omirhobo who appeared before the court dressed as a ”juju priest”.
Omirhobo’s first suit, FHC/L/CS/929/2022, was against the federal government of Nigeria and others, while the second suit; FHC/L/CS/1392/2021, was against the Nigeria Army and two others.
The lawyer had last week appeared before the supreme court in the same costume to protest the apex court’s ruling which affirmed the wearing of hijab in schools in a case brought by Lagos state government.
The human rights lawyer, who appeared before Tijani Ringim, the judge, argued that the constitution allows him freedom to dress the way he chooses, hence his decision to appear that way.
“My Lord, the rules cannot supersede the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
However, after listening to his argument, the presiding judge directed Omirhobo to address the court on why he should be heard the way he was dressed on the next adjourned date.
The court further directed that the address to be filed before the adjourned date, must not be more than five pages with authorities cited.
“You cannot address the court like this as a professional. I will adjourn your matter and you come and address the court if the rules allow you to appear in court like this,” the judge ruled.
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