By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Human rights lawyer and public affairs commentator, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has accused the President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Monica Dongban-Mensem, of abusing her office over a planned special court sitting scheduled to hold in her hometown in Plateau State.
Odinkalu made the allegation on Friday in a post on his X handle while reacting to arrangements for a special session marking the 50th anniversary of the Court of Appeal.
According to him, the appellate court, whose headquarters is in Abuja, had planned activities to commemorate its golden jubilee. However, he claimed that an impromptu notice was subsequently issued directing that the court would sit on Saturday, June 13, at 9:00 a.m. or shortly thereafter.
He stated that the session would be presided over by Justice Dongban-Mensem and held at Ngwa Rina Ngoot in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State, which he identified as the hometown of the Court of Appeal President.
Odinkalu argued that the proposed venue is not an official seat of the Court of Appeal and questioned the rationale behind holding a judicial sitting there.
The former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission further alleged that matters had been listed on the cause list for determination during the sitting, despite the location not being a recognised judicial division of the appellate court.
He also pointed to an invitation extended to members of the Nigerian Bar Association Shendam Branch, who were reportedly urged to attend the event as a mark of courtesy and solidarity with the Court of Appeal President.
Describing the development as improper, Odinkalu insisted that the decision raised concerns about the use of judicial authority and adherence to established court procedures.
“There is only one name for this, let’s be clear. It is abuse of power,” he wrote.
The Court of Appeal had yet to officially respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
Precise Post recalls that the controversy comes as the appellate court marks five decades of existence, with stakeholders expected to reflect on its role in the administration of justice and the strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic and legal institutions.
