The Democratic Front for Rule of Law, a coalition of civil society organisations, has praised the Federal High Court Judge Emeka Nwite for his firm warning during the ongoing trial of former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, his wife, Asabe Bagudu, and his son.

Justice Nwite, who is overseeing the trial, cautioned all parties to refrain from attempting to influence the court improperly, emphasizing that the judiciary must remain independent and impartial.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Kunle Bello Adejo, the coalition said:

“We salute Justice Emeka Nwite for reminding all parties that the Court is a temple of justice, not an avenue for undue influence. His declaration that he is ‘unapproachable’ sends a powerful message that the rule of law must be upheld and that judicial integrity cannot be compromised.”

The group stressed the importance of allowing the trial to proceed without interference, noting that public confidence in the justice system depends on transparency and fairness.

“Any attempt to misrepresent the judge’s words or influence proceedings undermines accountability and public trust. The warning was directed at all parties to ensure proper conduct in court, not at the prosecution acting in the public interest,” the statement added.

The Democratic Front called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Office of the Attorney-General to continue their work diligently, emphasizing that the trial represents an important step in maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system.

“This case is significant for the public and the rule of law. The proceedings must be conducted transparently, and all parties must be held accountable under the law,” the coalition said.

The group concluded by urging other judges handling high-profile cases to emulate Justice Nwite’s firmness, adding:

“We will support the judiciary in ensuring that justice is served fairly and openly, without interference or intimidation.”