The arrest of judges by the Department of State Security Service brought with it a barrage of controversy: there was a shower of opinions as to the legality or otherwise of the raid.

Some members of the bar upheld the actions of the DSS as being in conformity with current jurisprudence, while some opposed it as being dictatorial and a throw back to Buhari’s military heydays. Some others said that the line of action taken by the DSS will unravel the rule of law in Nigeria (This op-ed by Chidi Anslem Odinkalu buttresses the point).

Well, it would appear one thing the DSS actions have done is throw open the flood gates for litigants to intimidate judges. They need only allege corruption, and the judges, in fear for their reputation and hallowed seats, begin to step back from touching their cases.

See below the fantastic stunt a litigant pulled in court yesterday, as reported by @Olajide:

 

Madness is happening in the Court of Appeal Abuja Division right now.

— Big Daddy Jay (@0lajide) November 1, 2016

In this matter, a request for expedition was was granted and a special panel constituted for speedy hearing of the case.

— Big Daddy Jay (@0lajide) November 1, 2016

The Respondent, aggrieved that the matter is being heard speedily, wrote a petition to the President, The Attorney-General, DG SSS and NSA.

— Big Daddy Jay (@0lajide) November 1, 2016

Lawyers, especially those of you that defended the abduction and ignored possible ramifications, hope things are clearer to you now.

— Big Daddy Jay (@0lajide) November 1, 2016

How can a party to a matter be angry that his matter is being heard expeditiously? Is that not madness??

— Big Daddy Jay (@0lajide) November 1, 2016

Those abductions have thrown us in a rabbit's underground network of holes and we don't know which hole we'll come out from.

— Big Daddy Jay (@0lajide) November 1, 2016

What sad days these are.