Africa-Press – Nigeria. The Incorporated Trustees of Global Integrity Crusade Network, GICN, is seeking the reassignment of an alleged unresolved murder case pending before an Abuja Federal High Court.
The plaintiff, a civil society organization, made the request in a letter addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, signed by Peter Chidiebere Nworie. The move is coming after the plaintiff had, severally, accused the police of delaying the matter.
GICN had in May 2024, filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the Inspector General of Police, IGP, over failure to release the probe report of the alleged “unresolved murder” case involving one Asabe Waziri, a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.
In the suit marked FHC/ABM/CS/742/2024, GICN asked the court to make an order granting it leave to apply for judicial review by way of order of mandamus compelling the police to forthwith release to it, based on a demand letter dated 2nd May, 2024, the final investigation report of the case involving Waziri, who allegedly hit a pregnant woman, Mrs Shitua Aso, with her car in front of the FCT Police Command, Garki 2, Abuja, on or about 30th May, 2010.
Giving an update on the suit on Tuesday, GICN lamented what it described as a pattern of delays which has frustrated the case.
“Despite the relatively straightforward nature of a mandamus application, the case has experienced multiple adjournments—at least five—over nearly two years,” the plaintiff said, alleging that the delays are not incidental but the result of actions taken by the defendants.
It specifically frowned at the late and limited participation of the Nigeria Police, which reportedly filed only a conditional appearance more than a year after the case was instituted, as well as absence of substantive filings or engagement from the respondents and repeated adjournments without meaningful progress
According to the plaintiff, such patterns raise questions about whether the delays are administrative inefficiencies—or something more deliberate.
The plaintiff equally raised concerns at Asabe Waziri’s decision to join the suit as a respondent, even when the relief sought is directed solely at the statutory duties of the police.
It noted that the move had complicated proceedings, thereby contributing to delays.
“Her inclusion introduces additional procedural layers, It potentially shifts focus away from the core issue—the release of the investigation report and It may serve as a strategic buffer against scrutiny,” the plaintiff noted, adding that Waziri’s status and institutional affiliation may be contributing to the slow pace of the case.
“The perception of influence is fueled by the extraordinary delay in a simple judicial review matter, the lack of urgency from law enforcement authorities and the continued non-disclosure of a long-completed investigation.”
Expressing concern that justice could be denied to the family of the victim, GICN said it has now taken the unusual step of requesting that the case be reassigned to another judge to ensure expeditious handling.
In the letter addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, dated January 20, 2026 and signed by Peter Chidiebere Nworie, GICN expressed concern over delays in the case and therefore called on the Chief Judge to re-assign the case to another judge.
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