Retiring Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Uwani Musa Abba Aji, has disclosed that the travel ban imposed on a seven-member panel of the apex Court by the United States of America was occasioned by misinterpretation of a judgment delivered by the justices. The ban, which is still in effect, was a result of a widely misinterpreted judgment. Justice Abba Aji made this revelation in Abuja during a valedictory Supreme Court session held in her honour.
Justice Abba Aji, who is set to formally bow out of the Supreme Court on November 7 upon attainment of the mandatory retirement age of 70 years, noted that the ban was part of the inconveniences and a small price to pay by judicial officers to preserve the chastity of justice. She recalled her experience while on the bench, saying that her time on the Supreme Court bench was filled with challenges, some of which served as additional opportunities to stand firm on the side of justice, regardless of the consequences.
Although Justice Abba Aji did not disclose the judgment that attracted the US travel ban on her panel members, she said that such inconveniences were a price to pay to preserve the chastity of justice. The retiring apex court justice also recalled the year 2016 when she received a call that her attention was needed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over a petition against her in Lagos. She was a regular visitor to the EFCC office, answering questions on allegations of corruption she knew nothing about.
Justice Abba Aji was eventually exonerated from all the allegations. She charged the younger generation of judges to hold fast to integrity and let justice be their compass, and serving judges to serve with humility and always remember that the law is not merely a profession but a trust. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, congratulated Justice Abba Aji for her diligent service to the country's judiciary and for leaving the Supreme Court bench with an unblemished record of service.
The CJN said that Justice Abba Aji's career in the judiciary and the legal profession was important to the nation and women who have followed her example on the Bench. Justice Abba Aji's judgment led to the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, which have assisted the Nigerian government in combating corruption.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, commended Justice Abba Aji for her contributions to the judiciary. Justice Abba Aji's commitment to upholding the law and ensuring justice was evident throughout her career. Her dedication to the judiciary has left a lasting impact on the country's justice system.
As Justice Abba Aji formally bows out of the Supreme Court, her legacy continues to inspire future generations of judges and lawyers. Her unwavering commitment to justice and integrity serves as a shining example for those in the legal profession. The valedictory session in her honour was a testament to her remarkable career and contributions to the country's judiciary.
Key points
- The US travel ban on the Supreme Court justices was due to misinterpretation of a judgment delivered by the justices.
- Justice Abba Aji was exonerated from allegations of corruption after investigations by the EFCC.
- Her judgment led to the establishment of EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU, which have assisted in combating corruption in Nigeria.
