A Federal High Court in Lagos has refused to hear the cases filed by human rights lawyer, Malcolm Omirhobo, for appearing before the court dressed as a “juju priest”.
The Eagle Online reported on Friday that he attended proceedings at the Supreme Court dressed like a juju priest.
He had white chalk drawn on one of his eyes sockets, had legs chains, also tied a red cloth around his waist and had feathers on his head.
Omorhibo told newsmen that he was exercising his fundamental rights following the recent verdict of the apex court affirming the wearing of hijab in schools.
On Monday, the lawyer appeared before Justice Tijani Ringim of the Federal High Court in Lagos dressed the same way.
This sparked reactions from some lawyers who argued he could not be heard.
He was almost stopped at the entrance of the gate because of his dressing, but he made his way inside, arguing that he was well dressed.
Omirhobo’s first suit: FHC/L/CS/929/2022, was against the Federal Government of Nigeria and others, while the second suit: FHC/L/CS/1392/2021, was against the Nigerian Army and two others.
When his case was called and he was rejected, Omorhibo said: “My lord, the rules cannot supersede the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
After listening to his argument, Justice Ringim directed Omirhobo to address the court on why he should be heard the way he was dressed on the next adjourned date.
The court ordered that the address must not be more than five pages with authorities cited, adding that it must be filed before the adjourned date.
Ringim said: “You cannot address the court like this as a professional.
“I will adjourn your matter and you must come and address the court if the rules allow you to appear in court like this.”
The judge adjourned the hearing to October 10, 2022.