The presiding judge of the Warri Division of the Federal High Court, Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjiwa, has reportedly declined to continue proceedings in the cyberstalking case involving detained child rights advocate, Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho, pending directives from judicial authorities.
During proceedings on Tuesday, Justice Nganjiwa also reportedly told defence counsel to withdraw petitions and media publications allegedly accusing him of unethical judicial conduct before the matter could proceed.
The case, filed as FGN v. Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho at the Federal High Court in Warri, has drawn significant public attention over allegations of prolonged detention, delays in trial proceedings, and disputes surrounding applications for reassignment of the matter.
At the hearing, defence lawyer Andrew Elekeokwuri reportedly asked the court whether any response had been received from the Chief Judge regarding a pending application seeking reassignment of the case.
In response, Justice Nganjiwa reportedly stated that no directive had yet been issued by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court concerning the request.
The judge also expressed concern over petitions and online publications allegedly accusing him of misconduct in relation to the case, according to accounts from persons present in court.
He reportedly maintained that parties making such allegations could not expect him to continue hearing the matter while complaints against him remained unresolved, adding that an application for his recusal would have been the appropriate legal step.
Justice Nganjiwa further indicated that until formal instructions were received from judicial authorities, he would neither continue hearing the case nor approve its transfer.
The development has intensified public debate surrounding the prosecution of Aghogho, whose supporters insist the charges against him are linked to his advocacy work on alleged irregularities within child protection and adoption systems in Delta State.
The Take It Back Movement in Delta State has repeatedly called for the activist’s release, arguing that his prosecution is connected to whistleblowing activities involving alleged illegal adoption practices, abuse within child welfare systems, and weak regulatory oversight.
The group also disclosed that additional legal processes have reportedly been filed before the ECOWAS Court of Justice over alleged violations of Aghogho’s fundamental rights.
Supporters of the activist have continued to demand reassignment of the case, arguing that doing so would help preserve confidence in the judicial process and guarantee fairness and impartiality.
The matter is expected to continue pending further directives from the appropriate judicial authorities.