The Lagos State High Court experienced a day of mourning on Monday due to the unexpected death of Justice Abdulganiyu Safari of the Epe Division, which led to the postponement of court activities.
Justice Safari, who handled family and probate cases, died in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 62.
He was laid to rest later on Sunday at his home on Alhaja Busola Street, near Singer Bus Stop in the Sango/Ota area of Ogun State, following Islamic burial traditions.
His death caused court sessions to be suspended in several divisions of the Lagos High Court, with many judges adjourning cases as a mark of respect for their deceased colleague.
While some courtrooms are anticipated to reopen on Tuesday, others might remain closed until Wednesday.
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Justice Safari, who previously served as the Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary, was appointed a judge on May 28, 2013, by the then-Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN).
He was highly regarded within the legal community for his dedication and commitment to upholding justice.
M.O. Ayida, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, confirmed the news in a statement, expressing profound sorrow and acknowledging God’s will.
Condolences also came from Mrs. Ololade Ige, the Deputy Director of Public Affairs of the Lagos State Judiciary, and Mrs. Grace Alo, the PRO of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
The judiciary conveyed its deep sadness over the loss and offered prayers for solace and strength for the grieving family.
Among the cases affected by the disruption is the widely publicized trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, a former University of Lagos student accused of murdering Usifo Michael Ataga, the CEO of Super TV.
Ojukwu, along with her co-defendants Adedapo Quadri and Chioma Egbuchu, faces charges of murder, theft, and forgery.
At the last court hearing, Justice Yetunde Adesanya rejected a no-case submission by Quadri and Egbuchu, concluding that the prosecution had presented sufficient initial evidence. She instructed the defendants to proceed with their defense.
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