Alleged Murder Case Stalls as Questions Mount Over Influence and Delayed Justice

By Peter Dansu 

The prolonged delay in an Abuja Division of the Federal High Court case involving an alleged unresolved murder has raised serious concerns about the administration of justice and the potential role of influence in judicial processes.

At the center of the controversy is Asabe Waziri, a staff member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), who has been linked to a 2010 incident involving the death of a pregnant woman, Mrs. Shitua Aso.

The case, filed in May 2024 by the Incorporated Trustees of Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), is not a criminal trial but a judicial review application seeking to compel the Nigeria Police to release the final investigation report into the incident.

A Pattern of Delays

Despite the relatively straightforward nature of a mandamus application, the case has experienced multiple adjournments—at least five—over nearly two years.

The plaintiff alleges that these delays are not incidental but are instead the result of actions taken by the defendants, particularly:

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. 

The absence of substantive filings or engagement from the respondents and

Repeated adjournments without meaningful progress

Such patterns raise questions about whether the delays are administrative inefficiencies—or something more deliberate.

The Controversial Role of Asabe Waziri

A key point of contention is the decision by Asabe Waziri to join the suit as a respondent, despite the plaintiff’s claim that the relief sought is directed solely at the statutory duties of the police.

Legal observers suggest that this move may have had the effect of complicating proceedings and contributing to delays.

Critics argue that:

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

Allegations of Influence

While no court has made a finding of wrongdoing, the plaintiff’s position implies concern 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

Justice Delayed, Justice Denied?

For the family of the deceased, the case represents more than legal procedure—it is a test of whether accountability can be achieved.

The plaintiff has now taken the unusual step of requesting that the case be reassigned to another judge to ensure expeditious handling.

As the matter resumes, broader questions remain: Can the judicial system act independently in cases involving powerful individuals? Is procedural delay being used as a tool to avoid accountability? And ultimately, will the truth behind the 2010 incident ever be made public

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National Chairman
Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA)

Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.
National Publicity Secretary
Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA)

Plaintiff Accuses Police, Asabe Waziri Of Delay In Suit Seeking Judicial Review Of Alleged Unresolved Murder

... Says Victim's Family Crying For Justice

By Our Reporter 

The alleged murder case filed by a civil society organisation, the Incorporated Trustees of Global Integrity Crusade Network, GICN, against the Inspector-General of Police and Asabe Waziri has suffered several adjournments. 

The plaintiff in the matter has accused the defendants, Asabe Waziri and the Nigeria Police of delaying the matter. 

According to the plaintiff, the Nigerian Pice has only filed conditional appearance in the matter about two years since it was instituted

The case, filed on the 18th May, 2024 was assigned to Justice Gladys Olotu but has about five adjournments. 

GICN had filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, against the Inspector General of Police, over failure to release the probe report of an “unresolved murder” case involving one Asabe Waziri, a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.

By the suit marked FHC/ABM/CS/742/2024, the plaintiff (GICN) wants the court to make an order of granting it leave to apply for judicial review by way of order of mandamus compelling the Respondent to forthwith release to the Applicant based on the demand letter dated 2nd May, 2024, the final investigation report of the case involving Asabe 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.

The plaintiff in the suit dated May 29, 2024, is seeking a declaration that the failure, refusal and or neglect by the Respondent to release the information and documents requested for by the Applicant vide their letter to the Respondent dated 27 May, 2024 amounts to a violation of Sections 4 and 5 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and therefore unjustifiable, wrongful and illegal.

Since the case was filed in 2024, it has been moving on a snail speed. 

GICN has therefore called on the Chief Judge of the court to re-assign the case to another judge. 

In a letter dated January 20, 2026, signed by Peter Chidiebere Nworie, the plaintiff is asking the xourt to re-assign the case to another judge. 

The plaintiff said in the letter,  "We write as Legal Practitioners to The Incorporated Trustees of Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), hereinafter referred to as our Client, in respect of the above-mentioned suit. The suit is presently pending before the Federal High Court 2, presided over by Hon. Justice G.K. Olotu. 

"From the records, the suit is a simple application for Judicial Review by way of Mandamus, filed on 18th May, 2024, seeking the release of a certain FINAL INVESTIGATION REPORT of the 1st Respondent. 

"As it stands, the suit has remained pending for an inordinately long period through no. fault of the Applicant. Despite the Applicant’s consistent diligence, the matter has suffered unnecessary adjournments, largely attributable to the actions of the Respondents. 

"It is pertinent to note that Mrs. Asabe Waziri sought and was joined as 2nd Respondent to the suit, notwithstanding that the reliefs sought do not lie against her but are strictly directed at the statutory duty of the 1st Respondent. 

"As if that was not enough, the 1* Respondent only filed a Conditional Memorandum of Appearance on 3! October, 2025 and failed to further engage with the proceedings or file and serve substantive processes. 

"On 12 January, 2026 the matter came up with the Applicant represented whilst the Respondents never showed up. It happened that His Lordship did not sit on the said date because the court room was being renovated and the matter stands adjourned to 23rd March 2026 for Hearing. 

"In the circumstances and without any imputation against the integrity of the Presiding Judge, our Client respectfully urges Your Lordship to exercise the inherent administrative powers of your exalted office to order the transfer and or reassignment of this suit to another Honourable Judge of the Federal High Court. This will give room for expeditious hearing and determination of the suit in the overriding - interest of justice".