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
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
