Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Wuse has declined to step down from presiding over a high-profile case involving the alleged conspiracy and theft of gold jewelry worth N300 million, ruling that the defendants failed to substantiate claims of judicial bias.
In her ruling, Justice Nwosu-Iheme dismissed the recusal application, affirming her impartiality and directing that the trial proceed without delay. The defendants—Rukhayat Abbeyson, Lauretu Ahmed, and Sagir Ahmed—had sought her withdrawal, but the judge held that no credible evidence of prejudice was presented.
The case stems from an incident on March 23, 2024, when the trio allegedly conspired to steal the jewelry from the residence of complainant Hajia Halima Suleiman at No. 26A Etang Obuli Crescent, Jabi, Abuja. The charge, filed by the Commissioner of Police, accuses Abbeyson, Suleiman’s former personal assistant, of masterminding the theft. As the only individual besides Suleiman with access to the safe’s combination, Abbeyson is alleged to have exploited her position to facilitate the crime.
During the latest court session, C.G. Okafor, standing in for lead prosecutor Adama Musa, informed the court that the prosecution was ready to present its first witness but sought an adjournment due to counsel’s sudden illness. The request, unopposed by the defense, was granted, with Okafor emphasizing the need for all proceedings to be accurately recorded.
The defense team, led by Ishaka Dikko (SAN), maintains the defendants’ innocence, describing the accusations as fabricated. In their statements to investigators, the accused have denied involvement, insisting they are victims of a wrongful setup.
Prosecution evidence, already front-loaded, includes witness and defendant statements, a compact disc with voice notes and call recordings, bank statements, purchase receipts, photographs of the stolen items and the safe, and printed chat message excerpts—painting a detailed picture of the alleged plot.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme has scheduled the matter for a definitive hearing on January 19 and 20, 2026, urging all parties to arrive fully prepared to avoid further postponements. The ruling underscores the court’s commitment to expeditious justice in a case that has drawn attention for its financial stakes and implications for trust in domestic employment.
