Out-of-Court Settlement Talks Collapse as Judge Recuses Self in Niger State vs Badeggi FM Case
An attempt at an amicable, out‑of‑court settlement between the Niger State Government and Badeggi FM Radio Station has collapsed, leading the presiding judge, Hon. Justice Mohammed Mohammed, to recuse himself from further hearing of the matter.
The settlement initiative was originally proposed by the Niger State Government. Its lead counsel, Jacob Johnson Usman, SAN, had informed the High Court in Suit No. NSHC/M/0296/2025, filed on Tuesday, 5th August 2025, that his clients had opted to explore a negotiated resolution outside the formal trial process.
Following this proposal, counsel on both sides agreed to the settlement option, and the court fixed 3rd September 2025 for the parties to report on the outcome of their discussions.
At the time, Usman told the court he had conferred with the Governor of Niger State and the Attorney‑General of the State, and had also communicated with the plaintiffs’ counsel, Philip Emmanuel, who indicated his clients’ willingness to participate in the talks.
However, when the matter came up on the adjourned date, Emmanuel informed the court that the negotiations had broken down. In his words: “My Lord, it’s unfortunate that the out‑of‑court settlement as requested in the last sitting has failed.”
Another counsel for the plaintiffs, Philip A.O., corroborated the position but added that the claimants were still open to exploring other avenues for an amicable resolution outside the courtroom.
In light of the failed settlement, Justice Mohammed Mohammed, sitting as a vacation judge of Minna High Court No. 4 withdrew from the case. He ordered that the case file be remitted to the Honourable Chief Judge of Niger State for reassignment, and adjourned the matter sine die pending further administrative directions.
