A Tale of Two Judges: Justice Emeka Nwite vs. Justice Maryanne Anenih, by John Egbeazien Oshodi

In April, Nigeria and the world watched in disbelief as the saga surrounding former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello unfolded, exposing glaring weaknesses in the country’s justice system. Charged with an alleged N80.2 billion fraud, Bello’s case became a potent symbol of dysfunction, impunity, and the entrenched power dynamics that have long defined Nigeria’s governance. This story, however, evolved into a tale of two judges: Justice Emeka Nwite, whose passive and non-confrontational approach allowed delays and evasions to flourish, and Justice Maryanne Anenih, whose bold, decisive actions sought to restore order and accountability.

At its core, this saga transcends financial crimes. It is a sobering reflection of a judicial system struggling to hold the powerful accountable, where weak institutions, media manipulation, and political influence often obstruct justice.

Justice Emeka Nwite: Passivity and Paralysis

Yahaya Bello’s legal troubles first came under the jurisdiction of Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the N80.2 billion fraud case. From the outset, Bello openly defied the court by refusing to appear in person, opting instead to send his lawyers and exploiting every conceivable legal loophole to stall proceedings. In a brazen display of audacity, Bello petitioned to have his case transferred to Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, where his political influence loomed large.

Rather than counter these tactics with assertive judicial measures, Justice Nwite adopted a passive stance. Repeated adjournments became the norm, allowing the case to stagnate while Bello flagrantly defied court orders. Despite the gravity of the allegations, no meaningful consequences were imposed to deter Bello’s actions. Each adjournment only emboldened him further, paralyzing the case and reinforcing public perceptions of a judiciary incapable of challenging those in power.

By January 2025, the trial was postponed yet again, leaving Nigerians disillusioned. Justice Nwite’s inaction epitomized the systemic failures that enable powerful individuals to exploit and undermine the justice system with impunity.

Bello’s Media Manipulation and the “White Lion” Narrative

While evading court proceedings, Bello actively cultivated his public image through a meticulously orchestrated media campaign. Articles portrayed him as a “young and visionary politician” whose contributions to Bola Tinubu’s presidential victory were invaluable. These narratives, often crafted by his political camp, reframed him as a victim of political persecution, with insinuations that Tinubu should intervene to halt the EFCC’s investigations.

Bello branded himself as the “White Lion,” presenting a self-styled image of leadership and strength, often appearing in his signature white attire. This calculated media strategy deflected attention from the seriousness of the charges against him, reframing his defiance as resistance against a politically motivated witch hunt.

Justice Nwite’s reluctance to confront Bello’s theatrics allowed this narrative to thrive. The case became a spectacle of delay and manipulation, further eroding public confidence in the judiciary and leaving accountability a distant prospect.

Justice Maryanne Anenih: Boldness in the Face of Chaos

In stark contrast to Justice Nwite’s passive approach, Justice Maryanne Anenih presided over a separate case involving allegations of fraud amounting to over N110 billion ($60 million) in Kogi State funds. From the outset, Justice Anenih demonstrated a markedly different approach, signaling her commitment to upholding the rule of law regardless of political pressures.

Recognizing Bello’s history of evasion, Justice Anenih took proactive steps to ensure accountability. She ordered hearing notices to be served directly at Bello’s residence at No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, and prominently displayed on the court’s notice board. Unlike her predecessor, she made it clear that further delays and theatrics would not be tolerated. Justice Anenih set November 27, 2024, as the date for Bello’s arraignment, effectively signaling that the days of stalling tactics were over.

A Defining Moment: Bello’s Arrest and Detention

Justice Anenih’s firm stance culminated in a critical turning point. On November 26, 2024—just one day before his scheduled court appearance—EFCC operatives arrested Bello in Abuja after months of evasion. According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, Bello was detained at 12:54 PM and taken to the EFCC’s Abuja office for interrogation. This marked a rare and significant victory for the embattled anti-corruption agency, bolstered by Justice Anenih’s unwavering determination.

Unlike Justice Nwite, who had allowed Bello to exploit the system for months, Justice Anenih refused to release Bello immediately. She ordered that he remain in EFCC custody while his bail application was under review, signaling her firm commitment to upholding the rule of law despite external pressures and the theatrics surrounding the case.

Courtroom Chaos: A Judge’s Courage Amid Disorder

The drama reached its zenith on the day of Bello’s arraignment, when a large, unruly crowd of his supporters stormed the courtroom, creating a hostile and volatile environment. Justice Maryanne Anenih, undeterred by the disruption, entered the courtroom to preside over Bello’s plea on multiple counts of money laundering. However, faced with the escalating disorder, she made the decisive choice to leave, announcing that she would not return until order was restored.

What followed was a startling display of dysfunction: Bello himself, the defendant, stood up and attempted to calm the unruly crowd. This extraordinary act underscored the collapse of judicial authority, as the responsibility for maintaining order—typically assigned to law enforcement—fell to the accused. The scene exemplified the deep flaws within Nigeria’s justice and law enforcement system, where the institutions tasked with upholding the rule of law often fail to perform their most basic duties.

Despite these extraordinary challenges, Justice Anenih remained steadfast. She ordered that Bello remain in EFCC custody while she deliberated on his bail application, refusing to allow the chaos to derail her commitment to due process. By reserving her ruling until December 10, 2024, Justice Anenih demonstrated her determination to uphold the integrity of the judicial process, even in the face of intense external pressures.

Contrasting Approaches: A Tale of Two Judges

The contrasting actions of Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice Maryanne Anenih reveal the stark divisions within Nigeria’s judiciary. Justice Nwite’s passive approach enabled Bello to manipulate the system with impunity, allowing the case to stagnate and reinforcing the perception of a judiciary incapable of challenging powerful individuals.

In sharp contrast, Justice Anenih’s boldness and resolve illustrated what judicial accountability could achieve when guided by integrity and firmness. Her decisive actions, from ensuring Bello’s appearance in court to ordering his detention, injected urgency and legitimacy into proceedings that had long been mired in inertia.

These two judges exemplify the critical juncture at which Nigeria’s judiciary now stands. Justice Nwite’s leniency underscores the systemic inertia that has allowed impunity to flourish, while Justice Anenih’s determination offers a rare example of what is possible when judicial officers prioritize the rule of law over political expediency.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic/clinical psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at ISCOM University,  Weldios University and Walden University.