SEE WHY Lawyer Wants Jordan Wike Case Judge Changed

A new request has put the Jordan Wike case judge in the spotlight. Lawyers for businessman Safwan Garba have asked the FCT Chief Judge to reassign the $2.1 million suit. They want it moved from Justice Sylvanus Oriji’s court to another judge. However, Jordan, the son of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, denies the claims against him.

Counsel Ibrahim Waru made the request in a letter dated 7 October 2026. He addressed it to the Chief Judge, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf. The letter asks that the suit move away from Court 2. According to Waru, the move follows social media publications. These raised questions among his clients about links between the judge and the defendant.

Transfer request at a glance

In the letter, Waru claimed the judge comes from the same community as the defendant. He also cited close family and community affinity between them. Notably, these are claims from the claimant’s side. Sojworldnews has not independently verified them.

Waru, however, made one point clear. His clients do not allege actual bias against the judge. Likewise, they do not question his integrity or competence. Instead, the request aims to protect the appearance of impartiality. Waru said it would avoid any reasonable fear that the case may not get a neutral hearing.

He urged the Chief Judge to use his administrative powers. According to him, a transfer would protect public confidence in the courts. In addition, he said justice must be seen to be done. Furthermore, he stressed that a transfer should not count as a finding against Justice Oriji.

As of now, Waru said, no response has come from the Chief Judge’s office. Meanwhile, the trial continues. Justice Oriji has adjourned the case to 1, 2 and 14 December 2026. Therefore, the case stays before the same judge unless the Chief Judge acts.

The dispute began with a proposed housing joint venture in Guzape and Katampe, Abuja. Garba says he paid $2.1 million in cash on 17 October 2025. However, he claims the project never took off. Jordan denies collecting the money. He also says his signature on the agreement was forged. The claimants seek a refund and ₦100 million in damages.

Importantly, the court has not ruled on any of the allegations. This report presents the claimant’s request as stated by his lawyer. Sojworldnews will report new developments as they come in.