The Lagos State High Court was thrown into mourning on Monday following the sudden death of Justice Abdulganiyu Safari of the Epe Division, causing significant disruption to court proceedings.

Justice Safari, who presided over family and probate matters, passed away in the early hours of Sunday, at the age of 62.

He was buried later that same day in accordance with Islamic rites at his residence on Alhaja Busola Street, near Singer Bus Stop in the Sango/Ota area of Ogun State.

His passing triggered the suspension of court sessions across several divisions of the Lagos High Court, with many judges halting proceedings in honour of their late colleague.

While some courtrooms are expected to resume on Tuesday, others may remain inactive until Wednesday.

Justice Safari, a former Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary, was appointed to the bench on May 28, 2013, by then-Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

Widely respected within legal circles, he was known for his diligence and commitment to justice.

Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, M.O. Ayida, said in a statement: ?With utmost submission to the unquestionable will of Almighty God, the Lagos State Judiciary announces the death of one of our choicest judges and former Chief Registrar, Hon. Justice Ganiyu Safari, who departed in the early hours of today.?

Tributes also came from the Deputy Director of Public Affairs of the Lagos State Judiciary, Mrs. Ololade Ige, and the PRO of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Grace Alo.

The judiciary expressed deep sorrow over the loss and prayed for comfort and strength for the bereaved family.

Among the disrupted cases is the high-profile trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, the former 300-level Mass Communication student of the University of Lagos, accused of murdering Usifo Michael Ataga, CEO of Super TV.

Ojukwu, along with co-defendants Adedapo Quadri and her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, faces multiple charges including murder, stealing, and forgery.

At the most recent hearing, Justice Yetunde Adesanya dismissed a no-case submission by Quadri and Egbuchu, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case.

She ordered the defendants to open their defence. (PUNCH)

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