Jos, March 20, 2025 – The Plateau State Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal for lack of merit and imposed a ₦1 million fine on the appellant’s lawyer, Barrister Bitrus Fwangshak, for filing what the court deemed a frivolous case.
Delivering the judgment on Wednesday, the court ruled that the appellant’s legal representative failed to present sufficient evidence to substantiate their claims. The panel found the appeal to be an unnecessary delay tactic and a misuse of judicial resources.
Barrister A. Oloche, representing the respondent, Rabi’u Muhammad, successfully argued against the appeal, leading to its dismissal. In the ruling, the judge emphasized the importance of diligence and professionalism in legal practice, warning against the submission of baseless cases that waste the court’s time.
“The fine of ₦1 million serves as a deterrent to discourage lawyers from filing frivolous appeals,” the judge stated.
Reacting to the judgment, Rabi’u Muhammad expressed his gratitude to his legal team. “I sincerely appreciate my lawyer, Barrister A. Oloche, for his exceptional representation and tireless efforts. His expertise, along with the support of Barrister Idress, was crucial in securing this victory,” he said.
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that legal practitioners adhere to ethical and professional standards in their advocacy.
