Courts End Sittings Abruptly over Death of FHC Judge

Wale Igbintade

The announcement of the sudden death of Justice Fatun Odohi Riman of the Federal High Court, Awka Judicial Division yesterday halted proceedings at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

This was in line with the directive of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon Justice John Tsoho.

Justice Riman died in London where he was flown to for medical treatment.

In a notice to all Federal High Court judges dated October 28, 2023, Judge Tsoho stated that the deceased passed away in England in the early hours of Saturday, October 28.

According to the notification, the late judge had been admitted to the Lister Hospital in England on September 8, 2023, before his demise. Further burial information would be communicated later by his family.

The Chief Judge expressed sadness over the loss and prayed for the peaceful repose of Justice Odohi Riman’s soul. He also prayed for God to grant the deceased judge’s family the fortitude to bear the great loss.

Justice Odohi Riman served diligently on the bench until his unfortunate passing. He would be fondly remembered and missed by the court.

Before his death, he was the number 32 judge in the ranking of Federal High Court Judges.

Born 24th April, 1967 in Ediba, Cross River State, the late Judge, who besides his legal profession, was also an administrator.

He was a student at University of Benin, Benin City from 1987 -1990; Nigerian Law School from 1990 – 1991; School of Basic Studies from 1985 -1987 and Edanafa Sec.Comm.School Ediba – 1980 – 1985.

He worked as a Counsel in Esu & Associates from 1993 to 1994 , Head of Chambers, Riman & Associates  from 1995 – 1999 , Partner/Head of Chambers  at Ndoma–Egba, Ebri & Co. from 1999 -2012 ; Judge of a Federal High Court –28/05/2012.