The Lagos State High Court was plunged into mourning on Monday following the unexpected death of Justice Abdulganiyu Safari, a respected judge of the Epe Division, who passed away in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 62.
Justice Safari, who handled family and probate matters, was buried later that day according to Islamic rites at his home in the Sango/Ota area of Ogun State.
The news of his passing prompted an immediate suspension of court proceedings across several divisions of the Lagos High Court, with many judges halting sessions in honour of their late colleague. Some courtrooms are expected to reopen on Tuesday, while others may remain closed until Wednesday.
Confirming the sad development, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, M.O. Ayida, said, “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.”
The judiciary’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Ololade Ige, and the PRO of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Grace Alo, also expressed deep sorrow and offered prayers for strength and comfort for the bereaved family.
Appointed to the bench on May 28, 2013, by former Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Justice Safari was known for his diligence and integrity throughout his judicial career. He previously served as Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary.
Among the disrupted proceedings is the ongoing high-profile trial of Chidinma Ojukwu, the University of Lagos student accused of murdering Super TV CEO, Usifo Ataga.
The matter, currently before Justice Yetunde Adesanya, was in a critical phase after the dismissal of no-case submissions by two co-defendants.
Justice Safari’s death marks a significant loss to the legal community, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and service to justice.