Land Grabbing Allegations Against Tinubu’s ADC, Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf, Take New Turn As Two Judges Recuse Themselves
Land Grabbing Allegations Against Tinubu’s ADC, Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf, Take New Turn As Two Judges Recuse Themselves
The development marks a significant turn in the ongoing legal dispute, which has been characterised by disagreements over court procedures, an arrest warrant and allegations surrounding a land dispute.
Two judges handling a legal dispute involving Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf, the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Bola Tinubu, and Abuja-based legal practitioner, N.D. Abdulsalam, Esq., have recused themselves from the case.
The judges, Honourable Y. O. Abdulhamid and Honourable P. A. Agboola, stepped down from the matter during court proceedings on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, and subsequently returned the case file to the Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR) of the Kwara State court for reassignment to another judge.
The development marks a significant turn in the ongoing legal dispute, which has been characterised by disagreements over court procedures, an arrest warrant and allegations surrounding a land dispute.
According to the defence team, the latest proceedings followed what it described as a series of contentious procedural developments.
The defence said the defendant was served through substituted means on November 6, 2026, and directed to appear before the Kwara State court on November 10.
However, during Tuesday’s sitting, the court reportedly maintained an earlier disputed arrest warrant before the two judicial officers subsequently recused themselves from the matter.
The defence team described the development as another serious procedural error, particularly because of its position that the disputed arrest warrant had not been properly addressed.
Before the judges stepped down, the defence had filed a preliminary objection challenging aspects of the proceedings, alongside a formal application asking the judicial officers to recuse themselves from the case.
Following the decision to maintain the arrest warrant, the defence said it swiftly filed a Notice of Appeal and an Application for Stay of Execution. Both processes, according to the lawyers, were duly served on the court and opposing counsel.
The defendant is being represented pro bono by a coalition of lawyers who joined the case in a demonstration of professional solidarity and commitment to the rule of law.
The defence team is led by M. K. Abdulkadir, alongside G. O. Osagbemi, Saka Jimoh, O. K. Ajiboye, R. O. Ayinla, R. I. Abdulraheem, B. O. Akande and Sulayman Abdulkareem.
Addressing journalists after the judges’ recusal, the lawyers said the dispute should be viewed beyond the immediate legal proceedings, arguing that it raises fundamental questions about property rights, alleged land grabbing, intimidation and the protection of affected community members.
“Land ownership by conquest is a thing of the past. No man is good enough to grab people’s land, intimidate, harass, and send them to prison,” the defence team declared.
The lawyers also issued a direct public appeal to Colonel Nurudeen Yusuf, President Tinubu’s ADC, and the Elemona of Ilemona, demanding the immediate release of all individuals allegedly being held in detention in connection with the land dispute.
They further called for the withdrawal of all ongoing prosecutions connected to the dispute and the unconditional return of the contested land to the affected community members.
The defence warned that failure to address the demands could trigger a public protest.
“Failure to do so, we will recourse to public protest,” the lawyers said.
The team also delivered a pointed message about the exercise of power and the treatment of vulnerable members of society.
“The only true measure of power is how you treat those you consider inferior to you. There is no tyranny that lasts forever,” the lawyers stated.
On the possibility of defamation allegations arising from the legal conflict, the defence maintained that truth constitutes a complete defence in law, arguing that speaking out against land grabbing is a matter of public interest and necessary to protect society.
The lawyers insisted that raising concerns about abuses involving land ownership should not be treated as an offence where the claims can be substantiated.
Credit X Sahara Reporters
