Former lawmaker Senator Elisha Abbo has thrown down the gauntlet to his detractors, daring them to take legal action against his assertion that some judges and justices participated in bribery during electoral litigation.

Abbo, who previously represented Adamawa North Senatorial District in the Senate until his ousting by the Court of Appeal, contends that his election was unfairly annulled in polling units where he secured the majority of votes. He has accused justices of accepting bribes to pervert justice.

Following his removal from office, Abbo’s bribery allegations sparked intense criticism from several lawyers, who demanded an apology for leveling such serious accusations against judicial officers or warned of potential legal repercussions.

However, during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Abbo openly challenged his critics to initiate legal proceedings against him, asserting that he possesses evidence substantiating his claims of bribery.

“Take me to court. If you don’t, I will sue you for libel. I’m not afraid of going to court. I can’t be intimidated. I’m known for being bold, brave, and standing up to speak the truth,” he declared.

Abbo disclosed that while awaiting action on his petition to the National Judicial Council against certain justices, he has also petitioned the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union, advocating for visa bans on corrupt justices.

He emphasized, “The fight against corruption in Nigeria must extend to the judiciary, where some judges and justices are perpetrating judicial banditry or undermining democracy through unjustifiable annulment of elections won by candidates chosen by the Nigerian electorate. 

“Such judicial malpractice must be combated both domestically and internationally by calling for visa bans on the implicated judges and justices, as well as the possible revocation of visas for their family members residing abroad.”