Hijab: Court to rule on fresh application June 29

A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 29 to rule on an application for joinder by a rights group in the suit seeking to stop the public hearing over wearing of hijab by female lawyers.

Justice Anwuli Chikere yesterday adjourned the suit after counsel to the Incorporated Trustees of Hijab Rights Advocates; Ismaila Alasa moved the application dated April 20, 2018 seeking to join the suit in the court.

Counsel to the coalition of lawyers challenging the House of Representatives’ moves to fix public hearing on the matter, Sunday Adelaja opposed the application for joinder, arguing that he has no claim against the rights group but the House of Representatives.

A young lawyer, Ms Firdaus Abdulsalam was on December 13, 2017 prevented from the Call to Bar for dressing in hijab and the matter was taken to the House of Representatives, which fixed public hearing in February.

But the coalition of lawyers including, Adeniyi Ojo, Owulo Owulo, Panmark Lere, Dibuike Esuzor, Iniobong Uko, Ebere Okhueleigbe, Paul Hammache, and Paul Kalu are contending that the matter is not for the House but the court of law to determine.

They therefore sought the interpretation of sections 33 to 45 of the 1999 Constitution on fundamental rights.

Adelaja contends that the dress code for lawyers is a matter covered by Order 36 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Lawyers, which ought not to be breached by any lawyer.