The football world was thrown into shock on Tuesday, March 17, when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the verdict of its Appeal Committee on the controversial African Cup of Nations final played in Morocco last January.

 

The final between Senegal and Morocco had ended dramatically, with the Senegalese team staging a walkout in protest against what they described as biased officiating—particularly a late penalty awarded to Morocco. The standoff lasted over 20 minutes before Senegal returned to the pitch and eventually secured victory. Their triumph sparked widespread celebrations across Africa, though many observers familiar with CAF regulations anticipated possible sanctions.

 

Three months later, the CAF Appeal Board was tasked with reviewing the case in its entirety following Morocco’s rejection of the initial ruling. The responsibility fell on a nine-member panel led by Nigerian jurist, Justice Roli Daibo Harriman, a High Court Judge of the Delta State High Court in Asaba.

 

Justice Harriman presided over a distinguished panel that included Faustino Varela Monteiro (Vice-Chairman) of Guinea-Bissau, Moez Ben Tahar Nasri of Tunisia, Moses Ikanqa of South Africa, Hamoud T’feil Bowbe of Mauritania, Mohamed Robleh Djama of Djibouti, Asogbavi Komlan of Togo, Masauko Timothy Msungama of Malawi, and Lubamba Ngimbi Hector of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Together, they delivered a ruling that has had far-reaching implications for football governance in Africa and beyond.

 

Despite her prominent role in such a landmark decision, many Nigerians have been asking: who exactly is Justice Roli Daibo Harriman?

 

Justice Harriman is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected judicial figures, known for her dedication to justice, legal education, and alternative dispute resolution. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984, beginning a long and impactful legal career. Early in her journey, she worked in the chambers of the late human rights icon Gani Fawehinmi, where she gained invaluable experience in litigation and advocacy—an experience that helped shape her enduring commitment to fairness and justice.

 

Before ascending to the bench, she made significant contributions to legal education as a senior lecturer at the Nigerian Law School, mentoring and training future generations of lawyers. Her work in this capacity underscores her commitment to strengthening the legal profession at its roots.

 

As a High Court judge in Delta State, Justice Harriman has handled numerous high-profile cases, delivering judgments marked by clarity and a strong sense of justice. In 2020, she awarded damages in a libel case, reinforcing the importance of protecting individual reputation. She also ruled against the unlawful detention of journalists, ordering apologies and compensation—decisions that highlight her firm stance on human rights. In 2024, she nullified a controversial land acquisition by the Nigerian Army, reaffirming the supremacy of the rule of law and property rights.

 

Justice Harriman is also a leading advocate of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Since January 2013, she has served as an ADR judge in Delta State, promoting mediation as a faster and more efficient alternative to litigation. An internationally accredited mediator trained in both the United Kingdom and the United States, she has played a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s multi-door courthouse system, helping to ease court congestion and encourage amicable dispute resolution.

 

Her influence extends beyond Nigeria. In 2023, she was elected President of the CAF Appeals Board, the highest judicial body in African football. In this role, she oversees critical decisions shaping the sport across the continent, further cementing her reputation as a respected authority in both legal and sports governance.

 

Beyond the courtroom, Justice Harriman is an intellectual contributor to legal discourse, with numerous writings and presentations on mediation, justice delivery, and judicial reform. She remains a strong advocate for a more accessible and efficient justice system.

 

In summary, Justice Roli Daibo Harriman exemplifies excellence within Nigeria’s judiciary. Her career reflects a unique blend of legal expertise, educational impact, and progressive reform. Through her leadership, judgments, and advocacy, she continues to shape the future of justice in Nigeria and across Africa.