Hon. Justice Anyalewa Onoja-Alapa made history in October 2023 when she was sworn in as a Judge of the Federal High Court. Her elevation is a landmark achievement, as she is the first person of Idoma heritage to be appointed to this court since its creation in 1973. This distinction marks her not just as a legal professional but as a barrier-breaking figure for her community.
Foundation of Education and Service
Justice Onoja-Alapa’s distinguished career was built on a strong foundation. She earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Abuja in 2005. Her commitment to continuous professional development is notable. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of London and a Master in Advanced Negotiation from Harvard Law School, where she also undertook other specialized courses.
She served with distinction within the Federal High Court system itself before her judicial appointment. Her career path included roles as a Registrar (from 2016) and later as an Assistant Chief Registrar (from 2022). This deep institutional experience uniquely positions her to understand the court she now serves as a judge.
Judicial Career and A Landmark Ruling
Justice Onoja-Alapa is currently serving at the Federal High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State. She presides over her court with diligence and a clear dedication to justice, as evidenced by a significant recent case.
In a 2025 ruling that garnered national attention, she demonstrated a firm stance against corruption in the education sector. She convicted and sentenced the rector of a college in Nasarawa State to seven years in prison for defrauding students by running unaccredited degree programmes. Beyond the prison sentence, her judgment also ordered that all defrauded fees be refunded to the affected students, showing a clear concern for the victims of the crime.
Personal Life and Legacy
Justice Anyalewa Onoja-Alapa is married to Hon. Nelson Alapa, a former member of the House of Representatives. As a mother, a respected jurist, and a community trailblazer, she stands as an inspiring figure, especially for the Idoma people and young women in Nigeria. Her journey exemplifies that with determination and dedication, it is possible to break long-standing barriers and serve the nation at its highest levels.