On Thursday, July 17, 2025, Haneef Muhammad filed a complaint for a writ of mandamus in the Supreme Court of Ohio against Judge Michael H. Holbrook of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. The filing seeks to compel Judge Holbrook to vacate rulings issued during a pending recusal motion and address unresolved motions in the case Muhammad v. GAP Inc., case number 24CV005450.
Muhammad, representing himself, alleges that Judge Holbrook improperly issued a comprehensive order on July 16, 2025, which denied or declared moot over 16 motions, including those related to disability accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), discovery issues, and sanctions against defense counsel. The complaint asserts that these actions occurred despite a pending motion to recuse Judge Holbrook and a judicial disqualification complaint filed with the Ohio Supreme Court, citing alleged bias and procedural irregularities.
According to the filing, Muhammad appeared for a hearing on July 14, 2025, after submitting multiple motions, including a motion to recuse Judge Holbrook, a motion in limine, and motions for judicial notice, sanctions, and expedited rulings. The complaint claims that Judge Holbrook proceeded with a show cause hearing and issued the July 16 order without addressing the recusal motion or providing detailed legal reasoning for the decisions.
The complaint further alleges that Judge Holbrook permitted defense counsel to reference Muhammad’s non-appearance in a separate federal court case, despite knowing Muhammad had been restricted from speaking in that case and had filed ADA-related motions citing medical and transportation issues. Muhammad also claims the court allowed references to a federal GAP case under appeal in the Sixth Circuit, which he argues prejudiced the state court proceedings.
Muhammad notified the court of transportation difficulties on July 14, 2025, due to a flat tire and requested a remote appearance or continuance, citing ADA protections. The complaint states that the court proceeded without accommodating these requests and later used Muhammad’s delayed arrival against him. Additionally, Muhammad alleges that defense attorney Richard Hernandez misrepresented his federal court actions to influence the state court proceedings.
The filing requests that the Ohio Supreme Court issue a writ of mandamus to void the July 16 order, arguing it violates Ohio Revised Code § 2701.03, which prohibits judges from ruling on substantive matters while a disqualification motion is pending.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
