NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
ECOWAS Court dismisses Ivorian’s suit challenging her colleague’s appointment

ECOWAS Court dismisses Ivorian’s suit challenging her colleague’s appointment

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By Mark Longyen

 

The ECOWAS Court has dismissed a suit filed by its Ivorian employee, Ms. Mariame Kone-Toure, seeking to terminate the appointment of her Gambian colleague, Ama Savage.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kone-Toure had served in an acting capacity from Feb. 2023, as of Head of Administration and Human Resources Division, ECOWAS Court of Justice.

 

She later applied for the substantive position when it was advertised in May 2023.

 

However, following the recruitment interview conducted in January 2024, Savage was appointed in October 2024 instead.

 

In her submission before the court, Kone-Toure had claimed that the selection process violated the principles of fairness and non-discrimination as enshrined in the ECOWAS Staff Regulations.

 

The applicant had argued that, although she was one of the top candidates, the Management Succession Committee only recommended Savage as the sole candidate for the substantive position.

 

According to her claims in the suit marked: No. ECW/CCJ/APP/32/24, the process is in contrast to similar recruitments in other ECOWAS institutions, where multiple top candidates are usually recommended.

 

However, ECOWAS had in its submission before the court through its counsel, argued that Savage was the most qualified candidate for the position.

 

Delivering judgment, Justice Dupe Atoki, on behalf of a three-member panel of the court presided over by Justice Sengu Koroma, the Vice President of the Court, dismissed all the Ivorian’s claims.

 

The panel, which also had Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara as a member, upheld ECOWAS’ submission that Savage was the most qualified candidate for the position.

 

It declared that Kone-Toure’s claims were unsubstantiated, adding that her non-selection was not in any way a violation of her rights.

 

The court further held that Savage’s appointment complied with ECOWAS Staff Regulations, and the applicant did not provide evidence of discrimination or procedural irregularity against her colleague’s appointment.

 

“On the merits, the Court examined allegations of discrimination under Article 4(1) and the principle of equitable geographical distribution under Article 9(2)(f) of the ECOWAS Staff Regulations.

 

“It found that the applicant failed to provide sufficient, verifiable evidence of differential treatment in similar circumstances.

 

“The court notes that, while she referenced practices in other institutions, she did not present the names or scores of the candidates allegedly favoured, preventing a meaningful comparative analysis.

 

“On the claim regarding geographical distribution, the court rules that the principle applies only among equally qualified candidates and does not override the requirement of merit-based selection,” the judgment reads in part.

 

Earlier, the court ruled on jurisdiction, by affirming its competence to hear the matter under Article 9(1)(f) of the 2005 Amended Protocol.

 

It also held that the suit was admissible as the applicant had exhausted all available internal remedies by initially appealing in futility to the president of the ECOWAS Commission before approaching the court. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Court fixes June 27 for judgment in Natasha, Akpabio contempt claims, others

Court fixes June 27 for judgment in Natasha, Akpabio contempt claims, others

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By Taiye Agbaje
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, fixed June 27 to deliver judgment in the contempt claims filed by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the suit filed by the embattled lawmaker.
Justice Binta Nyako would also deliver a judgment on the preliminary objection filed by all the defendants in the suit, including the senate president, challenging the jurisdiction of the court.
Justice Nyako made this known after Michael Numa, SAN, who appeared for Akpoti-Uduaghan, and lawyers to the defendants identified and adopted their processes in the suit.
“I want to believe that all processes are in.
“What I am going to do is to first of all look at the issues of contempt and take a decision on it.
“Then I will look at the notices of preliminary objection. If they succeed, that is the end of the case and if they don’t, I will look at the originating summons filed by the plaintiff,” the judge said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) earlier reported that the Kogi Central senator arrived at the court to watch proceedings.
Justice Nyako had, on Monday, fixed Tuesday for the hearing of the contempt claim by the senate president against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The judge also said she would hear the earlier contempt charge filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio, the Senate and others over allegations of disobedience to earlier court order.
Besides, the judge held that all other applications, including the preliminary objection and the originating summons of the embattled lawmaker would be taken together. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Sen. Natasha arrives in court as judge hears Akpabio’s contempt claims

Sen. Natasha arrives in court as judge hears Akpabio’s contempt claims

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By Taiye Agbaje
Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja ahead of the hearing of the claim by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, that the lawmaker recently flouted the court order.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Binta Nyako had, on Monday, fixed Tuesday for the hearing of the contempt claim by the Senate President against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Justice Nyako also said she would hear the earlier contempt charge filed by Natasha against Akpabio, the Senate and others over allegations of disobedience to earlier court order. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Justice Ministry improves in crime prosecution– Fagbemi

Justice Ministry improves in crime prosecution– Fagbemi

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By Ebere Agozie

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, says the ministry has recorded considerable improvement in the prosecution of crimes under its purview.

Fagbemi disclosed this at the Quarterly Stakeholders Engagement with the theme `Access to Criminal Justice’ on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the engagement was to update the citizens on measures and achievements of the ministry and its agencies in the area of advancing the administration of criminal justice, from October 2024 to date

“These achievements came about as a result of extant policies and actions targeted at improving the capacity of our prosecutors, increasing synergy amongst prosecuting agencies, developing appropriate policy framework.

“This is in collaboration with office of the National Security Adviser and other law enforcement or security agencies.

“The ministry’s capacity development efforts were conducted in key areas of general investigation and prosecution strategy, cyber security, forensic analysis and electronic evidence, financial investigation and prosecution, energy related offences, piracy and other maritime offences, including sexual and gender based violence.’’

He added that in order to enhance response to cyber-crime, the ministry engaged in effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders to establish a Joint Case Team (JCT) on cyber-crime.

“This initiative was conceived in response to the need for a coordinated and robust approach to combating cybercrimes as outlined in the Cyber-crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.

“However, we are currently reviewing the Cyber Crime Legal Framework to strengthen our national framework, aligning with emerging trends and global best practices.”

He said that the ministry has the mandate to foster collaboration and cooperation with the international community, in order to ensure that there is no safe haven for criminals.

“In terms of extradition, the ministry successful completed the extradition of two fugitives: Hassan Bun Hussein Abolore Lawal in January 2025 and Okechukwu Josiah Odunna in March, 2025; to the United States of America.

“Successful cooperation with the Qatari authorities for the extradition of one Benjamin Nnanyereugo a.k.a Killaboi from Qatar back to Nigeria in April, 2025, to face murder charges for the unlawful killing of his girlfriend, Augusta’’.

The minister gave reasons why it has not extradited a self-styled Prime Minister of Biafra, Mr Simon Ekpa, who was arrested and detained in Finland, back to Nigeria for prosecution.

“Ekpa committed cross-border offences that also required his trial in Finland.

“The detained Biafra agitator would be returned to Nigeria upon the conclusion of a legal action the Finnish government has already instituted against him.

“He violated laws in both Finland and Nigeria, the Finnish authorities wants to deal with the situation first and afterwards, release him to us.

“So, we will allow them to finish with the engagement there and then hand him over to us,” he added.

He also said that the review period witnessed effective conduct of 237 terrorism cases from Dec. 9 to Dec. 13, 2024, out of which 226 terrorism suspects were successfully prosecuted and convicted.

“On assets recovery efforts, Nigeria executed an Asset Sharing Agreement with the United States of America on January 10, 2025 which led to the repatriation of the Galactica Assets in the sum of Fifty-Two Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Two Thousand, Eighteen United States Dollars and Ninety-Five Cents from the USA.

“Out of the recovered sum, US$50 million would be deployed to funding the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) Project which is an initiative of the Federal Government to provide electricity access to 17.5 million Nigerians.

“While the remaining sum of US$2.88 million will be deployed to counter-terrorism capacity building for Criminal Justice Sector practitioners.’’

He reiterated the unwavering commitment of the current administration towards fostering transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in the administration of justice in Nigeria.

“While we are taking steps to improve the administration of justice, we look forward to receiving feedbacks from all relevant stakeholders.

“This will aid the ministry and relevant agencies in improving service delivery in this critical area.

“Today’s engagement offers a unique opportunity for open dialogue, enabling us to collectively identify gaps, propose solutions, and prioritize actions for the next phase of justice sector reforms’’. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Tariff hike: Court dismisses MultiChoice ‘s suit seeking to stop FCCPC’s sanction

Tariff hike: Court dismisses MultiChoice ‘s suit seeking to stop FCCPC’s sanction

151 total views today
By Taiye Agbaje
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, dismissed a suit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited seeking to stop the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from taking administrative action against it.
Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that the suit was an abuse of court process.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that MultiChoice, the operator of DStv and Gotv, had recently increased the subscription rates on its packages against an invitation by FCCPC to give explanation on why the company wanted to effect a price hike.
Justice Omotosho had issued an interim order restraining the FCCPC from taking “any administrative steps” against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited following its announcement of price increases for DStv and GOtv.
The judge gave the order after the company’s lawyer, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025, complained that despite ongoing litigation, the FCCPC continued to send letters, threatening further sanctions against the firm. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
FG plays Nnamdi Kanu’s broadcast, videos in court to establish alleged terrorism charge

FG plays Nnamdi Kanu’s broadcast, videos in court to establish alleged terrorism charge

164 total views today
By Taiye Agbaje
The Federal Government, on Wednesday, played some of the “Radio Biafra” broadcasts and videos made by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in open court to establish the allegation of terrorism preferred against him.
The broadcast and video documents, which were marked as exhibits, were tendered through the 2nd prosecution witness (PW-2), identified as BBB, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
BBB, who testified behind screen provided by the court, said Kanu admitted making the broadcast and the videos while being led in evidence by FG’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN.
One of the radio broadcasts made by Kanu on Biafra Radio on Oct. 20, 2020 during #ENDSARS Protest was played in the open court.
In the live broadcast, Kanu was heard calling on the youth to attack the police officers and soldiers anywhere they were found.
The IPOB leader, in the broadcast, called on the protesters to ambush the security personnel, snatch their guns and kill them. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Stakeholders urge digitisation of justice system

Stakeholders urge digitisation of justice system

199 total views today

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

Some stakeholders in Nigeria’s judiciary have emphasised the urgent need to digitise the legal and judicial sector to address long-standing inefficiencies hampering effective justice delivery.

Speaking at the 2025 Justice Innovation and Technology (JIT) Summit on Tuesday in Abuja, Mrs Lucy Abagi, CEO of the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), highlighted the persistent reliance on manual court processes.

She noted that the summit aimed to promote automation for timely and efficient justice.

Abagi said PPDC, with international backing, piloted the Justice Initiative in Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Plateau states, using speech-to-text devices to enhance case management.

She added that more than 80 per cent of Nigerian courts still operated manually, and the initiative was designed to eliminate this.

“The Judic AI software, developed by young Nigerian tech graduates, has already been deployed in 16 courtrooms.

“Judges no longer need to write long-hand; instead, they get instant transcriptions, which also lightens the administrative burden,” she said.

She added that the technology could help reduce Nigeria’s backlog of awaiting trial inmates, currently estimated at around 80,000.

Bemshima Peter, CEO of Devon Technologies Ltd., also spoke at the summit, stressing the need for technological adoption in a sector that had trailed behind others.

He described Judic AI as a smart transcription and case management solution, already operational in 16 courts.

In spite of challenges like diverse accents and dialects affecting speech recognition, Peter said the company was working on multilingual capabilities for seamless communication.

National President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Afam Osigwe, urged judges to become computer literate and advocated for the integration of virtual hearings to reduce delays and unnecessary physical appearances in court.

“Courts should offer virtual hearing facilities to all parties, not just expect litigants to make personal arrangements,” Osigwe said, calling the refusal of some courts to adopt such systems “unacceptable.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Devon Technologies, a legal tech firm, is working to reshape Africa’s justice systems through digital transformation and accessibility. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Federal High Court sets up Fol Desk to enhance journalists’ access to information

Federal High Court sets up Fol Desk to enhance journalists’ access to information

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By Taiye Agbaje
The Federal High Court (FHC) has announced the establishment of Freedom of Information (FoI) Desk to enhance journalists and public access to information in the court.
The Director of Information of the FHC, Dr Catherine Christopher, said the establishment of the desk was in line with the commitment of the court to uphold transparency, promote accountability and enhance access to information.
“The court hereby announces the establishment and operationalisation of Freedom of Information (FoI) Desk.
“The Information/FoI Desk has been created to serve as a central point for:
“Receiving inquiries from journalists and members of the public.
“Submitting letters, formal FoI requests, and related correspondence;
“Providing guidance on accessing public records and information in line with the Freedom of Information Act,” Christopher said.
The director said the desk, which is located at the FHC’s Headquarters in Abuja, is fully staffed with trained personnel ready to assist individuals and organisations seeking information about the court’s activities, decisions and operations.
She said the desk would also ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements in accessing information.
“This initiative reflects the court’s ongoing efforts to foster open communication and support the constitutional right to information.
“For further information, please visit the Information/FOI Desk at the Federal High Court Headquarters during official working hours from 8:00am to 4:00pm or contact us via email at fhc.informationdepartment@gmail.com or phone 09160005854.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FoI Act, passed in 2011, grants citizens a legally enforceable right to access information held by public institutions, including government ministries, agencies and bodies performing public functions.
The Act aims to promote transparency, accountability, and public participation in government. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Simon Ekpa will soon be repatriated for supporting Kanu, witness tells court

Simon Ekpa will soon be repatriated for supporting Kanu, witness tells court

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By Taiye Agbaje
A prosecution witness identified as PW-AAA, on Friday, said that Simon Ekpa would soon be brought from Finland to Nigeria to face trial for supporting Nnamdi Kanu in the agitation for Republic of Biafra.
PW-AAA, one of the Department of State Service (DSS) operatives that arrested Kanu in 2015 at a Lagos hotel, told Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja in the ongoing trial of Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The witness, whose real name was not mentioned because of security reasons, stated this during cross examination by Kanu’s counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN.
Earlier, the Federal Government also tendered more items recovered from Kanu and admitted as exhibits by the court.
These include one black laptop, two multi mix transmitters, one mini white Apple iPad with a pouch, one grey Apple iPad with a pouch, one grey MacBook with a pouch, one grey MacBook with case, one mini drone sound wave speaker, and two mini white speakers.
Others are one large computer mouse, one white adaptor, one laptop adaptor and one carton bag with laptop, two 3G modems, two Glo modems, one Glo Hawaii modem, one MTN modem, one Etisalat modem, one flash drive and one camcorder.
These also included one hand recorder in a black pouch, one MacBook Pro adaptor, one Mic stand, one Phillips headphone, one radio sharp mic with cord, one pro sound mic with cord and one 4G LTE modem.
Others are a bunch of cards, one power adaptor for mixer, one Easy Blaze white modem, one Samsung phone, 1 black Motorola phone and one Nokia phone.
Also found on him are “one black Samsung phone, one black phone, 1 D-Link black modem, one 8GB flash drive, one extension wire adaptor, one pair of shoes, one belt, one pair of ciderwood sneakers and one footwear.
“One black Softech wristwatch, two singlets, one sealed Hermes perfume, one Trinket, one Pokham perfume, one Fredrick Peckham wristwatch, one Diesel wristwatch, one Alexander Christy collection wristwatch, one Club wristwatch.
“Others are a bank MasterCards, copies of documents, one copy of IPOB complementary card, documents tagged IPOB, one white clipper, one bottle of medicine, one Oman perfume, one Mini scented oils, one empty black purse.
“Others are one Nigerian passport bearing the names Okwu Kanu Nwannekaibeya Nnamdi Ngozichukwu and one British passport bearing the name Okwu Kanu Nwannekaibeya, one black purse, one passport holder, one card holder, one box of Rocarden wristwatch and four bundles of cords.”
While being cross examined, PW-AAA said no weapon was recovered from the IPOB leader during his arrest in Lagos.
He also said that no arms was recovered from the lady arrested along with Kanu.
He said though the recovered items might not be ordinarily offensive, the intention of the defendant might be otherwise.
PW-AAA also told the court that he did not analyse any of the items recovered because his mandate was to effect arrest and obtain statement from Kanu.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until May 6, May 7 and May 8 for continuation of cross examination. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
LASG inaugurates 34 residential quarters for magistrates, legal officers

LASG inaugurates 34 residential quarters for magistrates, legal officers

198 total views today

By Aderonke Ojediran

The Lagos State Government has inaugurated 34 units of three-bedroom flats for magistrates and senior legal officers in the Ministry of Justice.

Also inaugurated is the newly constructed Deputy Sheriff Warehouse to securely store confiscated goods pending the resolution of court appeals.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the inauguration held on Friday in Ketu and Ikorodu, said the project was aimed at enhancing judicial infrastructure across the state and a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to the judiciary.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 24 of the residential units will be allocated to magistrates, while 10 are designated for senior officers within the Ministry of Justice.

Sanwo-Olu, who handed over the keys to the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, said that the initiative was designed to improve the welfare and productivity of legal practitioners and foster a more effective justice delivery system.

“This is yet another testament to our unwavering dedication to judicial reform, institutional excellence, and service to the people of Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He underscored the critical role of robust infrastructure in maintaining the integrity of the justice system.

“Proper management and secure storage of court records, exhibits, and evidence are fundamental.

“With the commissioning of this state-of-the-art warehouse, we are ensuring the preservation of critical materials with confidentiality and ease of access,” he noted.

The governor added that the facility would streamline administrative processes, reduce case backlogs, and promote timely dispensation of justice.

Commending the contractor, Sanwo-Olu noted that the integrity of the new warehouse had already been proven by recent rainfall.

“This rain is proof that the contractor has done a solid job. If the structure were substandard, the rain would have exposed it,” he said, praising the quality of the work delivered.

He also highlighted the economic impact of the project, noting that its construction and ongoing operations had created employment opportunities and stimulated the local economy in Ikorodu.

The governor appealed to local landlords against raising rents in response to the new development.

“Please, do not take undue advantage of this. Show consideration and be responsible,” he urged.

Sanwo-Olu reiterated the broader impact of a functional judiciary, noting that “a transparent and credible justice system is vital for economic growth, as it assures both citizens and investors that their rights and interests are protected.”

He affirmed the state government’s continued collaboration with the judiciary, even as it maintained its independence, to ensure Lagos residents enjoyed the dividends of democracy through a fair and accessible legal system.

In his remark, Justice Alogba expressed appreciation for the state government’s ongoing support and welfare initiatives for judicial officers.

He assured that the gesture would boost morale and enhance judicial performance, and hinted at more welfare interventions soon.

NAN reports that the newly inaugurated deputy sheriff warehouse, located in the Majidun area of Ikorodu, is specifically designed to securely store confiscated goods pending the resolution of court appeals. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmadaukolam/Kevin Okunzuwa

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