News Agency of Nigeria
Man who allegedly burnt wife, brother-in-law to death knows fate Feb. 27
Judiciary

Man who allegedly burnt wife, brother-in-law to death knows fate Feb. 27

Judgment

By Adenike Ayodele

A Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) has reserved judgment until Feb. 27 in the case of a 50-year-old man, Benjamin Ogudoro, who allegedly burnt his wife and brother-in-law to death.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the judgment, which was slated for Feb. 13, before Justice Sherifat Sonaike, could not be read for undisclosed reasons.

Sonaike, thereafter, adjourned the judgment until Feb.27.

Ogundoro was arraigned on Dec. 7, 2022 by the Lagos State Government on a four-count charge bordering on murder.

The prosecution alleged the defendant killed his wife, Chinyere, who had just returned from Scotland and her brother, Ifeanyi, by setting them ablaze.

The prosecution said the incident happened on April 1, 2022, about 3.30 a.m, at House 5, Zone 7, Oteyi Garden Estate, Abule Ado in the Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos.

The state alleged that the defendant poured petrol on the bodies of his wife, his brother-in-law, the mattress and set them ablaze while they were asleep.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offences violated Sections 223 and 341 of the criminal law of Lagos State, 2015. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Counsel file several objections to charge against Otudeko, others
Judiciary

Counsel file several objections to charge against Otudeko, others

By Sandra Umeh

Counsel in the case of alleged fraud preferred against the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, on Thursday, filed several preliminary objections to the suit before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The preliminary objections are from Otudeko and others charged along with him.

The applications included those challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the case, those asking for stay of arraignment, and those seeking quashing of the charge.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) preferred a 13-count charge against Otudeko and a former Managing Director of First Bank Plc., Olabisi Onasanya.

Also charged is a former member of the board of Honeywell Group, Soji Akintayo, and a firm, Anchorage Leisure Ltd.

The N6.2 billion fraud charge is marked FHC/L/20C/2025 and before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.

NAN reports that the case was scheduled for arraignment on Jan. 20, but the defendants were absent on the grounds that the EFCC had not served them with the charge.

Their counsel had argued that they only got “wind” of the case on the pages of newspapers.

The court consequently directed service of the charge by substituted means, and adjourned the case.

On Thursday, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) announced appearance for EFCC and Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) announced appearance for Otudeko, while Mr Olasupo Shashore (SAN) appeared for Onasanya.

Mr Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) appeared for Akintayo, while Mr Ade Adedeji (SAN) aanounced appearance for Anchorage Leisure Ltd.

Mr Babajide Koku (SAN) announced appearance for the nominal complainant, First Bank of Nigeria.

Olanipekun informed the court of an application he filed on behalf of Otudeko and dated Jan. 28 which, he said, was served on EFCC on Jan. 29.

He also told the court that there was an affidavit dated Feb. 1 which gave details of Otudeko’s absence in court.

Other defence counsel briefly introduced their applications before the court.

In response, EFCC counsel, told the court that he had complied with the court’s directive on substituted service of the charge on the first, third and fourth defendants and had attached a proof of service.

He also told the court that he received processes from Olanipekun confirming that Otudeko was not within the court’s jurisdiction.

Oyedepo added that he received a “harvest of motions” from defence counsel in the suit, objecting to the suit.

He said it was important to know when the parties could return to the court for arraignment of the defendants since the first defendant was absent.

In response, Olanipekun informed the court that he had served an application on the prosecution on behalf of Otudeko, adding that EFCC had seven days to reply.

He argued that a court had to, first, decide whether it had jurisdiction to entertain the case.

He urged the court to give a date for hearing of the defendants’ applications.

In response, Oyedepo argued that the arraignment of the defendants ought to be taken first before any applications.

He cited the Court of Appeal’s decision in the case of Yahaya Bello as well as the provisions of Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

He submitted that the court should adjourn the case for arraignment of the defendants.

In further response, Olanipekun argued that it was important for the parties to refrain from “pulling cases by a strand of hair”.

Citing judicial authorities decided after the enactment of the ACJA, including Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) versus Idahosa and Shema Ibrahim versus FRN, he argued that the court dispensed with the appearance of the defendants in both cases.

On his part, counsel to the third defendant, Ogunwumiju, also argued that it was important for the court to first take the objection by  defence in the interest of justice.

Citing the provisions of Edet versus State as well as Section 412(3) of the ACJA, he submitted that arraigning the defendants before hearing their objections would be prejudicial.

In the same vein, counsel to the second defendant, Shashore, urged the court to hear the applications of defence.

According to him, the fourth defendant seeks an application staying arraignment, and another quashing the charge.

He argued that it would be unfair to insist that the court would take the  defendants’ pleas to a charge that might be quashed.

He added that it was important for the court to first decide whether there was merit in doing same.

Counsel to the fourth defendant, Adedeji, argued on the authority of Nwadike versus FRN that court processes must not be made to oppress citizens.

He argued that the case of Yahaya Bello as cited by prosecution was not relevant to the suit, neither was the provisions of Section 396(3) of ACJA.

Adedeji said that the defendants ought not to face fraud trial for a civil transaction.

In reply, Oyedepo said that the cases as cited by defence counsel were out of context and did not reflect the charge.

He urged the court to make an order directing Otudeko to be present in court on the next adjourned date.

At this point, Olanipekun informed the court that Otudeko was under medical review and was advised to remain in the United Kingdom until a comprehensive review and medical advice.

He urged the court not to make such an order, but to adjourn the case for hearing of the applications.

The judge adjourned the case until March 17 for ruling on the arguments. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Ijeoma Popoola

PPDC unveils initiative to reduce prison congestion
Judiciary

PPDC unveils initiative to reduce prison congestion

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has launched an initiative aimed at reducing prison congestion and promoting access to justice for indigent inmates in Nigeria.

The initiative, named, “Reforming Pre-trial Detention in Nigeria Project,” was introduced by the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Lucy Abagi.

She made the announcement during a visit to law clinics at the University of Abuja and Philomath University, in Abuja.

Abagi explained that the project was designed to addressed the issue of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs) in custody.

She said the initiatives supported by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, involved deploying law clinicians to prisons to provide free legal services such as legal counselling, court representation, and advocacy for inmates.

Abagi highlighted the pressing issue of prison congestion in Nigeria, noting that over 60,000 inmates were currently awaiting trial.

She stressed that the initiative was designed to reduce this backlog by providing legal services to indigent inmates.

“The programme also aims to train law students and young lawyers to offer pro bono services, further increasing access to justice.

“The training of law students and young lawyers is critical to expanding the pool of legal support for inmates.

“The initiative, which will run until 2026 with the possibility of extension, is set to be implemented in 10 locations across five states, including Kaduna, Nasarawa, Lagos, Abuja, and Adamawa,” Abagi said.

Abagi called for support from the government and other stakeholders, urging them to contribute to the initiative’s success.

She believed the initiative would make a significant impact on thousands of inmates and contribute to the reform of the Nigerian justice system.

“We urge the government and other stakeholders to support this cause, as it has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of inmates across the country.

‘”By working together, we can promote access to justice and reduce prison congestion in Nigeria,” Abagi urged.

The Vice Chancellor of Philomath University, Prof. Gylych Jelilov, speaking during the event, commended the initiative and assured that donated items would be used effectively at the Kuje Custodial Centre and across Nigeria.

Similarly, Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Abuja, lauded the PPDC and the American Embassy for their donations.

He noted that the equipment would aid in providing justice to inmates who previously lacked access to legal assistance.

“The equipment they donated to us is coming at the nick of time, and as we all know, Nigeria needs access to justice more than any other country in Africa.

“Our law clinics have been working hard, but we faced many constraints. However, with this equipment, it will go a long way in ensuring that those who need intervention receive it. We are going to do more,” he assured.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event saw the deployment of various items, including computers, furniture, printers, cameras, files, and solar facilities, which will support the initiative’s legal services.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Retiree drags in-law to court for keeping wife
Judiciary

Retiree drags in-law to court for keeping wife

By Aisha Gambo

A retiree, Sani Yakubu, on Thursday dragged his wife’s grandmother, Hajiya Fatima, to a Shari’a Court sitting in Rigasa, Kaduna, for refusing to allow his wife to return to his house.

The complainant told the court that his wife, Sumayya Sani, had left their matrimonial home in December 2024, almost two months after she gave birth.

“My wife told me that she was going to meet some of her relatives and then go back home because she couldn’t continue staying with me.

“She later said that I should write a divorce letter. When she didn’t come back home that day, I went to her family’s house the following day and her grandmother insisted I give her a divorce letter,” he said.

He prayed the court to intervene in the matter and compel Fatima to allow his wife to return to her matrimonial home.

On her part, the defendant told the court that she refused to allow her granddaughter to return to the complainant because he didn’t provide her food and failed to slaughter a ram after she gave birth to a baby.

Yakubu, however, denied not providing food for his wife, but agreed to not slaughtering a ram when she delivered a baby due to financial constraints.

When asked if what her grandmother said was true, the wife, who was also in court, answered in the affirmative, insisting that her husband was financially buoyant but just refused to provide for her.

“It is my decision not to go back to him and my grandmother supported me. I didn’t love him in the first instance; she was the one who insisted that I should marry him.

“Anytime I asked for money, he would say he didn’t have but he would send money to his girlfriend, maintaining that he was going to marry another wife,” she said.

The Judge, Malam Muhammad Adamu, ordered Sumayya to return to her matrimonial home, saying that not slaughtering a ram for the baby was not a tangible reason for divorce.

He ordered the complainant to continue to persuade his wife by behaving well to her and the child until she returned to her matrimonial home. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Order I-G to withdraw police from private citizens- plaintiff
Judiciary

Order I-G to withdraw police from private citizens- plaintiff

 

By Taiye Agbaje

A 79-year-old woman, Colleen Yesufu, has prayed a Federal High Court in Abuja to order the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw police officers attached to private citizens.

 

Yesufu, who told the court in a suit filed by her lawyer, Maxwell Opara, also prayed for an order of perpetual injunction on the I-G from reassigning any member of the Police as VIP escorts to private individual, including Mrs Bilikisu Aliyu.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yesufu, a businesswoman, had, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/26/2025, sued the President, I-G and Mrs Aliyu (A.K.A. Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac) as 1st to 3rd respondents.

 

She also listed the National Police Council and NPF as 4th to 5th respondents respectively.

 

Yesufu, in the originating summons filed on Jan. 9 by Opara, wants the court to determine the status of President Bola Tinubu’s executive directive made on Nov. 13, 2023.

The directive was for the I-G to immediately withdraw policemen from VIPs who are not statutorily entitled to police escort.

 

“Whether having regards to the provisions of Section 4 of the Police Act, the duties of the 5 defendant (NPF) ought to be to the general public of the state rather than a selected few.

 

“Whether or not it will be lawful for the 2nd defendant (I-G) to immediately withdraw the police VIP escorts attached to the 3rd defendant (Aliyu).”

 

The applicant, who sought five reliefs, urged the court to make a declaration that Tinubu’s executive directive is valid and subsisting.

 

She sought a declaration that it will be lawful for the 2nd defendant to immediately withdraw the police VIP escorts attached to the 3rd defendant (Aliyu).

 

“An order directing the 2nd defendant to immediately withdraw all VIP Police escorts attached to the 3rd defendant and others, other than those statutorily entitled to them in Nigeria.

 

“An order of perpetual injunction on the 2nd defendant from reassigning any member of the 5th defendant as VIP escorts to the 3rd defendant or any other private individual in Nigeria.”

 

Yesufu, in an affidavit she deposed to, averred that on Nov. 13, 2023, Tinubu ordered the I-G to immediately withdraw all personnel of the NPF designated as VIPs escorts from all citizens other than those statutorily entitled to them.

 

She said the NPF issued a press statement published in the media confirming the president’s executive directive and their compliance forthwith.

 

The plaintiff, however, alleged that in spite of  the executive directive, the I-G had failed, refused and/or neglected to comply with the directive.

 

She said that Aliyu, who is a private citizen like her, has been using the police personnel purportedly attached to her as VIP escort by the I-G to intimidate, harass and threaten her.

 

She further alleged that Aliyu had been using the officers attached to her to evade lawful invitations from other law enforcement agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

 

“The 3rd defendant currently has a pending case of fraud pending at the EFCC and has been evading service of invitation and arrest by the commission using the police VIP escort and directing them as personal employees,” she averred.

 

Yesufu said the I-G, in spite of so many demands, petitions and complaints by her, had reluctantly refused to comply with the standing directive of the president, thereby allowing individuals to privately utilise the NPF.

 

The case was yet to be assigned to a judge as at the time of filing the report.(NAN)(www.namnews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Alleged fraud: Court admits oil magnate, Akintoye, to N500m bail
Judiciary

Alleged fraud: Court admits oil magnate, Akintoye, to N500m bail

 

By Taiye Agbaje

A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, admitted Mr Akindele Akintoye, Founder and Chairman of Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited, to a N500 million bail with two sureties in like sum.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling held that though he was not unmindful of the serious nature of the offence preferred against the defendant, but he was minded to grant the bail in the interest of justice.

Justice Nwite, who ordered that the two sureties shall depose to affidavit of means, directed that the sureties must have landed property within the jurisdiction of the court and the documents deposited with the deputy registrar of the court.

He ordered that all his international passports be deposited with the registrar and shall not travel without the permission of the court.

He also ordered that Akintoye and the sureties shall deposit two recent passport photographs each and the residence of the sureties verified by the court registrar.

The judge, who ordered that both the prosecution and defence counsel shall supervise and interview the proposed sureties before Akintoye is released on bail, adjourned the matter until March 4 for trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Nwite had, on Dec. 31, 2024, fixed today for ruling after Esedo and Martha Babatunde, who appeared for the EFCC, argued their case for and against the bail application.

Esedo, while moving the application, had posed a question whether the defendant was entitled to bail.

The lawyer argued that issues of bail is a matter of discretion which is exercised judicially and judiciously by the court.

He said Akintoye is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, adding that he had met all the requirements for granting bail.

Esedo assured that if granted bail, the defendant would not jump bail and was ready to stand his trial.

Besides, he said that the anti-graft agency had already concluded its investigation, having held him for 55 days.

Babatunde, who vehemently opposed the bail plea, argued that Sections 158 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) did not impose on the court to grant bail.

The lawyer, who argued that a bail is not granted as a matter of must, said it is the duty of the applicant to place sufficient evidence before the court.

She argued that the evidence against Akintoye was weighty as it bordered on serious national economic sabotage and financial crime which is currently ravaging the country.

She said if admitted to bail, Akintoye would not attend trial, describing him as a flight risk.

NAN reports that Akintoye, in the four-count charge, was alleged to have diverted a sum of $26,,060, 406.00 US dollars meant to build a refinery in Brass, Bayelsa.

Akintoye, Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited and Duport Midstream Company Limited, where he is also the Managing Director and CEO, were sued as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively, by the anti-graft agency.

The EFCC, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/641/V/2024 dated and filed on Dec. 19 by its lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, alleged that Akintoye and Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited had between December, 2020 and February, 2021, indirectly retained 16 million dollars.

The amount, the EFCC said, was part of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Capacity Development Intervention Company Ltd to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment.

The said a sum of $16, 006, 000 is alleged to constitute proceed of unlawful activity.

The offence, EFCC said, is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by (Act No. 1 of 20!2) and punishable under Section [5(3) of the same Act, among other counts.(NAN)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Land commissioner defends state in court
Judiciary

Land commissioner defends state in court

 

By Rita Iliya

The Niger Commissioner for Land and Survey, Mr Maurice Magaji, on Wednesday appeared in Minna High Court 2 to defend the state government in a land case.

 

He disclosed this in an interview with newsmen shortly after his appearance in the court.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the case involved the state government’s interest in acquiring land around Gurara community.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the land is situated at the Gurara waterfall, which is to be developed into a world-class resort.

 

“There are many cases on our table, and my active participation will help expedite the resolution process.

 

“As a lawyer, I will continue to appear in court when necessary, defending the government and ensuring that we meet the expectations of our people.”

 

The case was filed by eight plaintiffs from Gurara community in Nov. 2024 against the state governor and commissioner as the first and second defendants.

 

Magaji added that his presence in court was necessitated by the paucity of lawyers handling cases for the ministry and also to encourage the counsels to put in their best.

 

“Today, I appeared in court to advocate for the state on this matter of land acquisition.

 

“My appearance is not just because of the limited number of lawyers we have but also to boost the morale of our legal team and ensure that cases are handled with the utmost commitment,” he said.

 

The commissioner emphasised that his decision to personally appear in court was aimed at strengthening the ministry’s defense in critical land matters.

 

Magaji further stated that this proactive step would occasionally involve him directly participating in court proceedings as it involves the ministry.

 

He noted that his role as commissioner goes beyond administrative duties such as treating files, adding that he intended to actively defend the state’s interests in court.

 

Magaji further noted that the ministry was grappling with numerous unresolved legal cases, some of which have dragged on for years.

 

According to him, this is about being proactive and ensuring that we do not allow cases to linger indefinitely.”(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Alleged terrorism financing: Court gives EFCC go-ahead to freeze 24 bank accounts
Judiciary

Alleged terrorism financing: Court gives EFCC go-ahead to freeze 24 bank accounts

 

 

By Taiye Agbaje

A Federal High Court in Abuja has okayed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s application to freeze 24 bank accounts domiciled in different banks over allegations bordering on terrorism financing.

 

Justice Emeka Nwite, who granted the application after the EFCC’s lawyer, Martha Babatunde, moved an ex-parte motion to the effect, said the commission should freeze the accounts for 90 days pending the conclusion of investigation.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the motion ex-parte, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1897/V/2024, was filed by Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.

 

Iheanacho sought an order freezing the bank accounts stated in the schedule which accounts are owned by Lawrence Eromosele who is currently being investigated in a case involving kidnapping pending the conclusion of the investigation.

 

He said the bank accounts in respect of which the reliefs were sought are subject matters of investigation by the EFCC in relation to money laundering and terrorism financing.

 

The senior lawyer said the preliminary investigation conducted revealed that the bank accounts are linked to persons who take advantage of the virtual crypto currency exchange platforms to manipulate the value of Naira and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities.

 

He said there was need to preserve the funds in the identified bank accounts pending the conclusion of investigation and possible prosecution.

 

In the affidavit deposed to by Mohammed Khalil, an investigator attached to the Special Investigation Team of the EFCC domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), he said he was a member of the team assigned to investigate the matter.

 

He said the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, directed the team to investigate a serious threat by a syndicate threatening the lives of senior operatives of the ONSA by making demands for payments of ransom.

 

He said on receipt of the directive, the team began investigation by conducting surveillance of the activities on these syndicates, requesting bank instruments.

 

Khalil said investigation revealed Eromosele as one of the perpetrators of the crime.

 

According to him, the operatives received a direct threat involving their families, with the perpetrators providing the homes addresses, family locations and specific movements with a threat to kidnap following failure to remit redemption payments.

 

He alleged that “one unknown individual contacted an operative, demanding some monies in exchange for their freedom and that of their families.”

 

“Attached and marked as Exhibit EFCC 1 is the printout of the chat between one of the perpetrators and the operative.”

 

The officer said in a bid to mitigate some of the threats, the team had identified bank accounts linked to the individuals making the threats.

 

“Attached and marked as Exhibit EFCC 2 are the bank statements of one of the suspects.

 

“Further intelligence has revealed that proceeds of crimes and funds for terrorist activities are covertly exchanged through these platforms,” he said.

 

Khalil said the order of the court was necessary to freeze the said accounts clearly described in schedule 1 to the motion paper for which investigation is ongoing.

 

Upon resumed hearing, Babatunde, who appeared for EFCC, informed the court that the motion was dated and filed on Dec. 17.

 

She said that the motion prayed for an order freezing the bank accounts in the schedule attached to the application.

 

The lawyer urged the court to grant the relief.

 

When Justice Nwite asked her for how long the investigation would be conducted, Babatunde said within 90 days.

 

The judge, who granted the prayer, adjourned the matter until March 24, 2025 for mention.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Stakeholders advocate pre-trial hearing reform for speedy justice delivery
Judiciary

Stakeholders advocate pre-trial hearing reform for speedy justice delivery

 

 

By Adenike Ayodele

The Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS) on Wednesday tasked stakeholders in the justice sector to conduct pre-trial reviews in criminal cases, for speedy dispensation of justice.

The group made the call in Ikeja, at a two-day workshop for training of stakeholders on the essence of a National Minimum Standards Document for pre-trial cases.

The workshop is tagged “National Minimum Standards Document on the Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 and the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws of the 36 States”.

The Programme Officer of CSLS, Mr Kelvin Mejulu, while highlighting the importance of the training, said that National Minimum Standards (NMS) was aimed at promoting uniformity in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

He said the development of NMS for the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, had helped the nation to achieve a milestone in improving its criminal justice system.

Mejulu said that NMS was developed by key stakeholders in the criminal justice sector.

He added that the NMS was designed to create a benchmark for the effective implementation of the ACJA and the criminal justice laws of all the states.

Mejulu said, “The essence of the National Minimum Standards document is to create a benchmark for the implementation of the ACJA and the ACJL of all the states.

“The document outlines the minimum standards that every state’s administration of criminal justice law should meet.

“What we are doing today is to create awareness about the National Minimum Standard document to the stakeholders here so that they can teach their subordinates when they get to their various departments.

“The NMS advocates for states to make practice directions on specific areas, such as the licensing of persons for bail bond and trial within trial.”

Mejulu added that NMS had provided a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of federal and state agencies in realising the objectives of the criminal justice system.

He, however, said though NMS documents did not have the force of law at the moment, it could be implemented through practice direction and amendment of some of the laws.

According to him, the training is simultaneously going on in six other states, Kano, Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Plateau and Abuja.

Earlier, CSLS President, Prof Yemi George-Akinseye, in his welcome remarks, said NMS had effected a significant change for the effective implementation of ACJA in the nation’s criminal justice system.

George-Akinseye said that the NMS had been adopted by the body of attorneys-general, body of solicitors general, and permanent secretaries of the various ministries of justice across the country.

According to him, NMS is designed to consolidate the gains recorded in the implementation of the ACJA in the last few years, thereby bringing together in a single document, the most salient features of the ACJA and ACJL of states.

The president said: “NMS will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of federal and state agencies, in realising the objectives of the criminal justice system.

“Experts have hailed the NMS as a significant step towards improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system in Nigeria.

“We believe that the standards will help to promote accountability, transparency and fairness in the administration of justice.

“The adoption of the NMS is a clear indication of the commitment of the Nigerian government to reforming the criminal justice system and promoting the rule of law.”

While speaking, the Director of Community Service Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs Tomi Bodude, said the adoption of NMS documents would enhance speedy justice system, thereby giving hope to the common man.

Bodude spoke about de novo cases which sometimes prevented justice from being served on time.

She added that if justice sector equipped itself with NMS documents, justice delay would be a thing of the past. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chinyere Omeire

Judges who embarrass judiciary should be sacked- SAN
Judiciary

Judges who embarrass judiciary should be sacked- SAN

 

By Taiye Agbaje

A Professor of Law, Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, on Friday, said any judge who embarrassed the judiciary should be sacked.

 

Akinseye-George stated this in an interview with newsmen during the closing ceremony of the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference organised by the Rule of Law Development Foundation in Abuja.

 

He commended the National Judicial Council (NJC), chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on its recent outcome of investigations on some judges in the country.

 

“The reason the judiciary is being criticised is because the judges are also humans. You cannot have a perfect judiciary in an imperfect environment. But that is not an excuse for not attempting to be perfect.

 

“The judiciary is the last hope of a common man and members of the public expect, and rightly too, that the judiciary will be above board. And that is why they keep demanding for more.

 

“It is the judiciary that can stabilise the democracy of this country because the political branches; the executive and legislature, must continue to be political. They must be partisan, they must be bias, but the judiciary must stand aloof from the executive and the legislature.

 

“They must call a spade, a spade. They must save this country from the excesses of politicians. That is why we commend the approaches of the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun.

 

“There was a panel that sat recently of the NJC that came up with specific decisions. Some judges were sacked, some cautioned and some were commended. That should happens regularly. The fact that judges are given up to 70 years of retirement does not mean that you should keep everybody there up to 70 years.

 

“Some should be told to go, if they embarrass the judiciary or embarrass the country. But of course, the whole process must be subjected to fairness, fair hearing,” he said.

 

The legal luminary said though in the past, there were such actions taken by the NJC, he said the instant decision was highly commended.

 

“What is different this time around is that they have called a spade, a spade. Those that were retired were asked to refund the money that was wrongly collected. How can a judge, who heads a judiciary and who has falsified his age, retired to go home without any punishment?

 

“NJC has done the right thing by saying, in addition to your retirement, you must refund the funds that you earned illegally through the wrong declaration of age.

 

“Those who were found not to be culpable like My Lord, Hon. Justice Lifu, were also rightly discharged and acquitted by the NJC,” he said.

 

Akinseye-George, who said constructive criticism of the judiciary is welcome, said the judiciary too must ensure that it applies the law in accordance with the laid down constitution.

 

“As long as they do that, they will be vindicated by posterity,” he said.

 

He commended Mr Joseph Daudu, SAN, the Coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation, on his contribution to the development of the Nigerian jurisprudence through the annual conference.

 

He described the event as “an intellectually loaded conference that assembled an uncommon group of scholars and seasoned practitioners.”

 

Mrs Ozioma Izuora the lead presenter and a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Baze University, Abuja, said different experiences were shared at the meeting to improve on the country’s justice system.

 

Earlier, Mr Daudu, said the Criminal Law Review Conference commenced six years ago as one of the flagship events of the foundation.

 

He said it was essentially to provide an annual forum for the review of all developments, particularly novel developments in the field of crime apprehension, crime prosecution, crime adjudication and the post adjudicatory processes and institutions of the criminal justice system.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day event was titled: “Optimising the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria: How to Navigate Emerging and Systemic Challenges of Insecurity and Economic Hardship”.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

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