NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Judicial independence: CJN tasks judges of lower courts on ethical conduct
Judiciary

Judicial independence: CJN tasks judges of lower courts on ethical conduct

192 total views today
By Wandoo Sombo
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged judges of lower courts to guard their integrity jealously to avoid compromising the standards of ethics and professionalism of the judiciary.
The CJN made the call in Abuja as she inducted newly appointed magistrates, judges of sharia, area and customary courts.
The induction was organised by the National Judicial Institute, (NJI).
Kekere-Ekun, who was represented by Justice Chidiebere Uwa, said that judicial independence was not just a constitutional imperative but the bedrock of public trust in the justice system.
“I also urge you to guard your integrity jealously, be vigilant against corruption in any guise and allow your conduct to reflect the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
“Avoid perception of bias or undue interest in any matter before you, approach your duties with humility and a clear understanding of the immense trust placed in you by Nigerians,” the chief judge said.
The CJN encouraged the newly inducted judges to seek counsel from their more experienced seniors but warned that at the end of the day, the decision made must be solely theirs.
“As you settle into your new roles, I urge you to embrace the best practices of our courts, including regular but appropriate consultation with more senior colleagues.
“However, I must caution that while guidance from experienced jurists is invaluable, your decisions must remain entirely your own, rooted in your independent evaluation of the law and the facts before you.”
She further reiterated the need for them to ensure that justice was not only done, but
done in a timely and professional manner.
According to her, equally important is the quality of your judicial decisions which requires not only a deep and sustained engagement with the law and precedent, but also an appreciation of the socio-economic context in which justice is sought.
“The combination of legal mastery and contextual awareness will enable you to render decisions that are not only legally sound but also socially responsive and just,” she said.
She lamented the continued persistent delays in trial processes saying in spite of best efforts, they continued to hamper the effective administration of justice.
“Such delays risk eroding public confidence in the Judiciary; we must, therefore, redouble our efforts to adopt more efficient practices, and foster a judicial
culture that values expediency without sacrificing fairness.
“One important avenue for improving efficiency lies in the strategic use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, which, when appropriately applied, offer swifter and often less adversarial pathways to justice,” she said.
For his part, the administrator of the institute, retired Justice Salisu Abdullahi, told the judges that they held the profound potential to either strengthen or conversely, to inadvertently erode the public’s perception of the entire judiciary.
“Let this, therefore, serve as a constant reminder in your every action, in every deliberation, and in the decisions you render,” he said.
The administrator said that the institute would soon embark on an assessment tour to check how its trainings were impacting on the judges.
He also said that their participation in this induction course represented a vital and indispensable step in fulfilling the solemn responsibilities they had willingly undertaken.
He reminded the judges that judicial efficiency, as well as the quality of decisions that came from their courts, had far reaching implications that transcended mere speed, or a rushed consideration of the cases that come before them.
“Rest assured that in view of your proximity to the grassroots, your dockets will often be filled with a large volume of cases.
“You must, therefore, strive to create a healthy balance, one that guarantees the resolution of disputes within a reasonable time, while upholding the highest standards of thoroughness, impartiality, and fairness.
“Understand that the positions you now occupy hold paramount significance within the very foundation of our judicial structure,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the induction is: “Enhancing Judicial Efficiency and Quality of Decision Making”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Federal High Court CJ redeploys judges
Judiciary

Federal High Court CJ redeploys judges

198 total views today
By Taiye Agbaje
Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC), on Sunday, announced the redeployment of some judges.
Justice Tsoho, in a statement by FHC’s Director of Information, Dr Catherine Christopher, directed Justice M. G. Umar from Enugu Judicial Division to take over cases earlier presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo of Court 5 in Abuja Division.
“The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, KSS, OFR, FCIArb. (UK) has effected the redeployment of some judges of the court.
“The general public is hereby notified that all cases pending before Court No. 5 in the Abuja Judicial Division will be attended to by the judge who has been moved to Abuja for that purpose.
“Consequently, there is no need for litigants and/or counsel to apply to the Hon. Chief Judge for re-assignment of cases that have been pending before the court,” the statement said.
Justice Tijjani Garba Ringim from Gombe Division was transferred to Yola Division, while Justice M. T. Segun-Bello from Abakaliki Division was moved to Enugu Division.
Also, Justice Bala Khalifa-Mohammed Usman from Yola Division was redeployed to Awka Division and Justice Amina Aliyu Mohammed from Awka Division transferred to Gombe Division.
According to the statement, the redeployments take immediate effect.
“The affected judges are to make their best endeavour to deliver all pending judgements in their current stations within the shortest possible time.
“The judges currently resident in the Abakaliki and Katsina Judicial Divisions shall take responsibility for all the cases already pending or newly instituted in their respective divisions, until otherwise instructed,” it concluded. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Why I left law profession for writing – Female author 
Judiciary

Why I left law profession for writing – Female author 

206 total views today

By Taiye Agbaje

Mrs Paula Pwul, a lawyer and an author, explained why she left the legal profession to become a writer.

Pwul, who is the host of “She’s the Brand Podcast,” said she decided to drop her robe because of her passion to help African women build brands that open global doors.

The emerging author stated this on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

She said as founder of Afrocreate Digital, she empowers women to own their voice, use the internet with purpose and build careers that align with their own convictions.

According to her, I believe that true influence starts from within.

Pwul said she wrote her debut book; “That Internet Thing You’re Doing?”, because she was tired of “seeing brilliant African women second-guess themselves online.”

“I knew too many women with deep expertise, creativity and impact who were hiding in plain sight—posting but not positioning, creating but not converting, showing up without owning their voice or not even showing up at all.

“This book is my answer to that. It’s my way of saying: enough.

“You’re allowed to be seen. You’re allowed to be paid. You’re allowed to take up space—online and beyond,” she said.

Pwul, a personal branding strategist, said the book is a practical and honest guide to building a personal brand online that actually works.

“It teaches you how to clarify your message, build trust, show up confidently and get paid for what you already know.

“Whether you’re creative, a professional or an entrepreneur, this book will help you turn your presence into a platform—and your platform into income and impact,” she said.

She said African women can start monetising their expertise online by identifying their values.

“What do people constantly ask you about? What problem can you help solve?

“Then create content around that. Teach, share insights, and build trust.

“You don’t have to have a huge audience; just the right offer for the right people.

“Package your knowledge into digital products, workshops, consultations or services.

“And most importantly, position yourself as someone worth learning from.

“The internet is full of noise, but clarity cuts through,” she concluded.

NAN reports that the book, which was debuted on May 17, has 10 chapters with 285 pages.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Justice Ogwuegbu’s judgments elevated our jurisprudence – CJN
Judiciary

Justice Ogwuegbu’s judgments elevated our jurisprudence – CJN

204 total views today

By Ebere Agozie

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, says the judgments of late Justice Emmanuel Ogwuegbu did not merely resolve disputes but elevated Nigeria’s jurisprudence.

Kekere-Ekun said this in Abuja, at a valedictory court session in honour of the late Ogwuegbu, Justice of the Supreme Court, who died on Oct. 28, 2024, at the age of 91.

She said that Ogwuegbu’s judgments and life also speak to the conscience of a nation, strengthening the pillars of democracy, and enriching Nigerian law with experience, compassion and wisdom.

“His contributions will continue to illuminate the courts and his legacy remains embedded in the moral and legal consciousness of the nation.

“Throughout his illustrious judicial career, he brought to bear a rare combination of erudition, clarity and compassion. He was a jurist who wrote with precision, reasoned with rigour and adjudicated with fairness.

“As a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, His Lordship contributed significantly to the shaping of our modern legal landscape.

“His Lordship’s deep insight and fearless reasoning were particularly evident in cases that advanced constitutional governance, individual liberties and the devolution of powers,’’ she said.

She said that Ogwuegbu was a torchbearer of justice whose career spanned more than four decades of unwavering dedication to the bench.

“He was a Judge of great dignity, humility, and empathy, qualities that humanised the law and brought comfort to those who sought justice.

“He listened intently, decided fairly, and treated all who came before him with respect and decency’’.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, charged judicial officers to live up to expectation.

Fagbemi stressed the need for judges to administer justice without fear or favour and paid glowing tributes to the late Justice of the Supreme Court.

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, said a true measure of a judge is not in the length of tenure or the number of cases adjudicated, but in the debt of impact and integrity of decisions.

Osigwe noted that Ogwuegbu was a judicial titan who rendered clearer laws that made institutions stronger and democracy more stable.

“In an age where judicial courage is often tempered by politics or public pressure, His Lordship exemplified a rare independence of thought, tempered only by the boundaries of justice and the letter of the law. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

DSS drags Prof. Utomi to court over alleged “shadow govt” creation
Judiciary

DSS drags Prof. Utomi to court over alleged “shadow govt” creation

190 total views today
By Taiye Agbaje
The Department of State Services (DSS) has sued Prof. Pat Utomi over his alleged plan to establish what he called, “a shadow government” in the country.
The DSS, in a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, prayed the court to declare the move as an attack on the constitution.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the fresh suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, Utomi, the 2007 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is sued as sole defendant.
The security outfit, in the suit filed on May 13 by Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, contended that the move by Utomi was intended to create chaos and destabilise the country.
The DSS argued that not only was the planned shadow government an aberration, it constituted a grave attack on the constitution and a threat to the democratically elected government that is currently in place.
It expressed concern that such a structure, styled as a “shadow government,” if left unchecked, may incite political unrest, cause inter-group tensions, and embolden other unlawful actors or separatist entities to replicate similar parallel arrangements, all of which would pose a grave threat to national security.
The plaintiff, therefore, urged the court to declare the purported “shadow government” or “shadow cabinet” being planned by Utomi and his associates as “unconstitutional and amounts to an attempt to create a parallel authority not recognised by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
It is also sought a declaration that “under Sections 1(1), 1(2) and 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, the establishment or operation of any governmental authority or structure outside the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is unconstitutional, null, and void.”
The plaintiff prayed the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction, restraining Utomi, his agents and associates “from further taking any steps towards the establishment or operation of a ‘shadow government,’ ‘shadow cabinet’ or any similar entity not recognised by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The plaintiff, in its grounds of argument, hinged its prayers on the fact that Section 1(1) of the Constitution declares its supremacy and binding force on all persons and authorities in Nigeria.
It added that Section 1(2) prohibits the governance of Nigeria or any part thereof except in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.
According to the DSS, Section 14(2Xa) states that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom government through the constitution derives all its powers and authority.
It contended that Utomi’s proposed shadow government lacked constitutional recognition and authority, thereby contravening the aforementioned provisions.
The plaintiff further stated in a supporting affidavit that it is the principal domestic intelligence and security agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria statutorily mandated to detect and prevent threats to the internal security of Nigeria, including subversive activities capable of undermining national unity, peace and constitutional order.
The DSS added that it is statutorily empowered to safeguard the internal security of Nigeria and prevent any threats to the lawful authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its constituent institutions.
It stated that it has monitored, “through intelligence reports and open source material, public statements and interviews granted by the defendant, Prof. Patrick Utomi, in which he announced the purported establishment of what he termed a ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet’ comprising of several persons that make up its ‘Minister.’
“The ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet’ is an unregistered and unrecognised body claiming to operate as an alternative government contrary to the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“The defendant (Utomi), through public statements, social media, and other platforms, has announced the formation of this body with the intent to challenge the legitimacy of the democratically elected government of Nigeria.
“While inaugurating the ‘shadow cabinet’, the defendant stated that it is made up of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio to be manned by Dele Farotimi; the Policy Delivery Unit Team consisting of Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo and Obi Ajuga: and the council of economic advisers.
“Based on the intelligence gathered by the plaintiff, the activities and statements made by the defendant and his associates are capable of misleading segments of the Nigerian public, weakening confidence in the legitimacy of the elected government, and fuelling public disaffection,” it said.
The DSS said in the discharge of its statutory duties, it had gathered intelligence confirming that the defendant’s actions pose a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
“The defendant’s actions amount to an attempt to usurp or mimic executive authority, contrary to Sections 1(1), 1{2), and 14(2Xa) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which exclusively vests governance in institutions duly created under the constitution and through democratic elections.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has made several efforts to engage the defendant to dissuade him from this unconstitutional path, including statements made by the Minister of Information, but the defendant has remained defiant.”
The agency said it would be in the interest of justice, national security and the rule of law for the court to declare the existence and operations of the defendant unconstitutional and illegal.
The suit is yet to be assigned to any judge for hearing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
ECOWAS Court dismisses Ivorian’s suit challenging her colleague’s appointment
Foreign , Judiciary

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

168 total views today

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
Judiciary

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

251 total views today
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
Judiciary

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

209 total views today
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
Judiciary

Justice Ministry improves in crime prosecution– Fagbemi

207 total views today

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

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