NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Court throws out Mohbad’s father’s suit against Naira Marley, Sam Larry

Court throws out Mohbad’s father’s suit against Naira Marley, Sam Larry

201 total views today

By Adenike Adenike

An Ikeja High Court on Wednesday dismissed an application filed by Mr Joseph Aloba, father of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba (popularly known as Mohbad).

Aloba had sought to quash the legal advice that exonerated music label owner Azeez Fashola (alias Naira Marley) and promoter Samson Balogun (alias Sam Larry) from any involvement in Mohbad’s death.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Aloba filed the application through his lead counsel, Dr Wahab Shittu (SAN), on behalf of the family, with the Attorney General of Lagos State and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) listed as respondents.

While dismissing the Aloba’s application, Justice Taiwo Olatokun in her judgment, held that the powers of the attorney general of Lagos state to prosecute or not to prosecute were absolute and could not be questioned.

Shittu, in his application sought the court to quash the DPP’s legal advice, citing alleged lack of fair hearing.

He had argued that the DPP’s legal advice, which exonerated Marley and Larry, pre-empted the outcome of the coroner’s inquest, “which is yet to conclude its investigation into the cause of the artist’s death.”

According to him, vital suspects mentioned and implicated during the coroner’s proceedings were prematurely freed through the DPP’s legal advice.

However, in their counter-affidavit, the respondents contended that the suspects were not acquitted but merely discharged.

They, therefore, urged the court to dismiss the application in the interest of justice.

The respondents further argued that at no point did the presiding coroner issue a directive mandating them to inform the inquest of the conclusion of the DPP’s review of the duplicate case file.

“An outcome that was reflected in the legal advice being challenged by the applicant,” the respondents argued. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Lawyer prays court to void EFCC, NSCDC Enabling Acts

Lawyer prays court to void EFCC, NSCDC Enabling Acts

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By Taiye Agbaje

A constitutional lawyer, Joshua Ijaodola, has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to nullify the Acts enabling the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as being unconstitutional.

Ijaodola, in two fresh suits, argued that the acts violated Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in 2018 and 2023 respectively.

The two suits are dated June 23 and filed on June 24.

The legal practitioner had, in the first suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1231/2025, sued the National Assembly (NASS), the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and EFCC as 1st to 4th defendants.

In the second suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1232/2025, the claimant listed NASS, AGF, NPF and NSCDC as 1st to 4th defendant respectively.

Ijaodola, who is the Principal Partner of the law firm of Ijaodola & Co, in his affidavit of non-multiplication of action, sworn that the matter is not pending in any other court.

The Kwara-based lawyer, in the suit against EFCC, sought an order declaring the act enabling the agency “as unconstitutional and in violation of Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal: Republic of Nigeria (as amended) in 2023 for the determination of the sole question of:

“Whether or not the act enabling the 4th defendant (EFCC) is unconstitutional and in violation of Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) in 2023.”

He equally sought same in his suit against NSCDC, also known as civil defence.

in the affidavit in support of the suit against the EFCC, Ijaodola averred that the NASS established the EFCC as “an economic police by virtue of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004.”

According to him, the 3rd defendant (police) is the body constitutionally empowered or saddled with the responsibilities of detection, prevention, apprehension and prosecution of all crimes by virtue of Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in 2018 etc and Section 4 of Police Act, 20222.

“That the 1st defendant (NASS), in Section 6 of the said Act, donates part of the statutory duties of the 3rd defendant (police) to the 4th defendant (EFCC),” he said.

He further argued that the legislature, in Section 8(5) of the said Act, donates the statutory powers of the Nigerian police to EFCC, “i.e power to investigate, arrest, detain and prosecute economic offenders in contravention of Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in 2018 and Section 4 of Police Act, 2022.”

Ijaodola submitted that the anti-graft agency has been usurping the constitutional powers of the police institution under the guise of Section 6, 7 and 8 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004.

The claimant, in his affidavit also attached to the suit against civil defence, averred that the police is the body constitutionally saddled with responsibilities to detect, prevent, apprehend and prosecute all crimes by virtue of Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in 2023 and Section 4 of Police Act, 2022.

He argued that the NASS established the NSCDC as a police in 2002 by the NSCDC (amendment) Act, 2007 with the power to investigate, arrest, detain and prosecute offenders in contravention of Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution as amended in 2018 and Section 4 of Police Act, 2022.

Ijaodola submitted that the civil defence has been usurping the constitutional powers of the police institution under the guise of Section 3 of the NSCDC (amendment) Act, 2007.

The lawyer stated that the Nigerian government, being represented by the AGF (2nd defendant), has been spending billions of the Federal Government’s money for the maintenance of the EFCC and NSCDC being challenged in the suits.

He said the grant of his application would be in the interest of justice and supremacy of the constitution.

“I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true, and by virtue of the provisions of the Oaths Act,” he said.

The suit is yet to be assigned to a judge as at the time of the report.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Alleged contempt: CBN, firm agree to settle out of court

Alleged contempt: CBN, firm agree to settle out of court

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By Taiye Agbaje
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and a private firm, Melrose General Services, on Monday agreed to settle their legal dispute at the Federal High Court in Abuja out of court
The development was made known by Yusuf Ali, SAN, counsel to the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, and Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, lawyer representing Melrose before Justice Mohammed Umar shortly when the matter was called.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Melrose had in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/532/2025, filed a contempt charge against Cardoso over alleged disobedience to a Supreme Court judgment.
In June 2024, the Supreme Court had overturned a previous forfeiture order against Melrose General Services Limited’s funds, which had been frozen following an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The disputed sums included N1,222,384,857.84 in Melrose’s bank account and N220 million paid by the company to Wasp Networks and Thebe Wellness as loan and investment.
The apex court had ruled that the EFCC had not proven the funds were proceeds of fraud, as alleged.
The court set aside the lower courts’ forfeiture orders, directing the release of the funds to their rightful owners.
However, inspite of the Supreme Court’s decision, Melrose’s lawyers filed a lawsuit at the trial court, alleging that the CBN and its top officials had only partially complied with the judgment.
Melrose, in its application before Justice Umar averred that while the N1.22 billion was refunded, the outstanding N220 million remains unpaid.
The disputed money was part of the Paris Club refund.
The company, through its counsel, filed the contempt suit against the CBN governor; the apex bank’s Director of Legal Services, Salam-Alada Kofo and the EFCC.
Also joined in the suit is the Minister of Finance.
It argued that their refusal to release the full amount constitutes contempt of court and undermines the Supreme Court’s authority.
NAN reports that the dispute stems from the controversial Paris Club refund, a settlement involving payments to consultants for services rendered to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).
The EFCC had claimed that an investigation revealed N3.5 billion was allegedly fraudulently paid to the appellant for a purported consultancy job for the NGF.
At the apex court, Melrose’s legal team argued that the disputed funds were payment for a contractual and consultancy agreement between their client and relevant government stakeholders.
In its majority decision, the Supreme Court agreed with the appellant, ruling that the EFCC failed to prove the funds were proceeds of fraud.
Consequently, the court upheld the appellant’s case and set aside the lower courts’ forfeiture orders.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, Ali told Justice Umar that while the matter started with “some very big figures” of money, the outstanding is “just N20 million.”
According to him, we have had preliminary discussions within ourselves; that is, the counsel to the applicant (Melrose).
“And we believe that this is a matter that can be settled out of court through settlement without necessarily requiring your lordship to write a ruling,” he said.
The senior lawyer then asked for a date to come back and make a report on the settlement.
Ojukwu also confirmed Ali’s statement.
“He (Ali) has agreed to speak to the CBN on the matter,” he said.
He said parties had opted for reconciliation and the judge adjourned the matter until July 22 for a report on the settlement. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Court sets Oct. 6 to hear Alison-Madueke’s suit challenging asset forfeiture

Court sets Oct. 6 to hear Alison-Madueke’s suit challenging asset forfeiture

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By Wandoo Sombo

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, fixed Oct. 6, to hear a suit by former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke, challenging forfeiture of her assets to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forfeiture suit was brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).

When the matter was called on Monday, Alison-Madueke’s lawyer, Mr Godwin Inyinbor, told the court that the case was for hearing but that they were served with two motions which they had replied.

Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Mofesomo Oyetibo, however, informed the court that he was appearing in the case for the first time.

The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, also hinted that the matter was coming up before him for the first time.

He, consequently, adjourned the case until Oct. 6, for hearing.

NAN reports that in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023, which began in 2023, the applicant is praying the court to extend the time to apply for an order to set aside EFCC’s public notice for sale of her assets.

She avers that the order for forfeiture of her assets were made without jurisdiction, arguing that she was denied fair hearing in the proceedings leading to the forfeiture order.

The applicant, therefore, seeks orders, annuling EFCC’s public notice on the sale of her properties.

Besides, she argued that the forfeiture violated her constitutional right to fair hearing as enshrined in section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, adding that she was not served with the charge, proof of evidence or summons.

In response, EFCC, prayed the court to dismiss her application on the grounds that she had been properly brought before the court.

The anti-graft agency averred that the application for final forfeiture of her assets had been properly instituted and conducted following all legal requirements. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sandra Umeh

Akpoti-Uduaghan docked over alleged cybercrime, defamation

Akpoti-Uduaghan docked over alleged cybercrime, defamation

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By Wandoo Sombo

The Federal Government on Monday, arraigned Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal High Court, Abuja over alleged cyber bullying and defamation of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello.

The suspended senator was docked on a six-count charge bordering on making inciting statements in public and on television amounting to cyber bullying and defamation.

The lawmaker, who was accompanied by her husband into the court room to answer the charge against her, however, pleaded not guilty to all the six count.

The Federal Government, through the Attorney-General of the Federation, preferred the six-count criminal charge against her.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akpabio, had in a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, complained about damages done to his reputation by Akpoti-Uduaghan on the accusation that he planned to eliminate her in Kogi.

The allegations in the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 are said to contravene Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act and punishable under the same act.

She was alleged to have transmitted false and injurious information via electronic means calculated to malign, incite, and endanger lives and breach public order.

In the charge, Akpoti-Uduaghan, while addressing a gathering on April 4 in Ihima, in Kogi, was said to have alleged that Akpabio instructed Bello to have her eliminated in Kogi.

Similarly, in a television interview, she allegedly repeated the narrative, suggesting a murderous conspiracy against her life by Akpabio and Bello to take place in Kogi to make it appear as if her people were responsible.

Following her plea of not guilty, the prosecuting counsel, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, prayed the court for a date to start trial and call witnesses.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Prof. Roland Otaru, SAN, moved a bail application for the defendant.

Otaru, in the application, prayed the court to admit the defendant to bail on self-recognition.

He submitted that the suspended senator was not a flight risk and would not interfere with police investigation and witnesses.

Moreover, he said that the offences his client was standing trial for were bailable, adding that the prosecution did not oppose the application.

The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, subsequently admitted the defendant to bail on self-recognition.

He adjourned the matter until Sept. 22 for the trial to begin.

NAN recalls that on the last adjourned date, the court had rejected an application by the government to issue a bench warrant against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr David Kasue, had asked the court to issue a bench warrant for her arrest following her absence in court.

Her lawyer, however, opposed the application for a bench warrant saying the application was strange and not courteous, since he had only been served with the charge on behalf of his client in court that morning. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

World Drug Day: NHRC seeks humane ways of treating drug victims

World Drug Day: NHRC seeks humane ways of treating drug victims

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By Edith Nwapi

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says it is seeking for more humane ways to approach the treatment of drug victims including counselling and medicines.

Dr Tony Ojukwu (SAN), Executive Secretary, NHRC, said this at an event to commemorate the 2025 World Drug Day.

The event was organised by NHRC and the United Nations (UN) human rights resident commissioners in Nigeria.

Ojukwu, who joined the event via zoom, said many stories of victims both young and old have been heard and listened to, with an irreparable devastating toll of drug addiction.

“We have seen the pervasive stigma that strips individuals of their identity; the discrimination that shatters opportunities.

“The social exclusion that isolates souls and the painfully limited access to essential health and harm reduction services that leaves lives hanging with a thread.

“More disturbing is that this punitive approach has in too many instances, tragically amplified the risk of arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment, and indeed the abhorrent act of torture within our detention facilities.”

According to Ojukwu, the battle for the treatment of drug victims is being lost, not on statistics but on human lives and dignity.

Ojukwu said that punitive approaches had never worked, going by the available data and research.

“The evidence is clear; Nigeria’s drug use prevalence is higher than the global average, yet access to treatment and harm reduction services remains among the lowest in Africa,” he said

Drug-related incarceration according to Ojukwu is overwhelmingly composed of non-violent and low-level offences.

He noted that torture remained widespread, particularly in drug-related arrests and pre-trial detention.

Ojukwu added that legal safeguards against torture and arbitrary detention were routinely ignored.

“The policy brief lays out clear recommendations for drug decriminalisation, investment in harm reduction and accountability mechanisms to protect the rights of persons who use drugs.

“It represents a vision for a more humane and just Nigeria.

“The theme of the 2025 UN International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (also known as the World Drug Day) is “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”.

“It is not just a slogan; it is a beacon of hope and a blueprint for a compassionate future,” he said.

The executive secretary noted that prevention of drug abuse was fundamentally about investing in the human spirit and extended far beyond merely intercepting illicit substances.

“It means prioritising public health, establishing accessible, evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services among others.

“We should shift our perceptions to see that those grappling with drug dependence are not criminals; they are patients in desperate need of care.

“Our empathy and our support are needed. By embracing these human rights-centred approaches, we do more than just protect the vulnerable.

“We strategically dismantle the very foundations of the illicit market, severing the insidious ties that feed organised crime.

“This is how we truly break the cycle, and this leads us to the equally, perhaps even more, vital theme of torture prevention,” Ojukwu added.

Ms Adwao Kufuor, Senior Human Rights Adviser to the UN Resident Human Rights Office, commended the Federal Government for the establishment of National Preventive Mechanism (NPM).

Kufuor said NPM was one of the main recommendations in the prevention of torture in the country.

“One of the main recommendations was NPM and the importance of having such a mechanism in place.

“So, for us in the UN, we acknowledge the steps that the government has taken to improve the right to address some of the shortcomings. We hope that NPM will be able to address it,” she said.

Kufuor said that they have been talking with relevant stakeholders on non-custodian services and earlier releases of people on probation, to ensure victims have access to justice.

According to her, the move will also ensure that victims are monitored to prevent recidivism.

“So, we plead with the government and those in authority to ensure that NPM is adequately resourced and effective for the work to be done,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking also known as “World Drug Day” is marked annually on June 26.

It is marked to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Emmanuel Afonne

Court adjourns Emefiele’s WhatsApp review ruling to Sept.15

Court adjourns Emefiele’s WhatsApp review ruling to Sept.15

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By Adenike Ayodele

An Ikeja Special Offences Court has adjourned ruling on an application by former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele seeking forensic analysis of WhatsApp evidence in a $4.5 billion fraud case.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and corrupt demands.

Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing a three-count charge bordering on unlawful acceptance of gifts by agents.

The duo are charged with fraud totalling $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Emefiele, through his counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), requested the court to permit a forensic analysis of a mobile phone used in extracting WhatsApp messages already tendered as evidence.

Ojo said: “The defence is seeking the leave of the court to call a forensic expert to examine both the mobile device and printed conversations allegedly linked to the defendants”.

The EFCC counsel, Ms Chigozie Okezie, opposed the application.

Okezie argued that by virtue of the rules of evidence and practice, once an evidence of such nature had been admitted as an exhibit, the court became its custodian and retained it until the conclusion of the trial.

According to her, the essence of it is for the documents to remain in their original form as presented before the court.

She added that the duration of the forensic exercise was also not stated in the defendant’s application.

Okezie further noted that the defence failed to disclose the name of the forensic laboratory, the expertise, and the experience of the personnel to be used for the examination.

She said: “What is more, the defendants ought to have presented options of forensic laboratories, stating their competence for the court to pick from.

“We pray the court to nominate the director of forensic department in the commission to select a laboratory for the exercise.

“We also urge the court to direct that the examination be conducted in the presence of a person with vast experience and knowledge, to be nominated by the prosecution.

“There should be room for proper chain of custody to ensure the device is not tampered with and is returned to the court upon conclusion of the exercise.”

After listening to the submission of both parties, Justice Rahman Oshodi adjourned the case until Sept. 15 for ruling. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Omeire

NDIC sensitises judges, advocates continued support against court delays

NDIC sensitises judges, advocates continued support against court delays

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By Grace Alegba
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has called for the continued support of the judiciary in overcoming legal hurdles that delay the fulfilment of its mandate to maintain public confidence in the banking sector.

Mrs Emily Osuji, Acting Managing Director, NDIC, made call at the opening ceremony of a sensitisation seminar for Judges of the Federal High Court in Ikeja.

The event, organised by the NDIC in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), focused on the theme, “Strengthening Adjudication and Depositor Confidence in the Banking System”.

Osuji explained that the seminar aimed to foster collaboration, enlighten, and build the capacity of judges, recognising them as critical stakeholders in adjudicating matters related to failed banks and ensuring financial system stability.

She added that the theme was particularly relevant, aligning with global standards for banking system stability and protecting depositors from significant losses due to bank failures.

She explained the corporation’s vision, mandate, and supervisory role, highlighting its achievements over the past 37 years, including the orderly and efficient closure of Heritage Bank.

“Notwithstanding the achievements recorded, the corporation still faces some legal challenges which include long judicial proceedings and execution of judgment against assets of the corporation for liability of banks in liquidation,” she said.

She cited example from the recent proceedings concerning the liquidation of Heritage Bank and some legal procedural interpretation of the NDIC Act of 2023 facing delays caused by court orders.
According to her, the corporation, in its bid to address some of the identified challenges, had improved public awareness initiatives and frequently engages and educates the judiciary as critical stakeholders.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, commended NDIC, noting that the seminar helps to keep the judicial officers abreast on new trends in the ever- evolving banking sector for efficiency.
Kekere-Ekun, while declaring the seminar open, said complexities associated with banking litigation required judiciary that is well-versed in the nuances of financial laws and deposit insurance policies.
Represented by Justice John Okoro, she added that financial stability is a collective responsibility that required synergy between the judiciary, regulators and policymakers.
She said the seminar highlighted the importance of a robust deposit insurance framework in safeguarding the integrity of the financial system.
According to her, the financial sector is the lifeblood of any nation’s economy and serves as the engine that drives investments, fosters development, and sustains overall national growth.
She enumerated the benefits of synergy in building public trust in both the judiciary and the financial services and deposit insurance sector.
She added that the theme aptly captured the urgent need for judicial officers to be adequately equipped in adjudicating matters relating to deposit insurance.
The Administrator, National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Salisu Abdullahi, said the joint seminar was important in advancing a resilient, transparent, and well-regulated financial ecosystem anchored in sound legal principles.
He explained the NJI’s mandate of continuous judicial education and capacity enhancement for judicial officers across all cadres to sharpen their skills to navigate complex financial regulations, interpret emerging legal frameworks, and adjudicate disputes with precision.
He said the seminar will identify strategies to fortify deposit insurance mechanisms and streamline judicial responses to financial instability.
He said that judicial officers need to know both technicalities of financial laws and their far-reaching implications on economic stability while urging participants to proffer solutions to disruptions of revolution in the banking sector.
“Digital banking, cryptocurrency, and decentralised finance have introduced new dimensions to financial transactions, prompting regulators to adapt swiftly.
“These developments necessitate a judiciary that is forward-thinking and adaptable to emerging financial realities,” he said.
The Chief Judge of Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, represented by Justice Binta Nyako, also enumerated some challenges and how the annual seminar is helping to bridge knowledge and information gap. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
ECOWAS Court seeks regional cooperation to enforce judgments

ECOWAS Court seeks regional cooperation to enforce judgments

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By Taiye Olayemi

The ECOWAS Court has called for stronger commitment from Member States toward enforcing the Court’s judgments.

The ECOWAS Court President, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, made the call on Monday at the opening of the inaugural meeting of Competent National Authorities (CNAs) responsible for the enforcement of CCJ judgments in Lagos.

The meeting is with the theme: “Enhancing the Role, Relevance, and Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice: Strengthening Synergies Between the Court and Competent National Authorities”

The president described the low compliance rate currently standing at just 22 per cent as “discouraging” and a significant threat to the Court’s effectiveness.

He urged national authorities to take immediate and coordinated action to reverse the trend.

He warned that continued non-compliance threatens the Court’s credibility and the rule of law in the region.

“It is our sincere hope that this meeting will result in actionable strategies to raise member states’ compliance with the Court’s judgments,” he said.

Gonçalves explained that the Court, established under Article 15 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty, was initially set up as an inter-state tribunal.

He said, however, that amendments made in 2005 expanded its mandate to include cases brought by individuals, transforming it into a community court, a public service court, a human rights court, and an arbitration tribunal.

The president noted that ECOWAS member states were under legal obligation to enforce the Court’s decisions in accordance with their national civil procedure laws, as provided by the 2005 Supplementary Protocol.

“Execution of any decision of the Court shall be in the form of a writ, which is submitted by the Court’s Registrar to the designated national authority of the relevant Member State,” he explained.

According to him, in spite most member states appointing competent national authorities as required by Article 24(4) of the Protocol, actual enforcement of judgments remained low.

He disclosed that only two of the 12 active member states were yet to appoint such authorities.

Gonçalves said the meeting was convened to build a collaborative framework that would enable CNAs to share best practices, address enforcement bottlenecks, and enhance adherence to regional legal obligations.

The objectives of the meeting, he said, include increasing compliance with judgments, standardising execution procedures, building capacity for enforcement.

Others are fostering collaboration between national authorities and regional bodies such as the ECOWAS commission legal department and the ECOWAS parliament’s human rights committee.

He emphasised that enforcing the Court’s decisions would not only uphold justice, but also reinforce human rights, deter violations, and strengthen confidence in the regional legal system.

Also speaking, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, Chief Registrar of the court said several factors still militate against the enforcement of the decisions of the Court.

He said such factors included failure by member states to domesticate the revised treaty and the protocol on the Court, the lack of political will and lack of implementing legislation for the enforcement of the judgments of ECCJ by national courts.

He also mentioned non-involvement of ECOWAS Political Authorities and the fact that the Court plays no role in the enforcement of its judgments.

“The ECOWAS Court of Justice has delivered a large number of enforceable judgments against Member States and Institutions of the ECOWAS Community that are yet to be complied with.

“This meeting avails the Court the opportunity to dialogue with the Competent National Authorities of Member States.

“This is by sharing ideas and deliberating on international best practices and procedures for the enforcement of the judgments of the Court, which will go a long way in improving the enforcement statistics of the Court,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice is the principal legal organ of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), mandated to interpret and enforce regional treaties, protocols and legal instruments among Member States. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Sadiya Hamza

Alleged judgment disregard: Hearing in contempt proceeding against CBN governor stalled

Alleged judgment disregard: Hearing in contempt proceeding against CBN governor stalled

231 total views today
By Taiye Agbaje
Hearing in the contempt proceeding against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, over alleged disobedience to a Supreme Court judgment was, on Monday, stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The development occurred following an oral application by C.E. Odum, who appeared for the applicant, Melrose General Services Limited, seeking an adjournment before Justice Mohammed Umar.
When the matter was called, Odum, who held the brief of Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, informed the court that though the lead counsel was earlier in court, he said there had been agreement with Cardoso’s lawyer, Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN, who also was not in court, for an adjournment until June 30 at noon.
“The matter was slated for hearing today my lord. The 4th and 5th defendants were not in court though they were duly served with hearing notice.
“In view of the absence of Prof. Yusuf Ali and my lead counsel in court, we will be asking for an adjournment to June 30 at 12pm,” he said.
Sefinat Lamidi, who held brief for Ali, did not oppose Odum’s application.
“That’s the position my lord,” she said, and the judge adjourned the matter until June 30 for hearing.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in June 2024, the Supreme Court overturned a previous forfeiture order against Melrose General Services Limited’s funds, which had been frozen following an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The disputed sums included N1,222,384,857.84 in Melrose’s bank account and N220 million paid by the company to Wasp Networks and Thebe Wellness as loan and investment.
The apex court had ruled that the EFCC had not proven the funds were proceeds of fraud, as alleged.
The court set aside the lower courts’ forfeiture orders, directing the release of the funds to their rightful owners.
However, despite the Supreme Court’s decision, Melrose’s lawyers filed a lawsuit at the trial court, alleging that the CBN and its top officials had only partially complied with the judgment.
Melrose, in its application before Justice Ekwo, averred that while the N1.22 billion was refunded, the outstanding N220 million remains unpaid.
The disputed money was part of the Paris Club refund.
The company, through its counsel, filed the contempt suit against the CBN governor; the apex bank’s Director of Legal Services, Salam-Alada Kofo and the EFCC.
Others are the Minister of Finance, arguing that their refusal to release the full amount constitutes contempt of court and undermines the Supreme Court’s authority.
NAN recalls that the dispute stems from the controversial Paris Club refund, a settlement involving payments to consultants for services rendered to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).
The EFCC had claimed that an investigation revealed N3.5 billion was allegedly fraudulently paid to the appellant for a purported consultancy job for the NGF.
At the apex court, Melrose’s legal team argued that the disputed funds were payment for a contractual and consultancy agreement between their client and relevant government stakeholders.
In its majority decision, the Supreme Court agreed with the appellant, ruling that the EFCC failed to prove the funds were proceeds of fraud.
Consequently, the court upheld the appellant’s case and set aside the lower courts’ forfeiture orders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
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