By Taiye Agbaje

Some eminent Nigerians have urged young lawyers to imbibe the virtue of integrity and hardwork to be successful in their career.
They gave the advice while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at an event to celebrate Mr Adeola Adedipe on his elevation to the rank of senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), on Monday.

They urged them to be diligent and focused.
Mr Mahmud Magaji, SAN, said young lawyers should emulate Adedipe’s attitude to the profession.
“My advice is that they (young lawyers) should learn from Adedipe. They should try to imbibe the virtues of legal practice as done by Adedipe and they will get their too,” he said.
Magaji described Adedipe as a “very sound lawyer, extremely reliable and very mobile in law.”
“I can suggest him to any person who needs a service of a lawyer. He is a fantastic lawyer,” he added.
On the honour of SAN conferred on him, the senior lawyer said: “If I have my way, I will still recommend him.
“I think he is a person every lawyer will be proud to recommend for the rank of a senior advocate and I am glad he is a senior advocate now.”
A Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, described Adedipe as “a thorough-bred professional, hardworking, cool headed and a gentleman.”
Kolawole, who said the rank was deserving, said: “I am sure that being in the inner bar, Adedipe will hard more quality to the quality of advocacy.”
Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi of Department of Communications, Baze University, Abuja, said Adedipe had been a very focused person, disciplined, dedicated and professional.
According to him, I am not really surprised that he has become a senior advocate of Nigeria.
“I have interacted with him, shared opinions with him and sought his legal opinions on so many things happening in the country, especially when it comes to political litigations.
“And of course from his depth; his penetrating insight, something told me that he was going to get to the peak of the profession. So I am not surprised,” he said.
On her part, Sen. Grace Bent, who represented Adamawa South Senatorial District in the 6th National Assembly, said Adedipe was a very phenomenal lawyer and unassuming.
“He is very prolific and dynamic, very bold and courageous
“Few years ago, I told him that I see you having this title to your name. It has happened today.
“It is a very glorious day for us and a day the lord has made and we shall rejoice and be glad indeed.
“This is just the beginning. You have not seen anything yet.
“There is nothing a man gets unless God has given him from above.
“You will be celebrated beyond the shores of Nigeria,” she said.
Brent also commended Adedipe’s wife for the unflinching support.
Responding, Adedipe thanked everyone who honoured his invitation, saying the honour was a spur to do more work.
NAN reports that 58 lawyers were conferred with the prestigious rank of SAN at the Supreme Court on Monday.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

by Ebere Agozie

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola says the Supreme Court handled 1,271 cases including motions and appeals in the 2022/2023 Legal Year.

Ariwoola said this at the opening of the 2023/2024 new legal year and the conferment of the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 58 legal practitioners on Monday in Abuja.

“Out of these, we heard 388 political appeals, 215 criminal appeals, and 464 civil appeals.

“Similarly, the court considered a total number of 49 criminal motions, 153 civil motions, and 2 political motions.

“Between September 30, 2022 and July 11, 2023, the supreme court delivered a total number of 251 judgments. Out of these, 125 were political appeals, 81 were civil appeals and 45 were criminal appeals.

“Within the period under review, precisely 10 months’ duration, a total number of 91 rulings were delivered by the honourable court.

”To a very large extent, I will confidently say that this score-card is impressive, fascinating and appreciable in view of the unpleasant events that dotted the legal year, especially the attenuating number of justices on the supreme court bench, which has to do with some challenges that could not easily be surmounted by one arm of government alone.

“I attribute the tremendous successes recorded in the course of the last legal year by the honourable court to the doggedness exhibited by my industrious and team-spirited brother Justices and the general staff,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ariwoola urged the new SANs not to take for granted the honour newly conferred on them, pointing out that they were successful out of 114 applicants.

“While 57 of the new SANs are from the advocate, only one emerged successful from the academics.

“As Senior Advocates of Nigeria, you now carry heavy burden on your shoulders from the moment you leave this courtroom, everything in you and about you will now be freely scrutinized and dissected by everyone that comes in contact with you.

“There is nothing like private life for you henceforth, as whatever you hitherto regarded as private life will now be treated as public life by members of the public; and there is nothing you can do about it.

“So, watch your utterances, watch your actions and watch the kind of company you keep, because you have already assumed the role of ministers of the court, as you are now expected to assist the court to attain justice, equity and fairness in all ramifications”.

The CJN called for respect of the rule of law and the holistic independence of the judiciary.

“The Judiciary, as it is today, is more deserving of public trust and confidence than ever before.

“If the faith of the people is to be maintained in the Judiciary, then judges must be above board, deliver justice without fear or favour.

“So, I admonish all of us to always be impartial in all our judgments.

“I am saying all these now because I will never have this great privilege and opportunity to address the galaxies of legal luminaries, judicial icons and distinguished personalities in the justice sector of our dear nation in another legal year of the supreme court as Chief Justice of Nigeria again”, he said.

He assured Nigerians that he would do everything possible to ensure that the apex court attains its full complement of 21 justices before he retires next year.

“Currently, there are just 10 justices on the bench of the apex court; the lowest in the history of the apex court.

“As soon as I assumed office on June 27, 2022, I immediately got down to work on this urgent and immediate need in particular.

“Though we have not gotten them on board yet, I can convincingly assure the litigant public that within a very short while, the supreme court will, for the very first time in its history, get the constitutionally-prescribed full complement of 21 Justices.

“That is one of the legacies I have been working assiduously to leave behind as it now seems that the court has been somewhat ‘jinxed’ from meeting its constitutional requirement since that piece of legislation was enacted several years ago”.

He admonished Nigerians on the imperative of being less litigious and be more disposed to alternative dispute resolutions to free the courts from some unnecessary cases which are over-stretching both human and material resources.

He called for the amendment of the law to end most appeals at the Court of Appeal, which he said is competent, dexterous and well-equipped with the right materials and manpower to adjudicate effectively and resourcefully.

“In every dispute, only one party must win; and winning could come after intense legal fireworks that is transparent and based solely on subsisting laws of the land.

“We cannot import foreign laws to try our cases here, as some litigants would erroneously and desperately want us to do in the quest to get victory.

“If we really want to make progress as a nation and collectively build a virile legal framework that will serve our interest to the best of its ability, we must begin to have a change of attitude.

“We are not only here to celebrate the new legal year but to equally speak truth to ourselves and also purge ourselves of most of our wrongdoings and misadventures”. (NAN)

By Ebere Agozie

The Federal Government says its partnership with the Hague Institute for Innovative Law (HiiL) will ensure unhindered access to justice by all Nigerians.

Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor General of the Federation, made this known during a courtesy visit by the delegation from HiiL at her office in Abuja.

She reiterated the ministry’s unwavering commitment to foster strong partnerships and collaborations with critical stakeholders for improved access and affordable justice in Nigeria.

Jedy-Agba commended the passion and zeal demonstrated by the visiting team, led by Dr Sam Muller, Chief Executive Officer of Hiil towards enhancing access to justice with a people-centered justice approach.

She lauded the remarkable progress achieved by HiiL and expressed her commitment to sustaining the collaboration which the ministry has built with Hiil through cooperation that create innovative solutions that enhance easy and affordable access to justice for all.

Muller, expressed his gratitude to the Solicitor-General for the warm reception accorded to the visiting delegation.

He noted that Nigeria, through the support of the ministry has made remarkable achievement in creating access to justice, noting that a lot still need to be done towards making people-centred justice happen in Nigeria.

He emphasised the need for increased collaboration and partnership in delivering People-Centered Justice in Nigeria by both the Institute and the office of the Solicitor General.

“The HiiL methodology of people-centered justice approach is the innovation in justice delivery strategy being implemented already in Nigeria.

“This will be focusing on citizens’ needs and leveraging innovative solutions for transformative and inclusive outcomes.

The delegation formally presented the Justice Needs and Satisfaction (JNS) report by Muller to the Solicitor General. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Patience Aliyu

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has described the verdict of the Appeal Court that nullified his election as a temporary setback.

The governor said this in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), Mr Gyang Bere, issued on Sunday in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the appellate court on Sunday set aside the judgment of the governorship election tribunal that upheld the election of Mutfwang as governor.

It declared Dr Nentawe Yilwatda of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner of the governorship election.

The governor noted that the judgment would not deter his plans of repositioning the state towards steady growth and development.

Mutfwang expressed strong optimism that his mandate would be restored, adding that his legal team would immediately file an appeal at the Supreme Court.

“I want to assure the people of Plateau that the mandate they overwhelmingly gave me will be restored; I have instructed my legal team to file an appeal at the supreme court.

“I hereby admonish citizens of the state and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain calm, for as long as God remains on the throne, the mandate of the people will not be tampered with.

“I want to also reiterate my commitment to the rule of law and assure you all that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

”I have unwavering faith in the judiciary and the Constitution of Nigeria,” he said.

The governor further appealed to the citizens of the state to be law abiding, adding that the judgment is a temporary setback.

“I want to strongly appeal to our supporters, as well as citizens of the state to maintain law and order as Plateau will be victorious.

“I reassure you all of my commitment to continually serve the state with dedication and integrity,” he assured. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Polycarp Auta

By Moses Omorogieva

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has enjoined the officers and men of the force to be agents of change in their respective positions.

Egbetokun made the call on Wednesday in Lagos, while inaugurating the Mopol 2 Administrative Building named after him in Ikoyi Lagos.

The I-G represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, AIG Ali Mohammed-Ari, said the construction of the building by the Commander of Mopol 2, ACP Matthew Obiuwevbi, was a great value added to the force.

Egbetokun said the project came at the right time, stressing that the building was an indication of an officer with a foresight.

“We are talking about what you can do to transform the NPF, I want to say that the building came at a very good time and inaugurating the project today is apt and gladdens my heart.

“This show clearly the difference between people that I considered with foresight and those that I considered as greedy and of course, not having a good sight.

“There are some of us that find it difficult to bring out one Naira from our pockets and to do anything that would add value to wherever they are,” he noted.

According to him, Obiuwevbi will be admired and celebrated because of the great project.

“With this building, he has written his name is the Guinness Book of the Force. Whether he is here, or transfered, or retired, those yet unborn that will join the Force in future, will see his name on the plaque.

“He has added value to his name, family, community, state and the Force.

“The inauguration of this project today is a wake up call for all of us that anytime we find ourselves in position, we should add value. The project is good enough to advertise,” he said.

Earlier speaking, Obiuwevbi said he decided to carry out the project with his officers and men with a view to have better office for all his men.

Obiuwevbi noted that the old building the Squadron shared with Mopol 23, was not big enough and cannot  accommodate over 50 officers and men under him.

He noted that some of the officers used to stay under the trees when not on assignment.

He said the new building constructed under 18 months with contributions by people of goodwill, has 10 offices, transit camp, conference room and administrative department.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that retired DIG Taiwo Lakanu, senior military officers from the Army, Navy and Air force were amongst the dignitaries in attendance at the event. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

An Ikeja High Court on Monday released three men, Peter Edialu, Godspower Friday and Bayo Segun, after being in custody for six years without trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the men were facing charges bordering on sexual assault.

They were first arrested and charged in 2018, 2019 and 2019 respectively.

Justice Oyindamola Ogala told the court that after careful considerations of the motion papers before court, the court believed that it is in the interest of justice.

She, therefore, gave her separate judgements in the cases regarding the applicant defendants.

Ogala said: “The applicants should be released and discharged forthwith if there are no pending matters in other courts.”

Mr Ben Abraham, the Founder of Zarephath Aid, an Non-Governmental Organisation, the counsel to the applicants, while moving for the terms of motion dated Sept. 15 for the release of the applicant as stated in paragraph A, B and C in the motion papers.

Abraham, however, withdrew paragraph 4(b) and (e) requesting the Attorney General of Lagos State and the Commissioner of Police to settle the applicant with N5 million.

“The High Court here in Lagos granted the enforcement of the fundamental rights of these three applicants which we brought before the courts.

“They have been in detention for about six years. The oldest of them has been in Kirikiri correctional medium custodial center since 2018.

“For sexual offenses, they were awaiting the Department of Public Prosecutions advice since then, but nothing since then.

“When we got to the custodial centre and saw their plight, they were not even before any courts or having the opportunity to defend themselves. So we picked up their cases earlier this year.

“Today, the court upheld our submissions and application and directed that they be immediately and unconditionally released from custody after about six years without trial,” he said.

Abraham added that these cases were just a few of the very sad and unfortunate set of circumstances facing the judicial system.

The applicants had sued the Attorney-General of Lagos State, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, and the correctional services.

The state prosecution, representing the first respondent in the matter did not object to the motion papers.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Chinyere Omeire

The State and National Assembly Appeal Court in Lagos has upheld the election of Peter Mbah as the Governor of Enugu State.

The Appellate Court, in a unanimous decision, dismissed three issues raised by the opposing party.

The three-member panel, led by Justice Tani Yusuf-Hassan, concluded that the Labour Party (LP) and its governorship candidate failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove that Mbah was not qualified to contest the election.

Regarding the allegation of over-voting, Justice Hassan stated in her lead judgement that the “Voters’ Register” was not presented before the lower tribunal.

She, therefore, said that failure to submit the voters’ register rendered the appeal inadmissible.

The court also determined that the witnesses presented by the Labour Party did not sufficiently prove the existence of over-voting in the governorship election.

Consequently, the appeal dismissed thd case for lacking merit, affirming the judgement of the election tribunal, which declared Peter Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the March 18 governorship election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Mbah as winner of the March 18 governorship election with 160,895 votes.

Edeoga of the LP came second with 157,552 votes, while Frank Nweke of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) polled 17, 983 votes to claim third place.

Dissatisfied with the results, Edeoga and his party filed a petition, challenging Mbah’s victory, asking they should be declared as the winners, claiming they had the highest valid votes.

The petitioners also raised concerns about the alleged forgery of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate by Mbah.

However, the Enugu State governorship election petition tribunal ruled in favour of Mbah, stating that he met the minimum requirements for the election, which include possessing a school certificate or its equivalent.

The tribunal rejected Edeoga’s witnesses, adding that the petitioner did not present any admissible evidence to prove that Mbah’s certificate was forged. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Ebere Agozie
Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General, on Wednesday called for a multi-sectoral approach in the fight against cybercrimes in the country.
Jedy-Agba, who is the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, made the call at the opening of a three-day Cybercrimes Awareness Camping on Thursday in Abuja, organised by the ministry in collaboration with the US Embassy in Nigeria.
“The ministry in its effort to combat cybercrimes has put together this awareness campaign to identify some incidents that mighty compromise the rule of law, and undermine the trust of citizens in the justice system.
“There is the need for the criminal justice sector to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats and adopt best practices to ensure the secure and reliable access to justice delivery that is consistent with the ideals of democracy and rule of law.
“In today’s digital age, legal professionals, judges, and law enforcement agencies depend on secure digital infrastructure to effectively carry out assigned tasks.
“Hence, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated, especially in the context of the criminal justice system and access to justice since robust and secure cyber environment is crucial for the effective functioning of the system.
According to her, ‘the federal government will continue to build capacity to be able to effectively fight Cybercrimes.
“The global nature of this menace sometimes described as phenomenon without borders” makes it imperative for governments to seek to build capacity to be able to effectively combat it and this includes awareness creation.
“This revolution in information technologies has changed society fundamentally and will probably continue to do so in the foreseeable future.
“Informational technology has in one way or the other pervaded almost every aspect of human activities: the dark side to this is the emergence of new types of crimes as well as the commission of traditional crimes by means of the new technologies which challenge existing legal concepts,” she said.
Also speaking, Mr Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of EFCC called for corresponding action from the administration of criminal justice players sector to ensure safety of Nigerians in the cyberspace.
Olukoyede was represented by Sylvanus Tahir, the Director, Legal and Prosecution Department of the EFCC.
“The ease and speed at which cybercrimes can be committed is not only disturbing but calls for corresponding action from the administration of criminal justice players sector to ensure safely of Nigerians in the cyberspace.
“This fact underscores the relevance of this awareness program as it is a demonstration of the seriousness the organizers place in the fight against cybercrime in Nigeria”.
He said that the agency had successfully investigated and prosecuted several cases of cybercrime and had so far recorded 395 convictions in Advanced Fee Fraud cases and 1084 cybercrimes convictions this 2023 and still counting.
“This statistics is a clear indication that a lot has to be done in combatting cybercrime in the nation and there is an urgent need to rev up efforts in this regard.
“The EFCC under my leadership is committed to ensuring the due and timely enforcement of all cybercrime laws in the nation.
“We are equally open to collaborations towards the realization of this mandate to rid the nation of economic and financial crimes including cybercrimes,” he said.
Some of the dignitaries represented at the event were the National Security Adviser/Chairman Cybercrimes Advisory Council, the Inspector General of Police, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
Others were the Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Mater Commission among others. (NAN)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza