News Agency of Nigeria
NDLEA: Court sentences businessman, wife to 22 years for drug trafficking
Judiciary

NDLEA: Court sentences businessman, wife to 22 years for drug trafficking

By Ibironke Ariyo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says a businessman, Johnson Uchenna, and his wife, Rosemary Uchenna, have been sentenced to a combined 22 and a half years imprisonment for dealing in illicit drugs.

NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said that the judgment was delivered by Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court 8, Lagos, on Monday.

According to Babafemi, the couple was initially arrested on June 13, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the Ojo area of Lagos State.

He said they were subsequently handed over to the NDLEA along with 277.5kg of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis.

“While investigations were ongoing, credible intelligence indicated that drug-related activities were continuing at their residence.

“This led to a follow-up raid by NDLEA operatives on July 1, during which 231kg of the same substance was recovered from their home and a nearby storage facility.

“The couple was arraigned on a four-count charge — bordering on conspiracy, dealing, and unlawful storage of 414.2kg of cannabis sativa — in case number FHC/L/632C/2025 at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

“Delivering his judgment on the case on Monday, Justice Dipeolu convicted Mrs Rosemary Uchenna on counts 1, 2, and 3 and sentenced her to 17 years in prison without an option of fine.

“While her husband Johnson Uchenna was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment without option of fine on count 1 and six months in jail on count 4 with an option of N1 million fine.

“In addition to the jail terms, the trial Judge also ordered the sum of N3.4million recovered from the couple as proceeds of crime be forfeited to the Federal Government,” he said.

Babafemi added that a Federal High Court in Kano, presided over by Justice Simon Amobeda, also convicted and sentenced a 42-year-old Indian national, Neetu Neetu, to five years in prison for drug trafficking.

According to Babafemi, Neetu was found guilty of importing 72 parcels of heroin—factory sealed in wafer wraps and disguised as chocolates—into Nigeria. The illicit consignment weighed 11 kilograms.

He said the class A drug was discovered in Neetu’s luggage after a thorough search at the arrival hall of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, based on processed credible intelligence.

“The arrest took place on March 14, during the inward clearance of Qatar Airways flight QR1431 from Bangkok, Thailand, via Vietnam and Doha.

“She was subsequently arraigned in charge number FHC/KN/CR/65/2025 before Justice Amobeda, who eventually sentenced her to 10 years on two counts with an option of N2 million fine,” he said.

In like manner, a 42-year-old Angolan businessman Mbala Abuba was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison by Justice Mohammed Yunusa of a Federal High Court in Kano.

Babafemi said that the conviction followed his arrest and arraignment by NDLEA for ingesting 120 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.829 kilograms.

“Abuba, who is from the Zaire province in Angola, was arrested on Feb. 25 at the screening point of the Kano airport while trying to board Egypt Air flight MS 880 to Istanbul, Turkey via Cairo,” he said.

He further said a Federal High Court in Enugu, similarly convicted another drug trafficker, Eze Ikenna on two counts of unlawful trafficking and possession of 11.20 kilograms of cocaine, brought against him by the NDLEA in charge number FHC/EN/CS/9/2023.

Babafemi said that the suspect was arrested on Jan. 20, 2023 by NDLEA operatives at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

This, he said, was upon arrival from Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with 11.20 kilograms of cocaine concealed in herbal tea sachets.

“He was subsequently arraigned before Justice M. G. Umar of the Federal High Court, Enugu, who eventually sentenced him to three years imprisonment on each count, totalling six years.

“The sentence will run concurrently, effective from May 20, 2023,” he added.

Reacting to the conviction and forfeiture court judgements, NDELA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, commended the various commands of the agency, their officers and men that handled the various cases. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Mixed reactions trail judgment allowing skirts for female corps members
Judiciary

Mixed reactions trail judgment allowing skirts for female corps members

By Wandoo Sombo

Mixed reactions have trailed a court judgment permitting female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to wear skirts for religious reasons, with supporters hailing it as a win for rights and critics warning policy erosion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in a judgment delivered on June 13, Justice Hauwa Yilwa declared that the NYSC policy mandating trousers only for female corps members violated the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and human dignity.

She specifically upheld that female corps members who, for sincere religious reasons, wish to wear skirts should be allowed to do so.

Mrs Juliet Ogunsaya, who told NAN that she served in Enugu State, said that she found the judgment quite interesting and commended the courage of the plaintiffs.

“I find the case and judgment really interesting and I admire the courage of the plaintiffs to take on such an institution as the NYSC and I’m glad they won.
“Especially because they allegedly have been harassed, embarrassed and humiliated.
“Personally, I believe that the NYSC has outlived its original objective, and as such should no longer be mandatory but voluntary for those who want to.
“However, I feel that because it is a paramilitary scheme, it is important to adhere to an appropriate uniform, lest it becomes a free for all.
“On a lighter note, I wonder how the ladies during my time would have managed the physical exercises, including climbing a rope-line while wearing skirts,” she said.
Also, StellaMaris Akubuike expressed concerns over the judgment particularly  since there was an act that established the NYSC.
“The judgment is not sitting well with me due to the fact that there is a law backing the formation of the NYSC as well as its dress code.
“The NYSC is paramilitary, and the sacredness of its dress code should be adhered to rather than taking laws into one’s hands by going against the rules.
“How is one expected to go mountaineering just like during our days at Agwu Camp, the early morning exercise, the Man ‘O’ War activities of rope climbing or even the march-past on skirt?
“It is practically impossible except if one has decided not to participate in any of the activities in camp and that also defies the purpose of NYSC,” she said.
She said that the humiliation that was meted on the girls was regrettable adding that there were always consequences for disobeying a law.
“In as much as I am against the humiliation brought upon the girls, they invited it by going against the law in the first place.
“Coming to camp you should have known what to expect and adhere to it.
“Obedience, they say, is better than sacrifice; even the religious faith they are protecting does not give room for disobedience,” she said.
For Mr Monday Ijeh, since the scheme is para-military in nature, it would be an abuse to ask a lady to wear a skirt to participate as the skirt will not shield her body from the elements.
Mr Dominic Bassey expresses concerns that the judgment could lead to a lot of confusion with regards to the NYSC dress code in future.
“Allowing multiple uniform options could lead to a breakdown of cohesion in the scheme.

“If skirts are allowed today for religious reasons, what if another group decides that their tradition prohibits skirts but allows tying of wrappers instead?

“I applaud the courage of the plaintiffs, but I feel the uniform is not the problem with the NYSC, there should be a total overhaul of the entire scheme.”

He said that the judgment represented a turning point in the Nigerian legal landscape adding that it underscored an evolving balance between institutional uniform policies and the protection of individual religious and human rights.

“Only time will tell how the NYSC will implement the judgment and whether similar challenges may arise in other public institutions,” he said.

NAN reports that the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a judgment delivered on June 13, declared as unconstitutional and a breach of fundamental rights to freedom of religion, the NYSC’s refusal to allow female corps members wear skirts in observance of their religious beliefs.

Justice Yilwa, in her judgment, held that the NYSC’s enforcement of trousers as the only acceptable uniform for female participants violated their constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of religion and human dignity.
The cases, filed separately by former corps members, Miss Blessing Ogunjobi and Miss Vivian Ayuba, were consolidated due to legal similarities.
In the suits marked FHC/ABJ/CS/989/2020 and FHC/ABJ/CS/988/2020 respectively, the applicants argued that being compelled to wear trousers was contrary to their Christian faith, referencing Deuteronomy 22:5.
They interpreted the verse as forbidding women from wearing garments associated with men.
The court held that the NYSC’s insistence on trousers infringed on the applicants’ right to manifest their religion under Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The court held that it also subjected them to undue harassment and degrading treatment.
Justice Yilwa granted all reliefs sought by the applicants and issued identical orders in both cases:
“A declaration that the refusal to allow skirts for religious purposes is unconstitutional.
“An order mandating the NYSC to recognise and permit the use of skirts for female corps members with genuine religious objections.
“A directive compelling the NYSC to recall the affected former corps members and certificates issued to each of them accordingly.”
The court also made a declaration that the harassment, embarrassment, and humiliation which the applicants were subjected to in the hands of the agents of the respondents was a clear infringement on their fundamental right to religion and freedom to manifest the same in practice.
The judge awarded the sum of ₦500,000 in damages to each applicant for the violation of their fundamental rights.
Although both applicants had claimed ₦10 million in damages, the court described the ₦500,000 award as adequate in the circumstances.
The judgment further said that denying the applicants an avenue to complete their service due to their attire amounted to religious discrimination.
“The action of the respondents resulted in the applicants being embarrassed and humiliated.
“This is an outright infringement of their fundamental rights,” Justice Yilwa said.
The applicants had, in their separate suits, sought the enforcement of their fundamental rights to freedom of religion alleged to have been violated by the NYSC.
Listed as respondents in the suits FHC/ABJ/CS/989/2020 and FHC/ABJ/CS/988/2020 are NYSC and the Director-General of NYSC.
Their application was brought pursuant to Order 11 Rules 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Also, Articles 2, 5, 6, 8, 10, 17 & 19 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court, which sought for the following reliefs:
“A declaration of the court that the refusal of the respondent to recognise and allow skirts as part of the NYSC uniform is a breach of the applicant’s right as contained in Section 38(1) of 1999 Constitution (as Amended) as well as Deuteronomy 22 vs 5 of the Bible and a misreading of 2″ Schedule Article 1 (I)(a) of the NYSC Bye Laws 1993.
“A declaration of the court that the use of skirts by the applicant in NYSC scheme forms part of her fundamental rights to freedom of religion and freedom to manifest same in practice and observance as contained in Section 38(1) of 1999 Constitution (as Amended).
“A declaration that the harassment, embarrassment and humiliation which the applicant was subjected to in the hands of the agents of the respondents is a clear infringement on the fundamental right of the said applicant’s right to religion and freedom to manifest same in practice as well as fundamental right to dignity of human person and degrading treatment.
“An order of the court mandating the respondents, their servants, agents, privies or whatsoever called to recognize, allow and provide skirt for the applicant or any female wishing to use same in line with Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the book of Deuteronomy 22:5.
“Damages in the sum of N10 million and such further order(s) as the court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
PRAWA boss calls for abolition of death penalty in Nigeria
Judiciary

PRAWA boss calls for abolition of death penalty in Nigeria

By Ibironke Ariyo

Dr Uju Agomoh, Executive Director, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), has renewed her call for the abolition of the death penalty in Nigeria.

Agomoh made this call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Abuja.

She urged the government to align its justice system with international human rights standards and shift toward more humane, rehabilitative justice practices.

Agomoh, an Associate Professor of Criminology and Security Studies, highlighted the inherent risks, psychological impacts and moral implications of capital punishment.

According to her, the use of death penalty is irreversible and prone to fatal errors due to flaws in the justice system.

“There is a real risk of executing innocent people given the imperfections in our criminal justice system, including poor investigations and inadequate legal representation,” she said.

Agomoh described the death penalty as inherently cruel, inhuman and degrading, saying that it offers no proven deterrent against crime.

“It does not address the root causes of crime or contribute meaningfully to its prevention. Instead, it imposes additional burdens on inmates and the correctional system,” she said.

The don stressed that the prolonged incarceration of individuals on death row often amounts to psychological torture, adding that it leaves inmates in prolonged uncertainty and despair while placing a huge strain on prison authorities.

She said that PRAWA supported life imprisonment or long-term sentences with opportunities for rehabilitation, instead of executions, noting that these alternatives offer more constructive solutions and align with global justice reforms.

Agomoh cited a PRAWA-produced documentary on the death penalty which highlighted these concerns and proposed reforms.

She also shared her recent experience attending the 50th Anniversary of the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) in Purchase, New York, USA, where she met a man, Otis Johnson, who was wrongly sentenced and spent 42 years in prison.

“Such painful cases emphasise the irreversible nature of wrongful convictions.

“Even in countries with advanced technologies, DNA evidence has later proven the innocence of some already executed individuals. We must not risk such outcomes here in Nigeria,” she said.

Agomoh called for strengthened investigative practices, improved access to fair trials, victim support and offender rehabilitation.

She referenced Rwanda’s use of the Gacaca community-based justice system after the 1994 genocide as an example of how even the gravest crimes could be addressed through restorative rather than retributive justice.

“Rwanda chose truth-telling, accountability and national healing over mass executions. If Rwanda could take that route after such atrocities, we too must explore alternative approaches that preserve human dignity,” she added.

Highlighting human rights concerns, Agomoh pointed out key issues surrounding the death penalty in Nigeria.

This, she said, included the risk of wrongful executions due to flawed investigations and legal aid gaps, prolonged delays causing mental and emotional distress to inmates.

“Others are inadequate access to appeals and clemency processes, a disproportionate impact on the poor and marginalised.

“These conditions contradict international instruments Nigeria has signed, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” she noted.

To address these challenges, Agomoh recommended the legislative repeal of the death penalty from Nigeria’s criminal laws.

She also suggested the commutation of all existing death sentences to life imprisonment with or without parole, based on offence severity which, she said, should be considered.

“Also, PRAWA recommends expansion of non-custodial alternatives including community service, parole and probation under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.

“Institutionalisation of restorative justice models, including victim-offender mediation, enhanced funding for legal aid, inmate rehabilitation and reintegration programmes and creation of stronger mechanisms for periodic review and commutation of death sentences,” she added.

Agomoh stressed that Nigeria’s de facto moratorium on executions, having not carried out state-sanctioned executions in several years, offered a timely opportunity to formalise the practice through policy and law.

“Abolishing the death penalty would send a strong message of Nigeria’s commitment to dignity, justice reform and a more effective, humane penal system.

“The country has both a legal and moral obligation to progressively abolish the death penalty and to lead by example in West Africa by embracing justice systems that are more rehabilitative and less punitive,’’ she maintained. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

FIDA tasks women lawyers on taking leadership positions
Judiciary

FIDA tasks women lawyers on taking leadership positions

 

 

By Adenike Ayodele

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has called for increased participation of women in leadership roles within the legal profession.

 

Chairperson of the Ikeja branch of FIDA, Mrs Nnenna Eze, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of an event organised by the association on Thursday in Lagos.

 

NAN reports that event was to celebrate lawyers who had championed the cause of women and children within the Nigerian legal space.

 

During the ceremony, some legal practitioners were decorated as matrons and patrons of the branch.

 

Eze identified cultural and institutional stereotypes as major factors which hindered the advancement of women in law.

 

She urged women to make themselves relevant, by aspiring for leadership positions, especially at the national level of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

 

“With the forthcoming NBA general elections where we have females vying for positions, we hope things will change.

 

“FIDA is ready to support any woman contesting for any position; when we have women in positions of decision making, things will begin to change,” she said.

 

On her part, the immediate past Country Representative of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Mrs Efosa Etomi, underscored the need for women to continue their pursuit of excellence.

 

Etomi, who was decorated as matron of FIDA Ikeja branch, noted that affirmative measures such as gender quotas might help in bridging the gap in representation.

 

“If women can rise up to being their best, I believe we will get what we should get; I do not believe we should get it just because we are women,” she said.

 

She added that when women strive to be the best, there will be no other choice but to “give it to them”, since they have proven themselves worthy.

 

In the same vein, a former Chairperson of the Lagos branch of FIDA, Mrs Philomena Nneji, highlighted the need for women lawyers to step forward, and actively seek leadership roles.

 

Nneji, who was also decorated as a matron, urged female lawyers to show more interest in leadership roles by contesting for elective positions within legal forums.

 

“What will help to improve this gap is for our female colleagues to come out the more, because, the contest will always be among those who are able to come out,” she said.

 

She referred to the recent election of the NBA Lagos branch, which saw the emergence of Mrs Uchenna Ogunedo-Akingbade as first female chairperson of the branch.

 

She described same as being a testament to the fact that women can lead effectively when given the right opportunity.

 

On his part, convener of the Fight Against Corruption and Indiscipline in the Judiciary (FIACIJ), Mr Adebayo Akinlade, noted that there is a long-standing disparity in the participation of both genders in the legal profession.

 

He said that although women have contributed significantly to the legal profession, they were however, not often recognised with leadership positions.

 

“What we have seen over time in the profession is that men take the titles, but women do the work,” he said.

 

He expressed optimism that the trend was gradually changing, since women are increasingly taking up leadership roles.

 

NAN reports that the event brought together some past and present officials of the Nigerian bar, as well as several legal women forums in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng)

 

Edited by Sandra Umeh

13% derivation: Niger drags Attorney-General to Supreme Court
Judiciary

13% derivation: Niger drags Attorney-General to Supreme Court

By Ebere Agozie

The Niger State government has dragged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to the Supreme Court over its omission from the 13 per cent derivation.

 

 

 

In an originating summons sighted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the apex court, the Niger government through its counsel, Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, seeks the interpretation and application of section 232 (1) & (2) of the Nigerian constitution.

 

 

 

The suit seeks the inclusion of Niger state in the 13 per cent derivation as enshrined in the Enactment of Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, etc.) Act, 2004.

 

 

 

The state wants the court to determine whether Niger State does not qualify to be classified among the states that produce natural resources and therefore entitled to 13 per cent derivation within the meaning of 162(2) of the 1999 constitution.

 

 

 

The subject matter of the suit is the failure of the federal government to include Niger among the beneficiary states of the 13 per cent derivation.

 

 

 

It is also about the omission of remitting same proceeds of fiscal revenue generated and accrued through Hydroelectric Power dams in Niger, the territory and part of the resources of Niger to the overall electricity generation to the national grid in Nigeria since 1968 till date.

 

 

 

Ndarani argued that the State hosts four major hydroelectricity dams: Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro and Zungeru, which serves as a power house for electricity supply to various states in the country.

 

 

 

He also said that through these power stations, the Federal Government extends electricity supply to the Republics of Niger, Benin, Togo.

 

 

 

He averred that the attorney-general was brought before the apex court because he has an oversight legal advice function over advising and representing the Accountant-General.

 

 

 

The Accountant-General has the constitutional role of preparing the Nation’s Financial Statements arising from collection and receipts of income, fees, rentals and taxes and payment out of the Federation Account.

 

 

 

That the attorney general at all times is charged with legally advising and representing the Auditor-General of the Federation and the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission that oversees revenue accruing to, and disbursement of such funds from the Federation Account.

 

 

 

He said that the defendant represents and advises the president on all legal matters involving the functions of the president but has failed over the years in its duties.

 

 

 

This, according to him, should have been to ensure an equitable distribution of resources in conformity with the current realities, particularly, in relation to the enormous fiscal revenue generated by Niger.

 

 

 

The learned silk averred to the fact that Niger is a purely agrarian state as the inhabitants are subsistence farmers whose produce are enjoyed across the state and beyond.

 

 

 

He noted that as a result of the large expanse of the land occupied by the dams, a large population of the citizens and residents of Niger are denied the opportunity of engaging in agricultural activities.

 

 

 

He said that Niger, host to the dams, which were established in 1968 and have laid the golden eggs, has been a victim of incessant and continuous flooding in recent years and still counting.

 

 

 

This has resulted in wanton loss of human lives and livestock as well as destruction of properties, leading unavoidably to displacement of many residents from their homes.

 

 

 

He claimed that Physicochemical/Microbiological Impact Assessment Report conducted by the state government showed the level of degradation in the affected areas.

 

 

 

This represents an impending danger for the state over the coming years if urgent environment protection measures are not taken.

 

 

 

To the chagrin, detriment, continuous exploitation and utter impoverishment of the people of Niger, the defendant continuously and continually whisked off profits from the state.

 

 

 

The federal government should not be only concerned about benefiting from the dams located in the territory of the state without a care for its people.

 

 

 

He said that unfortunately the office of National Bureau of Statistics had no information on the volume of electricity by megawatts generated by the dams since 1968 and 2019, except for those of 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

 

 

 

They gave the NBS’s computation of the volume of electricity by megawatts generated into the national grid from 2020 – 2023 as follows:

 

 

 

“The sum total megawatt generated in 2020 is equal to 2,232,706.27, 2021 equal to 2,632,348.00, 2022 equal to 2,830,002.96 and in 2023 equal to 2,658,612.96.

 

 

 

These dams have generated fiscal revenue which has been controlled by the federal government and have been indisputably redistributed equally among the constituent states without considering the host state since 1968.

 

 

 

Ndarani stated that Niger and its citizens and residents suffer continuous exploitation, neglect and ravaging flood owing to the power generating activities of the federal government and its agencies.

 

 

 

Conversely, the federal government continues to enjoy the profits from the dams, leaving the state in penury and misery.

 

 

 

He added that the pitiable, miserable and hopeless plight of the Niger indigenes and residents alike cannot be over emphasised.

 

 

 

In spite of all these, the federal government has also not paid attention to the adverse environmental impacts of the activities of the power generating companies at the dams.

 

 

 

 

 

He said that not even the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), has put any programme in place to ameliorate the sufferings of the people of the state.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Women lawyers call for cultural reform in legal profession
Judiciary

Women lawyers call for cultural reform in legal profession

By Justina Auta

Female lawyers and other stakeholders have called for a change in the culture and value system of the legal profession to promote inclusivity and national development.

They made the call at a roundtable discussion on advancing women’s leadership in Nigeria’s legal sector, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The event was organised by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) in partnership with Co-Impact, a global philanthropic collaborative promoting just and inclusive systems.

Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Executive Director of WARDC, highlighted societal norms, legal and policy barriers, and patriarchy as key challenges hindering women’s advancement in the legal profession and beyond.

“The institution has to change. We need to transform the culture and value system of the legal profession to include more women.

“It is strategic; having women lead in the legal profession will help shape the law and contribute significantly to national development.”

She added that redefining institutional structures to be more responsive to gender needs was essential for meaningful change.

Mary Wandia, Regional Director for Africa at Co-Impact, attributed the male dominance in the legal profession to institutional barriers that hindered women’s progress, thereby impacting the fair dispensation of justice.

“The patriarchal mindsets within legal institutions are built on norms that don’t recognise or respect women.

“We need to sensitise these institutions to dismantle such attitudes.

“Mentorship is also key, especially in helping women rise to leadership roles,” she said.

She urged institutions to review their policies and practices to create enabling environments for women to lead.

Prof. Adefunke Bamgbose, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships at the University of Ibadan, stressed the need to support female lawyers in pursuing leadership roles.

“Women have often been socialised to think they can’t lead.

“We need to encourage them to step out of that mindset, they absolutely can,” she said, adding that senior female lawyers were already mentoring younger women to help them rise in the profession.

Mr Danladi Plang, Head of Programme at Nigeria International IDEA, underscored the role of all stakeholders, especially men, in addressing inequality and injustice in the legal sector.

“The legal profession isn’t immune to the broader societal issues of gender inequality.

“We’re dealing with a conservative sector, and that requires strong advocacy backed by data to promote change,” he said.

Plang also called on women in leadership positions to leave a legacy that paved the way for others to succeed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG reaffirms commitment to child protection
Judiciary

FG reaffirms commitment to child protection

By Ebere Agozie

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to child protection, aligning with global best practices.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, gave the assurance at the launch of the Prosecution Guidelines for Handling Cases Involving Children, 2024, and the Legal Aid Guidelines for Children in Conflict and Contact with the Law and Child Victims, 2024.

He said the guidelines represent a major stride in institutionalising a justice system that recognises the distinct circumstances, vulnerabilities, and needs of children.

“These guidelines are applicable whether in conflict with the law, in contact with the law, or as victims of abuse, exploitation, or other circumstances.

“This commitment includes strengthening legal frameworks, promoting non-custodial measures for children in conflict with the law, and enhancing systems for child protection.

“The government is also focusing on preventing, detecting, and responding to all forms of violence against children.

Fagbemi said while many states have adopted the Child’s Rights Law, significant implementation gaps remained, particularly in areas of prosecution and access to legal representation for children.

He said that the new guidelines will directly address those challenges and bridge the gaps in justice administration in the best interest of the child.

“They will provide ethical, practical, and child-sensitive standards for prosecutors.

“They promote discretion, dignity, and the use of non-custodial measures such as diversion, restorative justice, and community-based interventions’’.

He urged prosecutors to address the root causes of offending behaviours and prioritise rehabilitation over retribution, in line with both national and international standards.

Mrs Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, the Director of Administration of Criminal Justice Reform Department of the ministry, in her welcome remarks, said that the guidelines embodied a renewed collective commitment to protecting children’s rights.

“They will be actualised by ensuring procedural fairness, and promoting rehabilitative and restorative justice approaches for minors in contact with the law.

“They are practical tools that will enable justice actors to respond consistently, lawfully, and compassionately when working with children.

“They will also reflect core child justice principles such as the best interest of the child, proportionality, and a preference for diversion and non-custodial measures’’.

Ibrahim Sesay, UNICEF’s Chief Child Protection, commended the Federal Government for the integration of a dedicated justice for children thematic area within the National Justice Policy.

“This reflects a strategic and forward-thinking approach to embedding child rights at the heart of Nigeria’s legal reform agenda.

“Equally significant is the successful domestication of the Child Rights Act across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, an achievement that signals a national commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of every Nigerian child.

“Let us build a justice system that is not only efficient, but compassionate; not only legal, but humane’’.

He urged all policymakers and high-level stakeholders to champion the full and immediate implementation of these pivotal Legal Aid and Prosecution Guidelines.

Mr Aliyu Abubakar, Director-General, Legal Aid Council, noted that Nigerian child belongs to the vulnerable groups of Nigerians that requires special protection and cover.

He added that the guidelines should receive maximum sensitisations so that Nigerians generally and the Nigerian child in particular would enjoy the full benefits associated with them. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Court gives EFCC, Nyako until Oct. 16 to settle N29bn case out of court
Judiciary

Court gives EFCC, Nyako until Oct. 16 to settle N29bn case out of court

By Wandoo Sombo

The Federal High Court, Abuja has given the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and former Adamawa Governor, Murtala Nyako, until Oct. 16 to either settle the alleged ₦29 billion fraud case out of court or proceed with full trial.

At the resumed hearing on Friday, Justice Peter Lifu stated that the case, filed in 2015, nearly 10 years ago, must no longer suffer delays.

The judge’s declaration followed updates presented by the prosecution, led by Oluwaleke Atolagbe, and the defence counsel.

The updates showed that both parties have yet to finalise the terms of the plea bargain which they opted for.

Atolagbe told the court that meetings were ongoing to resolve the matter and requested for more time to enable both parties conclude discussions.

He assured the court of progress but said that trial would continue if no resolution was reached by the next adjourned date.

Nyako’s legal team and other defence lawyers confirmed that plea bargain talks were ongoing and did not oppose the request for an adjournment.

The judge, however, voiced displeasure at the constant adjournments, remarking, “This is not a murder case.”

“If you want to settle, please do so; if not, we proceed.”

“The prosecution is gradually turning this court into an adjournment court.

“I’m only bending backward in line with Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act to promote, facilitate and encourage settlement,” he said.

The judge held that this was the final extension and fixed Oct. 16 for, either the presentation of a settlement report or continuation of trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nyako is being prosecuted alongside his son, Abdul-Aziz, as well as several companies and individuals, on charges of conspiracy and abuse of office involving ₦29 billion.

Also standing trial with them are two companies: Sebore Farms and Extension Ltd, and Pagado Fortunes Ltd.

Others include Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, Blue Opal Ltd, Tower Assets Management Ltd, and Crust Energy Ltd.

NAN further reports that the trial, which began on July 8, 2015, before Justice Evoh Chukwu, restarted afresh on Sept. 12, 2016, before Justice Okon Abang.

This was as a result of the death of Justice Chukwu on June 8, 2016 after the EFCC had called five witnesses to establish its case.

Meanwhile, the trial had to start afresh again before Justice Lifu following the elevation of Justice Abang to the Court of Appeal in 2023. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Kevin Okunzuwa

Taraba court sentences 4 to life imprisonment for attempted kidnapping
Judiciary

Taraba court sentences 4 to life imprisonment for attempted kidnapping

By Martins Abochol

Justice Joel Agya, Presiding Judge, Taraba State High Court, No 1, Sitting in Jalingo, on Friday sentenced four persons to life imprisonment for attempted kidnapping.

Prosper Paul, Samuel David, Nosiu Buba and Samuel Kelvin, arraigned as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants, respectively, were charged with criminal conspiracy, attempted kidnapping and kidnapping.

Delivering Judgment, Agya said that Section 4 and 5 of the Taraba State Kidnapping and Abduction Prohibition Law of 2019, as amended, was explicit on such offences.

The judge sentenced Paul, the 1st defendant, to 12 months in jail without an option of fine on the charge of criminal conspiracy.

David, Buba and Kelvin, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants respectively, who were cleared of the charge of criminal conspiracy, were however, sentenced to life in prison, having been found guilty of the crime of attempted kidnapping.

The judge recalled that the suspects were charged to court in November 2021 by the state government.

Agya said in the determination of the suit, the prosecution counsel earlier presented six witnesses in the effort to prove its case beyond any reasonable doubt in line with Section 97 (1) Law of Taraba State 1997 regarding kidnapping and abduction.

He, however, said that the defence counsel, on the other hand, had prayed the court to discharge and acquit the accused due to the failure of the prosecution to prove the cases of criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and abduction beyond reasonable doubt.

He said that the defence counsel based its argument on Section 136 of the Evidence Act 2022, stating that there must exist a direct eye witness and confessional statements from all the witnesses in the determination of such suit.

He quoted the defence also as saying that the police must properly investigate cases, especially those that could attract or bordered on capital punishment.

Agya noted that the defence had established that the Police had failed to carry out proper investigation into the matter.

Earlier, Mr Mahanan Luka, of the Legal Aid Council and counsel to first defendant had pleaded for mercy for his client, saying he was a repentant criminal who was even leading one of the chaplaincy groups in the correctional centre.

Mr Mustapha Adam, Deputy Director Citizen’s Rights, Ministry of Justice, commended the judge over what he described as a landmark judgement. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

FCT chief judge frees 4 inmates during Kuje visit
Judiciary

FCT chief judge frees 4 inmates during Kuje visit

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Chief Judge, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Husseini Yusuf, has discharged four inmates on bail at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kuje.

Spokesman of Nigeria Correctional Service, FCT Command, Mr Samson Duza, made this known on Friday in Abuja.

The Chief Judge said that the move was part of a jail delivery exercise aimed at promoting quick dispensation of justice and decongesting custodial centres.

He said the visit was in line with the judiciary’s commitment to justice and humane treatment of persons in custody.

“During the exercise, four inmates were discharged on bail, in a move described as part of ongoing efforts to ensure that individuals who do not belong in custodial facilities are released.”

Reacting, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Mr Olatubosun Ajibogun, expressed appreciation to the Chief Judge and his team for their continued commitment to justice delivery and custodial decongestion.

“This is the third time the Chief Judge has visited a custodial centre in the FCT in the last six months. This is a laudable gesture that deserves commendation,” he said.

In a show of partnership, Ajibogun said that some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) present at the facility during the exercise paid the bail conditions for the four inmates that were granted bail.

He noted that the gesture highlighted the growing collaboration between the judiciary, correctional service and civil society in addressing overcrowding and improving inmates’ welfare.

He, however, commended the Chief Judge’s initiative, reaffirming the NCoS readiness to sustain synergy with the judiciary in enhancing justice delivery and humane custody. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Yakubu Uba

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