News Agency of Nigeria
Accept your spouse’s judgements, Nwifuru to relatives of judges
Judiciary

Accept your spouse’s judgements, Nwifuru to relatives of judges

By Chukwuemeka Opara

Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has advised spouses, especially those serving in critical profession such as judges, to always accept official decisions by their partners.

Nwifuru gave the advice while swearing-in a new judge of the state customary court of appeal, Justice Linda Ogodo in Abakaliki.

The governor said that for Nigeria’s justice system to be respected, those in the temple of justice must be firm in their decisions.

Nwifuru also advised relatives and friends of judges to avoid interference in their professional duties, saying that rule of law and quality justice delivery are essential for the development of any nation.

“The world over, rule of law is a critical factor for investors, while taking business decisions and that is why we are hammering on factors that adversely affect it,” he said.

Nwifuru, however, told the husband of the new judge who is a solicitor in the state to accept judgments from his wife especially when such are not in his favour.

The governor who described Ogodo’s husband as a `tough’ solicitor, urged him to realise that his wife’s level has changed.

“I believe in professionalism and decency which have distinguished Ebonyi judges from their peers.

“Your husband should realise that his wife is now a judge and her judicial decisions and pronouncements shall now attract more public attention and scrutiny.

“Women value their professional respect very much and Justice Ogodo has been outstanding before now,” he said.

He noted that judges in the state have succeeded because their spouses offer them opportunities to perform their duties well.

“An example was in 2017 when a female judge whose husband was a government appointee did not allow family sentiments determine the outcome of our matter against the then House of Assembly speaker.

“The new judge’s husband should, therefore, accept any unfavourable judgment from her because others in such shoes, felt the same way,” he said.

Nwifuru congratulated the judge on her elevation and urged her not to disappoint the state including those who repose confidence in her.

“You should not take the position of your husband in matters but that of the law.

“The state chief judge can confirm that I do not have interest in matters before our courts.

“No government official should, therefore, have interest in any matter when I do not have,” he said.

Ogodo, in her response, thanked the governor and all those who contributed immensely to making the occasion successful. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

Sultan, CAN pledge joint action on GBV prevention, survivor justice
Judiciary , Religious

Sultan, CAN pledge joint action on GBV prevention, survivor justice

By Justina Auta

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

Their stance was emphasised during a capacity-building session for faith-based organisations on GBV, jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice and UN Women, with support from the Ford Foundation on Friday in Abuja.

The Sultan stated, “Our personal presence here shows that we are very much aware of this, we are very committed, and we are deeply concerned about this violence being meted out to our people.

“It is high time we come out fully to tackle this monster, this scourge that has been inflicted on us by us, because human beings are the ones doing this.”

He highlighted the importance of promoting girl-child education and upholding family values, calling it both a religious obligation and a national imperative.

“Educating the girl-child will give them the strength and knowledge to defend themselves, avoid dangers, and take action against intruders,” he added.

The Sultan also acknowledged that GBV affected men and stressed the importance of unity, urging faith communities to collaborate across religious lines and with government institutions to eradicate GBV.

Also, Rev. Fr. Anselm Olorunfemi-Ologunwa, Chairman of CAN, Ondo State, described GBV as a gross violation of human rights, dignity, and human worth.

He called on spiritual leaders to play a proactive role in preventing GBV and ensuring access to justice for survivors.

“We must work together to address the root causes of GBV, including harmful traditional practices, gender inequality, and lack of access to education and economic opportunities,” he said.

He also urged faith leaders to support survivors, promote a culture of dignity, and advocate for policy changes that would protect the rights of women and girls.

Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, urged faith-based leaders to encourage survivors to speak out, refer cases to law enforcement, and help build community-led prevention and rehabilitation systems.

He also proposed the establishment of safe spaces in churches and mosques.

“The formal justice system cannot succeed without your partnership.

“The law cannot walk alone, it needs feet in the community. Those feet are yours,” Fagbemi said.

Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasised the role of religious institutions in protecting the vulnerable.

She urged faith communities to take an active stance in creating safe and supportive environments for all.

“Let this session ignite conviction and let our places of worship and religious platforms become citadels of protection and moral clarity.

“No faith condones abuse, no scripture justifies violence, and no tradition must override human dignity,” she said.

Mrs Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, represented by Deputy Country Representative Mrs Patience Ekeoba, added: “We are here to support, to learn, and to act together.

“Ending GBV is not only a moral imperative but also a shared responsibility and a pathway to peace and prosperity.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Ojukwu emerges president of West Africa human rights group
Judiciary

Ojukwu emerges president of West Africa human rights group

By Edith Nwapi

The Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, has been elected as the President of the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) Network.

The network comprises countries under ECOWAS region which are: Benin, Cape Verde, Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

The 3-day regional consultation of ECOWAS sub-region held in Abuja with the theme, `Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations: The Role of National Human Rights Institutions.”

Ojukwu pulled eight votes out of 12 votes to be elected for a term of two years.

He took over from Dr Joeseph Withall, the out-going president of the network and chair of Network for African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI).

The Regional Consultation was organised by the NNHRI-WA under the auspices of the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission).

Co-organisers of the event are Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in West Africa (OHCHR-WARO) and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

In his acceptance speech, Ojukwu thanked all the participants and partners for their support in the quest to promote and protect human rights of all citizens.

Ojukwu noted that the regional consultation was aimed at enhancing the overall roles of NHRIs toward the promotion and protection of human rights in West Africa.

“The year 2025 is a unique moment for human rights and the NHRC in Nigeria as we celebrate our 30 years of existence.

“For ECOWAS, we celebrate 50 years of regional integration and for the United Nations, we mark 80 years of the signing of the UN Charter.

“It is my hope that these milestones become impactful for the advancement of human rights in our sub-region,’’ he said.

Ojukwu said that his vision for this network was anchored on the following: mutual respect and cooperation for the promotion and protection of human rights in West Africa.

“Building of the capacity of NHRIs to be able to meet the ever-growing challenges of resourcing, governance and operations of NHRIs.

“Support sub-regional monitoring, documentation and reporting of human rights in West Africa by setting up a sub-regional Situation Room and Data Centre.

“Strengthening collaborations with our sub-regional political and judicial institutions, the ECOWAS Commission, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice as well as the ECOWAS Parliament and others,” he said.

Ojukwu added that consolidating and opening new grounds with their development partners, UN, international and national NGOs, academic and media institutions were paramount.

He noted that with the changing nature of international development aid and the challenges of the international rule-based system, it seems this vision was already daunting.

Ojukwu added that it was challenging but with the support of each member, it would be surmounted and the network would grow from strength to strength.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives of NHRIs from 12 countries in the West African sub-region, ECOWAS Commission, OHCHR-WARO and UNOWAS took part in the event.

They addressed wide range of issues through experience sharing, exchanging best practices and strengthening regional cooperation for effective implementation of strategies toward the realisation of the theme of the consultation.

A communiqué is expected at the end of the event which would guide their actions for the next two years. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Francis Onyeukwu

Court orders Natasha’s recall, fines her N5m for contempt
Judiciary

Court orders Natasha’s recall, fines her N5m for contempt

By Taiye Agbaje

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, ordered the Senate to recall Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, back for her legislative duties, describing her six-month suspension as “excessive.”

Justice Binta Nyako, in a judgment, also awarded a fine of N5 million against Akpoti-Uduaghan for her “Satirical Apology” message which she posted on her Facebook page on April 27 in disobedience of the valid order of the court.

Justice Nyako, therefore, ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan to tender an unreserved apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days of the order before she can purge herself of the contemptuous act against the court.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lawmaker had, in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 and filed on March 3, dragged the clerk of the National Assembly and the Senate; the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to court.

Equally joined in the suit seeking court order to stop them from sanctioning her over her alleged misconduct was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Public Petitions and Privileges, Sen. Neda Imasuen. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

CJN appoints Babatunde Adejumo as NJI administrator
Judiciary

CJN appoints Babatunde Adejumo as NJI administrator

By Ebere Agozie

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has approved the appointment of Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo as the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

Mr Tobi Soniyi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the CJN disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that the appointment of Adejumo, a former President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria will take effect from August 1, 2025.

He noted that Adejumo’s experience and deep understanding of judicial administration are qualities that are expected to enhance the institute’s effort in promoting judicial capacity development and institutional innovation.

He said that the action of the CJN followed the endorsement of Adejumo by the Board of Governors of the institute which is under her chairmanship.

Adejumo succeeds Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi whose tenure as administrator will conclude on July 31, 2025, after four years of meritorious service.

“The CJN expresses appreciation to the outgoing administrator for his tireless commitment and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the institute and the Nigerian judiciary as a whole’’.

Justice Babatunde Adejumo, a respected jurist and a seasoned administrator served as President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria until his retirement in 2019.

The National Judicial Institute is the apex institution responsible for the continuing education, training and development of judicial officers and their support staff across all levels of the judiciary.

It serves as a centre for excellence in judicial studies, with a mandate to promote efficiency, uniformity and improvement in the quality of judicial services nationwide.

The institute routinely conducts courses, workshops, conferences and other academic and professional programmes tailored to enhance the knowledge, performance, and ethical standards of judicial officers and personnel in line with global practices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Abuja court strikes out Bash Ali’s N500bn suit against ex-sports minister
Judiciary

Abuja court strikes out Bash Ali’s N500bn suit against ex-sports minister

By Edith Nwapi
‎
‎Justice Peter Kekemeke of an Abuja High Court on Thursday struck out former boxer, Bash Ali’s suit for being “Statute barred”.
‎
‎Ali had instituted the suit against former Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, the National Sports Commission and the  Attorney General of the Federation.
‎
‎Delivering a ruling on the preliminary objection by the defendant in the suit, Kekemeke held that the case was no longer valid because the time limit for bringing it to court has passed, as defined by a statute of limitations.
‎
‎“From the piece of evidence before the court, there is none pointing that the first defendant signed a contract.
‎
‎“The suit was filed on Oct. 10, 2021, three months before the claimant ‘s counter affidavit , his case did not fall into the expectation known in law, the cause of Act accrued on May 20, 2020 is statute barred.
‎
‎” The notice of preliminary objection succeeds, the case is consequently struck out.
‎
‎Ali had in his suit prayed the court for an order declaring that withdrawal of support given to him was illegal.
‎
‎He prayed for an order of the court directing the first defendant to reteact the defamatory matter published against him.
‎
‎Ali further asked the court for an order of the court directing the first defendant to resume their support.
‎
‎He also asked for N500 billion for loss of income among other demands.
‎
‎The defendants in the case are Sunday Dare, then Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports development and the Attorney General of the Federation.

For over 19 years, Bash Ali has pushed to stage the Guiness World Record Boxing fight.

However, across the administrations of five Presidents and five Sports Ministers, his proposal has consistently failed to receive full official approval or endorsement — a clear indication of lingering doubts about its legitimacy.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

‎Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Sadiya Hamza
‎

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

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

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
Judiciary

Lawyer prays court to void EFCC, NSCDC Enabling Acts

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
Judiciary

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

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
Judiciary

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

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

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