News Agency of Nigeria
Alleged conspiracy, forgery: Baptist Church pastor asks court to quash charges
Judiciary

Alleged conspiracy, forgery: Baptist Church pastor asks court to quash charges

337 total views today

By Jacinta Nwachukwu/Uche Bibilari

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Adeniyi Akintola, on Tuesday prayed an FCT High Court sitting in Gwagwalada, Abuja, to quash the charges preferred against a former Resident Pastor of First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja, Rev. Israel Akanji, for lack of evidence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akanji and five others are standing trial on alleged conspiracy, forgery and misappropriation of the church funds.

The defendants were said to have conspired in 2021 to commit a felony, thus violating Section 97 of the Penal Code.

The prosecution also claimed that between 2012 and 2021, the defendants forged an amended version of the church’s constitution, falsely attributing it to the then legal adviser and secretary of the Board of Trustees of the church, the late Akin Aina.

The prosecution further alleged that the defendant and five others misappropriated N620 million belonging to the church and that they had a case to answer, thus praying the court to grant them time to conclude the investigation.

The offences, according to the prosecution, contravene the provisions of Sections 362, 364 308, 309, 311, and 312 of the Penal Code.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday, Akintola filed a motion seeking the court to quash the five-count charge preferred against the defendants.

Veronica Bisan, holding brief for the prosecution counsel, Wisdom Madaki, requested for more time to conclude on their investigations after previous adjournments.

Akintola, however, countered the motion, maintaining that the matter had been adjourned twice without any substantial evidence against the defendants.

“The defendants have not been arraigned and the prosecution has not even responded to all the applications before the court.

“All they have to say is they are waiting for advice from the Federal Ministry of Justice.

“If they knew they have not completed their investigation, then why bringing the defendants to court to nail them? Why are the charges put on their neck when they have not committed any crime?

“In a church of about 5,000 members, nobody is complaining except one person (the complainant) who has vowed to embarrass the church. We have filed a motion praying the court to quash the charges against the defendants.

“This in spite of the church repeatedly informing the police through several correspondences that none of its property or money is missing,” he said.

Justice J.A. Aina, however, adjourned the matter until June 2 for ruling on the application to quash the charges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

BVN database dispute: Court delivers judgment in NIBSS’ suit against CBN, others
Judiciary

BVN database dispute: Court delivers judgment in NIBSS’ suit against CBN, others

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By Taiye Agbaje
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, fixed July 4 for judgment in the suit filed by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS’) Plc against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and others.
NIBSS, in the suit, is seeking an order to prevent any institution from challenging its statutory authority to maintain and manage the Bank Verification Number (BVN) database in Nigeria.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after lawyer to NIBSS, Babatunde Ige, and CBN’s counsel, Kofo Abdulsalam-Alada, adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the suit.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NIBSS, through its lawyer, Ademolai Esan, SAN, had sued the Incorporated Trustees of Digital Rights Lawyers Initiative (ITDRLI), the CBN and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.
NIBSS seeks a declaration that it is statutorily empowered to maintain and manage the BVN database.
It said this is pursuant to the Central Bank Act 2007, the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020, and the Revised Regulatory Framework for the Bank Verification Number (BVN) Operations and Watchlist for the Nigerian Banking Industry 2021.
“Pursuant to the provisions of the framework, NIBSS, as a designated participant in BVN operations, is statutorily authorised to manage and maintain the BVN database and ensure its seamless operation, among other functions,” it added.
It, therefore, accused ITDRLI (1st defendant) of filing multiple suits, either directly or through proxies, challenging its authority to manage the BVN database and alleging that such management violates constitutional privacy rights.
However, ITDRLI denied the allegations in it court processes, asking the court to dismiss the suit.
NAN reports that Justice Omotosho had, on May 19, dismissed a motion for joinder filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Data Privacy Lawyers Association (DPLAN), describing it as “unmeritorious.”
When the matter was called on Monday, no lawyer appeared for ITDRLI and AGF, despite being served with hearing notices.
NIBSS counsel, Ige, in his argument, prayed the court to give judgment in favour of his client.
The CBN lead counsel, Abdulsalam-Alada, however, drew the court’s attention to his counter affidavit filed on Feb. 11.
In the application, the lawyer urged the court to hold that NIBSS’ management of the BVN database is statutorily authorised, constitutionally justified and essential for maintaining the stability and security of Nigeria’s financial system.
“The initiative does not infringe on the constitutional right to privacy but rather serves as a necessary tool for safeguarding public interest and enhancing financial security,” he said.
He said the power of the apex financial system regulator to issue directives on BVN development was derived from the provisions of the CBN Act of 2007 and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act of 2020.
Abdulsalam-Alada submitted that the CBN had the power under Section 47(2) of the CBN Act to develop payment and settlement systems in Nigeria.
“Pursuant to this, NIBSS was established alongside all the other banks in Nigeria,” he stated.
He further said that the CBN Act empowers the apex bank to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria.
“We urge your Lordship to note that the introduction of the BVN in Nigeria is for the promotion of a sound financial system.
“The security of the deposits of the average Nigerians or even non-Nigerians who bank with banks in Nigeria is very key,” he added.
The lawyer, therefore, urged the court to consider the importance of the BVN framework and its operationalisation by NIBSS in holding that the plaintiff had the power to maintain the BVN database in Nigeria.
After hearing from the lawyers, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until July 4 for judgment.
NAN reports that a BVN is a unique number that allows individual accounts to be verified across the Nigerian banking industry.
Besides, it is issued to every bank customer at enrolment and is linked to all of the customer’s bank accounts in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Eviction of tenant must follow due process – Lawyers
Judiciary

Eviction of tenant must follow due process – Lawyers

392 total views today

Sandra Umeh

Some Lagos-based lawyers on Monday described as unlawful, the eviction of tenants by landlords without requisite notices.

The lawyers told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that ejecting a tenant for inability to pay rent must be executed by lawful processes.

The lawyers were reacting to complaints by some Lagos residents who claimed that landlords often evicted tenants anyhow from their property.

A rights campaigner and lawyer, Mr Spurgeon Ataene, told NAN that no landlord, no matter how influential, should forcefully eject a tenant.

He said that there were laws regulating landlord and tenant relationship, such as the tenancy laws of various states, urging that the provisions must be strictly followed.

“A discussion on tenancy cannot be divorced from the tenancy laws of the different states of the country.

“In Lagos, the tenancy law of Lagos State, 2011 revised in 2023 and 2024 comes handy.

“No one, no matter how highly placed, can evict a tenant except through lawful means,” he said.

According to him, such tenancies can be determined by the issuance of six months’ notice to quit, for a yearly tenant, and three months’ notice for a quarterly tenant or half yearly tenant.

“Again, you issue one month notice to quit for a monthly tenant,” he said.

Ataene said ejecting a tenant without due process would infringe on the fundamental rights of the tenant and could be challenged in court.

A member of the African Women Lawyers Association, Mrs Vivian Uwakhonye, said that it was gross violation of the law for a landlord to forcefully evict a tenant.

“A landlord, who forcefully ejects a tenant by either removing his roof or by any other forceful means, commits an offence under the law and can be liable to three years imprisonment or a fine of N250,000.

“Where the rent of a tenant has expired, the most appropriate action to take is to consult a legal practitioner who will issue the requisite notices to quit,” she said.

According to Uwakhonye, at the expiration of the notice, another seven days’ notice of the landlord’s intention to proceed to court to recover possession, is issued to the tenant.

She said that after expiration of all notices, the matter would be filed in court and hearing notices issued by the bailiff.

“Where the tenant does not show up in court, then, the court can proceed to hear the landlord and enter judgment,” she said.

On her part, Mrs Elizabeth Chiozor, another Lagos-based lawyer, said that even in circumstances where the court would have given judgment in favour of the landlord, it would not give him the right to evict the tenant.

“Even if the court gives judgment in favour of the landlord, it will still be illegal for him to personally throw out the tenant’s property.

“It is the duty of the court’s Sheriff to execute the judgment of the court and not the landlord,” she said.

According to her, tenants and landlords, like all other Nigerians, are subject to the laws of the land. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Ijeoma Popoola

Supreme Court Chief Registrar tasks judiciary on balanced, fair objective reporting
Judiciary

Supreme Court Chief Registrar tasks judiciary on balanced, fair objective reporting

288 total views today

By Ebere Agozie

The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Mr Kabir Akanbi, has called on members of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) to ensure balanced, fair and objective in reporting.

Akanbi made the call while receiving the Executive Members of NAJUC Abuja Chapter, who paid him a courtesy visit.

He urged them to protect the sector’s image and credibility through well informed, researched, unbiased and factual reportage of its activities.

He expressed dismay that reports in public space about the judiciary have been disappointing and uncalled for, especially from the social media.

Akanbi said judicial officers should not be disrespected, condemned and rubbished because of the perceived mistakes of a few.

“I make bold to say that majority of the judicial officers in the country are men of honour, integrity, highly educated and impeccable characters, who have been discharging their adjudicatory duties without blemish, fear or favour.

“It is very unpatriotic and unfair to label the Judiciary, particularly, judicial officers as generally not living up to expectations of Nigerians in terms of dispensation of justice, just because of a few lapses,” he said.

He noted that the few identified bad eggs are being called to order through the instrumentality of the National Judicial Council so as to maintain the sacred duty of the arm of the government.

He said that dishing out sensational reports by some media houses, especially social media in a bid to gain attention and visibility, only ends up rubbing off on the reputation of Nigeria as a country.

“Most of the reports are targeted at few judicial officers and the Bench because they don’t have information officers, or personal assistants that will speak in their defence.

“When these reports are reeled out to the public without proper fact checking, the public always believes, and at the end of the day, it is Nigeria as a country that has her name dragged into the mud’’.

He insisted that some of the reports tend to portray the country in bad image and have exposed Nigeria and Nigerians to ridicule and unfair treatment in some foreign countries.

Earlier, the Chairman of NAJUC, Abuja Chapter, Mr Kayode Lawal, thanked the Chief Registrar for finding time to play host to the executive members of the association adding that the visit was mainly to congratulate him on his appointment as the Chief Registrar.

Lawal reminded Akanbi that judiciary correspondents are also the spokespersons for judicial officers through the dissemination of their judgments to the general public, hence, the need to work in harmony.

He also reminded him of the enormous tasks as he spearheads the administrative leadership of the apex court and charged him to justify the trust and confidence reposed in him with the appointment.

Lawal expressed optimism that Akanbi would excel in the revered position, in view of his vast experience and rich background as a thorough bred lawyer, astute administrator and manager of men and resources.

He assured the Chief Registrar of NAJUC’s resolve to be factual, objective and fair in their day-to-day reportage of the Judiciary.

Mr Tobi Soniyi, Special Assistant (Media) to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, had informed the Chief Registrar that NAJUC and the Supreme Court have a long-standing relationship and pleaded that the cordiality be upheld and sustained. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Ondo governorship election tribunal fixes June 4 for judgment
Judiciary

Ondo governorship election tribunal fixes June 4 for judgment

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By Alaba Olusola Oke

The Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has fixed June 4, to deliver judgment in the petitions filed against the Nov. 16 governorship election in the state.

The three-man panel headed by Justice Benson Ogbu, announced the date on Saturday in Akure, after all parties adopted their final written addresses.

Other members of the tribunal are Justice Imelda Etape and Justice Sikka Duarabo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal, which began sitting on Jan. 31, 2025, received five petitions challenging the outcome of the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, winner of the election.

The five petitioners are seeking for the nullification of the election on grounds of non-compliance with the provisions of Electoral Act.

The petitioners are: Action Alliance and its candidate, Mr Abdullahi Olowokere; and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Chief Bamidele Akingboye.

Others are: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr Agboola Ajayi; the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and its candidate, Kolawole Ogunfeyimi; and African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its candidate, Mr Adeyemi Nejo.

The respondents are: APC, Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Mr Olayide Adelami; and INEC.

Mr Ishaka Dikko and Bankole Akomolafe, the PDP’s counsel, argued that the election was marred by substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act and asked the tribunal to void Aiyedatiwa’s certificate of return.

On the other hand, Aiyedatiwa, his deputy, Adelami and the INEC enjoined the tribunal to dismiss the petitions.

The respondents, represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Mr Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, and Mr Charles Edosomwan, urged the tribunal to dismiss the petitions for lack of merit. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Senior Advocate says Benue Appeals Tribunal verdict upheld judicial integrity
Judiciary

Senior Advocate says Benue Appeals Tribunal verdict upheld judicial integrity

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By Kayode Adebiyi

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and international human rights lawyer, Mohammed Ndarani, says the Benue Appeals Tribunal has exhibited commendable judicial integrity in the appeals from the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal.

 

Ndarani, who spoke in Abuja on Thursday, said the judgments at the tribunal earlier given by non-judicial panel members, was an undermining of the judiciary.

 

He asserted that the new judicial officers currently handling the cases would rectify all the challenges and lapses of the former panel members, and restore confidence in the nation’s judiciary.

 

Ndarani, who is lead counsel for the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, spoke after judgments in seven appeals were delivered on Thursday wherein the election and return of incumbent elected councillors was upheld by the appeal tribunal.

 

He reaffirmed that the judiciary owed an obligation to God, their conscience, and the society, adding that the judgments so far delivered were a reflection of the glaring attributes of competent judicial officers.

 

Meanwhile, other appeals in the cases pending before the appeal tribunal are to be heard on May 26 after which judgement would be awaited.

 

Ndarani appreciated the team of Legal practitioners working for and on behalf of the state and independent candidates for their tireless efforts, and also appreciated the judiciary for the industry put into the sound judgments.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

“Shadow Govt.”: Court to hear DSS suit against Pat Utomi June 25
Judiciary

“Shadow Govt.”: Court to hear DSS suit against Pat Utomi June 25

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By Taiye Agbaje
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, fixed June 25 for the hearing of a suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against Prof. Pat Utomi over his alleged plan to establish what he called, “a shadow government” in the country.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after DSS’ counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, moved a motion ex-parte to serve court documents on Utomi in his Lagos address by means of courier service.
The development followed the inability of the plaintiff to effect the service of the court papers on Utomi, a Professor of Political Economy and Management Expert.
The security agency gave Utomi’s Lagos address as, “No. 6, Balarabe Musa Crescent, off Samuel Manuwa Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, State.”
After Kehinde argued the motion, Justice Omotosho granted the application and ordered Utomi to be served by substituted means.
 The judge adjourned the matter until June 25 for hearing.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DSS, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, prayed the court to declare the planned shadow government as an attack on the constitution.
In the suit, Utomi, the 2007 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is sued as sole defendant.
The security outfit, in the suit filed on May 13 by Kehinde, contended that the move by Utomi was intended to create chaos and destabilise the country.
The DSS argued that not only was the planned shadow government an aberration, it constituted a grave attack on the constitution and a threat to the democratically elected government that is currently in place.
It expressed concern that such a structure, styled as a “shadow government,” if left unchecked, may incite political unrest, cause inter-group tensions, and embolden other unlawful actors or separatist entities to replicate similar parallel arrangements, all of which would pose a grave threat to national security.
The plaintiff, therefore, urged the court to declare the purported “shadow government” or “shadow cabinet” being planned by Utomi and his associates as “unconstitutional and amounts to an attempt to create a parallel authority not recognised by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The department also sought a declaration that “under Sections 1(1), 1(2) and 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, the establishment or operation of any governmental authority or structure outside the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is unconstitutional, null, and void.”
The plaintiff prayed the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction, restraining Utomi, his agents and associates “from further taking any steps towards the establishment or operation of a ‘shadow government,’ ‘shadow cabinet’ or any similar entity not recognised by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The plaintiff, in its grounds of argument, hinged its prayers on the fact that Section 1(1) of the Constitution declares its supremacy and binding force on all persons and authorities in Nigeria.
It added that Section 1(2) prohibits the governance of Nigeria or any part thereof except in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.
According to the DSS, Section 14(2Xa) states that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom government through the constitution derives all its powers and authority.
It contended that Utomi’s proposed shadow government lacked constitutional recognition and authority, thereby contravening the aforementioned provisions.
The plaintiff further stated in a supporting affidavit that it is the principal domestic intelligence and security agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria statutorily mandated to detect and prevent threats to the internal security of Nigeria, including subversive activities capable of undermining national unity, peace and constitutional order.
The DSS added that it is statutorily empowered to safeguard the internal security of Nigeria and prevent any threats to the lawful authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its constituent institutions.
It stated that it has monitored, “through intelligence reports and open source material, public statements and interviews granted by the defendant, Prof. Patrick Utomi, in which he announced the purported establishment of what he termed a ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet’, comprising of several persons that make up its ‘Minister.’
“The ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet’ is an unregistered and unrecognised body claiming to operate as an alternative government. contrary to the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“The defendant (Utomi), through public statements, social media, and other platforms, has announced the formation of this body with the intent to challenge the legitimacy of the democratically elected government of Nigeria.
“While inaugurating the ‘shadow cabinet’, the defendant stated that it is made up of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio to be manned by Dele Farotimi; the Policy Delivery Unit Team consisting of Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo and Obi Ajuga: and the council of economic advisers.
“Based on the intelligence gathered by the plaintiff, the activities and statements made by the defendant and his associates are capable of misleading segments of the Nigerian public, weakening confidence in the legitimacy of the elected government, and fuelling public disaffection,” it said.
The DSS said in the discharge of its statutory duties, it had gathered intelligence confirming that the defendant’s actions pose a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
“The defendant’s actions amount to an attempt to usurp or mimic executive authority, contrary to Sections 1(1), 1{2), and 14(2Xa) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended), which exclusively vests governance in institutions duly created under the constitution and through democratic elections.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has made several efforts to engage the defendant to dissuade him from this unconstitutional path, including statements made by the Minister of Information, but the defendant has remained defiant.”
The agency said that it would be in the interest of justice, national security and the rule of law for the court to declare the existence and operations of the defendant unconstitutional and illegal. (NAN)(www.namnews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Judicial independence: CJN tasks judges of lower courts on ethical conduct
Judiciary

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

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

Federal High Court CJ redeploys judges

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

Why I left law profession for writing – Female author 

342 total views today

By Taiye Agbaje

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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