Judiciary Highlights for Jan. 20, 2026 (Page 87)

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has scheduled March 25, for a ruling on the EFCC's application for final forfeiture of 13 million dollars linked to Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, owned by Aisha Achimugu.
This follows arguments adopted on Monday by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) and Oceangate's lawyer Darlington Ozurumba.
An interim forfeiture order was granted ex-parte on Aug. 22, 2025, after EFCC published a notice requiring interested parties to show cause within 14 days.
EFCC investigator Usman Aliyu claims the 13 million dollars paid between March 20 and April 3, 2025, toward signature bonuses for oil blocks PPL 302 (deep offshore) and PPL 3007 (shallow water), are proceeds of unlawful activity.
Oceangate, registered in 2005 (RC 617736), won bids in 2024 but owed 37.2 million dollars total, paying 20 million dollars via Zenith Bank (account 5074678281) and Providus Bank.
Funds were allegedly sourced via conspiracy with unlicensed BDC operators and bank officials, including Suleiman Muhammed Chiroma, who collected 13 million dollars in cash in Abuja and Lagos.
Chiroma worked with Dantani Abubakar (Ashrab Energy, accounts at Zenith and Access Banks) and Tirmizi Muhammed Usman (Triple A & Tee Oil), receiving N2.46 billion from Lagos State contractors—converted to dollars and transferred to Oceangate.
No legitimate business ties exist between Oceangate and these contractors; funds trace to public contracts.
EFCC deems Oceangate a "shell company" for laundering tainted funds into oil assets.
Oceangate's Defense Director Iliya Wakil's affidavit asserts:Funds were legitimate company earnings plus gifts to Achimugu.
Chiroma is a licensed BDC agent who independently sourced dollars legally.
No knowledge of or dealings with Abubakar, Ashrab, Usman, or Triple A & Tee.
Attached audited accounts prove legitimacy; seeks to vacate interim order for lack of jurisdiction and fair hearing.
EFCC's Rebuttal Aliyu's reply affidavit discredits the defense:Wakil is a nominal director/employee of Achimugu's Felak Concept Group (no Oceangate salary or shares); he followed Achimugu's instructions to Chiroma.
Auditor Godwin Ukah admitted relying on a memorandum, not accounts, and confirmed no oil/gas earnings.
Achimugu admitted in statement: she controls Oceangate, which has no contracts. Dismisses company as a vehicle for illicit asset acquisition.(www.nannews.ng)

In Lagos, a 30-year-old Festar Adamu appeared before an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, charged with stealing a Bajaj motorcycle worth N650,000 from Mr Abdullateef Abdulsamod on Jan. 15 at Olohunda Street, Adamo, Ikorodu.
He pleaded not guilty to the two-count felony under Sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Magistrate O. A. Ogbe granted bail at N200,000 with two sureties, adjourned to Feb. 5, for mention.(www.nannews.ng)

In a Abuja, a 38-year-old gardener Ahmed Bawa, from Judges Quarter, 6th Avenue, Gwarinpa, appeared before a Life Camp Chief Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, charged with joint act and theft of caterpillar spare parts (battery, key starter, engine fan, alternator) and diesel worth N8 million from Gabari Construction Ltd. on Nov. 23, 2025.
He denied the charges under Sections 79 and 289 of the Penal Code.
Magistrate Musa Jobbo granted N1 million bail with two sureties, adjourned to Feb. 9 for hearing.(www.nannews.ng)

A 27-year-old Rafiu Ahmed appeared before an Iyaganku Magistrates' Court, Ibadan, charged with stealing a new tricycle worth N3 million from Alhaji Mushood Alkali on Sept. 9, 2025, at Maku area, Sawmill, Ibadan, under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
He pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate Mrs Gladys Olanrewaju granted N500,000 bail with two sureties (one a blood relation), adjourned to Feb. 23 for hearing.(www.nannews.ng)

The Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade A Customary Courts, and Legal Research Officers of Ondo State Judiciary suspended their two-week strike following agreements with the state government on official cars, new salary structures, and judicial financial autonomy.
The coalition, led by Mrs O. Edwin and Mr Segun Rotiba, directed members to resume work immediately and thanked JUSUN, lawyers, and the public for support.(Awww.nannews.ng)

A Jos Magistrates’ Court sentenced 22-year-old miner Ibrahim Shettu to two years imprisonment (one year each for breach of trust and cheating, running concurrently, or N25,000 fines each) plus N300,000 compensation for misappropriating N316,000 given by Uwaisy Muhammad on Nov. 10, 2025, to buy chemicals, under the Plateau Penal Code.
Magistrate Mrs Irene Pati delivered the sentence after his guilty plea. (www.nannews.ng)

Also, a Jos Magistrates’ Court sentenced 45-year-old housekeeper Mak-Henry Lynnto to two years imprisonment (one year each for breach of trust and cheating, running concurrently, or N25,000 fines each) plus N280,000 compensation for misappropriating N280,000 given by Mrs Tabitha Ezekiel on Oct. 27, 2025, for house rent, under the Plateau Penal Code.
Magistrate Mrs Irene Pati sentenced him after his guilty plea.(www.nannews.ng)
The trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, his brother Ahmad Abubakar, and companies Al-Buraq Limited and Enginos Nigeria Limited stalled in an Abuja High Court due to the EFCC's failure to produce requested documents.
The charges are 10 counts of abuse of office, criminal breach of trust, and gratification via N19.4 billion contracts awarded to Sirika's brother, including N1.35 billion for a Katsina Airport terminal and N3.81 billion for a fire truck center.(www.nannews.ng)

Similarly, a Sagamu Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State adjourned the trial of driver Adeniyi Kayode, 45, charged in the Dec. 29, 2025, fatal crash on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that killed two aides of boxer Anthony Joshua.
Kayode is being charged on four counts of dangerous driving causing death, reckless driving, driving without care causing harm/damage, and no valid license, under Federal Highways Act 2004.
Kayode drove a Lexus SUV (KRD 850 HM) carrying Joshua, Latif Ayodele, and Sina Ghami; Joshua had minor injuries.
He was previously granted bail at N5 million.
Richard Nijiwe sought adjournment for case file review by Ogun AG/DPP; defense (Abiodun Olalekan) opposed but court approved and adjourned until Feb. 25 for hearing.
Kayode was arraigned Jan. 2 before Magistrate Olajumoke.
In Lagos, the EFCC arraigned businessman Sarumi Babafemi and companies 606 Autos Ltd, 606 Music Ltd, and Splash Off Entertainment Ltd before an Ikeja Special Offences Court on N206 million fraud charges.
They are standing trial on five count changes of conspiracy, concealing/transferring crime proceeds (2013-2018 in Lagos), including N37.6 million to Omojadesola Allison.
Linked to Mompha (Ismail Mustapha) and others at large it violates Lagos Criminal Law 2011 Sections 332(1) and 323(2).
Prosecutor Ayanfe Ogunsina sought remand and trial date Defense counsel Kunle Adegoke (SAN) requested bail, granted upon affidavit undertaking by counsel and the case was adjourned to March 24 for trial.(www.nannnews.ng)

Judiciary Highlights for Jan. 20, 2026

By: Lydia Beshel

On: January 20, 2026

In: Judiciary

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The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has scheduled March 25, for a ruling on the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture of 13 million dollars linked to Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, owned by Aisha Achimugu. This follows arguments adopted on Monday by EFCCContinue Reading

APC chieftain chides Gov. Okpebholo over alliance with former critics

By: Nefisetu Yakubu

On: January 20, 2026

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APC chieftain chides Gov. Okpebholo over alliance with former critics APC chieftain chides Gov. Okpebholo over alliance with former critics Alliance By Usman Aliyu Benin, Jan. 20, 2026 (NAN)All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Shaba Ehigiamusoe has criticised Gov. Monday Okpebholo for associating with people who once derided him, calling itContinue Reading

Nigerian Army turns to tech to tackle security threats

By: isaac aregbesola

On: January 20, 2026

In: Defence/Security

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Nigerian Army turns to tech to tackle security threatsContinue Reading

Super Eagles rank among Africa’s top three after AFCON exploits

By: Afonne Emmanuel

On: January 20, 2026

In: Sports

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have climbed to 26th globally and third in Africa in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings released on Monday.Continue Reading

AFCON 2025: NOC President hails Super Eagles’ bronze victory

By: Afonne Emmanuel

On: January 20, 2026

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Long queues at CNG refilling stations gradually easing in FCT

By: Afonne Emmanuel

On: January 20, 2026

In: Oil & Gas

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The regular long queues witnessed at various Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refilling outlets seem to be easing off, following the inauguration of more stations in the FCT.
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Low citizen participation, weak enforcement undermine disability law implementation — Centre

By: Nefisetu Yakubu

On: January 20, 2026

In: Politics

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Low citizen participation, weak enforcement undermine disability law implementation — Centre Law By Diana Omueza Abuja, Jan. 20, 2026 (NAN) Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has identified low citizen participation and weak enforcement mechanisms as major factors hindering effective implementation of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act. TheContinue Reading

Nigeria’s pharmaceutical grade starch research 85% completed-NNMDA

By: Ndubisi Ijeoma

On: January 20, 2026

In: Science & Tech

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi The Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA) says research on the production of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical grade starch is 85 per cent complete. Prof Martins Emeje, the Director-General of NNMDA said this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, while givingContinue Reading

INEC urges stakeholders to boost voters’ participation in ongoing CVR in Kebbi

By: Nefisetu Yakubu

On: January 20, 2026

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INEC urges stakeholders to boost voters’ participation in ongoing CVR in Kebbi Registration By Ibrahim Bello Birnin Kebbi, Jan. 20, 2026 (NAN) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kebbi, has urged stakeholders to intensify sensitisation efforts to ensure inclusive participation in the ongoing 2nd phase of the Continuous VoterContinue Reading

FG pledges sustained support for ethical health research, backs NHREC reforms

By: Ndubisi Ijeoma

On: January 20, 2026

In: Health

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By Abujah Racheal The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ethical standards in health research. It also pledged sustained support for the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) to protect research participants and enhance the credibility of scientific outputs in Nigeria. Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of StateContinue Reading

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Judiciary Highlights for Jan. 20, 2026 (Page 87)