Judiciary

Cable TV: Tribunal Orders One-Month Free Subscription to Customers, Fines Coy N150M

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The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal on Friday fined Multichoice Nigeria, the owners of DSTV and GoTv services, the sum of N150 million for disobeying its orders, which restrained the pay-TV company from increasing its monthly subscription pending the determination of the suit brought before it.

The tribunal also ordered the pay-TV company to provide its Nigerian customers with a one-month free subscription to its DStv and GOtv packages.

Recall that the tribunal had previously ordered Multichoice not to increase its subscription fees without proper notice, following a lawsuit filed by an Abuja-based lawyer, Festus Onifade, who said the 8-day notice given for the price increase was inadequate.

Onifade then proceeded to file contempt charges against Multichoice after it disobeyed court orders and proceeded with its price hike as announced via email to its customers.

The contempt charges which were filed on May 7 were instituted against the Manager of the Abuja branch of Multi-Choice Nigeria Ltd, Mr Mohammed Sani.

The contempt was hinged on the company’s disobedience to the court order and Onifade, sought an order of the tribunal, directing MultiChoice to pay the sum of N1 billion “or any amount the tribunal deemed fit appropriate in this circumstance for the company’s deliberate actions in disobeying, contravening, and failing to comply with the interim order” granted on April 29.

In a Notice of Consequence of Disobedience to Order of Court, Form 48, marked: CCPT/OP/02/2024 dated and filed on May 7, the notice, warned Sani against disregarding the tribunal order.

“Take notice that unless you obey the under-listed order of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, Abuja, given on the 29th day of April 2024, thus: “An order restraining the 1st defendant/respondent either by itself, agents, representatives, officers or privies, howsoever described from carrying out the impending increase in tariffs and cost of its products and services intended to take effect from 1st May 2024, until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice already filed before this tribunal”.

Multichoice, on its part, argued that previous rulings had settled price regulation issues.

Onifade insisted the length of notice was inadequate and more pressing than the price hike itself, prompting the tribunal to affirm its jurisdiction and ruling against Multichoice.

The court fixed July 3 for a hearing of the substantive suit of the plaintiff.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Judiciary

LG Autonomy: File your Defense in Seven Days; Court Tells States

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The Supreme Court on Thursday, gave the 36 state governors of the federation, seven days, to file their defense in the suit brought against them by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

The apex court issued the AGF, two days to file his reply upon receipt of the governors’ defense.

“That within 2 days of service, the plaintiff will reply after being served the reply of the defendant Counter affidavit,” the court stated

A seven-man panel of the apex court led by Justice Garba Lawal, issued the order while ruling in the application for abridgment of time argued by Fagbemi.

He held that the decision of the court was predicated on the national urgency of the suit and the non-objection from the Attorneys-General of the states of the federation.

The apex court held that filing of all processes and exchanging of same must be completed within the time.

The court also ordered all state Attorneys-General absent to be present in court on the adjourned date.

“All defendants absent should be served with fresh hearing notice and be in court on the adjourned date,” it stated.

The eight states whose Attorney General were absent in court despite being served with hearing notice were, Borno, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, and Sokoto.

The Attorney General of Ebonyi State and the chairman of, the body of state Attorneys-General, Dr Ben Odo, speaking on behalf of the other AGs, said they had a meeting and he has their consent of no objection to the suit.

“I have the consent of all the Attorneys General not to oppose the motion”.

Onyechi Ikpeazu, (SAN), who represented the Anambra State Attorney General, asked for more time.

AGF however asked the court to give them seven days as nine days have already elapsed.

The AGF, earlier told the court that the matter requires urgency.

“We have filed our written address, from the nature of the case, it requires urgency and I am happy to report that there is no counter affidavit. I want to state that the importance of this matter underscores all the state of the various Attorney-Generals of the state,” he said.

The court however gave the state governors seven days to file their responses and proceeded to adjourn the suit till June 13 for a hearing.

Fagbemi, in a suit marked SC/CV/343/2024, on behalf of the Federal Government, dragged the 36 state governors in the country to court for seeking full autonomy of local governments.

The AGF sued them through their respective State Attorneys General.

The AGF, in the suit predicted on 27 grounds, urged the Apex Court to issue an order, prohibiting state governors from unilateral, arbitrary, and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders for local governments.

The FG, further contended that Nigeria as a federation, is a creation of the 1999 constitution with the President, as the Head of the Federal Executive arm of the Federation and has sworn to uphold and give effects to the provisions of the Constitution.

The suit accused the state governors of gross misconduct and abuse of power.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Judiciary

Court Rejects Yahaya Bello’s Plea to Stop Trial

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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has rejected the request by the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to halt trial in the hearing of the N80.2bn fraud charges brought against him.

Bello asked the court to stay execution in his trial before Justice Emeka Nwite, on the grounds that there is an appeal filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before the Court of Appeal, against the contempt application filed by the defendant against the Commission Chairman, Ola Olukayode.

Justice Nwite, in his ruling on Friday, however, rejected the application made by Bello through his lawyer Abdulwahab Mohammed.

Nwite held that “The application cannot be entertained unless the defendant is present in the court. In the absence of the defendant in court, the motion on notice filed by the complainant can only be conducted if the defendant is in court”.

Justice Nwite held that Bello was trying to make rubbish out of a criminal case by choosing to stay in his house and not respect the court orders.

Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Judiciary

Abiodun Makes Case for Creation of Appeal Court in Ogun

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By Abimbola Bamgbose 

Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun has solicited for the creation of the Court of Appeal division in the state.

Governor Abiodun made the plea on Wednesday when he played host to the President Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mense in his office at Oke-mosan, Abeokuta. 

The Governor explained that the creation of the court of appeal, Ogun division would relieve the high workloads on the Ibadan division.

Rolling out some of the achievements of his government in the judiciary, Prince Abiodun noted that the administration created a special court to deal with the issue of cultism, operationalization of the customary court of appeal, and the multi-door court.

He expressed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of Justices for them to dispense justice in time.

Earlier, the President, Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mense said the team of Justices came to decongest the Ibadan division of the Court of Appeal of pending appeals.

She lamented the heavy load of appeals and the continued depletion of Justices of the Court of Appeal.

On the entourage was the Chief Judge of Ogun state,  Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, the Presiding Judges of the Ibadan, Ilorin, Abuja and Yola Courts of Appeal among others.

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Judiciary

AGF Solicits Judiciary’s Support in Fight against Corruption

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By Jeffrey Ahonmisi

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Lateef Fagbemi SAN has admonished the judiciary to assist the government by being objective in the fight against corruption.

The AGF stated this at the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan Branch 2024 Professional Bar Dinner organised in his honour held at the Aare Afe Babalola  Bar Centre, Iyaganku Quarters, Ibadan.

Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who noted that the Constitution gives serving governors immunity against prosecution, stressed that the law does not, however, absolve such person from being investigated.

The minister of justice however frowned at legal practitioners, who are aiding such persons by rushing to court to abuse the law.

Mr Fagbemi maintained that he would always apply the law without sentiment whenever the need be.

The AGF also noted that certain appeals should be pegged at the court of appeal to allow the Supreme Court to adjudicate on more serious cases.

In a remark, Ibadan-based legal luminary, Mr Niyi Akintola SAN frowned at the defiance of a former governor, who did not make himself available to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission for interrogation.

Delivering the dinner speech, Ogun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Oluwashina Ogungbade, SAN pointed out that some legal practitioners abuse the criminal justice system in the country as they sometimes encourage clients to take matters that is not necessarily a subject of litigation to court.

In an address of welcome, Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Ibadan Branch, Mrs Folashade Aladeniyi, while thanking the AGF for honouring the event,  said the association would continue to uphold the highest ethical standard of the legal profession.

The highlight of the event was the honouring of members of the association who were recently elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria. 

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Judiciary

29 Suspected Agitators Arraign in Court

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By Jeffrey Ahonmisi

29 Yoruba Nation agitators have been arraigned before the Chief Magistrates Court in Ibadan for their involvement and roles in the failed invasion of the Governor’s Office and the state House of Assembly.

They were arraigned on seven counts of treasonable felony, unlawful society, illegal possession of firearms, and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

The suspects, including a young woman and five elderly women, were remanded by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi at the Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan.

Chief Magistrate Ogunkanmi, thereafter, adjourned the matter till August 1st, for mention.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, CSP Funke Fawole, told the court that the defendants had on Saturday, at about 8.30 a.m., conspired to commit a treasonable felony.

Fawole said the offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol.II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.

It would be recalled that some masked persons suspected to be Yoruba Nation agitators invaded the state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, last Saturday to hoist their flag before the joint security personnel demobilised them.

The state Commissioner of Police, Hamzat Adebola paraded 21 suspects on Monday at the Oyo State police headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.

The police made eight more arrests in addition to the 21 paraded on Monday making the total number of arrested suspects 29.

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Judiciary

Wigwe: Ogunbanjo Family Sues Orbic Air over Fatal California Crash

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The family of the late Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against the U.S. helicopter company involved in the February crash that claimed his life.

Ogunbanjo was one of six people killed when the helicopter went down near the California-Nevada border. The other victims included Dr. Herbert Wigwe, former CEO of Access Holdings, his wife, and their son.

The Ogunbanjo family alleges in the lawsuit that the charter company, Orbic Air, should not have flown the helicopter due to hazardous weather conditions. The lawsuit claims Orbic Air disregarded a “wintry mix” of snow and rain in the Mojave Desert at the time of the crash on February 9th, according to the Press Enterprise.

This lawsuit follows the tragic accident earlier this year. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is still investigating the cause of the crash.

One of the attorneys who filed the lawsuit, Andrew C. Robb, noted Ogunbanjo’s family is seeking “answers and accountability.”

“Helicopters do not do very well in snow and ice,” Robb told The Associated Press.

“This flight was entirely preventable, and we don’t know why they took off,” He added.

In a lawsuit filed Wednesday at San Bernardino County Superior Court, late Ogunbajo’s wife and children are seeking compensation for his wrongful death in a February helicopter crash.

The suit names Orbic Air, the charter company involved in the accident, and its CEO, Brady Bowers, as defendants. It alleges negligence on their part, claiming the flight should not have proceeded due to poor weather conditions.

The lawsuit also includes claims against the unidentified successors of individuals named Pettingill and Hansen, whom the Ogunbanjo family believes hold some responsibility. Orbic Air has not yet responded to the lawsuit.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is still investigating the cause of the crash. While a preliminary report released in February detailed the helicopter’s flight path and wreckage, the exact cause remains undetermined. Witnesses reported seeing a fiery crash during a snow and rain storm.

The Ogunbanjo family, represented by law firm Robb & Robb, is seeking a jury trial to recover burial and funeral expenses, alongside other unspecified damages.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Judiciary

38 Abolongo Inmates Freed by Oyo CJ

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By Jeffery Ahonmisi

38 inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Service, Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abolongo, Oyo Town, have been granted pardon by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima.

The 38 inmates who received the leniency included those pardoned for stealing, burglary, and the breach of peace and on health grounds.

In her admonition to the released inmates, Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice Ladiran Akintola implored them to make themselves useful to society.

Justice Yerima reiterated that the exercise is part of efforts to decongest the Nigeria correctional facilities.

In a remark, Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service, Oyo State Command, Mr Abdulraheem Salami noted that he was glad about the number of inmates who regained their freedom.

It would be recalled that 31 inmates were pardoned by the Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima at the Agodi Custodial Centre, Ibadan on Monday.

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Judiciary

Oyo CJ Pardons 31 Inmates

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By Jeffrey Ahonmisi

31 awaiting trial inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Service, Agodi Custodial Centre, Ibadan have been granted pardon by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima.

One other inmate was also given three months of community service.

The 32 inmates who received the leniency included those pardoned for stealing, fighting, breach of peace, health grounds and legal advice.

Speaking with newsmen, Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima noted that the Nigerian Corrections Centres is highly congested and concerted effort would continue to decongest the state custodial facilities.

Justice Yerima added that the state magistrate courts would continue to give expedited hearings to cases for speedy dispensation of justice.

Also speaking, Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service, Oyo State Command, Mr Abdulraheem Salami urged the freed inmates not to take the pardon for granted but to work on themselves to become better persons.

Mr Salami appealed to the Chief Judge to abide by her promise of visiting the custodial centres periodically to decongest the facilities.

He maintained that the Agodi Custodial Centre which was constructed to hold three hundred inmates now has one thousand two hundred and fifty inmates serving various sentences and others awaiting trial.

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Judiciary

Adeleke Lauds JUSUN for Calling off Strike

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By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has commended the Judiciary Workers Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, for calling off its three-month strike action, describing the resolution as a direct outcome of his arbitration.

In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the Governor was reacting to the reopening of the court system in Osun state, which he noted was due to a series of positive interventions by the executive arm of government.

“We all know the executive should not intervene in judicial matters. We are all aware the issues are centred on human resource management and sundry operational matters. I believed all along that the judicial management in the state should take up the matter.

“This expectation was not fulfilled. So I was compelled to act because the matter was degenerating and negatively affecting the administration of justice in the state.

“At first, I ordered fresh re-payment of the withheld salaries of some judicial staff, hoping this would put an end to the strike. However, the dispute persisted over other issues such as wardrobe allowance and other operational questions.

Governor Adeleke, therefore, appealed to signatories to the agreement to abide by its terms to ensure lasting peace in the judicial sector.

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Judiciary

OGHA Acknowledges Receipt of Gov. Abiodun’s Letter on Justice Adebisi

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By Omolara Adasofunjo

Ogun State House of Assembly has received Governor Dapo Abiodun’s letter, requesting the confirmation of Justice Adebisi Femi-Segun as the substantive President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Ogun State in line with the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.

Speaker of the House, Mr Oludaisi Elemide while reading the Governor’s correspondence during plenary had explained that Justice Adebisi Femi-Segun was sworn in as the Acting President of the Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal, following the retirement of the pioneer substantive President of the Court, Justice M. A Ojo. 

Consequently, the nominee has been directed to submit 30 copies of each of his credentials to the Assembly and appear for screening on Monday 11th, March 2024 at noon.

Meanwhile, the Assembly had earlier assured the women’s wing of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC of its commitment to initiatives towards addressing gender-based issues affecting women and other vulnerable groups.

Mr Elemide gave the assurance when he received a delegation of the NLC Women Committee at the Assembly as part of the activities to commemorate International Women’s Day. 

Represented by the Deputy Clerk of the House, Mrs Funmi Adeyemi, the Speaker described women as the bedrock of every society, noting that the Assembly as a gender-sensitive arm of the government, would always give priority to their welfare. 

Earlier, the Chairperson of the NLC Women Committee in the State, Comrade Omolara Olaiya had pointed out that the visit was to sensitise the people on the importance of International Women’s Day towards addressing the issues relating to women. 

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Judiciary

Appeal Court Stops Restraining Order Against Abure, Others

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court which restrained Julius Abure and two others from parading themselves as national officers of the party.

Ruling on an ex parte application on April 5, 2023, Hamza Muazu, the Presiding Judge, had restrained Abure, Farouk Ibrahim, Clement Ojukwu, and Oluchi Opara from acting as national officers of the LP.

The court also dismissed the objection raised by Abure challenging his removal as chairman of the LP.

The suit which was filed by Martins Esikpali John, Lucky Shaibu, Isah Zekeri, Omogbai Frank, Abokhaiu Aliu, Ayohkaire Lateef, John Elomah, and Ayobami Arabambi accused Abure and others of forging several documents of the FCT high court to carry out unlawful substitutions in the last elections.

The defendants, however, approached the appeal court for redress.

Delivering the lead judgement on Wednesday, Justice Hamman Barka held that the high court was wrong to have assumed jurisdiction on the matter.

He also awarded N1m in favour of the appellants.

Punch/

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Judiciary

OYSHA: Makinde Seeks Confirmation of Justice Tajudeen as President of Customary Court of Appeal

By Web News 316 0

By Mosope Kehinde

Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has forwarded a letter requesting the confirmation of the appointment of Hon. Justice Tajudeen Muhammad Abdul Ganiyu as the President Customary Court of Appeal, Oyo State to the State House of Assembly.

The request became imperative following the recommendation of Hon. Justice Tajudeen Muhammad Abdul Ganiyu to the National Judicial Council as President of the Court of Appeal by the Oyo State Judicial Service Commission. 

According to the letter, ” Consequent upon the request, the National Judicial Council has recommended Hon. Justice Tajudeen Muhammad Abdul Ganiyu as the new President of Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal”

Governor Makinde’s letter was read at plenary by the Speaker, of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin.

The position was vacant due to the retirement of the former President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Oyo State, Hon. Justice Moshood Akintunde Abass.

Judiciary

S’Court Swears in 11 Judges

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The Supreme Court of Nigeria has sworn in 11 new justices.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who conducted the ceremony charged the judges not to allow their ambition to cloud their sense of judgement.

Speaking further at the swearing-in held at the main courtroom of the Supreme Court, the CJN told the new justices to be prepared for criticism.

Some of the Justices are Jummai Hannatu Sankey, Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa, Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, Haruna Simon Tsammani and  Moore Aseimo A. Adumein.

Others are Obande Festus Ogbuinya, Stephen Jonah Adah, Habeeb Adewale O. Abiru, Jamilu Yammama Tukur, Abubakar Sadiq Umar, and Mohammed Baba Idris.

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Judiciary

Ogun JUSUN to Begin Strike on Monday

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By Olusegun Folarin

The Ogun State Chapter, Judiciary Staff Association of Nigeria, JUSUN, announces plans to commence a five-day warning strike over the non-payment of forty percent peculiar allowance to its members.

The Chairman of the Union, Comrade Tunji Ajiboye told Radio Nigeria in Abeokuta that strike would commence on Monday, 26th February, 2024 after the expiration of the 21 days ultimatum notice issued to the state government.

Comrade Ajiboye explained that the leadership of the union had approached the Head of Service when they noticed that the Judiciary workers had been excluded from the payment of the allowance since the state government commenced the payment to other civil servants since August last year.

The JUSUN chairman noted that the representatives of the state government had during a meeting with the union claimed that the payment of peculiar allowance was meant to bridge the gap between the core civil servants and other workers on special salary scale.

He explained that this was contrary to the document released by the state government.

Comrade Ajiboye said the union would commence indefinite strike if the state government failed to accede to their demands.

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Judiciary

CJN to Swear in New Justices of Supreme Court Monday

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The newly-appointed 11 Justices of the Supreme Court will be sworn in on Monday.

The justices are Jummai Sankey, Chidiebere Uwa, Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, Haruna Tsammani, Moore Adumein, Obande Ogbuinya, and Stephen Adah.

Others are Habeeb Abiru, Jamilu Yammama Tukur, Abubakar Sadiq Umar, and Mohammed Baba Idris

The National Assembly had on December 21, 2023, confirmed the elevation of the justices following President Bola Tinubu’s recommendation.

According to an invite sent to our correspondent on Friday, the Supreme Court’s Director of Information, Festus Akande, disclosed that the oath of office will be administered to the justices by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.

He said, “The newly appointed 11 Justices of the Supreme Court will be sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Monday at 10.00 a.m. at the Main Courtroom of the Supreme Court.”

When the swearing-in of the elevated justices is done, the apex court will have the full complement of 21 justices, as stipulated by the Constitution

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Judiciary

FG Stops Treason Case against Sowore

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The Federal Government has declared its intention to discontinue the treasonable felony case instituted against the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore.

The development was made known in a document by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.

The document dated February 15, 2024, was addressed to the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division.

In the document, the government disclosed its intention to also discontinue the case against Sowore’s co-defendant, Olawale Bakare aka Mandate.

The document read, “Between the Federal Republic of Nigeria – (complainant) and Omoyele Sowore and Olawale Bakare aka Mandate (defendants).

“Notice of discontinuance. By virtue of the power conferred on me under Section 174 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, Section 107 (1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Aet 2015 and all other powers enabling me on that behalf, I, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN intend to discontinue Charge No FHC/ABI/CR/235/2019.

“Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.”

Meanwhile, the trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, had on Wednesday, February 14, threatened to strike out the over four-year-long treasonable felony case.

The judge also urged the Federal Government’s prosecution team to get its acts together following the inability of the FG’s counsel to make clear their arguments in court on Wednesday and in November 2023.

Sowore was arrested by DSS operatives at midnight on August 3, 2019, two days before a planned #RevolutionNow protest tagged “Days of Rage,” convened by the pro-democracy activist and slated for August 5, 2019.

Following his arrest, he was arraigned by the DSS on several occasions and was later released following sustained pressure.

Sowore was being legally represented in court by the law firm of pro-democracy and human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN.

Meanwhile, Sowore has vowed to sue the Federal Government and the Department of State Services to the tune of ₦100 billion, for the cost of time and resources, mental and financial trauma caused by his person, businesses, wife and children, and extended family, and the alleged assassination of his younger brother, Olajide Sowore in 2021.

He made the development known on Thursday in an exclusive telephone interview with our correspondent.

The pro-democracy activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress noted that he would sue the FG both in Nigeria and the United States for all the trauma and pains that were inflicted on him while he was detained and later confined within Nigeria for about five years.

Sowore said, “I’m not supposed to be congratulated because the Federal Government had now decided to discontinue the treasonable felony case against me. I didn’t commit any crime, they only decided to waste my time and the resources of the country.

“But we’re not giving up. I will sue the Federal Government of Nigeria and the DSS for ₦1billion as compensation for the cost of time and resources, mental and financial trauma that they caused my person, my businesses, my wife and children, and my extended family, and also for the assassination of my brother, Olajide Sowore during this five-year period that I was abducted, detained, and now confined to Nigeria while they seized my passport.”

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Judiciary

Strike: Sheath Sword, Adeleke Urges JUSUN

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By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has again called for an amicable resolution of the ongoing strike action by the Osun State Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, expressing unhappiness on the delay of justice administration due to the industrial action.

Speaking while hosting a delegation of the national leadership of the judicial union led by its President, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu, Governor Adeleke narrated his interventions to resolve the strike to include the payments of the withheld salaries of some judicial workers and negotiations with the union on their wardrobe allowances.

Describing the dispute as purely a judicial matter, Governor Adeleke said the subject matter of the industrial action has nothing to do with the Executive arm of government, stressing that his intervention was to avoid further delay in the state’s justice administration system.

“I thank you for visiting Osun State. We value your interventions. I have tried to address some of the issues, but most of them are not within my purview. Your presence in Osun will speed up the resolution efforts.

“As the national body, help us interface with all the parties to find amicable resolutions. You have my full support for this assignment “, the Governor told the team.

Responding, the JUSUN National President, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu, described the industrial action and the protracted paralysis of the Osun judiciary as unfortunate, saying his late intervention was due to his health condition.

Comrade Adamu who assured Governor Adeleke that industrial peace would soon be restored to the state judiciary said he was in Osun state to find a lasting solution and meet with all stakeholders.

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Judiciary

S’Court Affirms Fintiri as Adamawa Governor

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By Ifeoma Nwovu

The Supreme Court has affirmed the election of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as Governor of Adamawa State.

Justice Inyang Okoro who read the lead judgement of the Five-Man Panel of Justices, dismissed the appeal by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aisha Dahiru.

While dismissing her appeal for lacking in merit, Justice Inyang Okoro held that the act of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Hudu Ari, was an act of irresponsibility and criminality.

Justice Okoro further held that the Electoral Act gives the responsibility of who to declare results, and this power exclusively rests on the returning officer.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on March 20, 2023 declared the Adamawa governorship election inconclusive.

INEC’s returning officer, Mele Lamido, had announced that Fintiri scored 421,524 votes while Binani polled 390, 275.

He said the margin between the two top candidates was less than the total number of potential voters in 69 polling units where elections were cancelled.

Following the declaration of the election as inconclusive, the electoral body fixed April 15 for the conduct of the supplementary election.

Controversy ensued during collation after the REC, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, declared Binani the winner of the poll.  Yunusa-Ari announced Binani as the winner in the absence of the returning officer.

The development forced INEC to declare the announcement null and void. It thereafter summoned the REC to its headquarters in Abuja, while the collation of results continued.

The final results showed that Binani scored 398,788 votes, while Fintiri secured 430,861 votes to win the election.

After the election, Yunusa-Ari was suspended, arrested and handed over to police for prosecution.

Judiciary

S’Court Affirms Farouk Lawan’s Jail Term 

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The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an appeal by a former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, against the judgments of the lower court which imprisoned him.

A Federal Capital Territory High Court had sentenced  Lawan to seven years imprisonment for receiving a $500,000 bribe while serving as the chairman of the House’s ad-hoc committee investigating the fuel subsidy fraud in 2012.

The trial Judge, Angela Otaluka, held that Lawan demanded $3m and received $500,000 from Femi Otedola in 2012 to remove Otedola’s oil company, Zenon Oil and Gas, from the list of firms indicted for fraud in the fuel subsidy regime.

She also held that  Lawan was guilty of all three counts of corruption and bribery.

Not satisfied, Lawan approached the appellate court where his jail term was reduced from seven to five years.

Lawan is at the Apex court urging the court to set aside the judgments of the lower court.

Reading the lead judgment, Justice Tijani Abubakar upheld the decision of the Appeal court and dismissed the appeal.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

Judiciary News

Supreme Court Dismisses Adebutu’s Appeal

By Web News 340 0

By Wuraola Bamgbose

The Supreme Court has affirmed the election of Governor Adedapo Abiodun of Ogun State.

A five-member panel of the court, in a unanimous judgment dismissed the appeal by Oladipupo Adebutu, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last governorship election in Ogun State.

Justice Tijani Abubakar, who read the lead judgment, held that Adebutu and his party failed to prove their case.

Justice Abubakar resolved all the issues raised for determination against the appellants and held that the appeal was without merit.

He proceeded to dismiss it.

Details later.

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Judiciary

S’Court Drops SDP’s Appeal against Fintiri’s Re-election

By Web News 145 0

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed an appeal by the Social Democratic Party, SDP and its candidate in the Adamawa governorship election, Umar Ardo.

This came after the counsel for the candidate prayed the court to withdraw the case. 

The five-member panel led by John Okoro subsequently dismissed the appeal.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja and the tribunal had dismissed Ardo’s petition challenging the victory of Ahmadu Fintiri

Finitiri is now left with the appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Aishatu Dahiru, seeking to be declared the governor of the state.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Judiciary

Sanctity of the Judiciary must be Protected – Justice Tsoho

By Web News 259 0

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, says the judiciary has been put on trial due to recent court decisions, especially those related to elections.

Justice Tsoho made this statement in Abuja during a special session of the court marking its new legal year and its Golden Jubilee Anniversary.

He emphasized the need for judges to protect the independence and sanctity of the judiciary, considering the current public opinion of the judiciary.

Justice Tsoho also mentioned that the Court will enter the new legal year with over 140,000 cases but expressed confidence in addressing them promptly alongside his fellow judges.

“In the past legal year, 15,025 cases were filed, and 12,870 were resolved. With an additional 2,155 cases carried over from the previous year, the total pending cases amount to 144,910.“

He also mentioned that the court now has 38 judicial divisions and 95 judges, reflecting substantial growth and its significant role within the Nigerian judiciary’s hierarchy.

FRCN Abuja/Adetutu Adetule

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Judiciary

NJC Recommends Falola’s Retirement, Rejects Osun Assembly’s Resolution on CJ

By Web News 317 0

By Folake Oye

The National Judicial Council has recommended the compulsory retirement of a judge of the Osun State High Court Justice Sakariyah Oyejide Falola.

The decision was reached at the 104th NJC Meeting chaired by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola between December 6 and 7, 2023, in Abuja.

The NJC said Justice Falola was found guilty of granting a garnishee order absolute against Polaris Bank for the sum of N283,174,000.00 in a questionable manner.

A statement by the Director of Information, NJC, Adesoji Oye, said the investigation committee found that Falola travelled to Lagos to visit the counsel to the bank on the issue of garnishee proceedings, an action it described as unprofessional.

 The NJC spokesman said the Council had recommended that Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State compulsorily retire Justice Falola.

He noted that the NJC had suspended Falola from office pending the approval of the recommendation of his compulsory retirement by Governor Adeleke.

Oye said, “The National Judicial Council, under the Chairmanship of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, at its 104th Meeting of 6 and 7 December 2023, has recommended the compulsory retirement of Honourable Justice S. O. Falola of the Osun State High Court from the bench.

“The recommendation was made sequel to the findings of an investigation committee in a petition written against His Lordship by Mr. Dapo Kolapo Olowo and Polaris Bank for granting a garnishee order absolute against the bank for the sum of N283,174,000.00 questionably and strangely, and endorsement of the order, attaching the account of the garnishee with another garnishee and not the account of the judgment debtor, who had the legal obligation to pay the supposed judgment sum.

“It further found the conduct of the subject judge, travelling to Lagos to visit the counsel for the bank in his chambers on the issue of garnishee proceedings, unbecoming of the standard expected of a judicial officer.”

In a related development, the National Judicial Council has rejected the request of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke to appoint the next most senior judge in the state, Justice David Olayinka Afolabi, in an acting capacity.

This decision follows allegations against the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo and the resolution of the State House of Assembly to suspend her.

The NJC, which affirmed Justice Ojo as the recognized Chief Judge of Osun State, also rejected the resolution of the Osun State Assembly.

This decision was outlined in a statement signed by the NJC Director of Information, Soji Oye.

The Council, emphasizing its constitutional authority to investigate Judicial Officers and recommend actions to the Governor, directed Osun State to return to the status quo.

“Council considered and declined the request of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to swear in the next Most Senior Judge in the State in an acting capacity, following allegations against Hon. Justice Adepele Ojo, Chief Judge, Osun State, and the resolution of the State House of Assembly to suspend him.

“The Council affirmed that Hon. Justice Ojo is still the recognized Chief Judge of Osun State and would not act on the resolution of a State House of Assembly. Consequently, Osun State should revert to the status quo.”

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Judiciary

Osun Govt. Assures JUSUN of Credible Response, Faults Report on Environs

By Web News 388 0

By Funmi Adekoya-Ojo/Folake Oye

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke says his government will not rest on its oars to ensure that the people of the state enjoy their rights.

Governor Adeleke stated this while hosting members of the Osun State Judiciary Staff Union, JUSUN, who were wrongfully suspended and had their fifty-seven months’ salaries allegedly diverted.

Governor Adeleke, represented by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi appreciated members of JUSUN, for their mutual understanding and maturity, saying, the government is concerned about JUSUN and would not allow the members of the judiciary to suffer for no reason.

He expressed joy that the national body has waded into the matter, noting that the suspended Judiciary staff salaries had been paid by the state government.

While urging members of JUSUN to continue to maintain peace and their dignity, most especially during their industrial actions, the Governor assured that all other demands of the Union would be looked into

In his remarks, the Chairman, Osun State Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Comrade Olugbenga Eludire commended the state government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke for its quick response towards the well-being of the judiciary Staff in the state.

On the issue of their industrial strike, Comrade Eludire said the industrial action is still ongoing adding that only the national body of the judiciary can give an order to either suspend or call it off

Meanwhile, the state government says Osun remains one of the cleanest states in the country.

Special Adviser to the State Governor on Environment and Sanitation, Mr Babatunde Balogun stated this in a statement in Osogbo in reaction to a report credited to a group which rated Osogbo, the state’s capital as the dirtiest in the country.

While reiterating the commitment of the present administration to deal with the numerous challenges posed by environmental degradation in the state, Mr Balogun noted that both the state capital and major cities were always kept clean daily by the sweepers, parkers and PSP operators.

He explained that some large trucks were functioning, with small trucks packing over 1000 tonnes of waste to various dump sites every day for effective management.

Mr Balogun maintained that Governor Adeleke was keen towards creating a conducive and clean environment for the entire state’s citizens. 

He said the state government was working assiduously on innovations that would assist the environment and sanitation sector development and also ensure that the state shines amongst its equals.

Mr Balogun, who described the write-up as barbaric, warned the group to desist from such act, noting that it was a deliberate attempt to rubbish the good work of the performing Governor.

The Special Adviser also charged residents to take concrete actions towards ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment to assist the government in its bid to make the environment clean.

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