Judiciary

Ondo Trains Judicial Officers on VAPP Law

By Web News 538

By Olufisoye Adenitan

Ondo state government says it will continue to empower judicial workers and prosecutors with training and retraining towards adequate usage of the VAPP Law to prosecute sexual and gender-based violence offenders and get justice for survivors.

The Executive Secretary, Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence, OSSAGBV, Mrs Bolanle Afolabi made this known at a Stakeholders engagement with Ondo Magistrates and Prosecutors facilitated by the state government and Westminster Foundation for Democracy in Akure.

Mrs. Afolabi admonished the Judicial Officers to be open-minded in refraining from doing things that would deny Gender-based violence victims of Quick Justice.

Speaking on the roles of prosecutors in Gender Based Violence cases, Assistant Director, Ministry of Justice, Oyo state, Mrs Deborah Collins emphasized the need for prosecutors to serve as Investigators to get in-depth knowledge of Issues.

Mrs. Collins charged the Judicial Officers to exonerate themselves from biases encountered in the criminal justice system to give the sector more credibility.

In her submission, Professor of Gender Studies, Adekunle Ajasin University, Bukola Osunyikanmi, emphasized that GBV was a global pandemic that needed the support of the judiciary sector for a quick justice system for victims.

She called on mothers to make discipline more statutory for children considering the gravity of offenses perpetrated by teenagers in recent times. 

The Director of Legal Services, Ondo State Ministry of Justice, Mrs Stella Adegoke explained that the VAPP Law has adequate provisions to address  GBV cases and punish offenders.

In her goodwill messages, a member, Ondo State House of Assembly from Ilaje Constituency II, Mrs. Olawumi Fayemi reaffirmed the resolve of the legislative arm of government to continue to pass gender-friendly bills that would stop gender-based violence cases in the State.

Earlier, Country Director, Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Mr Adebowale Olorunmola stressed that WFD was committed to improved Advocacy and engagement of stakeholders for adequate usage of the VAPP Law to get justice for victims and survivors.

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Judiciary

Oyo Swears in 15 Magistrates

By Web News 467

By Jeffery Ahonmisi

The Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima has sworn-in fifteen new magistrates, saying it would enable the state judiciary to perform better.

The new magistrates are: Adebola Adedoyin, Olasumbo Kudirat, Raji Ayomide, Adelabu Victoria, Rufus Adeoluwa, Ige Oladipupo and Jimoh Kazeem.

Others are Amin Aminat, Adebiyi Aderemi, Atanda Moyosore, Fasasi Kabirat, Oladele Gladys, Ayanfe Kaosarat, Tolani Sofiat and Macus Omolara.

Justice Yerima, at the event held at the State High Court premises, Ring Road, Ibadan noted that the Oyo State Magistrate had, over time, suffered a shortfall in the number of magistrates.

She said there were only nineteen magistrates presiding in the various Magistrates’ Courts, spread over all the magisterial districts in the state.

According to her, there have been circumstances where a magistrate would preside over more than one magisterial district but expressed optimistic that the situation was set to change.

The Chief Judge however charged the newly appointed magistrates to exercise their authority with fairness, impartiality, honour and utmost integrity.

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Judiciary

Ogun Chief Judge Grants Inmates Amnesty

By Web News 356

By Wale Oluokun

The Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has granted amnesty to seven inmates as part of the measures to decongest correctional centres in the state.

Justice Dipeolu while speaking at a jail delivery exercise held at the conference hall of the State Judiciary Complex in Abeokuta stated that the details of the released inmates, including their names, fingerprints, and pictures, were thoroughly documented for record purposes.

She advised the beneficiaries of the amnesty to refrain from committing offences, as they may not be as lucky if they find themselves back in custody in the future.

The officer in charge of the old Custodian Centre, Mr James Ogunmoyede, while speaking commended the state government for its support in ensuring prompt justice dispensation, and charged the Heads of Correctional Centres to ensure prompt notification of the Chief Judge of occurrences.

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Judiciary

Independence of the judiciary will ensure stability – Gov. Abiodun

By Web News 373

By Bolanle Adesida

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has urged the judiciary to continue to put necessary measures in place towards ensuring a stable political system in the country.

Governor Abiodun made the plea at Okemosan Abeokuta while swearing in a judge of the State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Oriyomi  Sofowora.

Governor Abiodun said the independence of judiciary was a vital tool in strengthening democracy and institutionalizing the rule of law, hence the need for judicial officers to be above board in carrying out their duties.

The Governor expressed optimism that the appointment of the new judge would enhance the tradition of integrity, diligence, and excellence that have been the hallmark of the state judiciary.

He commended members of the state’s judiciary for upholding the excellent tradition of the profession, emphasizing that the present administration would continue to ensure a strong and functional judicial system. 

In a remark, Justice Sofowora who thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve as the judge in the Customary Court of Appeal, pledged to discharge her duties without fear or favour.

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Judiciary

Tribunal Dismisses APM’s Petition against Makinde

By Web News 399

By Jeffery Ahonmisi

The governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Iyaganku, Ibadan has dismissed the petition of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, against the March 18 governorship victory of the Peoples Democratic candidate, Mr Seyi Makinde.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Ejiro Emudainohwu while dismissing the petition also awarded the cost of one million naira each to the second and third respondents who are the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Mr Seyi Makinde.

Reacting after the ruling, counsel to Mr. Seyi Makinde, Otunba Kunle Kalejaiye, SAN, applauded Justice Emudainohwu for awarding the cost and dismissing the petition to serve as a deterrent to political parties who might want to file a frivolous petition and waste precious time and resources of the court.

Also reacting counsel to the Allied Peoples Movement, Mr. Henry Bello said the party decided to withdraw the petition since the party’s governorship candidate in the March 18 election, Mr. Adeniran Oluwaseyi had congratulated Governor Seyi Makinde on his victory.

Recalled that the state executives of the Allied Peoples Movement had on Monday this week withdrawn the National Parties Petition against the victory of Mr. Seyi Makinde in the March 18 governorship election.

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Judiciary News

Legal Icon Advocates Decentralization of Supreme Court

By Web News 394

By Iyabo Adebisi

A retired Justice of Court of Appeal, Abuja, Division, Justice Peter Ige has advocated the decentralization of supreme Court  for more effective administration of justice.

He stated this at his retirement valedictory court session in his honour held at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division. 

Justice Ige pointed out that there was nothing wrong if the supreme Court have divisions like Court of appeal especially in the six geo-political zones to take justices to the grassroots and reduce burden on court. 

Justice Ige however called for the appointment of more Judges to complement the 90 Judges  the Appeal Court is currently having, noting that Court of Appeal had been depleted as a result of retirements and deaths thereby making the workload of the intermediate Court very heavy. 

He equally urged the Federal government to look into the the need for all pre and post- election matter to be determined before swearing in of winners of elections for transparency and sanity into the nation’s electoral process. 

Justice Ige while making his observations on legal impediments in legal electoral adjudication in Nigeria believed strongly that post election matters be determined for the mutual benefit of all the  stakeholders in electoral process and adjudication. 

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dongban-Mensem who spoke through  Justice Chioma Nwosu- Iheme noted that Justice Ige  exemplified the virtue of fairness, integrity, diligence and deep commitment to upholding principle of justice expected of a judicial officer

The representative of the Nigeria Bar Association, Dr Oladipo Olatope, while lauding the recent reforms of President Tinubu led government, stressed the need for necessary transformational reforms that would ensure administration of justice as well as enhance the nation’s legal jurisprudence. 

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Judiciary

Obasanjo, Jonathan, Yar’Adua, Buhari should account for $5bn Abacha loot – Court

By Web News 412

The Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the disclosure of the spending details of about $5 billion Abacha recovered funds by the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari.

The Freedom Of Information suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/407/2020 from which the order emerged was brought before the court by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project.

Dismissing the objections advanced by the FG, the justice held among others, that SERAP is entitled to the information on the spending details of about $5bn Abacha money, and need not show any special interest in the information sought.

Joined as defendants in the suit are the Minister of Finance and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Delivering judgement, Justice Omotosho granted the following orders of mandamus against the federal government compelling it (through the Ministry of Finance and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice) to provide and disclose the following information to SERAP: Exact amount of money stolen by General Sani Abacha from Nigeria, and the total amount of Abacha loot recovered and all agreements signed on same since the return of democracy in 1999 till date.

The court also directed the FG to disclose details of the projects executed with the recovered funds, locations of any such projects, and the names of companies and contractors that carried or are carrying out the projects.

Moreso, it ordered the disclosure of “details of specific roles played by the World Bank and other partners in the execution of any projects funded with Abacha loot since 1999.”

“Refer any allegations of corruption involving the execution of projects with Abacha money to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for investigation.”

“Ensure that anyone involved in alleged corruption in projects executed with Abacha money is brought to justice if there is relevant and sufficient admissible.”

In his judgment, the Justice on July 3, held that “…the application by SERAP is meritorious and the Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance is hereby ordered to furnish SERAP with the full spending details of about $5bn Abacha loot within 7 days of this judgment.”

Justice Omotosho also held that “The excuse by the Minister of Finance is that the Ministry has searched its records and the details of the exact public funds recovered from Abacha and how the funds have been spent are not held by the Ministry. The excuse has no leg to stand in view of section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act.”

Justice Omotosho’s judgment, read in part: “The failure of the Minister of Finance to write to SERAP informing it of where the said information exists or to transfer the request to public office who has custody of such information is fatal to their case under section 5 of the Freedom of Information Act.”

“The Ministry cannot use a blanket statement that it was not in possession of the said records of about $5bn Abacha money sought by SERAP. The government failed to provide details of the projects executed with the money. It also failed to provide locations of the projects and the names of the companies and contractors that carried out or are carrying out the projects funded with the money.”

“I hold that by the clear wordings of section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, access to information about spending details of $5bn Abacha loot was denied SERAP by the Federal Government.”

“The Federal Government had filed a 14 paragraph Counter Affidavit deposed to by Abah Sunday, Litigation Officer in the office of the Attorney General of the Federation arguing that SERAP’s suit is frivolous, as it has not shown that the government denied it the information it seeks.”

“The Federal Government has also stated that SERAP has not established sufficient interest in its application. The government urged the Court to dismiss the suit.”

“For the sake of emphasis, possession of locus standi has been the bane of the citizens’ advocates, in the public interest litigation, to query transparency and accountability in governance in Nigeria.”

“In a democratic dispensation, such as in Nigeria, the citizens have been proclaimed the owners of sovereignty and mandates that place leaders in the saddle.”

“The requirement is a serious fracture of the citizens’ inalienable right to ventilate their grievances against poor governance vis-à-vis expenditure of public funds generated from their taxes.”

“The sacrosanct provision of Section 1(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, which has ostracised this disturbing requirement, has, admirably, remedied the harmful mischief appurtenant to it.”

“Clearly, section 1 gives a person the right to access any information from any public institution in Nigeria. SERAP is an organization registered in Nigeria and thus a juristic person. As a juristic person, SERAP need not show any specific interest in the spending details of about $5bn Abacha money to be entitled to the same.”

“I therefore hold that SERAP is entitled to the information on the spending details of about $5bn Abacha money, and need not show any special interest in the information sought.”

“The provision of Section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act is quite clear and mandates that public institutions or public officers such as the Minister of Finance and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice must make available the information requested within 7 days of the request.”

In the letter dated 8 July 2023 sent to President Tinubu on the judgment, and signed by SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said, “We urge you to demonstrate your expressed commitment to the rule of law by immediately obeying and respecting the judgment of the Court.”

“By immediately complying with the judgment, your government will be demonstrating to Nigerians that it is different from the Buhari government, which persistently and brazenly defied the country’s judiciary, and sending a powerful message to politicians and others that there will be no impunity for grand corruption.”

“Immediately implementing the judgment will restore trust and confidence in the independence of Nigeria’s judiciary. SERAP urges you to make a clean break with the past and take clear and decisive steps that demonstrate your commitment to the rule of law, transparency, and accountability in the governance processes.”

“SERAP trusts that you will see compliance with this judgment as a central aspect of the rule of law; an essential stepping stone to constructing a basic institutional framework for legality and constitutionality. We, therefore, look forward to your positive response and action on the judgment.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Judiciary

Kano Govt. Withdraws Suit Stopping Ganduje’s Probe

By Web News 329

The Kano State Government has withdrawn its suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, seeking to stop it from further inviting, investigating, or interrogating the immediate past Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje.

The notice of withdrawal of the suit submitted before Federal High Court Kano was contained in a letter signed by the Kano Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi, dated 4th July 2023, and addressed to Sanusi Musa, SAN.

It read,”We write to notify you that Kano State Government and the Attorney General of Kano State wish to debrief you of the earlier instructions, given to you to handle the case NO: FHC/ KN/71/2023 between Attorney General of Kano State and Economic and Financial Crimes

“You and your team members are therefore instructed not to take any further steps on the matter, either by appearing in court or filing any processes in respect of the case” the Kano Attorney General concluded.

Recall that the Kano State government under the former governor through the Ministry of Justice had issued a fiat instrument to restrain EFCC from investigating the controversial dollar video.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Judiciary

Court Adjourns Seun Kuti’s Trial Till September 27

By Web News 335

The absence of Chief Magistrate, Adeola Olatunbosun of the Yaba Magistrates’s court has further stalled the trial of Afrobeat Musician, Seun Kuti.

The Registrar, Mr Babalola, in the absence of the chief Magistrate, Olatunbosun, adjourned the case till September 27, 2023, for the continuation of the proceeding.

Magistrate Olatunbosun was said to have resumed her administrative leave and was thus absent in court today.

It was earlier reported that the Lagos State Police Command arraigned the Afrobeat musician, on May 16, 2023.

The defendant was charged with assault on a police officer, an offense contrary to Section 356 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act.

Meanwhile, on May 24, Magistrate Olatunbosun in her ruling stated that the police cannot be the complainant and also the prosecutor of the case.

She, therefore requested the DPP’s advice to continue the prosecution.

She said, “I need the advice of the DPP to know whether he should be prosecuted or not.”

She thus adjourned the case till July 3, 2023, for the DPP’s advice.

However, today the case was further adjourned for the continuation of proceeding following the absence of Magistrate Olatunbosun.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Judiciary

INEC Mounts Defence at Presidential Poll Tribunal

By Web News 471

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has opened its defence of the February 25 presidential election before the Presidential Election Petition Court sitting in Abuja.

This is coming after the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Labour Party, LP, and their presidential candidates had successfully closed their cases penultimate on the 23rd of last month, at the Court.

When the matter came up, INEC’s lead counsel and former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Mr Abubakar Mahmood informed the Court of his plan to call three witnesses to counter the allegations of the Labour Party and its Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.

Mr Mahmood argued that none of the witnesses was in court due to domestic reasons for him to open the defense and pleaded for an adjournment.

The lead counsel for the petitioner, Dr Livy Uzuoku expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the electoral body.

However, Chief Wole Olanipekun, who stood for President Bola Tinubu and Prince Lateef Fagbemi, who represented the All Progressives Congress APC did not object to the request for adjournment by INEC.

The Chairman of the Court, Justice Haruna Tsammani subsequently adjourned until tomorrow for the electoral body to commence its defence.

FRCN Abuja/Adetutu Adetule

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Judiciary

Judiciary needs total organisational, financial autonomy – Adegboruwa, SAN

By Web News 569

By Adebola Ajayi

There is the urgent need for Nigeria judiciary to be sufficiently funded and totally independent, to enable it to function efficiently and remain the last hope of the masses.

A legal luminary, Mr Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN, gave the indication at the 12th Public Lecture of Ogun State Bar and Bench Forum, held at the State Judiciary Complex, Abeokuta.

In the lecture entitled, “the Role of the Judiciary in Democratic Government: A Social Engineering or Quagmire?”, Mr Adegboruwa described the judiciary as an essential instrument for the resolution of grievances in institutions and among the people.

While encouraging lawyers and judges to always exhibit fairness in handling cases, the legal practitioner emphasized the need for the judiciary to hold the government responsible and accountable on national issues, for the citizens to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

In a remark, the chairman of the occasion, Professor Olanrewaju Onadeko, SAN, called for attitudinal change among the members of the bar and bench, stating that the way many of them handled cases had impacted negatively on the administration of justice, with a reminder that justice delayed was justice denied.

Declaring the lecture open, Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu pointed out that a formidable judiciary was the bedrock of good governance, as the quick dispensation of justice would greatly enhance nation building, hence the need for judicial officers to rise up to the task.

Justice Dipeolu stated that the topic of the lecture was timely in the surge of election petitions across the country emanating from the just concluded general elections, noting that the integrity, astuteness, and strength of both the bar and bench were the hope of the entire citizenry, as they expected the judiciary to maintain law and order, as well as ensure the protection of human rights.

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Judiciary

New Principal Officers Take Charge at OYHA

By Web News 575

By Mosope Kehinde

The Oyo state house of Assembly has appointed principal officers for the running of the 10th Assembly.

The appointment was announced by the speaker, at the first plenary of the 10th assembly

They are Mr Salami Ayinde representing Irepo Olorunsogo constituency as minority leader, Mr Gbenga Oyekola representing Atiba constituency as chief whip, Mr Adebisi Yusuf, Ibadan Southwest, Deputy Chief whip and Mr Babalola Olasunkanmi, from Egbeda as Deputy majority leader

Meanwhile, the house constituted a seven-member ad-hoc Committee to investigate local government chairmen alleged for misappropriation of funds.

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Judiciary

OYHA Holds Valedictory Session Thursday

By Web News 644

By Mosope Kehinde

The Oyo State House of Assembly will on Thursday this week hold its valedictory session

The plenary which will wrap up the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly holds at the hallowed chamber, Parliament Building, Secretariat Ibadan.

The announcement was made by the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin through his Special Assistant on Media, Alhaji Oyetunji Oyekunle. 

The Speaker who said it has been an eventful 9th Assembly in the State, expressed appreciation to all the members of the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly for their unwavering support, commitment and dedication.

Mr Ogundoyin explained that the lawmakers have made history as the best in the annals of legislature in the State

Recall that, the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly was inaugurated by Governor Engr Seyi Makinde on June 10, 2019.

The valedictory session is to be attended by the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde and other dignitaries including Government functionaries, past leaders and lawmakers of the Assembly, leaders of political parties, traditional rulers and other stakeholders. 

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Judiciary

Court Threatens Bench Warrant against Fani-Kayode

By Web News 916

A Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, on Wednesday, threatened to declare a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, wanted over his refusal to appear before the court for his trial.

Fani-Kayode is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on 12 counts bordering on the use of false documents, use of fabricated evidence, and procuring the execution of documents by false pretence.

The ex-minister was alleged to have forged medical report(s), which he tendered before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos, where he is being prosecuted by the EFCC for an alleged N4.9bn fraud.

Justice Olubumni Abike-Fadipe, who was displeased with Fani-Kayode’s refusal to appear before the court to face his trial after his arraignment on December 17, 2021, and subsequent adjournments, made the threat on Wednesday when the matter came up.

At the last adjourned date, the defendant’s counsel, Mr Wale Balogun, informed the court of the absence of the defendant, citing ill health, which he said was connected to Fani-Kayode’s encounter with the Department of State Services, which grilled him over some comments ahead of the general elections.

Balogun had pleaded with the court to grant him adjournment with a promise to make him available at Wednesday’s proceeding.

But at the resumed hearing of the matter on Wednesday the defendant’s counsel Mr Chinozo Eze, told the court that Fani-Kayode was not in court due to health issues.

He informed the court that a medical report and a letter seeking the leave of the court to vacate the two dates were already in the court’s file.

EFCC Counsel, Zinat Atiku, confirmed the development and said the prosecution’s hands were tied as to how to forge ahead.

However, the judge frowned on the repeated absence of the defendant, noting that the last time he was in court was November 4, 2022.

The judge cited a series of excuses that had been tendered by the defendant for Fani-Kayode in court to face his trial.

Justice Abike-Fadipe, consequently threatened to issue a bench warrant against him if he fails to show up at the next adjourned date.

The judge also frowned on the prosecutor for lack of diligence in the prosecution of the case, noting that anti-graft could withdraw the matter it was not ready to prosecute it.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

Judiciary

Agodi Correctional Centre Solicits Support for Inmates’ Education

By Web News 582

By Blessing Adesanya

Integrating prison Inmates back into society requires collaboration of organisations and well meaning individuals with government.

Assistant Controller in Charge of Welfare, Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan, Mrs Oluwatosin Otubu, stated this while receiving laptops donated by a nongovernmental organisation, NGO, Centre for Gender, Health and Social Rehabilitation.

Mrs Otubu who expressed appreciation to the NGO for the gesture, explained that the materials came at a time they were desperately needed as the inmates need to be prepared for life after prison.

Also, the Assistant Controller of Corrections, ACC, Mr Olusola Ayodele said about eighty-five percent working age people dominated the correctional centre, thus the knowledge the inmates would acquire through the facilities would not only make them useful to the society but also make them responsible citizens of the country.

Earlier, Head, Managing Director Centre for Gender, Health and Social Rehabilitation based in Ile Ife, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ilesanmi, who said her organisation in conjunction with an NGO, Nigeria Connect, based in U.S.A was deeply concerned about the fate of inmates after leaving prison, pointed out that the laptops would assist the learning process of the inmates.

Mrs Ilesanmi explained that Centre for Gender, Health and Social Rehabilitation is focused on providing automated libraries, books as well as virtual library resources in form of computers, printers, scanners and other facilities to prisons to prevent a situation where the active working age class inmates lose out in the technology-driven world.

She urged the inmates to avail themselves of the opportunity the facilities provided to upgrade their learning skills.

One of the inmates, who also doubles as a teacher who appreciated the organisation for providing adequate educative materials for the centre’s inmate, called for more assistance from well meaning Nigerians.

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Judiciary

Osun National Assembly Election Tribunal Begins Sitting Tuesday

By Web News 1693

By Adenitan Akinola 

The inaugural sitting of the Osun State National Assembly and House of Assembly election petitions tribunal will commence Tuesday.

38 petitions have been filed by various political parties and candidates challenging the outcome of the 2023 elections.

The Tribunal consists of 2 panels with one handling petitions connected with the National Assembly elections, while the other one will adjudicate on matters with respect to the House of Assembly elections.

The Secretary of the tribunal, Alhaji Mohammed Mogaji told Radio Nigeria that there were three petitions in the Senatorial contest, nine for the House of Representatives seats and twenty-four for the state House of Assembly seats.

Alhaji Mogaji said some of the parties filed applications and were granted reliefs to inspect election materials, but did not eventually bring any petition.

Surprisingly, the major opposition party during February and March elections in Osun State, the APC only presented petitions in federal and state House of Assembly constituencies, while the ruling PDP is challenging the only House of Assembly seat won by the APC.

Thirty-four of the petitions were filed by the Action Alliance Party which finished in a distance 5th position in the election, while the NNPP filed only one.

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Crime Judiciary

Ekweremadu, Wife Bag Jail Term in UK

By Web News 1175

The United Kingdom court has sentenced former Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, Ike Ekweremadu, to nine years and eight months in prison for an organ trafficking plot.

The court also sentenced his wife, Beatrice, to four years six months while the medical doctor who acted as a ‘middleman’ in the plot, Dr Obinna Obeta, was sentenced to 10 years and his medical license was also suspended.

According to reports, in March 2023 that the jury found they criminally conspired to bring a 21-year-old Lagos street trader to London to exploit him for his kidney.

The young man was said to have been falsely presented as Sonia’s cousin in a failed bid to persuade doctors to carry out an £80,000 private procedure at the Royal Free Hospital in London.

The young man was said to have been offered an illegal reward to become a donor for Sonia after kidney disease forced her to drop out of a master’s degree in film at Newcastle University.

Their conviction was the first verdict of its kind under the Modern Slavery Act.

Details later…

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

Judiciary

Supreme Court Grants FG’s Request on Kanu

By Web News 1079

The Supreme Court has granted leave to the Federal Government to bring nine new grounds of appeal against the release of pro-Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu.

A five-member panel led by Justice John Okoro granted the leave on Thursday while ruling on the motion by the counsel to the Federal Government, Mister Tijani Gadzali.

The apex court also granted leave to the Federal Government to include these nine new grounds as part of its amended notice of appeal dated 28th October 2022.

At the resumed hearing, Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, Mike Ozekhome, informed the court of his motions seeking for bail of his client and another seeking for his transfer to the Kuje Correctional Facility to get proper medical attention citing his failing health at the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

He also prayed for an accelerated hearing of the matter.

Speaking on the motion for the transfer of Kanu out of the custody of the DSS, the Federal Government’s counsel prayed for an adjournment to file a counter affidavit, stating that he just took over the matter.

As it seems likely that hearing the motion, particularly that seeking the transfer of Nnamdi Kanu may likely delay the hearing of the main suit, the court advised Ozekhome to withdraw the pending motions and enable him to focus on the main appeal.

The court subsequently fixed May 11 for a hearing on the pending motion and the main appeal.

Recall that the Appeal court had on October 13, 2022, cleared Kanu of Alleged treason and terrorism charges against him after dismissing the remaining six counts levelled against him by the Federal Government.

The Appeal Court panel faulted the process of extraditing him back to Nigeria from Kenya on grounds of it being in breach of international protocol.

Another panel of the same court, however, on the 28th of October 2022, reversed its earlier decision ordering a stay of execution pending a hearing and determination of the appeal of the supreme court.Culled / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Judiciary

Makinde Swears in Yerima as Substantive CJ

By Web News 559

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has sworn in Justice Iyabo Yerima as substantive Chief Judge of the state.

At the ceremony held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Governor Makinde said that his administration would give Justice Yerima the support needed to carry out her duties diligently.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (right) sign; his deputy, Bayo Lawal (left); the newly swear-in Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima (second right) and Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Service, Governor’s Office, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.

The governor said that the appointment of Justice Iyabo Yerima was based on her experience, capacity and her conviction to do what is right to build a strong judiciary institution.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (second right); his deputy, Barr Bayo Lawal (left); Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Muhammed Fadeyi (right) and the newly swear-in Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.

In a remark, the newly sworn-in substantive Oyo CJ, Justice Iyabo Yerima pledged to take the state Judiciary to a greater height.

The CJ promised to complete the construction of the High Court in Ogbomoso and the renovation of the High Court in the state before the end of the first term of the present administration.

It would be recalled that a few months ago the new Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima was sworn in as the Acting Chief Judge of the state.

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Judiciary

Court Imprisons Two over Defamation

By Web News 451

 A Magistrate court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State capital has sentenced two persons namely Gidado Shuaib and Olufemi Alfred to three months imprisonment over a case of criminal conspiracy and defamation levelled against them. 

The convicts, who were given an option of a fine of N100, 000.00 each were arraigned in court on a First Information Report dated  November  2019 for offences of criminal conspiracy and defamation contrary to sections  97 and 392 of the penal law.

Their arraignment followed a petition written against them by  Hillcrest Agro- Allied Industries Limited located at Kilometre 4, Ajase -Ipo road, Amberi village, Kwara state over a published article in News Digest  “titled Inside Kwara factory where Indian hemp is legalised “.

The article, according to the petitioner, portrayed the company, which is into rice production as a place where Indian hemp is being smoked freely by workers.  

Vanguard/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Judiciary

Minor Defilement: Moroccan Court Increases Jail Terms of Offenders

By Web News 430

A Moroccan court has sharply increased the jail sentences handed down against three men convicted of “indecent assault” for the repeated rape of an 11-year-old girl in a case that sparked public outrage.

The appeals court in Rabat sentenced one man to 20 years in prison early Friday and the other two to 10.

Lawyers for the girl, who is now 12, had appealed after a lower court sentenced one of her three alleged attackers to two years in prison, and the others to 18 months each.

 All three could have faced up to 30 years behind bars.

The appeals court ordered the three men to pay damages totalling 140,000 dirhams (nearly $14,000) instead of the 50,000 dirhams ordered by the lower court.

 “We are satisfied with the decision which delivered justice to the victim,” lawyer Abdelfattah Zahrach told AFP after the marathon hearing.

 “That said, we do not understand why two of the accused have been only sentenced to 10 years,” he said, adding that he was considering a further appeal to the Court of Cassation “after consulting the child’s family”.

The court had heard testimonies from the victim and a witness, also a minor, in private after the prosecution requested it, citing child protection concerns.

The public gallery was packed for Thursday’s hearing, which ran on into the early hours of Friday.

 The victim, looking frail and silent, was accompanied by her grandmother and father.

The defendants faced the same charges as in the original trial — “misappropriation of a minor” and “indecent assault on a minor with violence”.

The prosecution requested that “rape” be added to the charges, a request rejected by the judge.

 The accused hung their heads in the dock as the evidence was presented.

 One of the men was confronted with a DNA test proving that he is the father of a now 13-month-old child born to the girl.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Judiciary

OYHA Confirms Iyabo Yerima as Chief Judge

By Web News 550

By Mosope Kehinde

Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA has confirmed the nomination of Justice Iyabo Yerima as the Chief Judge of the state.

The confirmation followed the recommendation of the House Committee on Public Petition and Judiciary after the due screening, pursuant to a directive of the House on Thursday, 6th April 2023.

At a plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr Abiodun Fadeyi, the chairman, House Committee on Public Petitions and Judiciary, Mr Mustapha said after a thorough screening of Justice Iyabo Yerima, the committee found her worthy of the appointment.

While addressing lawmakers on the floor of the House, Justice Yerima said she would do her best to ensure a better judiciary system in Oyo State.

Justice Yerima has been in an acting capacity since 16th January 2023 when Justice Muntar Abimbola bowed out of the Bench.

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Judiciary

Late Ex-ICJ Jurists, Ajibola Exhibited Deep Love for Nigeria- Chief Ayorinde SAN

By Web News 753

By Dayo Adu

An Ibadan-based Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde has said that the best way to immortalize the late former world court Jurist, Prince Bola Ajibola was for Nigerian leaders to institute good governance in the country.

Chief Ayorinde stated this while speaking with a Radio Nigeria correspondent on the life and times of the former Attorney-General of the Federation whom he described as an iconic figure that lived a selfless life.

Chief Ayorinde, a former Pro-Chancellor of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, noted that the late jurist made his mark as one of the best jurists in the world and exhibited deep love for Nigeria through his mentoring initiatives to the people.

“This is one of the best jurists in the world, not only in Nigeria, he was at the world court and he made his mark, he was Attorney-General of the Federation, he was president of the Nigerian Bar Association, he was a selfless person, before his demise, he established a university, he was not selfish and gave his all to the nation.”

While setting agenda for the in-coming administration at both national and states level, the high-profile Legal luminary urged the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to emulate the Late Chief Bola Ajibola by sustaining the hope of Nigerians through the institution of quick interventions that would ameliorate their sufferings.

He advised him not to be distracted by the post-election cases, noting that there would always be ripples after elections, but he should stay focused when he takes up the mantle of office and ensure his policies tackle issues of power, infrastructure, security and education to make good impact in-line with his Renewed Hope mantra.

“Government is not rocket science, when you come into power don’t deceive people, if you do well, the people will appreciate you. Nothing should stop you from focusing on Education, security, and infrastructure. There’s nothing like focusing on one, if you manage government very well you will do all together, and the people will appreciate you.” He added

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Judiciary

Hijab: Court Awards 240,000 Naira against ISI

By Web News 543

By Nafiu Busari

An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan on Thursday awarded a total cost of 240,000 naira against the University of Ibadan International School Ibadan, ISI, for causing a delay in the hearing of a suit filed by female Muslim students of the school over the use of Hijab.

It would be recalled that 11 female Muslim students of the school and the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, had instituted the suit over the alleged refusal of the school to allow them to wear Hijab on their school uniform.

The applicants in the suit are Faridah Akerele, Aaliyah Dokpesi, Akhifah Dokpesi, Raheemah Akinlusi, Iman Akinoso, Hamdallah Olosunde, Aliyyah Adebayo, Moriddiyah Yekinni, Ikhlas Badiru, Mahmuda Babarinde, Fareedah Moshood and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

Other respondents in the suit are the School Principal, Mrs Phebean Olowe; the Chairman, Board of Governors, Professor Abideen Aderinto; and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Dr Olalekan Jeremiah; Professor Akintunde Olatunji, Lukman Ajibade, Mrs Oluwole Olubunmi, Tunde Aro, Fatumise Abey.

It would be recalled that Justice Moshood Ishola had on March 27 adjourned the case till April 6 for a hearing of the suit.

At the Thursday proceedings, Counsel for 1st to 5th respondents, Dr Babatunde Ajibade (SAN) filed an application to substitute the name of the former principal of the school, Mrs Phebean Olowe with the new principal’s name, Mr Yinka Akintunde.

Dr Ajibade informed the court that Mrs Olowe had retired from the school and it would be proper to remove her name from the suit and substitute it with the name of the new principal.

He said that he does not want a delay in the hearing of the suit and wanted it to be heard on merit.

In his response, Counsel to 1st to 11 applicants, Mr Hassan Fajimite, informed the court that he was not opposed to the application for substitution of the name.

Mr Fajimite, however, told the court that the counsel to the 1st to 5th respondents was aware of the retirement of Mrs Olowe since October 2022 and bringing the application for substitution now was to delay the hearing of the suit.

He said the respondents’ counsel ought not to have waited until now before filling the application for substitution knowing that the case has been slated for hearing.

Counsel for the 12th applicant (MURIC), Mr Yusuf Anikulapo, aligned with the submission of Mrs Fajimite, adding that the respondents had caused unnecessary delay in hearing of the matter.

Mr Anikulapo said he was just served with the application for substitution in court now and the application has stalled the hearing of the case as slated.

He urged the court to award a cost of 100,000 naira against the 1st to 5th respondents.

Justice Moshood Ishola granted the application for substitution of the name of Mrs Olowe with Mr Akintunde in the interest of a fair hearing.

Justice Ishola said he has considered the argument of all the counsel in the matter and a cost of 20,000 naira is awarded against the 1st to 5th respondents in favour of each of the 12 applicants in the matter.

The judge adjourned the matter till May 4 for hearing of the substantive application.

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Judiciary

Kyari’s Application to Thrash Charges Rejected

By Web News 438

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed an application by a suspended Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, praying the court to strike out all charges against him.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite on Wednesday, dismissed the application stating that the court has the exclusive right and Jurisdiction to hear drug-related cases as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act.

Justice Nwite held that Section 251 of the constitution confers the court the power to hear and determine the charge.

Abba Kyari, the former Head of Police Intelligence Response Team, had told the court that the NDLEA ought to have allowed police to exhaust its internal machinery before it instituting action against him.

He maintained that the Police Service Commission, PSC, has the power to investigate and discipline erring police officers in line with the Police Act & Regulations, the same way the National Judicial Council (NJC) disciplines judicial officers.

However, the judge ruled that the powers of the Police Service Commission do not supersede the powers of the Federal High Court.

FRCN Abuja / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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