ABUJA – The United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) has called on Western nations to impose visa bans on Nigerian judges who issue conflicting judicial orders on political and electoral matters. The organization emphasized the need for accountability, particularly in Rivers, Osun, and Benue states, where judicial decisions have allegedly undermined democratic principles. Concerns Over Political and Judicial Interference Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Secretary-General of UN-WCD, Prof. Tunji Asaolu, criticized the Nigerian judiciary for allowing political interference to disrupt democratic processes. He pointed out cases where judicial officers issued contradictory rulings, raising concerns about fairness and adherence to the rule of law. “In Rivers State, judges have been accused of issuing conflicting orders to influence political processes, which hampers democratic governance,” Asaolu stated. “Similarly, in Osun State, the dissolution and reinstatement of local government chairpersons saw conflicting rulings from the state’s High Court and the Appeal Court, creating unnecessary political instability.” Benue State Judiciary Under Scrutiny The congress highlighted a particularly troubling instance in Benue State, where Chief Judge Maurice Ikpambese allegedly granted waivers to petitioners of the local government election tribunal, bypassing legal security deposit requirements. Asaolu described this as a direct violation of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG), which mandates adherence to democratic values, human rights, and legal integrity. “The actions of the Benue State Chief Judge, along with those who endorsed his decisions, including the current Senate Minority Leader, should face sanctions. Their existing visas should be revoked, and new visa bans should be placed on them, just as was recommended for officials in Rivers State and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” he added. International Attention on Benue State The UN-WCD also underscored the security challenges in Benue State, where persistent violence has led to the establishment of numerous Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. The organization urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to appoint an acting Chief Judge immediately to maintain judicial stability and ensure justice for the state’s citizens. “Maintaining continuity in the judiciary is essential to uphold citizens’ rights and prevent a governance vacuum,” Asaolu noted. Call for Judicial Reforms Beyond immediate sanctions, the congress advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s judicial system. Asaolu emphasized the necessity of reforms to restore public trust in the judiciary and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic framework. For further insights on judicial reforms and democratic governance, visit International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Lagos High Court dismisses four abuse of office charges against former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele in the $2.1bn fraud case, citing lack of legal basis. Trial continues February 24. A Lagos High Court, Ikeja division, has dismissed four charges of alleged abuse of office filed against Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The charges were brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Rahman Oshodi struck out the charges while delivering a ruling on Emefiele’s preliminary objection, where he contested the court’s authority to preside over the 26-count charge involving a $2.1 billion fraud. Justice Oshodi clarified that the accusations concerning foreign exchange allocation without competitive bidding, which formed the basis of counts 1 to 4, did not constitute an offense under any written law. He stated, “Allocation of foreign exchange without reason is not defined as an offense in any written law. Therefore, counts one to four are struck out.” However, the judge affirmed the court’s jurisdiction over the remaining charges, citing relevant constitutional and statutory laws. He dismissed Emefiele’s application challenging the court’s jurisdiction, emphasizing that the EFCC had demonstrated sufficient territorial authority regarding counts 8 to 26 through the facts presented in the case file. Justice Oshodi subsequently scheduled the continuation of the trial for February 24, allowing the case to proceed. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Supreme Court of Nigeria has imposed a hefty fine of N5 million on Ambrose Owuru, a former presidential candidate, for filing frivolous lawsuits against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The apex court dismissed Owuru’s recent petition, which sought Tinubu’s removal as Nigeria’s president, labeling it as baseless and a gross abuse of judicial processes. Owuru, who contested the 2019 presidential election under the Hope Democratic Party (HDP), was also barred from filing further frivolous lawsuits at the Supreme Court. Justice Uwani Musa Aba-Aji, delivering the court’s decision, condemned Owuru’s actions, emphasizing that his conduct was unbecoming of a lawyer with over 40 years of experience. Key Court Proceedings During the proceedings, Owuru—who appeared in court dressed in his legal wig and gown—was instructed to remove them before presenting his case. When questioned, Owuru failed to provide convincing reasons for repeatedly filing dismissed suits. Justice Aba-Aji warned him of potential referral to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for his actions. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), representing Tinubu, highlighted Owuru’s history of filing baseless suits, which had previously been dismissed. He noted the poor structure of Owuru’s latest petition, which made it difficult to understand. Similarly, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) assured the court that Owuru’s behavior would be reported to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for disciplinary action. Allegations Against Tinubu Owuru’s dismissed suit claimed that Tinubu was unqualified to hold office due to two main allegations: Owuru also argued that a mix-up in hearing dates by the Supreme Court during a previous case had denied him justice. He further prayed for the court to declare him Nigeria’s rightful president and order his immediate inauguration. Previous Court Sanctions This is not the first time Owuru has faced legal penalties for his court actions. The Court of Appeal had earlier fined him N40 million for filing frivolous suits against Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and others. Supreme Court Verdict Justice Aba-Aji firmly dismissed Owuru’s suit, warning against the misuse of court processes and emphasizing the importance of upholding the legal profession’s integrity. The N5 million fine serves as both a penalty for his misconduct and a deterrent against future abuse of judicial resources. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Will President Tinubu be unseated? The Supreme Court delivers its judgment today on allegations of drug trafficking and CIA ties, reshaping Nigeria’s political future. The Supreme Court of Nigeria is set to deliver a landmark ruling today, December 16, 2024, on a lawsuit that could unseat President Bola Tinubu. The explosive case, brought forward by Chief Ambrose Albert Owuru, a 2019 presidential candidate of the Hope Democratic Party (HDP), challenges Tinubu’s qualifications to serve as president. The lawsuit revolves around allegations of past drug trafficking and purported undisclosed connections with the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Chief Owuru, a seasoned lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982, claims he was the rightful winner of the 2019 presidential election, asserting that his mandate was unlawfully taken by former President Muhammadu Buhari. He alleges that a scheduling error at the Supreme Court derailed his initial attempt to reclaim this mandate. The crux of the current case hinges on Tinubu’s 1993 forfeiture of $460,000 to U.S. authorities following accusations of involvement in drug trafficking. Owuru argues that this forfeiture disqualifies Tinubu from holding public office under Nigeria’s Constitution. He also claims Tinubu has undisclosed CIA ties, which, if confirmed, would contravene Section 157 of the 1999 Constitution. This provision prohibits individuals under foreign influence from serving as Nigeria’s president. The lawsuit names former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and President Tinubu as defendants. With the hearing scheduled for today, the case underscores the urgency and significance of the allegations. Amid these legal proceedings, President Tinubu’s past remains under intense public scrutiny. U.S. agencies, including the CIA, FBI, and DEA, have reportedly withheld unredacted records of Tinubu’s alleged drug-related activities, citing national security reasons. This development has raised questions about Tinubu’s alleged interactions with these agencies and their potential implications for Nigeria’s sovereignty. Legal experts regard this case as unprecedented, highlighting the significance of questioning a sitting president’s eligibility based on such severe accusations. Should the Supreme Court rule in favor of Owuru, it could lead to Tinubu’s removal, sparking a constitutional and political crisis that may reshape Nigeria’s governance and democratic framework. Meanwhile, Tinubu’s legal defense, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chief Wole Olanipekun, is expected to challenge both the substance of the allegations and the Supreme Court’s authority to preside over the case. The court’s ruling will likely delve deeply into constitutional interpretation, evidentiary requirements, and the balance of power between government branches. As Nigeria and the international community watch closely, this case has sparked a broader debate on leadership accountability and the integrity of democratic institutions. A ruling against Tinubu could set a powerful precedent for upholding transparency and ethical standards in governance. For now, all eyes remain on the Supreme Court as the nation braces for a judgment that could reshape its political landscape and judicial history. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is set to spend Christmas, New Year, and up to 50 nights in detention after the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja denied his bail application. The court, presided over by Judge Maryanne Anenih, ordered that Mr. Bello be transferred from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Kuje Correctional Centre. Court Ruling on Bail Judge Anenih rejected Mr. Bello’s bail application on procedural grounds, declaring it premature and incompetent. The application, filed on 22 November, predated Mr. Bello’s 26 November arrest and 27 November arraignment, making it invalid. While the court denied Mr. Bello’s bail, it granted bail to his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, under strict conditions. Both men must provide sureties with property worth N300 million within the court’s jurisdiction. The trial is scheduled to commence on 29 January 2025, with additional sessions set for 25 and 27 February 2025. Next Steps for Yahaya Bello Mr. Bello has the option to file a fresh bail application, though time constraints pose significant challenges. With the court entering its Christmas vacation next week, it will be difficult to secure a hearing and ruling before the break. Alternatively, he could approach the court’s vacation judge, provided he can demonstrate an urgent and extraordinary need for bail consideration. Should these efforts fail, Mr. Bello will remain in detention throughout the festive period and until the trial resumes in late January. The Allegations Against Bello Mr. Bello and his co-defendants face 16 charges related to the alleged diversion of ₦110 billion from Kogi State’s treasury during his tenure as governor. The EFCC, which arrested Mr. Bello after months of evading summons, brought the case to court, where he pleaded not guilty. In addition to the current charges, Mr. Bello is entangled in a separate case involving ₦80 billion in alleged money laundering before the Federal High Court in Abuja. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, has passed away at the age of 64.He died on Monday, November 4, 2024, following a brief illness, at a tertiary health facility in Ekiti State. While official details surrounding his death remain undisclosed, The Nation reports that close sources indicate that Justice Adeyeye’s passing occurred after a short stay in the hospital. Justice Adeyeye was appointed Chief Judge on October 11, 2021, by former Governor Kayode Fayemi.Born in 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi, located in Ekiti East Local Government Area, he embarked on his legal journey after being called to the bar in 1986. He began his career as a state counsel in the civil service of the former Ondo State. With the establishment of Ekiti State in 1996, he joined the Ekiti State Judiciary Service Commission.His commitment and dedication led to his promotion as a judge in the Ekiti State High Court in 2002. Over the years, Justice Adeyeye also contributed to the legal process by serving on various election petition tribunals. Read also: “Cyber Expert Weighs in on Hushpuppi’s Post-Prison Chances”
