Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Vivian Michael

Rivers Crisis: Lawyers call for investigation over alleged ex-parte order

As controversy over the suspension of 26 lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly took a new turn yesterday, Lawyers In Defence of Democracy, has called for investigation in the alleged ex-parte order stopping the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from conducting fresh election to fill the seats of the lawmakers.

The group is calling on the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to investigate the alleged secrete ex-parte order issued on friday by Justice Donatus Okorowo.Last week, four lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly suspended 26 other members of the House.

The Rivers State High Court also ordered that a fresh election should be conducted to fill the seats of the 26 lawmakers.

But there was a new twist into the controversy yesterday, when a group lawyers who stormed the court discovered how Justice Okorowo, issued a fresh on December 15, restraining INEC from conducting fresh election to fill the seats of the suspended lawmakers.

Barrister Okere Kingdom Nnamdi leading a group Concerned of Lawyers in Defence of Democracy at a briefing however called on the Chief Judge if the Federal High Court to order full scale investigation into thr process that led to the issuance of the ex-parte order .

According to him, the investigation is necessary in order not to soil the reputation of the judiciary. He said, “We’ve done so much in the defence of this democracy and we will continue to do everything within the am bit of the law to defend this democracy. “We gathered that there is going to be a ruling Justice Donatus Okorowo, on Monday, 18th December, 2023 and that they intercepted the information. “I know the workings of the court, the application was filed last week Wednesday and it was hurriedly assigned between the day it was filed and last Friday to Justice Okorowo and ruling is expected to be delivered today, December 18.” One interesting thing I want the media to know is that, there is a twist to what we saw in the media.

The Registrar in the court of Justice Okorowo has confirmed that the application was filed and that it was brought before their court. He added that the ruling was delivered on Friday. “The question we are asking this morning is, what is the urgency in that matter. Why will such application be filed on Wednesday, got to Justice Okorowo on Friday and sat on same that day and deliver ruling on it? “We have applied for the certified true copy of the order and paid and we are going to pursue this matter to logical conclusion.

“We are calling on the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to investigate the order said to have been given by Justice Okorowo. This Nigeria cannot be taken bum politicians into their pockets. “This is not Federal High Court of Wike, if he has pocketed everyone, he can’t pocket the Federal High Court.”Federal High Court has reputation, this kind of applications are often seen in other courts. You can rarely see this kind of application in the Federal High Court because it has reputation. “The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court must look into how this case was filed, how it got to Justice Okorowo’s Court and how his Registrar claimed that they sat on Friday, whereas, what we gathered yesterday was that the ruling was going to be delivered today.

“This calls for urgent and thorough investigation. We are challenging the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to maintain the integrity of the court. We are also calling on the NJC toook into the matter very critically.

Democracy must be sustained and firmly rooted in this country and as lawyers in defence of democracy, this is not the first time. We are intervening in issues like this whenever we observe illegalities coming up. “These people who have come to file this application, as we speak are not members of Rivers State House of Assembly in the eyes of the law.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has invoked the constitutional provision of Section 109(1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution. Until that section is expunged, the law remains. In the eyes of the law, the former Speaker and his other colleagues are former members of rye Rivers State House of Assembly.

They should go to the Court of Appeal to challenge the decision of the Rivers State High Court. “The Rivers State High Court and the Federal High Court have co-ordinate jurisdiction, they should approach the Court of Appeal to set aside the decision of the state high court and not Federal High Court. “The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has been notified that they have been suspended.

“By coming here to get an other, we will be making mockery of the judiciary amd we can’t be making mockery of the judiciary. We are advising them to go to Court of Appeal and appeal the decision of the state high court. “Rivers State High Court and the Federal High Court have equal, powers, the 26 lawmakers should go on appeal and not destroy the reputation of the federal high court.

They should go to the Appeal Court amd challenge the procedure that suspended them.”

12/18/2023
SANS decry alleged reckless war against Judiciary

A group of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) have kicked against the allegations of fraud and corruption against Judges and the Judiciary.This is following a certain controversial decisions entered by few judges in some political cases and warned those involved to desist immediately in the interest the country and its citizens.

The lawyers and politicians allegedly involved in tarnishing the image of the nation’s judiciary were asked to have a second thought in their war against the institution so as not to bring it down.

Among the Senior Advocates who expressed displeasure in what he described as unwarranted and reckless attack against the judiciary are Chief Mike Ahamba.

Others lawyers are a former Abia State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Awa Kalu, SAN, rights activist Mr Kunle Adegoke, SAN and constitutional lawyer Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN.

The senior lawyers who disagreed with their colleagues joining forces with non-lawyers in politics said they ought to know that portraying the judiciary as a failed institution amounted to endorsing anarchy to terminate the Nigeria project.

According to them, while it is not in doubt that few judges across levels of court lately gave certain controversial judgments in few political cases, demonizing the entire judiciary because of the few errors was not only unfair to the majority of upright judges faithfully discharging their duties but also has the capacity to undermine the legitimacy of the third arm of government which thrives on public perception.

The lawyers had separately said while it is understandable that politicians would eulogize the judiciary each time its verdicts were in their favour and would not stop at anything to set the institution ablaze when its judgments are against them, it is disturbing that lawyers who understand procedure would join the fray and most times sponsor the denigration war against the judiciary.

Although they spoke at separate times with our correspondent, they did not mention any lawyer engaging in the alleged misconduct but counselled them on how to handle the situation where wrong judgments are entered in cases.

Lagos-based lawyer, Mr Kunle Adegoke, SAN said, “Yes, we have few elements in the judiciary that are bad. We cannot shy away from that. It is, however, easier to notice the negative side of any person or any system. “The positive aspect hardly registers sufficiently to the good measure of appreciation by the populace.

And when in a system, a few bad elements commit some atrocities, the tendency is for the people to register a negative perception against such a system. “In the judiciary today, I still believe as a practitioner that we have majority of judges that are quite upright presiding over cases. “Those ones are doing creditably well. It will now be a form of injustice to rubbish the entire judiciary because of the negative activities of a few of the judges that are perpetrating atrocities. “Besides, when you look at the judicial system in Nigeria and the Nigeria populace, tendency is for some people to want to blame every other person except themselves for their own failure.

“There are many cases that I believe have been rightly decided yet generating controversy and attracting negative comments both in the conventional and social media. “And until you read some of those judgments, that is when you will see that many of such cases are naturally bound to fail as a result of the way they were presented to the judiciary or the inherent failure in the facts presented to the court and the inability of such cases to meet the requirements of the law.

“It is therefore my position that a few wrong judgments here and there cannot and should not lead to a total damnation of the judicial system. “In actual fact, the wrongs committed by such judges would be less in severity when compared to the negative campaign against the entire judiciary.

“Many people, forget that when you mount a general campaign against the judiciary for its damnation, you are not only sending wrong signals to the rest of the world about your country, you are equally condemning the internal survival of the country itself,” he said.

As if corroborating Adegoke, SAN, Constitutional lawyer, Professor Awa Kalu, SAN, also said: “the lawyers who are making frantic efforts to denigrate the judiciary forget the African proverb: there is nobody who will say his mothers soup is not sweet. “You cannot wake up and say, oh, my mother’s soup is not sweet.

If your mother’s soup is not sweet, which one is sweeter. I will advise such lawyers to be very careful before you say your mother’s soup is not sweet. “That is the best way I can put it. In any event, it takes two to tangle. There is no judge who will go directly to politician to negotiate for hanky-panky business.

Most of the times , it is the lawyers who act as the conduit. That is the blunt truth. There is no way we can run away from it. “My take is very simple on this matter. You cannot dismiss the judiciary because it is a very vast arm of government. You can’t dismiss it,” he said.

Another Constitutional lawyer based based in Abuja, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN who agreed with his colleagues also said: “I don’t think we need to deceive ourselves. Criticism of the judiciary, low perception of the judiciary is universal.

That is one. “However, in Nigeria, it is only rife during election. You will notice that by February, only few of such cases will happen. And the reason for this is not far-fetched. The lawyer handling such controversial matter will never come to tell his client that look I am the one that made a mistake.

“Again, I will still insist that that case of Maina vs Lawal shows how people perceive issues. In that case, what is in the record of the court is different from what is in the public space. Nigerians were simply misled in that case,” he said.

Also contributing, former NBA leader and popular silk, Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN, said: “Most of the discussions on the pages of newspapers are facts free and law free. I know that some funny things have happened.

But I still maintain that most of those who are discussing the judiciary don’t even know what the law is. “There is an adage that says one finger can pick oil and spoil the rest of the fingers. I don’t think it is right for them to destroy the judiciary,” he said adding that even where one feels strongly that justice has not been done in a case, the concerned lawyer should not tarnish the image of the judiciary.“I have been a victim as a lawyer.

And my attitude is to write a book on it, exposing all the wrongs that were done against my client. Not to say the judiciary is no longer good. After all, I did a presidential election petition where we scored 4-3. Even though four did not agree with us, were the three other justices not members of the judiciary?

In another, we scored 4-1. I again ask that even though four justices went against us, is the fifth judge who dissented not part of the judiciary? “So, what should happen is that the academics should take time to look at some of these judgments and point out the faults in them.

This is it,” he advised.Adegoke, SAN who agreed with Ahamba, SAN also said that while all lawyers may not have time to write a book to document issues in order to contribute to the development of legal jurisprudence, he said such judgment could be analyzed in academic journals.

His words: “In my own view, when the Supreme Court is wrong, for instance, the next thing for you to do is to critique that judgment and publish it in law journals. “That is how you contribute to the jurisprudence of law instead of going to the pages of newspaper or television to be condemning and lambasting the judges. When you destroy the judges, you are destroying the judicial system”, he said..

12/17/2023
Supreme court’s judgement on Kanu, a product of Igbo phobia – Huriwa….his release should have been a gift to Ezeife – Abaribe

Reactions has been trailing the Supreme Court judgement which ordered the self acclaimed leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, back to the federal high court to continue his trail.

The Apex Court in a judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim but written by Justice Garba Lawal voided and set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal which in October last year, ordered the release of Kanu and also quashed the terrorism charges against him.

In it’s judgment, the court described the Nigerian Government unlawful repatriation of Kanu from Kenya as reckless, held that such unlawful act however, has not divested any Court from proceeding with trial.

Justice Lawal said that no Nigerian law was cited in the suit seeking Kanu’s release on mere unlawful abduction from Kenya adding that at moment, the remedy for such action is for Kanu to file a Civil matter against such act instead of removing the powers of courts to continue with his trial for alleged criminal charges.

The Apex Court subsequently ordered that Kanu should go and defend himself in the remaining 7 count terrorism charges against him.

Reacting to the judgement,
Human Rights Writers Association Of Nigeria (HURIWA), asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order his Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alhaji Lateef Fagbemi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to file a nolle prosequi discontinuing any trial on the nebulous charges of terrorism or treason against the leader of the Indigenous peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The Rights group stated that the supreme Court ruling on Friday morning quashing the nullification of the charges of terrorism against Nnamdi Kanu and for his immediate freedom as ordered by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria shows that justices who sat on this Appeal at the Supreme Court are suffering from Igbo phobia and do not wish the Igbo region well.

Though the apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel of Justices, acknowledged that FG acted “irresponsibly” when it forcefully brought Kanu back to the country from Kenya, against all known laws, however, it held that it was not enough to divest the trial court of its jurisdiction to continue with the case.

It held that there is no legislation in the country that stripped the trial court of the jurisdiction to go ahead with Kanu’s case, despite the illegal action that FG took against him.

In the judgement that was read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court held that the remedy open for Kanu was for him to institute a civil action against the government.

HURIWA however strongly disagree with the Supreme court and fully backed the well considered judgment of the Court of Appeal which quashed the trial of Nnamdi Kanu including building its sound judgment on the violation of international laws by the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who ordered the illegal rendition and abduction of Nnamdi Kanu from Nairobi Airpott in Kenya back into Nigeria wearing handcuffs.

The Rights group stated “It is a shame that the highest court in the land can actually reach a determination that a citizen’s human rights was violated by the Federal Government through unlawful abduction, but the same Supreme Court is waiting for a phantom legislation to unleash its legal venom against offenders who committed the unlawful act and who are now without immunity including erstwhile President Buhari and his AGF Abubakar Malami.”

Questioning why the Supreme Court of Nigeria had to on the basis of whimsical excuses that the Appeal court’s freedom granted to Nnamdi Kanu was based on sentiments and not on law therefore overruling the sound judgment of the Appeal court, HURIWA said the current justices at the Supreme court have a long history of dishing out rulings that had contributed to the instability and insecurity that has engulfed much of South East

The Rights group through the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated that the president should order the immediate discontinuation of this state sponsored persecution of Nnamdi Kanu whose involvement in the Indigenous peoples of Biafra(IPOB), has not been traced to any provable case of terrorism.

Huriwa said “this Supreme Court has lost a historical opportunity to end the ‘war’ in the South East of Nigeria. The final remedy is for the President to exercise his powers through his AGF to bring this injustice and continuous persecution of Nnamdi Kanu to an end.”

The group argued that the aggressive persecution of Nnamdi kanu and hundreds of thousands of Igbo youths associated with the self determination campaigns of the Indigenous peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and particularly, the prolonged humiliation, dehumanisation and detention is the genesis of the heightened state of insecurity, mass killings, insurgency and destruction of the peace of Igboland.

Huriwa stated that “ending this state sponsored persecution of Nnamdi Kanu and the commencement of constructive dialogues with agitators, will restore peace and will serve the overall public good.”

Also reacting is Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, a senator representing Abia South.

The Senator said the release of Nnamdi Kanu, would have been a gift for the late former Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife.

Speaking through his media adviser, Uchenna Awom. Eyinnaya called for calm over the judgement of the Supreme Court that refused to release Kanu, as he described Ezeife’s death as a great loss to the people of the Southeast.

According to Abaribe: “Okwadike never hid his feelings and, as such, voiced out his opinion on vexed national issues as they affected his beloved Igbo. He spoke truth to power, no matter whose ox was gored.

“Ironically, he died on the eve of a day our brother Nnamdi Kanu was denied release by the Supreme Court. It would have been a fitting gift to him.”

It will be called that Justice Binta Murtala Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja, had on April 8, 2022, quashed 8 out of the 15 count charges preferred against Kanu by the Federal Government.

However, Justice Nyako held that Kanu had questions to answer on the remaining 7 counts.

Dissatisfied with the judgement, Kanu’s team of lawyers led by Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, headed to the Court of Appeal, Abuja to seek the dismissal of the remaining 7-count charge.

In a judgement on October 13, 2022, the appellate court dismissed all the 7 count criminal charges against Kanu.

12/16/2023
Supreme Court Insists Nnamdi Kanu Must Face Trial

The Supreme Court, Friday, ordered that the self acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, must continue his trial at the Federal High Court.

Delivering judgment on an appeal by the Federal Government, Justice Emmanuel Agim, who read the judgement as prepared by Justice Garba Lawal Mohammed, held that the Court of Appeal was wrong to hold that Kanu could not be tried again based on the illegality and I’ll treatment meted him by the Federal Government, following the invasion of his home.

“In as much as we condemn the act of the prosecution (FG) in attacking the home of the defendant (Kanu) while on trial, we decided not to go with the decision of the Court of Appeal that his trial should be stopped, Justice Garba held.

Therefore, the apex court allowed the appeal of the Federal Government and dismissed the cross appeal filed by Kanu.

The Attorney General of the Federation was represented in court by D. E Kaswe, Chief State Counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN, leading Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN and Ifeanyi Ejiofor announced appearance for Nnamdi Kanu.

Nnamdi Kanu had been in the custody of the Federal Government since June 29, 2021, following his forceful rendition from Kenya.

Justice Binta Murtala Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja, had on April 8, 2022, quashed 8 out of the 15 count charges preferred against Kanu by the Federal Government.

However, Justice Nyako held that Kanu had questions to answer on the remaining 7 counts.

Dissatisfied with the judgement, Kanu’s team of lawyers led by Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, headed to the Court of Appeal, Abuja to seek the dismissal of the remaining 7-count charge.

In a judgement on October 13, 2022, the appellate court dismissed all the 7 count criminal charges against Kanu.

The Court of Appeal while upholding all the arguments and submissions of Prof Ozekhome, quashed the entire 15 count criminal charges.

The Court below agreed with Ozekhome that the Federal Government violated rules of engagement in the ways and manners Kanu was arrested in Kenya and brought to Nigeria.

Specifically, the Court of Appeal held that the Nigerian government broke international laws and resorted to self help in its failure to file extradition charge against the IPOB leader in Kenya instead of resorting to unlawful abduction, and forceful rendition.

12/15/2023
Justify your appointments:CJN tasks FHC Judges

The Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has tasked Judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria to put in the hard work to justify their appointments.

Ariwoola also cautioned the judges
against taking their appointments for granted for whatever reason.

Speaking, while
declaring open the 2023 Conference of Judges of the Federal High Court held at the Court’s headquarters in Abuja, the CJN warned them not to attempt to convince anybody no matter how highly placed but to always consult with laws and rules before writing their judgments and rulings.

Ariwoola tasked the judges to always strive to come up with judgments that would stand the test of time, especially judgments that would not be overturned by Appellate Courts.

In conclusion, he noted that the FHC is not only the largest and best in the country, but the only court that has exclusive originating jurisdiction over election related matters in the country.

” For the reasons I have just enumerated, I charge you not to take your appointments for granted. You must work harder to justify the appointments by always coming up with judgments and decisions that would not be rejected by the Appellate Courts.

“Go extra miles to justify the appointments and do not create loopholes that could tarnish the image and reputation of the Court.”

He congratulated the judges for the opportunity of witnessing the conference and the 50th anniversary of the courts existence.

Earlier, the Chief Judge of the Court, Justice John Tsoho had recalled the establishment of the Court 50 years ago with a single Court room and five Judges in Lagos but has grown to 37 Divisions and 95 Judges at the moment.

Justice Tsoho said that the 23 judges recently appointed to beef up performance of the Court have since been inducted and deployed to various divisions.

On the conference, he said that it is aimed at critically discussing issues confronting the court and profer solutions to the challenges.

He thanked the CJN and the Nigerian Bar Association NBA for their contributions to the growth of the court over the years.

12/13/2023
Court Stops Police, DSS from arresting Kogi SDP spokesperson

Justice Hamza Haruna of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, has ordered the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Unuoha to stop harassing, arrest or in any way intimidating the Spokesperson of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in Kogi state Mr Faruk Adejoh-Audu.

Others in the restraining order are the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Kogi State Director of DSS, untill the determination of a motion on notice.

Asejoh- Audu is the court, seeking the enforcement of his fundamental human rights, claiming that his life has come under serious threat from the defendants.

Adejoh-Audu, a veteran journalist, activist, politician and SDP Spokesperson had gone to court after altercations between him and the Kogi State Police Commissioner, Unuoha on election matters after which the later publicly threatened the spokesman to expect some unstated consequences.

The SDP Spokesperson had on November 29, 2023, accused the Police Chief of collaborating with thugs to attack the interest of his party in the recently conducted governorship election in Kogi.

However, the Police Commissioner held a press conference the next day in Lokoja and gave Adejoh-Audu 24 hours ultimatum to substantiate his allegations or “be ready to face the consequences of his actions.”

The SDP Spokesperson took up the challenge in a 17-paragraph reply justifying his allegations and accusing the Police Chief of resorting to self-help by threatening to ” visit unstated consequences” on him.

An FCT High Court presided over by Justice Hamza.Muazu after listening to O. U. Salifu lawyer to the SDP Spokesman in an ex-parte application, granted the order restraining the Inspector General of Police, The Director-General of the DSS, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police and the State Director of DSS from arresting or interfering with the liberty of the applicant.

The court has adjourned the matter to December 18, 2023, for the hearing of the Motion On Notice.

12/12/2023
Comply with critical Sections of the Criminal Justice Act: AGF tells Lawyers Enforcement Agents

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, yesterday stressed the need to effect compliance of sections 29, 33 and 34 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act(ACJA), 2015.

The Minister informed that the Police Duty Solicitors are presently stationed in over 15 Police Divisions in the FCT to monitor compliance with the provisions of ACJA and ensure that arrested persons are treated with dignity.

He also revealed that records have shown that the PDSS has ensured access to justice, right to counsel, legal services, and right to fair trial to over 28,000 detainees since inception in February 2022.

He continued that the scheme has in collaboration with the Police Divisions in the FCT, taken the extra efforts to ensure a healthy condition of the cells, like wise the Court Duty Solicitors has continued to offer free preliminary legal services and representation in the courts.

The AGF was speaking through Mrs. Leticia Ayoola-Daniel, Director, Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms (ACJ&R) Federal Ministry of Justice at the 2-day Criminal Justice Stakeholders Workshop On Effective Implementation of Section 29, 33, and 34 of ACJA.

” We welcome you all, to this significant gathering of stakeholders in the administration of criminal justice focused on the coordination for the effective implementation of arrests, prompt delivery of statutory reports on arrests and the crucial monthly visits by magistrates to detention facilities.

“It is without doubt that in the landscape of our criminal justice system, we face challenges in the enforcement of some sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 especially sections 29, 33 and 34. These prevailing challenges lie basically in the absence of a coordinated approach and the making of the requisite sacrifices involved as the need arises to enforce the existing laws and policies.

“The purpose of this Workshop is to bring about that missing link within our collective aspirations to build a society where justice prevails, regardless of the circumstances.

“Our roles as Law judicial officers, prosecutors, enforcement agencies, civil society organizations and indeed citizens are pivotal in reshaping the weak points of the criminal justice system.

“Apparently, none of us is immune to or insulated from the challenges of our present system, and it is essential to recognize that the transformation of Criminal Justice System is embedded in our collective efforts.

“To build a resilient and efficient model, we must learn from the mistakes of others and work together to create a system we can trust, rely on, and be proud of. It is high time we face the challenges head-on and optimize the system for the benefit of all.

“Section 29 of ACJA, 2015 emphasizes the establishment of a database for records of those arrested. In this digital age, data is not just information. It is life, and when properly utilized, it becomes a powerful tool in shaping government policies and recognition of patterns.

“Data sharing is crucial, and the lack thereof contributes to the loss of lives every day. Some crimes are preventable when data is properly harnessed or shared.

“The implementation of this section in line with the specific details outlined in section 15 of ACJA, 2015, will require the collaboration of DPOs towards the creation of a robust database for informed decision-making process.

“While it is important to recognize all divisions that has been consistent, till date there are some police stations that do not comply with the provision of sections 29 and 33 of ACJA with regards to the rendering of monthly reports of suspects arrested without warrants.

“We have also noticed a reduction in the monthly visits by the judicial officers to detention facilities.

“I must commend the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee (ACJMC) and our donor partners on the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) and the Court Duty Solicitor Scheme (CDSS).

“My vision is to see a justice system that works for all, irrespective of status. To this end, I urge you all to unite in creating a criminal justice system that fears or respects no one except the rule of law. We must uphold the minimum standards that accords respect to suspects throughout the administration of criminal justice.

“As critical stakeholders, I will like us to have extensive discussions and deliberations on issues hampering us from attaining the kind of criminal justice system that we truly desire. As we embark on this workshop, I am confident that the knowledge shared will enrich each one of us to the extent that there will be a clear shift from negative narratives.

” Let us leverage on this opportunity to grow and learn together. Working collaboratively, we can create an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and respected. It is on this note that I declare this workshop opened.”

12/11/2023
Federal High Court has 144, 910 pending cases in new legal year

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho has revealed that his Court will battle with mountain of 144, 910 pending cases in new legal year of the Court.

The Court in the last legal year had 15, 025 filed before it by litigants out of which 12, 870 were effectively disposed off leaving a balance of 2, 155 cases still on ground.

At the opening of the Legal Year of the Court in Abuja on Monday, the Chief Judge explained that the court had a carried over of 142, 755 from 2021 to 2022 legal year adding that in 2023 legal year alone, 15, 025 fresh cases were filed by various categories of litigants.

He noted that the Court would be going into the new legal year with the 144, 910 suits but expressed optimism that he and his brother Judges would rise up to the challenges of disposing off the cases as quickly as possible.

The breakdown of the carried over cases showed that 42, 784 are civil cases, 36, 061 criminal matters, 41, 447 are motions while 24, 618 are Fundermental Rights Enforcement suits.

Justice Tsoho who put the current number of Judges on the bench of the Court at 95, thanked them on the speedy ways pre-election cases of the 2023; general elections were handled within the time allowed by law.

He however, tasked them to stand steadfast and continue to dispense justice without fear or favour adding that their being Judges is by destiny and not accident.

While reminding the Judges that their actions would shape the destiny of the Court and the Nigerian nation, the Chief Judge asked them to strive to be beyond suspicion.

“We must dispense justice with integrity and without bias, we must display utmost competence and courage as well as dispose cases speedily.”

“The Federal High Court will surely rise to the challenges of the future with the same tenacity and commitment that have defined its path thus far.”, he assured.

The Chief Judge spoke on the 50th years existence of the Court adding that the court took off in Lagos with one Court and five Judges.

Today, he said that the court now has 38 Judicial Divisions and 95 Judges adding that the court has recorded huge growth and has become a significant pillar in the hierarchy of the Nigerian Judiciary.

The Chief Judge thanked the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola for his humility and ready disposition to proffer solutions to challenges.

He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Judicial Council NJC for their unyielding support and understanding and assured that the court would perform better in the new legal year.

12/11/2023
Court grants ex-AGF, Adoke permission to celebrate Xmas with family in Dubai

Justice Iyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja, has granted a former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, leave to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to celebrate the coming Christmas and new year with his family.

The embattled former AGF, is answering a money laundering charges brought against him by the federal government.

Adoke, had through his counsel, Kanu Agabi, prayed the Court to invoke sections 36 and 37 of Nigeria’s Constitution to grant his request.

He argued that Adoke, had since this trial commenced, had not been been with the family members who are resident in UAE.

Specifically, Agabi submitted that the former Minister of Justice needed to spend time with his family to maintain his physical and mental health, adding that the law presumed him innocent until contrary is established against him.

He further submitted that since his client was admitted to bail, he had been religiously and consistently attending trial and had never behaved in any manner suggestive of intention to jump bail.

In his ruling, Justice Inyang Eden Ekwo agreed that Adoke had been attending trial and had never attempted to jump bail adding that he was persuaded to grant the request.

The Judge thereafter ordered that Adoke’s passport deposited with the Registry of the Court be released to him for the purpose of traveling to UAE.

Justice Ekwo ordered that the former AGF must return to Nigeria before January 11, 2024 for continuation of his trial in the charges against him.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the erstwhile AGF alongside an oil mogul, Aliyu Abubakar, on a 14-count charge.

In the charge, EFCC alleged that Adoke had sometime in August 2013, in Abuja, accepted a cash payment of the dollar equivalent of N300 million from Aliyu, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 16 (2)(b) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended).

Whereas Abubakar was also accused of accepting cash payment of the sum of $4 million from Faman Holdings Limited, through one Abdulhakeem Uthman Mustapha, in September 2013, EFCC alleged that Adoke made structured cash payment in tranches into his Unity Bank Account No. 0020153263.

12/08/2023
Supreme Court Affirms Old, New Naira Notes As Legal Tender

The Supreme Court on Wednesday, ordered that the old N200, N500 and N1000 notes should continue to co-exist with the new notes as they continue to remain legal tender.

The Apex court held that the order insists until the Federal Government put a process in place for its replacement or redesign after due consultation with relevant stake holders.

The seven-man panel led by Justice Inyang Okoro, gave the ruling following an application by the FG, seeking for the court to grant an extension of time for old naira notes to retain in circulation as a legal tender.

The FG also prayed the court to lift its March 3, order noting that the extension of time is necessary as it has not been able to print the volume of new notes that would enable a phase out of old currency before the December 31 order

In the fresh application by the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, the FG further explained that, should the Supreme court decline it’s request to extend the period of circulation of old notes, the country stands the risk of descending into another national, economic and financial crises as witnessed in the first quarter of the year when the naira redesign policy was being implemented under the former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele.

The Apex court, in a unanimous decision, allowed Fagbemi application in line with the March 3, ruling of the apex court which allowed the old notes continue to be legal tender till December 32, 2023.

Recall that three states, Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara were the first set of states that headed to the Supreme court, to challenge the naira swap policy announced by the CBN on October 26, 2022.

However, after the Supreme court made its first restraining order in February 8, 2022, thirteen other states joined in the prayer as plaintiffs.

Meanwhile, Edo, and Bayelsa states opted to join the FG as defendants.

At the instance of the court, all the suits were consolidated into one for ease of hearing and determination.

Specifically, the states were not pleased by the way and manner the naira swap policy was announced and implemented.

11/29/2023