Category: Judiciary

BREAKING: Supreme Court nullifies National Lottery Act

Emporium Reporters

The Supreme Court has nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted by the National Assembly.   A seven-member of the apex court in a unanimous judgment on Friday, held that the National Assembly lacked the powers to legislate on issues relating to lottery and games of chance.   The court held that such powers only reside with the state Houses of Assembly, which possess exclusive jurisdiction over lottery and games of chance.   In the lead judgment by Justice Mohammed Idris, ordered that the National Lottery Act 2005 should no…

NJC recommends two judges for compulsory retirement ,suspends two others

Emporium Reporters

The National Judicial Council (NJC), chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, has recommended compulsory retirement for two judges for falsifying their ages, and also suspended two judges over misconduct.   This was revealed in a statement published by the NJC’s Deputy Director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, Esq., after the NJC took disciplinary actions against judicial officers for various misconducts following its 107th meeting held on 13–14 November 2024.   Among the sanctions, two Heads of Court were recommended for compulsory retirement over falsification of…

JUST IN : Appeal Court acquits former CJN Onnoghen, orders FG to unfreeze his accounts

Emporium Reporters

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has discharged and acquitted former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, from his conviction for false asset declaration by the Code of Conduct Tribunal. A three-member panel of the Appeal Court, led by Justice Abba Bello Mohammed, acquitted the ex-CJN and ordered that all his frozen bank accounts be unfrozen immediately. Mohammed’s verdict is based on the terms of settlement reached by his legal team and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN. Recall that…

BREAKING: Court sentences 5 suspects of Offa bank robbery to death by hanging

Emporium Reporters

The Kwara State High Court has sentenced five suspects involved in the Offa robbery incident to death by hanging.   This was pronounced by the court on Thursday afternoon after it was satisfied that the prosecution had successfully proved its case against the defendants.   The suspects were found guilty of illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery, and culpable homicide six years after the incident.   The offences according to the presiding judge, Justice Haleemah Salman are punishable by death.   The accused persons are Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola…

Senate confirms Kekere-Ekun as 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria

Emporium Reporters

The Senate has confirmed Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).   Kekere-Ekun, the 23rd CJN, was confirmed on Wednesday after fielding questions from senators for more than two hours. She has held the office since August in acting capacity.   During the confirmation hearing, the CJN answered questions on the reforms she hopes to introduce as the head of the judicial arm of government.   Responding to questions from the senators, the Acting CJN promised to ensure that the judiciary remains insulated from external influence. Additionally,…

BREAKING: Court dismisses suit seeking Ganduje’s sack as APC National Chairman

Emporium Reporters

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking the removal of Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).   The North Central APC Forum, had in the suit to queried the propriety of Ganduje’s appointment as the Chairman of the APC when he is not from the North Central geo-political zone.   In the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024, the plaintiff listed Ganduje, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.   The plaintiff asked the court…

JUST IN: Justice Kekere-Ekun sworn in as 23rd CJN

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Tinubu today at the State House, Abuja, sworn-in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). This is coming following the official retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola and her nomination and presentation to President Tinubu by the National Judicial Council (NJC) on August 15.   Though, she will function in acting capacity until confirmation by the Nigerian Senate. Meanwhile, Justice Kekere-Ekun took her Oaths around 11:38am and also took her rightful sitting position in the Council Chambers on the left hand side of the President…

BREAKING: Justice Olukayode Ariwoola bows out as CJN

Emporium Reporters

Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the 22nd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has officially retired from active service upon reaching the compulsory retirement age of 70.   Born on August 22, 1954,Justice Ariwoola’s journey to the top of Nigeria’s judiciary started on November 22, 2011, when he was appointed to the Supreme Court bench.   He later became the substantive CJN on June 27, 2022, following the abrupt resignation of his predecessor, Justice Tanko Muhammad.   His appointment was formally confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on September 21, 2022.   However, as…

Former ICPC Chairman,Justice Emmanuel Ayoola dies at 91

Emporium Reporters

Justice Emmanuel Olayinka Ayoola, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court is dead.   Justice Ayoola,a former Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences died at the age of 91.   His demise was announced by the family.   Justice Ayoola was a highly respected legal guru known for his brilliance, integrity, and commitment to justice.   He served the nation with distinction, leaving an indelible mark on the judiciary.   Justice Ayoola’s contributions to the development of Nigerian law and jurisprudence will be deeply missed.   Meanwhile,…

Appeal Court orders Yahaya Bello to appear for trial

Emporium Reporters

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has ordered former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to present himself for arraignment.   The court in its verdict on Tuesday, August 20, also restrained him from taking further action until he is arraigned. The court further set aside the judgment previously delivered by the Kogi State High Court.   Bello’s whereabouts have been unknown since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, attempted to arrest him during a raid from his residence in Abuja, a few months ago.   Governor Usman Ododo…