Category: Judiciary

CASER demands prosecution of fake news perpetrators over allegations against Nigerian Judiciary

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Citizens Advocacy for Social & Economic Rights (CASER) has urged the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, OFR, to take a firm stance against individuals and groups disseminating false information aimed at discrediting the judiciary.   In a strongly worded letter signed by Frank Tietie, Esq.Lead Advocate & Executive Director ,CASER expressed grave concerns over what it described as a calculated attempt to undermine Nigeria’s judicial system through baseless accusations and social media misinformation. The advocacy group referenced a recent report by Sahara Reporters,…

Judge withdraws from Senator Natasha’s suit against Akpabio over bias allegations

Emporium Reporters

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has recused himself from the suit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and others. The case seeking to prevent the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct.   Justice Egwuatu announced his withdrawal on Tuesday, citing allegations of bias leveled against the court by Akpabio, who is the third defendant in the suit. The Senate President reportedly expressed a lack of confidence in the court’s…

FJSC appoints Kabir Eniola Akanbi as Acting Chief Registrar of Supreme Court

Emporium Reporters

The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) has appointed Kabir Eniola Akanbi as the Acting Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.   A statement by the Supreme Court’s Director of Information, Dr. Festus Akande, confirmed his appointment in a letter dated March 14, 2025. Akanbi replaces Hajo Bello, who retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.   Before this appointment, Akanbi served as the Deputy Chief Registrar in charge of the Election Petition Tribunal Unit at the Court of Appeal headquarters in Abuja.   A graduate of…

Federal High Court upholds $87.9 Million fine on MTN Nigeria imposed by FIRS

Emporium Reporters

A Federal High Court in Lagos has upheld the $87.9 million penalty imposed on MTN Nigeria Communications Plc by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in a landmark judgment delivered on Tuesday.   Justice Ayokunle Faji ruled in favor of the FIRS, setting aside a previous ruling by the Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT), which had only awarded MTN a principal sum of $71 million in a tax dispute. The tribunal had refused to grant additional penalties and interest as requested by FIRS, leading the tax agency to appeal the decision.…

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…