Category: Judiciary

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

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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…

Breaking: NJC recommends Kekere-Ekun as new CJN

Emporium Reporters

The National Judicial Council (NJC), during an unexpected closed-door meeting on August 15, 2024, has proposed Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria. Additionally, the NJC recommended 27 others for appointment as judges to the state high court, in the ongoing session Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the current Chief Justice, is set to retire on August 22, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.   More details to follow…

Kekere-Ekun set to become Nigeria’s Second Female CJN

Emporium Reporters

Barring any last-minute change, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun of the Supreme Court is set to emerge as the next chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).   If she assumes the office, Kekere-Ekun would become the second female justice in Nigeria to hold the exalted position after Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, who was CJN between July 2012 and November 2014, spending 28 months in office.     The current occupant of the office, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who assumed office on June 27, 2022, will formally bow out on Thursday, August 22, 2024, after attaining…

House of Representatives Congratulates NBA President-Elect, Afam Josiah Osigwe

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, on his election as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The Green Chamber also congratulated the nine (9) other national officers of the association and the NBA Representatives to the General Council of the Bar for their respective zones, following their emergence in the NBA 2024 Election. With 25 years of distinguished service in the legal profession, including leadership roles as Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) and General Secretary of…