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Category: Judiciary

  • ₦19.4 Billion Fraud: Court Grants Sirika, Brother N200 Million Bail

    ₦19.4 Billion Fraud: Court Grants Sirika, Brother N200 Million Bail

    Justice Suleiman Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday granted bail to the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and his brother, Ahmad Abubakar Sirika.

    The bail was set at ₦100 million each, with stringent conditions attached, reflecting the seriousness of the charges against them.

    Both defendants are required to provide two sureties, one of whom must own a landed property within the Federal Capital Territory, valued at a similar sum.

    In addition to the financial conditions, the court has restricted their travel, stipulating that the Sirika brothers cannot leave Nigeria without prior permission from the court.

    This decision comes after careful consideration of the bail application, with Justice Belgore stating he found no reason to deviate from the bail conditions previously granted by Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the same court.

    Ruling on the motion on notice for the 1st defendant, Hadi Sirika, the court held that “The prosecution filed no counter affidavit. He is already on administrative bail, he met all the bail applications, he continues to abide by the bail conditions, he has never been convicted of any criminal offence in Nigeria, he is a recipient of National honours, he has an aged mother he is catering for an investigation in the case has been completed.

    “It is my resolution that this applicant deserves to be admitted to bail and I so do.”

    Concerning Sirika’s brother, ruling on the motion on notice, brought pursuant to Sections 158, 156 and 135 of ACJA, where he requested a sole relief (bail).

    The trial judge granted him bail in the same terms and conditions as the 1st defendant (Sirika).

    The Sirika brothers, and the company, Enginos Nigeria Limited, are facing a ten-count amended charge bordering on contract fraud to the tune of ₦19.4 billion.

  • IPOB: “You are a terrorist” Kanu berates FG lawyer Awomolo

    IPOB: “You are a terrorist” Kanu berates FG lawyer Awomolo

    Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Monday, blasted counsel to the Federal Government, Asiwaju Awomolo SAN, for perpetrating an act of illegality in a bid to prosecute him.

    The visibly angry Kanu, told the court that he cannot be tried in Nigeria because the Supreme Court had declared his forceful rendition from Kenya, an act of illegality.

    “My Lord, I don’t understand why my trial is being conducted contrary to the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kanu said.

    He insisted that the Supreme Court had made a pronouncement on his issue, stressing that “Anything you do on the contrary is an act of terrorism.

    “This man is a terrorist for conducting a trial in violation of an international treaty that Nigeria entered into. Once a treaty is entered into and signed, it becomes a law.

    “You are a dishonest man. You are a terrorist. Who the hell are you” Kanu yelled at Awomolo.”

  • Stay in DSS custody, court tells Nnamdi Kanu

    Stay in DSS custody, court tells Nnamdi Kanu

    The Biafra nation agitator, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, loses bid for restoration of his revoked bail and the removal from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to a house arrest or prison custody.

    Ruling on the request, Justice Binta Nyako held that she found as a fact that Kanu jumped the bail earlier granted him and escaped out of the country.

    The Judge also held that the sureties who stood for him in the earlier bail had applied to be discharged and had been discharged on the ground that they could not locate Kanu and did not know his whereabouts.

    Therefore, she delared the application not meritorious and dismissed it.

    However, the court proffered that the detained IPOB leader had Kanu’s only option is to approach the Court of Appeal to exercise his right of appeal.

    On the argument that by Kanu’s lead Counsel that Supreme Court held that the earlier bail granted him ought not to have been revoked, the court said that it perused the Supreme Court judgment copy and did not see the claim of the lawyer.

    At the time of this report, Kanu shouting on top of his voice is insisting not to stand trial before any court in Nigeria.

    He is claiming that any attempt to put him on trial would amount to a breach of Nigeria’s Constitution and the international laws.

    Details later.

  • Court refuses terrorists negotiator, Tukur Mamu’s request for transfer to Kuje Prison

    Court refuses terrorists negotiator, Tukur Mamu’s request for transfer to Kuje Prison

    Mohammed Tukur Mamu, a terrorist negotiator’s bid to be transfered from the custody of the Department of the State Service, DSS to Kuje Prison in Abuja has been refused by the federal high court, Abuja.

    Mamu was arrested at the Aminu Kano International Airport upon his arrival from Egypt on September 6, 2022, over his alleged relationship with the terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, 2022.

    Consequently, DSS is trying Mamu on 10 counts charge of terrorism financing, among others, but he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    He has been at the custody of the prosecution agency following the refusal of the Court to admit him to bail.

    In the ruling, the court said that the federal government had raised the issues of incessant jail breaks in prisons as a major ground to oppose the request for transfer to Kuje.

    According to the judge, since the averments were not challenged by Mamu, they are deemed to be true facts and facts admitted need no further proof.

    The judge subsequently ordered Mamu to remain in DSS custody throughout his trial in the criminal charges against him.

    Justice Ekwo, however, affirmed his earlier order that the terrorist negotiator be allowed to access his personal physician for medical treatment with the supervision of the DSS.

    Mamu, through his lawyer, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, had on April 29, alleged that the order of the court made on December 19, 2023, that he be allowed access to his personal physician for medical treatment was not complied with by the DSS.

    In his motion on notice argued by Mohammed, the terrorist negotiator claimed that he was allowed access to the physician once during which a report of comprehensive medical examination to be carried out on him was submitted to the DSS.

    Since the submission of the report, Mamu alleged that the physician had not been allowed to access him and that he needed urgent surgical operations in any hospital in the country.

    The defendant further claimed that his health had since deteriorated and that he may lose his life any moment if he was not moved out of DSS custody to Kuje Prison.

    He promised regular attendance in court, adding that he can only stand trial when alive.

  • Rivers Executive, Judiciary Tussle Akin To Anarchy, Worrisome – Group Warns …calls NJC to beam it’s search light on Justice C.N. Wali

    Rivers Executive, Judiciary Tussle Akin To Anarchy, Worrisome – Group Warns …calls NJC to beam it’s search light on Justice C.N. Wali

    By Daniel Okejeme

    Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness has stated that the rift between the Rivers State Executive and its Legislative counterpart is becoming worrisome, and the actions of the chief executive officer is akin to anarchy.

    The group through it’s Director General, Dr Gabriel Nwambu, said it cannot allow a threat to the hard-earned democracy to thrive in Nigeria where we operate a constitutional democracy, where the rule of law stipulating the supremacy and predominance of the law should be practiced to the later.

    The group said that they are talking about a purported assembly where 3 persons parade themselves as law makers for an entire state contradicting clearly the provisions of section 96(1) as amendment which defines one-third (1/3) as what constitutes a quorum.

    They maintained that if for any reason the Assembly cannot form quorum, the Assembly shall adjourn, adding that it is never the intendant of those who crafted the 1999 Constitution that only 3 lawmakers shall be enacting laws for the people.

    Furthermore, the group faulted the legislative sitting inside the government house as not consistent with the principles of Separation of Power.

    They, therefore, urge the appropriate authorities to investigate the allegations that
    chief executive is spending Rivers State funds outside the realm of appropriation thoroughly and take appropriate actions to safeguard the interests of the citizens.

    Also, they call on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to beam it’s search light on Justice C.N. Wali of the Rivers State High Court for issuing an ex-parte order contradicting section 272(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    They insisted that the order made by Justice C.N. Wali amounts to Forum Shopping, Abuse of Court Process and tantamount to self-help.

    According to them, Wali’s action violated a subsisting Judgement made by Justice J.K. Omotosho stating that the Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule is the Assembly that is recognized by law and certified by the Court.

    They call on all citizens, civil society organizations, and leaders of the Bar and the Bench to join in defending the rule of law, upholding democratic tenets and principles, and safeguarding our constitutionally guaranteed rights.

    “We will take all necessary steps to oppose these desecrations of our courts and the noble profession of law. Together, we can ensure that justice prevails and the rights of the people in Rivers State are protected.”

  • Client’s Death: Court Convicts Lagos Cosmetic Surgeon

    Client’s Death: Court Convicts Lagos Cosmetic Surgeon

    A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted a medical doctor and founder of MedContour Services Ltd., Dr. Anuoluwapo Adepoju, over a failed plastic surgery that resulted in the death of one Nneka Onwuzuligbo in 2020.

    The conviction was disclosed by a former Director-General of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Babatunde Irukera, on Friday.

    Irukera was the one who instituted the case against the convict.

    In his tweet, Irukera, tweeting as #TundeIrukera, wrote, “Today is a day of pride for me that I personally prosecuted Anu Adepoju and her medical practice. Though I’ve left public service, the case has ended in a conviction, strengthening the accountability framework for all in society, professionals, or otherwise.

    “This is how society should work and grow.

    “Dr. Anu Adepoju and her medical practice convicted in all 5 counts charged by FCCPC. The wheel of justice may grind slowly, but we must see it through. What we need are enforced with audacity and the will to prosecute competently and diligently. Good day for consumers of professional services.”

    Adepoju was arraigned in 2020 on five counts before Justice Mohammed.

  • NJC Bars 3 Judges From Elevation …issues warning letter to them

    NJC Bars 3 Judges From Elevation …issues warning letter to them

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has barred three judges from elevation for two to three years over a series of offenses and also issued warning letters to them.

    The decision followed resolutions reached at the NJC’s 105th plenary meeting on May 15 and 16, 2024.

    Therefore, the chairman of the council, Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, had issued warning letters to Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court and Justice GB Brikins-Okolosi of the Delta State High Court.

    In a statement, NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, said Justice Ekwo was warned for abusing his discretionary power by improperly granting an ex parte order in the case between Juliet Ebere Nwadi Gbaka & 2 Ors. vs. Seplat Energy Plc & 12 Ors.

    The NJC therefore barred Justice Ekwo from elevation to a higher bench for two years.

    Similarly, Justice GB Brikins-Okolosi was warned for failing to deliver a judgment within the stipulated period in the case of Joseph AneneOkafor vs. Skye Bank, despite the parties having filed and adopted their final written addresses.

    Consequently, Justice Brikins-Okolosi was prohibited from elevation to a higher bench for three years.

    Furthermore, the NJC cautioned Justice Amina Shehu of the Yobe State High Court for issuing a writ of possession conferring title on the defendant in a case without any subsisting judgment from any court to justify the issuance of the writ.

    During the meeting, the Council reviewed two reports from its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees, which examined 35 petitions against judges from the Federal and State High Courts.

    The Council decided to form eight committees to further investigate the petitions deemed meritorious by the assessment committees.

    Additionally, the NJC considered recommendations from its Interview Committee on the Appointment of Judicial Officers for all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria.

    As a result, the NJC resolved to recommend 86 judicial officers for appointment to the Court of Appeal, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Sharia Courts of Appeal, and Customary Courts of Appeal of various states in Nigeria.

    These candidates will be sworn in after the NJC’s recommendations are approved by the President and their respective state governors.

  • BREAKING! Court denies Binance executive, Gambaryan bail …see why

    BREAKING! Court denies Binance executive, Gambaryan bail …see why

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday denied the bail application of a crypto currency firm executive, Tigran Gambaryan.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, while delivering the ruling, held that the bail application is refused as he has carefully gone through the application submitted before him and resolved that the defendant will jump bail if granted.

    Gambaryan, his company, Binance Holdings Limited, and a fellow top executive currently on the run, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, with money laundering and terrorism financing .

  • Abuja property: Court rules in Abacha family/FG legal battle, June 27

    Abuja property: Court rules in Abacha family/FG legal battle, June 27

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, will on June 27, deliver judgment in a suit by the family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha challenging the revocation of the property of the former Military ruler in the Maitama District of Abuja.

    The suit was instituted before Justice Peter Lifu by wife of the late General Abacha, Hajia Maryam Abacha and her eldest surviving son, Mohammed Sani Abacha.

    The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/463/2016, have the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Federal Capital Development Authority FCDA, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Salamed Ventures Limited as 1st to 4th defendants respectively.

    The plaintiff, through her council, Dr Reuben Okpanachi Atabo SAN, wants the court to nullify and set aside the purported revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy(CoO) of the property of the late General Sani Abacha located in the Maitama District.

    The Certificate of Occupancy marked FCT/ABUKN 2478 covering plot 3119 issued on June 25, 1993 was said by the family to have been illegally and unlawfully revoked by the defendants.

    In their statement of claims, the Abacha family said that the FCT under Nasir El-Rufai had instructed them to submit the Certificate of Occupancy in their possession for re-certification.

    They claimed that the 2nd plaintiff, Mohammed Sani Abacha promptly complied with the directive by delivering the Certificate of Occupancy to the FCDA and acknowledgement copy issued to him.

    While waiting for a new Certificate of Occupancy to be issued to them, plaintiffs asserted that Mohammed Abacha received a letter on February 3, 2006 notifying them that the Certificate of Occupancy had been revoked without any reason adduced in the letter.

    Besides the failure to give any reason for the revocation, the Abacha family alleged that adequate compensation was not paid as required by law.

    The family therefore asked the Judge to declare as unconstitutional, unlawful, illegal, null and void and of no effect, the purported revocation of the property.

    They sought order of the Court setting aside the purported revocation and holding that their Certificate of Occupancy is valid and subsisting having been revoked without payment of adequate compensation.

    According to them, the Certificate of Occupancy issued to the late Head of State was maliciously revoked without legal basis or justification

    The plaintiffs asked for an order of injunction prohibiting the defendants from taking any further step on the disputed revocation.

    Similarly, the prayed Justice Lifu to award N500M as damages to be paid to them by the four defendants.

    Meanwhile, counsel to the defendants, Dr James Ogwu Onoja SAN, in their counter affidavits and preliminary objections asked for outright dismissal of the suit.

    Among other reasons, the defendants claimed that the suit at the time it was instituted had become statute barred having not been filed within time allowed by law.

    Although, some of the defendants were not in court at Wednesday’s proceedings, Justice Lifu invoked the rule of the Court in adopting their processes already filed.

  • Ondo Guber; Court orders APC, Aiyedatiwa, INEC to open defence

    Ondo Guber; Court orders APC, Aiyedatiwa, INEC to open defence

    The Federal High Court, Abuja has ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to file their defense in a suit seeking removal of Aiyedatiwa as APC gubernatorial candidate for November election.

    This is following a claim by the APC that it had written a letter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, seeking for transfer of the case from Abuja to Ondo State.

    In the ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered that the three defendants must file their respective defence within days allowed by law since the suit is a time bound one.

    The plaintiff, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, is before the court questioning the conduct of the primary election that produced Aiyedatiwa as APC gubernatorial candidate.

    When the matter came up, Tuesday, Counsel to the APC, Tayo Oyetibo informed the Court that his client had forwarded a letter to the Chief Judge praying for movement of the case from the Abuja division to Akure division.

    He however admitted that APC had not received any response to the letter.

    In response, Justice Ekwo held that there was no letter before him and as such, cannot act on anything not before the court.

    However, the court held that with or without the letter before him, the defendants must respond to the issues raised by the plaintiff.

    APC in its letter by Matthew Bukkar SAN, dated May 12, but received in Chief Judge’s Office on May 13, 2024, claimed that the primary election being challenged was conducted in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    It explained that it has a functional office in Akure with State Working Committee on ground and that the electoral body also has office in Akure.

    Besides, APC said that governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa whose candidacy is being challenged is resident in Akure.

    The party therefore said that Akure division of the Federal High Court is the approximate convenient place for the case to be determined.

    However, counsel to the plaintiff, Chief Chris Uche SAN was prevented from reacting to the letter on the ground that the said letter was not before the court.

    After issuing the order, Justice Ekwo fixed May 29 for hearing of the suit with a warning that all processes in respect of the suit must be filed and exchanged by parties.

    Ibrahim who is representing Ondo South in the Senate, is praying the court to cancel the nomination of Aiyedatiwa as APC candidate on the ground that the April 20 primary election that produced him was unlawful.

    In the suit instituted on his behalf by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chris Uche, Ibrahim, a governorship aspirant who participated in the primary election alleged that the poll was marred with a lot of irregularities.

    Among others, the Senator claimed that sections 221, 228 of the 1999 Constitution and that of 84 of the Electoral Act 2022 were grossly violated in the conduct of the disputed primary election by the APC.

    He alleged that some delegates who could have voted for him at the primary election were not accredited to vote thereby making the primary election liable to be set aside and nullified.

    He is therefore praying the Court to bar INEC from accepting governor Aiyedatiwa as the APC governorship candidate in the coming November 16 gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

    The Senator also sought an order of perpetual injunction prohibiting governor Aiyedatiwa from holding himself out or parading himself as the APC governorship candidate.

    Similarly, Ibrahim wants the court to set aside the purported primary election and compel the APC to conduct a fresh one in compliance with sections 221, 228 of the 1999 Constitution and that of 84 of the Electoral Act 2022.

    The aggrieved governorship aspirant prayed the Federal High Court to delist the names of the APC and Aiyedatiwa from the political parties and candidates that would participate in the gubernatorial poll .

    Plaintiff further requested that APC and governor Aiyedatiwa be stripped of all rights except a fresh primary election is lawfully conducted for the purpose of nominating candidate for the governorship election.