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Category: Governance

  • President Tinubu Declares April 7 as National Police Day

    President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has declared April 7 as National Police Day. The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, highlighted the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the nation’s police force.

    President Tinubu emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive overhaul of the institutional mindset and ethos within the police force, stating, “My administration will ensure that police officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and expertise required to tackle the complex challenges of modern policing.”

    Furthermore, he disclosed the government’s decision to designate the first week of April as Police Week, with April 7 marking the culmination as National Police Day.

    President Tinubu underscored the importance of honoring the sacrifices of law enforcement personnel, stating, “Your exemplary valor doesn’t only represent the pinnacle of patriotism that binds us but also instils confidence that brighter days lie just beyond the horizon.”

    The President’s remarks also highlighted key initiatives aimed at rejuvenating the police force, including investments in training, capacity-building, and upgrading equipment and technology.

    He assured, “These endeavors will be supported by suitable measures to enhance the status of our officers and personnel both during their service and after retirement.”

    In his address, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for recognizing the hard work, resilience, and patriotism of police officers. He emphasized the significance of celebrating the nation’s unsung heroes and urged for the removal of any misconduct within the force, stating, “As we commend the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones among the Police Force as, to whom much is given, much is expected.”

    The declaration of National Police Day and the broader reforms initiated by President Tinubu’s administration signify a pivotal step towards modernizing and professionalizing Nigeria’s law enforcement agency, promoting accountability, and enhancing public trust in the police force.

  • Naira Abuse: EFCC Files 3-Count Charge Against Cubana Chief Priest

    Naira Abuse: EFCC Files 3-Count Charge Against Cubana Chief Priest

    Nigerian socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has been charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

    The Imo State born celebrity barman will be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on a three-count charge for allegedly spraying and tampering with the Naira at a social event, contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007.

    He is expected to take his plea before a trial judge tomorrow, Wednesday, April 17.

    The allegations against him read: “That you, Okechukwu Pascal, on 13th Feb. 2024, at Eko Hotel, within the jurisdiction of the court, while dancing during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.”

    “That you, Okechukwu Pascal sometime in 2020, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.”

    “That you, Okechukwu Pascal sometime in January 2024, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.”

    Cubana Chief Priest’s trial is coming few days after the anti-graft agency also secured the conviction of a controversial cross dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, who was sentenced to 6 months in prison without the option of fine, for mutilation and abuse of the Naira.

  • Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Hits 33.20% As Naira Rebounds 

    Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Hits 33.20% As Naira Rebounds 

    Nigeria’s inflation rate jumped to 33.20% in March 2024 compared to February 2024 headline inflation rate which was 31.70%.

    This was according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released on Monday.

    “Looking at the movement, the March 2024 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 1.50% points when compared to the February 2024 headline inflation rate,” said the NBS.

    “On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 11.16% points higher compared to the rate recorded in March 2023, which was 22.04%.

    “On a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in March 2024 was 3.02%, which was 0.10% lower than the rate recorded in February 2024 (3.12%). This means that in the month of March 2024, the rate of increase in the average price level is less than the rate of increase in the average price level in February 2024.”

    The inflation report by the NBS followed the hike of Nigeria’s interest rate from 22.75% to 24.75% by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Interestingly, the March inflation rate was released at a time when measures by the apex bank to strenghten the naira against foreign exchange have seen some positive results.

    The naira has appreciated against the dollar in recent weeks, gaining over 40%, from about N1,900/$ to about N1,100/$1 now.

    As the naira rebounds, Nigerians expect significant reduction in the prices of food and basic commodities but this hasn’t been the case with cost of living still high.

  • Alleged terrorism, kidnapping: Judge threatens to strike out trial of Imo monarch killers …As AGF shuns court

    Alleged terrorism, kidnapping: Judge threatens to strike out trial of Imo monarch killers …As AGF shuns court

    Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Monday threatened to strike out terrorism charges brought against four defendants who allegedly kidnapped and killed the traditional ruler of Amanze-Obowo autonomous community in Imo state, Eze Basil Njoku.

    The threat by Justice Nyako followed the absence of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi SAN in court to lead the prosecution of the defendants.

    Although the four defendants were billed for arraignment by 9.am, the judge was forced to shift it till 12noon due to the non-appearance of the AGF or his representatives in court.

    The four defendants are Jude Iheme and Chika Madukwe, Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke.

    The three counts earlier slammed against them have been increased to five in the amended charges.

    By 12noon, when the arraignment was to hold, neither the AGF not his representative still appeared in court without any information or communication to the court.

    The situation prompted the judge to invite lawyers to the defendants into her chambers where an adjournment of April 30th was fixed.

    Although lead counsel to the defendants, Solomon Akume SAN had applied for dismissal of he terrorism charges against the defendants, Justice Nyako opted to give the the AGF another chance to lead a diligent prosecution

    The judge however held that in the event of the AGF or his representatives not appearing in court on the adjourned date, the court may have no option than to strike out the charges against the defendants for want of diligent prosecution.

    At the March 20 last adjourned date, the AGF represented by David Kaswe a lawyer from the Federal Ministry of Justice had taken over the prosecution of the defendants from the Inspector General of Police IGP who intially initated the trial of defendants

    Kaswe had told the judge that the AGF invoked section 174 of the 1999 Constitution and section 105 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to assume trial of the defendants

    The AGF’s office at the last adjourned date told the court that the IGP had been directed to make the case file available to his office.

    However at today’s proceedings, neither the AGF nor David Kwase and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Simon Lough who was prosecuting the trial for the Inspector General of Police was in court, despite been served with hearing notice.

    Meanwhile Justice Nyako has ordered that fresh hearing notice for April 30th arraignment of the four defendants be served on the AGF.

    Iheme, 52 years of Amagwu Amanze Obowo local government area of Imo and Madukwe, 42 years of Ndi-Uche Etiti Omuimo local government area also of Imo State, were said to have killed the traditional ruler on December 17, 2022..

    The defendants were accused of killing the monarch while coming from the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, after kidnapping and collecting a ransom of N4M cash from his family.

    In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/575/2024, Iheme and Madukwe alongside others said to be at large were said to have conspired to commit felony to wit, acts of terrorism contrary to section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

    They were also said to have armed themselves with guns and offensive weapons, attacked, kidnapped and killed the monarch on December 17, 2022.

    The IGP also accused them of failing to volunteer information at their disposal to security agencies which could have led to apprehension of other kidnappers contrary to section 16 of the same Terrorism Act.

    Part of the charge read “That you Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, 45 years ago and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo State between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical Squad, Abuja during the police investigation of offence of kidnapping and terrorism of the Royal Eze, Basil Njoku conspired and brought false accusations with internt to cause Nwigwe Emeka Williams to be charged with kidnapping and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act.

    “That you Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, 45 years and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo State between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical Squad, Abuja with intent to mislead the police investigators in the case of kidnap and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you gave false information to the investigators that a drunk man informed you that Nwigwe Emeka Williams is responsible for the kidnap and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku Knowing or having reason to know that information you gave to police investigators is false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act 2004.

    “That you Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike, 45 years ago and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke, 39 years all of Ehume in Obowo LGA of Imo State between June to August 2023 at Zone 9 Police Headquarters at Umuahia and Special Tactical Squad, Abuja during the police investigation of offence of kidnapping and terrorism of the Royal Eze, Basil Njoku conspired and brought false accusations with internt to cause Nwigwe Emeka Williams to be charged with kidnapping and terrorism of Eze Basil Njoku, you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 125 of the Criminal Code Act.

  • Former Senate President, Lawan Reacts As Soldiers Allegedly Kill Three ‘Innocent’ Civilians In Yobe

    Former Senate President, Lawan Reacts As Soldiers Allegedly Kill Three ‘Innocent’ Civilians In Yobe

    Former President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has reacted to the alleged killing of three innocent civilians by soldiers in Gashu’a, the headquarters of Bade Local Government Area in Yobe State.

    According to reports, the soldiers, on Sunday, fired indiscriminately at groups of protesters who were approaching their ‘Stop-And-Search’ checkpoint near Gashua Bridge.

    The protesters were demonstrating against the alleged killing of a tricycle operator by soldiers in Gashu’a on Sunday.

    Three civilians lost their lives in the incident, while 12 others were injured and taken to the Federal Medical Centre Nguru for treatment.

    In a statement he personally signed on Sunday, Senator Lawan urged the military authorities to conduct an immediate investigation into the tragic incident.

    As the Senator representing Yobe North in the Upper legislative chamber and the current chair of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Lawan emphasized the need for the Nigerian Army to ensure that those responsible for these acts of violence are held accountable.

    He said, “Gashua community has always been a peaceful place with calm people, who always give support and cooperate with the military, paramilitary, and, indeed, all government agents operating in the town.”

    Lawan urged the residents to remain calm, stating that he had already consulted with military officials to guarantee that the perpetrators would be caught and punished in accordance with the law. He stressed that justice would prevail.

    The legislator also pledged to oversee the care of all injured individuals.

    “I am deeply saddened by Sunday’s tragic event that took place in Gashua, Yobe State, where soldiers allegedly killed three innocent civilians who were amongst those protesting the killing of a tricycle operator by the soldiers.

    “I call on the military authorities to swiftly investigate and bring to justice those responsible for the killings. It is imperative that those behind these senseless acts of violence are held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served for the victims and their families.

    “Accordingly, I have waded into the issue by contacting the Bade Local Government Chairman and Commanding Officer for an hourly brief to keep me abreast of developments. I have also taken responsibility for the treatment of all the 12 persons who sustained various forms of injuries from attack by the soldiers.

    “I urge the community of Gashua in Bade local government area, to remain calm and peaceful in the midst of this tragedy.

    “I stand in solidarity and unity with the residents of Gashu’a during this difficult time to mourn the loss of innocent lives. Together, we can honour the memories of the lives lost and work towards a more peaceful and just society for all.

    “My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who died during this tragic incident. May the souls of the deceased rest in Aljannatul Firdaus,” Leadership quoted Senator Lawan’s statement.

  • Army To Probe Torture Of Hotel Manager To Death By Soldiers In Abia

    Army To Probe Torture Of Hotel Manager To Death By Soldiers In Abia

    The Nigerian Army has begun an investigation into the death of a hotel manager, Achimugu Etubi, in Abia State.

    Some soldiers were said to have tortured Etubi to death in Abia after an Air Force cadet, Emmanuel Onyemereche, reportedly drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the Nigerian Army’s spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed an investigation of soldiers allegedly involved in the torturing of the manager.

    Nwachukwu said the Army is deeply concerned by the alleged unprofessional conduct of its personnel in the tragic death of a hotel manager.

    He said Lagbaja had immediately ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book anyone found culpable.

    Nwachukwu said the Army is resolute in its pursuit of truth and justice, and we will keep the public informed at the conclusion of the investigation.

    The statement read, “The NA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Manager Mr Achimugu James Etubi and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche and assures the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served.

    “The Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and therefore any personnel found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions.

    “Furthermore, the NA reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the security of all citizens. We remain steadfast in our mission to promote lasting peace and security throughout Nigeria.”

  • Alleged $4.5bn, N2.8bn fraud: Court grants Emefiele N50m bail

    Alleged $4.5bn, N2.8bn fraud: Court grants Emefiele N50m bail

    An Ikeja high court in Lagos State has granted bail to the embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele, in the sum of N50 million.

    Ruling on the bail application on Friday, the presiding judge, Rahmon Oshodi, admitted Emefiele on bail with two sureties in like sum.

    The former CBN governor is facing a trial in Lagos on a 26-count charge bordering on abuse of office.

    Recall that Justice Oshodi had ordered the remand of the former Central Bank Bank (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The judge gave the remand order over alleged abuse of office and $5.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud.

    The judge ordered that Emefiele’s co-defendant, Henry Isioma-Omoile, should be detained at Ikoyi Custodial Centre.

    The defendants counsel, Mr A. Labi-Lawal, had in his two bail applications, urged the court to grant the defendants bail on self recognition and on liberal terms pending the determination on the case.

    Labi-Lawal, in his 31 affidavits, said the first defendant (Emefiele) had complied with the bail application, which was given to him by Justice Muazu in his alleged fraud trial case going on in Abuja.

    He said the charges were bailable offences and not a capital offence.

    “Though the first defendant was granted administrative bail by the prosecuting authority. He is seeking bail based on self recognition and he is ready to attend the court.

    “The court should also take into consideration the status of the first defendant as he was the former CBN governor of the country,” he said.

    The defence counsel said his client had religiously presented himself before Justice Muazu in Abuja to answer the allegations before him.

    According to him, the first defendant was not at flight risk, as he was the first person to arrive in court.

    He also prayed the court to release Emefiele to lawyer, pending the determination of the bail.

    Emefiele and his co-defendant pleaded not guilty to the 26-count charge bordering on abuse of office, accepting gratification, accepting gifts through agents, corruption, and fraudulent property receipt.

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty, following their arraignment.

    The EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), did not oppose the bail application moved by the defence counsel.

    Oyedepo, however, urged the court to exercise its discretion judiciously in granting bail to the defendants.

  • Naira Abuse: Court jail Bobrisky six months with no fine option … “I am a man,” he admitted

    Naira Abuse: Court jail Bobrisky six months with no fine option … “I am a man,” he admitted

    Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, A.K.A Bobrisky, to six months in jail with no option of fine.

    Bobrisky, on arraignment, pleaded guilty to the charge of naira abuse.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, April 4, docked the controversial cross-dresser on a six-count of money laundering and abuse of naira.

    However, the court dismissed the money laundering charges but convicted him for Naira Abuse after he confessed to the crime.

    At the last sitting, the prosecution counsel, S.I. Sulaiman urged the court to allow the investigating officer, ASE I Bolaji Temitope Aje, to give a brief review of the facts against him.

    Aje narrated to the court that the EFCC received intelligence on some individuals, who are in the habit of mutilating and spraying the Naira notes at social parties and event centres in Lagos.

    According to him, “Based on intelligence, the EFCC set up the Special Operations Team to observe and monitor activities of individuals, who are involved in the habit of mutilating the Naira.

    “The team visited many event centres and monitored social media pages, where the Naira was being abused. During the course of the monitoring, the team came across videos on social media, where the defendant was seen abusing the Naira. The team then proceeded to download these videos via our office laptop computers and also went further to copy these videos on compact disc.

    “In the light of the foregoing, a letter of invitation was written and forwarded to the defendant.
    “The defendant honoured the invitation. When he got to our office, he was voluntarily cautioned. Thereafter, he volunteered to write his statement.

    “The defendant was shown a video, where he was spraying money on an artiste called Segun Johnson. The defendant confessed that he was the one in the video. He was also shown a video at IMAX Circle Mall, where he sprayed a total sum of N400,000 at a movie premiere. The defendant also admitted that he was the one in the video and that he carried out the abuse.

    “The defendant was also shown two other videos of him spraying the Naira at Aja junction, Ikorodu, and White Stone Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.

    “The defendant admitted to spraying money in these videos. He was, therefore, served with a bail condition.”

    Consequently, Sulaiman then prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly.

    Justice Awogboro had, thereafter, ruled that “upon the admission of guilt by the defendant, testimony of PW1 and following the evidence tendered, the defendant is declared guilty as charged.”

    In his plea for mercy, Bobrisky said: “I am a social media influencer, with five million followers; and in all honesty, I was not aware of the law. I wish I could be given a second chance to use my platform to educate my followers against the abuse of the Naira.”

    Also, his lawyer had said: “He will lead the crusade against the abuse of Naira. He is also an employer of people ; and if he goes to jail, the people he employs will suffer. He has cooperated with the EFCC and has not wasted the time of the court. We urge the court to caution the defendant and allow him to go. He has given evidence that he will be useful to the country. We urge you to grant a non-custodial sentencing option of fine.”

    After listening to both parties, the judge deferred judgment in the matter to Tuesday, April 9, 2024, and also ordered that he be remanded in the EFCC custody.

    Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Awogboro held that “The act of mutilating the Naira notes has become a menace, which has continued to damage the image of the country.

    “Enough of people mutilating and tampering with our currencies. It has to stop. His will serve as a deterrent to others.”

    The Judge, therefore, sentenced him to six months imprisonment, without an option of fine, from the date of his remand

  • AGF, NBA, NJC set to tackle factors hindering the effectiveness of laws

    AGF, NBA, NJC set to tackle factors hindering the effectiveness of laws

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi has said that a new move to make Nigerians access justice and fair play unhindered is underway for the citizenry.

    To make the new measure achievable, most of the laws, including electoral laws, are to be updated under a new justice sector reform.

    At a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the AGF revealed that the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) are putting together a National Summit on Justice sector where all factors hindering the effectiveness of Nigerian laws would be tackled.

    The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to the AGF, would, on April 24, 2024, declare the Summit open to address critical challenges in the nation’s justice sector in Abuja.

    According to Fagbemi, the anticipated National Summit on Justice holding from April 24 to 25, 2024 will be hosted by the
    Federal Ministry of Justice, alongside the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the National Judicial Council (NJC).

    The National Summit, with the theme, “Repositioning the Justice System: Constitutional, Statutory, and Operational Reforms for Access and Efficiency”, the Minister said, will hold at the Auditorium of National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.

    The event, Fagbemi said, will address the significant challenges plaguing Nigeria’s justice sector and pave the way for much-needed reforms that will make justice more accessible to all Nigerians.

    He said the Summit will bring together experts, legal professionals, and key stakeholders from across the country to engage in constructive discussions and develop practical solutions that prioritize the justice needs of the average Nigerian.

    In his words, “The National Summit on Justice presents a unique opportunity to collectively tackle the pressing issues hindering the efficient, fair, and people-centered delivery of justice in our nation.

    “The Joint Planning Committee established by the Federal Ministry of Justice and the NBA, headed by the Chairman of the NBA Judiciary Committee, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN has assembled a remarkable group of speakers and panelists to share their invaluable knowledge and expertise and proffer constructive solutions for making the justice system more efficient and accessible to all Nigerians”, the AGF and Minister of Justice stated.

    He added that the summit will feature a keynote address by Dr. Willy Mutunga, EGH, a renowned legal scholar, jurist and former Chief Justice of Kenya, celebrated for his commitment to democratic principles and human rights, and for the transformative judicial reform that took place in Kenya under his watch.

    One of the Summit’s goals, the Minister said, is to review, validate, and adopt the revised National Policy on Justice 2024 – 2028 to drive prison reforms, access to justice for the average Nigerian, as well as the review of electoral laws and procedures in handling election related cases, among several other reforms.

    He said, “This comprehensive policy document outlines a broad framework and initiatives in 17 thematic areas aimed at reforming the justice sector to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility to all Nigerians, ensuring that justice is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all.

    “The policy aims to address various challenges within the legal framework, seeking to promote social cohesion, bolster economic development, and foster good governance.”

    He added further that, the Summit will deliberate on draft legislations proposed to address specific identified challenges within the justice sector, relating to the judicial appointments process, administration, funding and budgeting for the judiciary, the elimination of delays and inefficiencies in justice delivery and to evolve ways to reduce the amount of time for adjudication of cases, eliminate some of the associated technicalities, and reduce the number of cases getting to the Supreme Court.

    “In this regard, we intend to look at a situation where many cases will terminate at the court of appeal to reduce the burden on our noble justices of the Supreme Court.

    “These proposed laws are expected to serve as a catalyst for collective action and provide a guiding framework for relevant governmental institutions at both the national and sub national levels to establish an effective, efficient, and people-centered justice system”.

    The country , he said, cannot afford to remain complacent in the face of the obstacles impeding the efficient delivery of justice for all Nigerians, adding that, “the Summit will present an opportunity for us to unite our efforts, leverage our collective expertise, and chart a course toward a more just and equitable society”.

    Fagbemi expressed the hope that , the National Summit on Justice will usher in a new era of positive change and progress in the country’s justice sector, ensure a fair, accessible, and efficient legal system that upholds the rule of law while safeguarding fundamental human rights.

  • Retired Justice, Ahmad Olarewaju Belgore dies at 71

    Retired Justice, Ahmad Olarewaju Belgore dies at 71

    Ahmad Olarewaju Belgore, a retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, has passed away at age 71 in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    It was gathered that he died after breaking his Ramadan fast on Tuesday, April 9.

    Belgore, born on April 18, 1953, graduated with an LL.B. (Hons.) in Law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1978, and subsequently earned his Barrister-At-Law (BL) at the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos in the 1978/79 session.

    He was enrolled as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in July 1979.

    Throughout his distinguished career, Belgore served in several prominent legal roles.

    He was a Judge of the High Court of Justice in Kwara State from August 1990 to 2006, and also served as the Resident High Court Judge of the Offa Judicial Division of Kwara State from August 1994 to September 1999.

    Additionally, he chaired the Special Tribunal for Miscellaneous Offences in Abuja.

    Belgore’s international experience included a secondment to the Judiciary of the Republic of the Gambia, where he served as a Justice of Appeal in the Gambia Court of Appeal, later becoming the acting Justice of the Supreme Court until December 2005.

    Upon returning to Nigeria, he was appointed as a Justice of the Court of Appeal on April 27, 2006, and was sworn in on June 8, 2006.

    Belgore’s contributions to the legal profession were further recognized with appointments to the Body of Benchers of Nigeria in October 2015 and as a Life Bencher in February 2021.

    He retired from his role as a Justice of the Court of Appeal on April 18, 2023, upon reaching the age of 70.

    His recent public appearance was at the fidau held for the late District Head of Ballah, Alhaji Salman Olarongbe Abdulkadir.