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Category: Governance

  • Supreme court’s judgement on Kanu, a product of Igbo phobia – Huriwa….his release should have been a gift to Ezeife – Abaribe

    Reactions has been trailing the Supreme Court judgement which ordered the self acclaimed leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, back to the federal high court to continue his trail.

    The Apex Court in a judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim but written by Justice Garba Lawal voided and set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal which in October last year, ordered the release of Kanu and also quashed the terrorism charges against him.

    In it’s judgment, the court described the Nigerian Government unlawful repatriation of Kanu from Kenya as reckless, held that such unlawful act however, has not divested any Court from proceeding with trial.

    Justice Lawal said that no Nigerian law was cited in the suit seeking Kanu’s release on mere unlawful abduction from Kenya adding that at moment, the remedy for such action is for Kanu to file a Civil matter against such act instead of removing the powers of courts to continue with his trial for alleged criminal charges.

    The Apex Court subsequently ordered that Kanu should go and defend himself in the remaining 7 count terrorism charges against him.

    Reacting to the judgement,
    Human Rights Writers Association Of Nigeria (HURIWA), asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order his Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alhaji Lateef Fagbemi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to file a nolle prosequi discontinuing any trial on the nebulous charges of terrorism or treason against the leader of the Indigenous peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    The Rights group stated that the supreme Court ruling on Friday morning quashing the nullification of the charges of terrorism against Nnamdi Kanu and for his immediate freedom as ordered by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria shows that justices who sat on this Appeal at the Supreme Court are suffering from Igbo phobia and do not wish the Igbo region well.

    Though the apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel of Justices, acknowledged that FG acted “irresponsibly” when it forcefully brought Kanu back to the country from Kenya, against all known laws, however, it held that it was not enough to divest the trial court of its jurisdiction to continue with the case.

    It held that there is no legislation in the country that stripped the trial court of the jurisdiction to go ahead with Kanu’s case, despite the illegal action that FG took against him.

    In the judgement that was read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court held that the remedy open for Kanu was for him to institute a civil action against the government.

    HURIWA however strongly disagree with the Supreme court and fully backed the well considered judgment of the Court of Appeal which quashed the trial of Nnamdi Kanu including building its sound judgment on the violation of international laws by the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who ordered the illegal rendition and abduction of Nnamdi Kanu from Nairobi Airpott in Kenya back into Nigeria wearing handcuffs.

    The Rights group stated “It is a shame that the highest court in the land can actually reach a determination that a citizen’s human rights was violated by the Federal Government through unlawful abduction, but the same Supreme Court is waiting for a phantom legislation to unleash its legal venom against offenders who committed the unlawful act and who are now without immunity including erstwhile President Buhari and his AGF Abubakar Malami.”

    Questioning why the Supreme Court of Nigeria had to on the basis of whimsical excuses that the Appeal court’s freedom granted to Nnamdi Kanu was based on sentiments and not on law therefore overruling the sound judgment of the Appeal court, HURIWA said the current justices at the Supreme court have a long history of dishing out rulings that had contributed to the instability and insecurity that has engulfed much of South East

    The Rights group through the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated that the president should order the immediate discontinuation of this state sponsored persecution of Nnamdi Kanu whose involvement in the Indigenous peoples of Biafra(IPOB), has not been traced to any provable case of terrorism.

    Huriwa said “this Supreme Court has lost a historical opportunity to end the ‘war’ in the South East of Nigeria. The final remedy is for the President to exercise his powers through his AGF to bring this injustice and continuous persecution of Nnamdi Kanu to an end.”

    The group argued that the aggressive persecution of Nnamdi kanu and hundreds of thousands of Igbo youths associated with the self determination campaigns of the Indigenous peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and particularly, the prolonged humiliation, dehumanisation and detention is the genesis of the heightened state of insecurity, mass killings, insurgency and destruction of the peace of Igboland.

    Huriwa stated that “ending this state sponsored persecution of Nnamdi Kanu and the commencement of constructive dialogues with agitators, will restore peace and will serve the overall public good.”

    Also reacting is Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, a senator representing Abia South.

    The Senator said the release of Nnamdi Kanu, would have been a gift for the late former Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife.

    Speaking through his media adviser, Uchenna Awom. Eyinnaya called for calm over the judgement of the Supreme Court that refused to release Kanu, as he described Ezeife’s death as a great loss to the people of the Southeast.

    According to Abaribe: “Okwadike never hid his feelings and, as such, voiced out his opinion on vexed national issues as they affected his beloved Igbo. He spoke truth to power, no matter whose ox was gored.

    “Ironically, he died on the eve of a day our brother Nnamdi Kanu was denied release by the Supreme Court. It would have been a fitting gift to him.”

    It will be called that Justice Binta Murtala Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja, had on April 8, 2022, quashed 8 out of the 15 count charges preferred against Kanu by the Federal Government.

    However, Justice Nyako held that Kanu had questions to answer on the remaining 7 counts.

    Dissatisfied with the judgement, Kanu’s team of lawyers led by Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, headed to the Court of Appeal, Abuja to seek the dismissal of the remaining 7-count charge.

    In a judgement on October 13, 2022, the appellate court dismissed all the 7 count criminal charges against Kanu.

  • Supreme Court Insists Nnamdi Kanu Must Face Trial

    The Supreme Court, Friday, ordered that the self acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, must continue his trial at the Federal High Court.

    Delivering judgment on an appeal by the Federal Government, Justice Emmanuel Agim, who read the judgement as prepared by Justice Garba Lawal Mohammed, held that the Court of Appeal was wrong to hold that Kanu could not be tried again based on the illegality and I’ll treatment meted him by the Federal Government, following the invasion of his home.

    “In as much as we condemn the act of the prosecution (FG) in attacking the home of the defendant (Kanu) while on trial, we decided not to go with the decision of the Court of Appeal that his trial should be stopped, Justice Garba held.

    Therefore, the apex court allowed the appeal of the Federal Government and dismissed the cross appeal filed by Kanu.

    The Attorney General of the Federation was represented in court by D. E Kaswe, Chief State Counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN, leading Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN and Ifeanyi Ejiofor announced appearance for Nnamdi Kanu.

    Nnamdi Kanu had been in the custody of the Federal Government since June 29, 2021, following his forceful rendition from Kenya.

    Justice Binta Murtala Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja, had on April 8, 2022, quashed 8 out of the 15 count charges preferred against Kanu by the Federal Government.

    However, Justice Nyako held that Kanu had questions to answer on the remaining 7 counts.

    Dissatisfied with the judgement, Kanu’s team of lawyers led by Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, headed to the Court of Appeal, Abuja to seek the dismissal of the remaining 7-count charge.

    In a judgement on October 13, 2022, the appellate court dismissed all the 7 count criminal charges against Kanu.

    The Court of Appeal while upholding all the arguments and submissions of Prof Ozekhome, quashed the entire 15 count criminal charges.

    The Court below agreed with Ozekhome that the Federal Government violated rules of engagement in the ways and manners Kanu was arrested in Kenya and brought to Nigeria.

    Specifically, the Court of Appeal held that the Nigerian government broke international laws and resorted to self help in its failure to file extradition charge against the IPOB leader in Kenya instead of resorting to unlawful abduction, and forceful rendition.

  • Justify your appointments:CJN tasks FHC Judges

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has tasked Judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria to put in the hard work to justify their appointments.

    Ariwoola also cautioned the judges
    against taking their appointments for granted for whatever reason.

    Speaking, while
    declaring open the 2023 Conference of Judges of the Federal High Court held at the Court’s headquarters in Abuja, the CJN warned them not to attempt to convince anybody no matter how highly placed but to always consult with laws and rules before writing their judgments and rulings.

    Ariwoola tasked the judges to always strive to come up with judgments that would stand the test of time, especially judgments that would not be overturned by Appellate Courts.

    In conclusion, he noted that the FHC is not only the largest and best in the country, but the only court that has exclusive originating jurisdiction over election related matters in the country.

    ” For the reasons I have just enumerated, I charge you not to take your appointments for granted. You must work harder to justify the appointments by always coming up with judgments and decisions that would not be rejected by the Appellate Courts.

    “Go extra miles to justify the appointments and do not create loopholes that could tarnish the image and reputation of the Court.”

    He congratulated the judges for the opportunity of witnessing the conference and the 50th anniversary of the courts existence.

    Earlier, the Chief Judge of the Court, Justice John Tsoho had recalled the establishment of the Court 50 years ago with a single Court room and five Judges in Lagos but has grown to 37 Divisions and 95 Judges at the moment.

    Justice Tsoho said that the 23 judges recently appointed to beef up performance of the Court have since been inducted and deployed to various divisions.

    On the conference, he said that it is aimed at critically discussing issues confronting the court and profer solutions to the challenges.

    He thanked the CJN and the Nigerian Bar Association NBA for their contributions to the growth of the court over the years.

  • Court Stops Police, DSS from arresting Kogi SDP spokesperson

    Justice Hamza Haruna of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, has ordered the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Unuoha to stop harassing, arrest or in any way intimidating the Spokesperson of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in Kogi state Mr Faruk Adejoh-Audu.

    Others in the restraining order are the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Kogi State Director of DSS, untill the determination of a motion on notice.

    Asejoh- Audu is the court, seeking the enforcement of his fundamental human rights, claiming that his life has come under serious threat from the defendants.

    Adejoh-Audu, a veteran journalist, activist, politician and SDP Spokesperson had gone to court after altercations between him and the Kogi State Police Commissioner, Unuoha on election matters after which the later publicly threatened the spokesman to expect some unstated consequences.

    The SDP Spokesperson had on November 29, 2023, accused the Police Chief of collaborating with thugs to attack the interest of his party in the recently conducted governorship election in Kogi.

    However, the Police Commissioner held a press conference the next day in Lokoja and gave Adejoh-Audu 24 hours ultimatum to substantiate his allegations or “be ready to face the consequences of his actions.”

    The SDP Spokesperson took up the challenge in a 17-paragraph reply justifying his allegations and accusing the Police Chief of resorting to self-help by threatening to ” visit unstated consequences” on him.

    An FCT High Court presided over by Justice Hamza.Muazu after listening to O. U. Salifu lawyer to the SDP Spokesman in an ex-parte application, granted the order restraining the Inspector General of Police, The Director-General of the DSS, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police and the State Director of DSS from arresting or interfering with the liberty of the applicant.

    The court has adjourned the matter to December 18, 2023, for the hearing of the Motion On Notice.

  • Comply with critical Sections of the Criminal Justice Act: AGF tells Lawyers Enforcement Agents

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, yesterday stressed the need to effect compliance of sections 29, 33 and 34 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act(ACJA), 2015.

    The Minister informed that the Police Duty Solicitors are presently stationed in over 15 Police Divisions in the FCT to monitor compliance with the provisions of ACJA and ensure that arrested persons are treated with dignity.

    He also revealed that records have shown that the PDSS has ensured access to justice, right to counsel, legal services, and right to fair trial to over 28,000 detainees since inception in February 2022.

    He continued that the scheme has in collaboration with the Police Divisions in the FCT, taken the extra efforts to ensure a healthy condition of the cells, like wise the Court Duty Solicitors has continued to offer free preliminary legal services and representation in the courts.

    The AGF was speaking through Mrs. Leticia Ayoola-Daniel, Director, Administration of Criminal Justice and Reforms (ACJ&R) Federal Ministry of Justice at the 2-day Criminal Justice Stakeholders Workshop On Effective Implementation of Section 29, 33, and 34 of ACJA.

    ” We welcome you all, to this significant gathering of stakeholders in the administration of criminal justice focused on the coordination for the effective implementation of arrests, prompt delivery of statutory reports on arrests and the crucial monthly visits by magistrates to detention facilities.

    “It is without doubt that in the landscape of our criminal justice system, we face challenges in the enforcement of some sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 especially sections 29, 33 and 34. These prevailing challenges lie basically in the absence of a coordinated approach and the making of the requisite sacrifices involved as the need arises to enforce the existing laws and policies.

    “The purpose of this Workshop is to bring about that missing link within our collective aspirations to build a society where justice prevails, regardless of the circumstances.

    “Our roles as Law judicial officers, prosecutors, enforcement agencies, civil society organizations and indeed citizens are pivotal in reshaping the weak points of the criminal justice system.

    “Apparently, none of us is immune to or insulated from the challenges of our present system, and it is essential to recognize that the transformation of Criminal Justice System is embedded in our collective efforts.

    “To build a resilient and efficient model, we must learn from the mistakes of others and work together to create a system we can trust, rely on, and be proud of. It is high time we face the challenges head-on and optimize the system for the benefit of all.

    “Section 29 of ACJA, 2015 emphasizes the establishment of a database for records of those arrested. In this digital age, data is not just information. It is life, and when properly utilized, it becomes a powerful tool in shaping government policies and recognition of patterns.

    “Data sharing is crucial, and the lack thereof contributes to the loss of lives every day. Some crimes are preventable when data is properly harnessed or shared.

    “The implementation of this section in line with the specific details outlined in section 15 of ACJA, 2015, will require the collaboration of DPOs towards the creation of a robust database for informed decision-making process.

    “While it is important to recognize all divisions that has been consistent, till date there are some police stations that do not comply with the provision of sections 29 and 33 of ACJA with regards to the rendering of monthly reports of suspects arrested without warrants.

    “We have also noticed a reduction in the monthly visits by the judicial officers to detention facilities.

    “I must commend the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee (ACJMC) and our donor partners on the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) and the Court Duty Solicitor Scheme (CDSS).

    “My vision is to see a justice system that works for all, irrespective of status. To this end, I urge you all to unite in creating a criminal justice system that fears or respects no one except the rule of law. We must uphold the minimum standards that accords respect to suspects throughout the administration of criminal justice.

    “As critical stakeholders, I will like us to have extensive discussions and deliberations on issues hampering us from attaining the kind of criminal justice system that we truly desire. As we embark on this workshop, I am confident that the knowledge shared will enrich each one of us to the extent that there will be a clear shift from negative narratives.

    ” Let us leverage on this opportunity to grow and learn together. Working collaboratively, we can create an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and respected. It is on this note that I declare this workshop opened.”

  • Federal High Court has 144, 910 pending cases in new legal year

    The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho has revealed that his Court will battle with mountain of 144, 910 pending cases in new legal year of the Court.

    The Court in the last legal year had 15, 025 filed before it by litigants out of which 12, 870 were effectively disposed off leaving a balance of 2, 155 cases still on ground.

    At the opening of the Legal Year of the Court in Abuja on Monday, the Chief Judge explained that the court had a carried over of 142, 755 from 2021 to 2022 legal year adding that in 2023 legal year alone, 15, 025 fresh cases were filed by various categories of litigants.

    He noted that the Court would be going into the new legal year with the 144, 910 suits but expressed optimism that he and his brother Judges would rise up to the challenges of disposing off the cases as quickly as possible.

    The breakdown of the carried over cases showed that 42, 784 are civil cases, 36, 061 criminal matters, 41, 447 are motions while 24, 618 are Fundermental Rights Enforcement suits.

    Justice Tsoho who put the current number of Judges on the bench of the Court at 95, thanked them on the speedy ways pre-election cases of the 2023; general elections were handled within the time allowed by law.

    He however, tasked them to stand steadfast and continue to dispense justice without fear or favour adding that their being Judges is by destiny and not accident.

    While reminding the Judges that their actions would shape the destiny of the Court and the Nigerian nation, the Chief Judge asked them to strive to be beyond suspicion.

    “We must dispense justice with integrity and without bias, we must display utmost competence and courage as well as dispose cases speedily.”

    “The Federal High Court will surely rise to the challenges of the future with the same tenacity and commitment that have defined its path thus far.”, he assured.

    The Chief Judge spoke on the 50th years existence of the Court adding that the court took off in Lagos with one Court and five Judges.

    Today, he said that the court now has 38 Judicial Divisions and 95 Judges adding that the court has recorded huge growth and has become a significant pillar in the hierarchy of the Nigerian Judiciary.

    The Chief Judge thanked the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola for his humility and ready disposition to proffer solutions to challenges.

    He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Judicial Council NJC for their unyielding support and understanding and assured that the court would perform better in the new legal year.

  • Court grants ex-AGF, Adoke permission to celebrate Xmas with family in Dubai

    Justice Iyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja, has granted a former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, leave to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to celebrate the coming Christmas and new year with his family.

    The embattled former AGF, is answering a money laundering charges brought against him by the federal government.

    Adoke, had through his counsel, Kanu Agabi, prayed the Court to invoke sections 36 and 37 of Nigeria’s Constitution to grant his request.

    He argued that Adoke, had since this trial commenced, had not been been with the family members who are resident in UAE.

    Specifically, Agabi submitted that the former Minister of Justice needed to spend time with his family to maintain his physical and mental health, adding that the law presumed him innocent until contrary is established against him.

    He further submitted that since his client was admitted to bail, he had been religiously and consistently attending trial and had never behaved in any manner suggestive of intention to jump bail.

    In his ruling, Justice Inyang Eden Ekwo agreed that Adoke had been attending trial and had never attempted to jump bail adding that he was persuaded to grant the request.

    The Judge thereafter ordered that Adoke’s passport deposited with the Registry of the Court be released to him for the purpose of traveling to UAE.

    Justice Ekwo ordered that the former AGF must return to Nigeria before January 11, 2024 for continuation of his trial in the charges against him.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the erstwhile AGF alongside an oil mogul, Aliyu Abubakar, on a 14-count charge.

    In the charge, EFCC alleged that Adoke had sometime in August 2013, in Abuja, accepted a cash payment of the dollar equivalent of N300 million from Aliyu, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 16 (2)(b) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended).

    Whereas Abubakar was also accused of accepting cash payment of the sum of $4 million from Faman Holdings Limited, through one Abdulhakeem Uthman Mustapha, in September 2013, EFCC alleged that Adoke made structured cash payment in tranches into his Unity Bank Account No. 0020153263.

  • NJC recommends compulsory retirement of Osun High Court Judge… probe into 51 petitions against others

    The National Judicial Council NJC has recommended compulsory retirement of a High Court Judge in Osun State, S.O Falola,The NJC also sets up panels to investigate 51 petitions against others over various acts of misconduct in the discharge of their judicial duties.

    The Osun High Court Judge was recommended to Governor Ademola Adeleke for compulsory retirement for granting fraudulent orders against the provisions of the law.At its 104th Meeting held in Abuja, the Council invoked its Constitutional powers and placed the Judge on indefinite suspension from duties pending the time governor Adeleke would give effect to its recommendation.

    NJC statement issued by its Director of Information Mr Soji Oye on Thursday indicated that Justice Falola incurred the wrath of the Council when he granted a Garnishee Order Absolute against Polaris Bank for the sum of N283,174,000 in a questionable and strange manner and endorsement of the Order,

    The compulsory retirement recommendation was made sequel to the findings of an Investigation Committee in a petition written against the Judge by one Dapo Kolapo Olowo and Polaris Bank.

    Justice Falola was also found wanting for attaching the account of the Garnishee with another garnishee and not the account of the Judgment Debtor who had the legal obligation to pay the supposed judgment sum.NJC found that the Judge misconducted himself by entertaining suit No HIK/41/2018 when there was no evidence of a judgment of the Kwara State High Court before him, neither was there a Certificate of Registration of same in Osun State to confer jurisdiction on him. It further found the conduct of the Judge travelling to Lagos to visit the Counsel of the Bank in his Chambers on the issue of Garnishee Proceedings unbecoming of the standard expected of a Judicial Officer.

    Consequently, Council recommended him to Governor Adeleke for compulsory retirement with immediate effect.

    Meanwhile, in the exercise of its disciplinary powers under the 1999 Constitution, the Council has suspended Hon. Justice Falola from office pending the approval of the recommendation of his compulsory retirement by the Governor.However, the Council declined the request of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State for permission to swear in the next Most Senior Judge in the State in acting capacity, following allegations levelled against Justice Adepele Ojo, Chief Judge, Osun State and the resolution of the State House of Assembly to suspend him.

    The Council affirmed that Justice Ojo is still the recognized Chief Judge of Osun State and would not work on the resolution of a State House of Assembly, as it is the only body constitutionally empowered to investigate Judicial Officers and recommend same for any action to the Governor.

    Consequently, it ordered that Osun State should revert to status quo.At the meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola, 11 probe panels were put in place to investigate 51 fresh petitions against other Judicial officers for gross acts of misconduct.

    The statement also revealed that the Council considered the reports of other Investigation Committees that had concluded their sittings, and dismissed petitions written against Justice Ekaete F. F. Obot, Chief Judge, Akwa Ibom State, Justice Benson Anya of High Court Abia State, Justice Z. B. Abubakar of Federal High Court, Justice Opufaa Ben-Whyte and Augusta Uche K. Chuku of the High Court of Rivers State, for being un-meritorious or withdrawal of petition by the Petitioners.

    However, Hon Justice A. I. Akobi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory is to be issued a letter of guidance to take proper charge and control of his Court. Similarly, the NJC Council resolved to report a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, A. A. Aribisala, to Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) for investigation and disciplinary action, for the unpalatable and derogatory remarks he made against a Judicial Officer and by extension, the NJC in his petition to the Council.

  • NJC recommends Eleven S/court justices, one A/court justice, 32 others

    The National Judicial Council(NJC), has recommends appointment of 11
    Supreme Court Justices, one Justice of Court of Appeal, 6 Heads of
    Courts and 26 other Judicial Officers.

    The NJC, at its 104 Meeting of 6 December 2023, considered the list of
    candidates presented by its Interview Committee and at the end of
    deliberations, recommended the under-listed names of successful
    candidates as Heads of Courts and other Judicial Officers for the
    Federal and State Courts in Nigeria.

    According to Soji Oye, Esq.
    Director, Information, all  recommended candidates to the Supreme Court
    Bench would be sworn-in after the approval of their recommendation by
    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the subsequent confirmation of
    their appointment by the Senate.

    The various Heads of Court recommended would also be sworn-in upon the
    approval of their appointment by their various State Governors and
    subsequent confirmation of same by their respective State Houses of
    Assembly.

    The Eleven justices for supreme court are:

    Hon. Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey, OFR, Hon. Justice Chidiebere Nwaoma
    Uwa, Hon. Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, Hon. Justice Haruna Simon
    Tsammani, Hon. Justice Moore Aseimo A. Adumein, Hon. Justice Obande
    Festus Ogbuinya, Hon. Justice Stephen Jonah Adah, Hon. Justice Habeeb
    Adewale O. Abiru, Hon. Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur, Hon. Justice
    Abubakar Sadiq Umar, Hon. Justice Mohammed Baba Idris.

    One justice, of the court of Appeal.
    Hon. Justice Mohammed Ahmed Ramat

    CHIEF JUDGE TARABA STATE
      Hon. Justice Joel Filibus Agya

    4. CHIEF JUDGE, KEBBI STATE
      Hon. Justice Umar Abubakar

    5. GRAND KADI, SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, KEBBI STATE
      Hon. Kadi Sadiq Usman Mukhtar

    6. PRESIDENT, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, OGUN STATE
      Hon. Justice A. O. Femi-Segun

    7. PRESIDENT, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, TARABA STATE
      Hon. Justice Alfred Yakubu
    8. PRESIDENT, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, OYO STATE
      Hon. Justice Tajudeen M. Abdulganiyu
    9. ONE HIGH COURT JUDGE, BAYELSA STATE
      Amaebi Ibomo Orukari

    10. ONE HIGH COURT JUDGE, OGUN STATE
      Akinyemi Martins Ayodele

    11. THREE HIGH COURT JUDGES, CROSS RIVER STATE
      1. Ama Edet Ekpo
    2. Theresa Ansa Agom
      3. Jalarth Ogar Agim

    12. THREE KADIS, SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, ZAMFARA STATE
      1. Aminu Abdullahi Gusau
      2. Usman Hassan Gummi
      3. Hadi Sani

    13. TWO KADIS, SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, NASARAWA STATE
    1. Abubakar Ahmad Tijjani
    2. Aliyu Ibrahim Ebbema
    14. NINE HIGH COURT JUDGES, KANO STATE;
      1. Fatima Adamu
      2. Hauwa Lawal Umar
      3. Musa Ahmad
      4. Musa Daihuru Mohammed
      5. Farida Rabiu Danbappa
      6. Halima Aliyu Nasir
      7. Aisha Mahmoud
      8. Adam Abdullahi
      9. Hanif Sanusi Yusuf
    15. ONE JUDGE, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, BAYELSA STATE
      Opokuma David Lawrence
    16. FOUR HIGH COURT JUDGES, NASARAWA STATE
      1. Esther Mami Ejeh
      2. Ibrahim Dauda Shekarau
    3 Musa Muhammad Dallah
    4. Makama Tanze Benjamin

    17. TWO JUDGES, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, OGUN STATE
    1. Awoyomi Bolanle Adenike
      2. Lawal Adeniyi Olusanya

  • NJI Administrator Tasks Judiciary Correspondents On Court Reportage

    Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja, Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi (rtd), has tasked judiciary correspondents to maintain fair and balanced reportage of judicial proceedings especially in this era when fake news is commonly peddled via the social media.This was expressed, Wednesday, in his keynote address at the opening ofa 2-day workshop organized by the NJI for members of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents, Abuja chapter.According to the Administrator, the participants’ role as judiciary correspondents is portraying the Judiciary in good light directly. Impacts upon public opinion and public confidence.With the theme: “Pursuing Media Service Excellence for Optimal Productivity in the Judiciary” the NJI Administrator urged judiciary reporters to continuously be guided by the dictates and ethics of journalism practice.Abdullahi exuded confidence that regularly abiding with the ethics of the profession will no doubt promote media excellence, which in turn will deepen optimal judicial productivity as the theme stipulates.”It is important that I emphasize the need to remain unbiased as journalists and as judiciary correspondents.”The pen they say is mightier than the sword. You will therefore agree with me that biased reportage would certainly ignite unobjective responses in the polity and this would be at variance with the tenets of a democratic society.”Therefore, the desire to ensure that you are at par with your contemporaries in other climes, in line with best global best practices remains a task that all stakeholders must close ranks to achieve” the NJI Administrator said.Justice Abdullahi reminded participants that the impact of judicial integrity to the growth of public confidence in the Judiciary cannot be overemphasized; as such, the need for judiciary reporters to carefully streamline their reportage to reflect integrity exhibited by judicial officers, which he said, is crucial in promoting public confidence in the Judiciary.The Administrator reiterated that transparency is strengthened by the important role Judiciary reporters play in their reportage of judicialofficers.In his remarks, Secretary of the National Judicial Institute,Abdullazeez Olumo Esq. reminded participants that the of theme of the workshop also applies to the media.While commending judiciary correspondents for the robust relationship existing between them and the NJI, Mr Olumo, however, expressed regret that public perception of the judiciary has not been friendly andcommendable.Mr Olumo submitted that the dwindling and negative public perception of the Judiciary could be attributed to what Nigerians read in mainstream and social media.”The public perception of the Judiciary has not been good enough. The Judiciary has really not been treated fairly by the media” Mr Olumosaid.He explained that most often than not, the public doesn’t understand how the Judiciary works, insisting that the media, particularly judiciary reporters must sensitize the public through their reports rather than dwelling on sensation and biased reportage.According to Olumo, some issues that ought not be in court are litigated upon, and when the litigant fails, the person resorts to making inflammatory remarks against the judiciary because the judgment didn’t go the person’s way.”Evidence, Facts and law play key role in hearing and determination of an issue before the court. When you juxtapose these three issues, and present a good case in court, definitely you will get justice.”What you give to the court is what you get back. The court is not a Father Christmas that gives you what you did not ask of.”The media, especially judiciary correspondents should help to sensitize the public through objective, factual and well informed reportage, so that the negative perception of the Judiciary can be reduced, Olumosaid.”It is only the judiciary Correspondents that can do this and we enjoin you to continue to be objective, unbiased while shunning sensationalism in the discharge of your reportage,” the NJI Secretary stated.On the Institute’s part, Olumo assured that the workshop has come to stay in view of the fact that education is a continuum.”Education is an on going process, and one can only stop learning, when one is dead, Olumo said.He therefore assured that the NJI will continue to educate and trainJudiciary Correspondents through capacity building workshops.Also speaking, Chairman of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents Abuja Chapter, Mr Kayode Lawal, thanked the Administrator of NJI, Justice Garba Abdullahi (rtd) for fulfilling his promise of ensuring that the yearly workshop for Judiciary Correspondents issustained.Lawal confessed that since the inception of the capacity building workshop many years ago, Judiciary Correspondents have become more precise, guided, careful in choice of technical words and objective in reporting the courts.He assured that Judiciary reporters will continue to discharge their duties without fear or favour while at the same time avoid contemptous issues, sensationalism and unbiased reportage.The 1st paper presentation, titled “Reportage of Court in Proceedings:Respect for Victims, Privacies and Presenting the Truth to the Public”was presented by Venerable Tunde Oyesina Esq. of New Telegraph newspaper.