A Grade A Customary Court sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, has officially ended a 13-year marriage between Durojaye Akingbade and his estranged wife, Olabisi, citing persistent marital discord, stubbornness, and sexual starvation.

Delivering the judgment, the Court President, Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, ruled that the union had broken down irretrievably and that the petitioner, Akingbade, could no longer be compelled to remain in the marriage.

She emphasized that the court’s priority was to maintain peace and ordered both parties to part ways.

In addition to dissolving the marriage, Akintayo issued a restraining order preventing Olabisi from harassing, threatening, or interfering in Akingbade’s private life henceforth.

During his testimony, Akingbade, a teacher, lamented the deteriorating state of their marriage.

He claimed that his wife had ceased obeying his instructions and neglected her domestic responsibilities.

“Since Olabisi moved in with me as a wife, it had been one day, one trouble in my home,” he told the court.

“It got to a point when Olabisi stopped cooking for me and the children, such that the three children relied on food gotten from our relatives.”

He further alleged that she had withheld sexual relations for years.

“Worst still, she has been denying me sexual intercourse and has not allowed me my conjugal right for the past three years. Before then, I forced my way through because she did whatever pleased her,” he stated.

Akingbade also told the court, “My lord, Olabisi has refused to pack out of my house and so, I disconnected the electrical supply to her apartment.”

In her defense, Olabisi, who is also a teacher, dismissed most of her husband’s claims, accusing him of deceit and infidelity.

She told the court, “Akingbade’s friends usually influenced him that they had sex anytime they wished and anywhere.”

“In fact, I decided to excuse myself from further sexual activities with him when he complained that he contracted sexual disease through me.”

She further alleged, “Even his younger brother died of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Furthermore, Akingbade married three wives between 2020 and 2024 without informing me.”

Olabisi described her husband as a “pathological liar and a womaniser,” adding that throughout the marriage, Akingbade’s mother remained his closest companion.

As workers across Nigeria marked this year’s Workers’ Day, Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, paid glowing tribute to the men and women whose labour continues to drive the state’s progress and development.

In a heartfelt message to commemorate the occasion, Governor Mbah praised the unwavering dedication, resilience, and sacrifice of Enugu’s workforce, describing them as the backbone of the state’s ongoing transformation agenda.

“Today, we honour the strength, resilience, and sacrifice of our workforce. Your dedication to duty, even in challenging times, inspires our drive to build a better, more prosperous Enugu State,” the governor said.

Highlighting his administration’s focus on innovation, infrastructure, and inclusive growth, Mbah reassured workers of his commitment to their welfare.

He described them as critical partners in the state’s journey toward sustainable development.

“As we continue to transform our state through innovation, infrastructure, and inclusive growth, be assured that your welfare remains a top priority. We are partners in progress, and your contribution is deeply valued,” he stated.

Governor Mbah concluded his message with gratitude and best wishes to workers across the state, saying, “Thank you for all you do. Happy Workers’ Day!”

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended three judges for one year without pay, citing gross misconduct.

The suspended justices include Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division; Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division; and Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu of the Federal High Court in Zamfara State.

In a decisive move, the NJC also directed the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, to reverse the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as acting Chief Judge of the state.

The Council further ordered Justice Nzeukwu to explain within seven days why he should not face disciplinary action.

Similarly, Hon. Justice V. U. Okorie, President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Imo State, was asked to justify his role in the controversial appointment within the same timeframe.

The NJC noted that the recommendation violated constitutional provisions.

These decisions were part of the outcomes from the Council’s 108th meeting, held on April 29 and 30, 2025.

According to a statement by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola, nine committees were established during the meeting to investigate 27 judicial officers over various misconduct allegations.

The Council also dismissed 29 petitions and issued a cautionary letter to another judge.

The NJC emphasized a renewed focus on transparency in judicial appointments, stating that “the appointment of Judicial Officers henceforth will be open to public scrutiny.”

It reminded governors that acting Chief Judges must be appointed in accordance with the Constitution, particularly Section 271(4), which stipulates: “If the office of the Chief Judge of a State is vacant… the Governor shall appoint the most senior Judge of the High Court to perform those functions.”

Justice Jane E. Inyang was suspended for violating Rule 3 (5) of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

She was found guilty of issuing improper Ex parte Orders while presiding over Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/46/2023.

Justice Inyang Ekwo was similarly suspended and placed on a five-year watch list, during which he will be ineligible for elevation.

His misconduct stemmed from Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/184/2021, where he issued a ruling without hearing from the parties involved.

The NJC cited breaches of Rules 3.1 and 3.3 of the 2016 Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu received a one-year suspension without pay for judicial overreach in Suit No. FHC/GS/CS/30/2021.

He granted an order that restrained security agencies from executing their lawful duties, a move that ignored legal precedents.

Justice A. O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos also received a letter of caution in response to a petition lodged against him.

Other petitions were either dismissed for lack of merit, placed on hold pending appeals, or scheduled for further inquiry.

The NJC also addressed concerns raised over the judicial appointment process in Zamfara State. After investigation, it concluded that the allegations lacked evidence.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, concluded with a landmark resolution: moving forward, the names of nominees for appointments to Superior Courts of Records will be published for public comment.

This, the NJC believes, will improve transparency and rebuild public trust in the judiciary.

..Commends Gov. Mbah’s Labour-friendly Disposition, People-centered Reforms

The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu state, Hon. John Ogbodo, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers in the council.

In a statement released on Thursday to commemorate the annual celebration, Hon. Ogbodo paid glowing tribute to workers across all cadres for their resilience, patriotism, and invaluable contributions to local and national development.

He described the workforce as the engine room of government and development, emphasizing that no nation can thrive without a motivated, well-remunerated, and secure labour force.

“On this special day, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to every worker in Enugu East and across Nigeria. Your sacrifices, diligence, and dedication remain the pillars of our progress,” Ogbodo said.

“As a local government, we recognize the centrality of workers in the delivery of public goods. We will recommit ourselves to policies that promote fair wages, job security, capacity building, and a healthy working environment.”

The council boss noted that despite prevailing economic challenges, his administration has consistently prioritized staff welfare, ensured prompt payment of salaries, and expanded training opportunities for local government workers.

“We believe that a motivated workforce is a productive workforce. That is why we are deliberate about improving workers’ welfare and ensuring equity in our engagement with staff at all levels,” he stated.

Ogbodo also commended Governor Peter Mbah’s administration for its labour-friendly posture and people-centered reforms, which he said have helped stabilize industrial relations in the state.

He called on workers to remain hopeful and committed, assuring them that his government would continue to advocate for their rights and well-being.

“As we celebrate May Day, let us be reminded that our shared future rests on the shoulders of those who work, from the classrooms to the clinics, from the farms to the factories. We honour you today and every day,” he concluded