Justice I.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered Aisha Achimugu to present herself before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Additionally, the judge directed that she must appear before the court the following day, Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

The order was issued during a ruling on Monday, April 28, 2025, relating to a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025, filed by Achimugu against several law enforcement agencies.

These include the Nigeria Police Force, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), the EFCC, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

Responding to Achimugu’s application, EFCC Counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court about a counter-affidavit submitted by one of its investigators, Chris Odofin, detailing the circumstances behind Achimugu’s invitation.

In the affidavit, Odofin revealed that Achimugu is being investigated for alleged conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, corruption, and ownership of properties reasonably suspected to have been acquired illegally.

The affidavit disclosed that Achimugu initially honoured the EFCC’s invitation on February 12, 2024, made a written statement, and was granted administrative bail through her lawyer and surety, Darlington N. Ozurumba.

However, it stated that she subsequently failed to report back as agreed and instead filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Commission.

According to the affidavit, Achimugu, in her statement, described the N8.71 billion inflow into her company accounts as an “investment fund” for the acquisition of an oil block.

She explained that the money was transferred into the Federal Government’s account via her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, referencing documentation issued by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Nevertheless, the EFCC’s investigation revealed that Achimugu’s company had acquired two oil blocks—Shallow Water PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore PPL 302-DO—at a combined cost of $25.3 million.

Investigators discovered that the payments were allegedly made in cash through bureau de change operators, and that the sources of these funds could not be linked to any legitimate business activities.

The EFCC further alleged that the acquisition process was riddled with corruption, and that neither of the two oil blocks had begun exploration or production at the time of investigation.

The anti-graft agency insisted that Achimugu’s current lawsuit was merely “a calculated attempt to frustrate the ongoing investigation,” even though an earlier suit—FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2024—had already dismissed her claim of fundamental rights violations.

Following the dismissal of that suit, the EFCC continued its investigation by sending inquiry letters to banks, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), land authorities, the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

As some responses came in, investigators analyzed the data while awaiting additional information.

The affidavit further indicated that Achimugu operates a total of one hundred and thirty-six (136) bank accounts across ten banks, both in her personal name and those of her companies.

The matter is scheduled to continue on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, with Achimugu expected to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday, as ordered by the court.

An Abuja High Court has adjourned the trial of former Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, until June 2 for the continuation of proceedings in a case involving allegations of criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and conversion of public funds amounting to N27 billion.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), prosecuting on behalf of the Federal Government, arraigned Ishaku alongside Bello Yero, a former Permanent Secretary at the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Taraba.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the 15-count charge.

During Monday’s session, the defendants and their legal representatives were present in court.

Prosecution counsel James Shaba, appearing for lead counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the court that Jacobs was occupied at the Court of Appeal with another case.

Shaba requested a brief stand-down of the matter, saying it would allow Jacobs to arrive.

However, counsel for Ishaku, Eko Eko, SAN, objected to the request.

Eko informed the court that the former governor was not in the best of health and argued against making him wait for an extended period.

“My client is bereaved and needs to travel today. Instead of a stand down, the prosecution should ask for a clear date for an adjournment,” he submitted.

Adeola Adedipe, SAN, counsel for the second defendant, supported Eko’s position, emphasizing that setting a new date would be preferable to delaying proceedings.

Adedipe stated, “A clear day for adjournment is better than a stood down.”

After considering the submissions from both sides, Justice Slyvanius Oriji agreed to adjourn the matter and scheduled further hearings for June 2, June 11, and July 2.

Governor Mbah,

A total of 96 para-veterinary graduates from the Enugu State Veterinary School and Investigation Centre, Achi, have been officially inducted and presented with certificates of operation.

The induction was part of activities marking the Enugu State 2025 World Veterinary Day celebration, held under the theme: “Animal Health Takes A Team.”

Declaring the event open in Enugu on Monday, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Mr. Patrick Ubru, commended the dedication and professionalism of veterinary workers globally.

He noted that the theme, “Animal Health Takes a Team,” accurately captures the spirit of collaboration needed to safeguard the health of animals, humans, and the environment.

“According to him, in Enugu State, we firmly believe that building robust animal health systems is a team effort; a synergy among veterinarians, para-veterinarians, policymakers, farmers, academics, and community stakeholders.”

“In Enugu State; together, we are driving a transformative agenda that bolsters not only animal health but also our nation’s agriculture and food security,” he said.

Governor Mbah expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), its President, and Council for choosing Enugu to host this year’s national celebration.

He also congratulated the newly inducted para-veterinary professionals.

The governor lauded the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) for setting up the Veterinary Practice and Premises Regulations Committee, stating that it would ensure veterinary facilities in the state uphold the highest standards of quality and accountability.

Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Mbah said “the Enugu State Anti-Open Grazing and Ranching Control Acts which have been signed into law; thus, positioning the state at the forefront of organised and sustainable livestock farming so as to put a permanent end to the issues of farmers-herders crisis.”

“Thus, de-risking the entire livestock value chain in the state for potential investors.”

He further mentioned the “Revamping of the School of Veterinary and Investigation Centre, Achi in Oji River LGA through which the state have elevated veterinary education and training to international standards.”

“I am happy that today the Veterinary Council of Nigeria has recognised the State Government’s efforts in this direction by certifying our para-veterinary graduates,” he said.

Additionally, Mbah revealed that “Upgrading and transforming of the State Veterinary Clinic facility into a state-of-the-art Artificial Insemination Centre and Diagnostic Centre, thereby enhancing our capabilities in livestock reproduction and disease management.”

He also announced the ongoing “construction of the South-East Regional Veterinary Reference Hospital which is a World Bank-assisted initiative in partnership with the state government coordinated by the L-Press Team.”

“This pioneering project is set to become a regional benchmark for excellence in veterinary care,” he added.

Governor Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to revitalising the entire agricultural value chain:
“These initiatives are not only modernising our systems but have also paved the way for sustainable development and improved livelihoods for our people,” he stated.

Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Dr. Moses Arokoyo, appreciated the Enugu State Government for hosting the event.

Arokoyo, represented by Dr. Godwin Abonyi, who also chaired the event, said the celebration is organised annually to raise public awareness about the critical role of veterinary medicine in national development.

He highlighted the association’s achievements, stating “we have strengthened our advocacy for better health policies, improved access to veterinary drugs and empowering the next generation of Veterinarians.”

However, he also expressed concerns about unemployment among young veterinary graduates, saying “however, the association decries a situation of poor unemployment opportunities for young veterinarians and appeal to both the Federal and State Governments to address this issue of unemployment.”

Arokoyo further urged continued investment in the veterinary sector, emphasizing “I will appeal to both our partners, government and stakeholders to continue investing in the veterinary sector as a healthy animal population means a healthy human population.”

“We should break the isolation silos, share knowledge and build systems that reflect the reality that animal health is human health,” he said.

The President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Prof. Matthew Adamu, alongside the acting Registrar, Dr. Fadipe Oladotun, formally inducted and certified the 96 para-veterinary graduates.

They encouraged the new inductees to uphold the oath they had taken and to serve as good ambassadors of the veterinary profession.

The event was organised by the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation in collaboration with the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association.

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has taken disciplinary action against two judges of the Upper Sharia Court over allegations of judicial misconduct.

At its recently concluded 80th meeting, the commission reviewed and adopted the recommendations from the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee’s investigations, leading to sanctions against the affected officials.

Judge Mansur Ibrahim of the Upper Sharia Court received a formal warning after evidence confirmed he used derogatory language toward a litigant.

Similarly, Judge Nasiru Ahmad was issued a query and formally cautioned for ordering the detention of a judgment debtor under circumstances that raised concerns about personal interest and compromised judicial impartiality.

In a statement issued Sunday evening by Baba Jibo Ibrahim, spokesman for the Kano State judiciary, the commission emphasized its expectations for judicial officers to exercise restraint and uphold the dignity of court users.

The statement reiterated that discretionary powers must be applied fairly and objectively to maintain public trust in the judicial system, stressing the commission’s “zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and corruption.”

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Adamu, a Principal Registrar II at the High Court of Justice, has been suspended for six months without pay.

His promotion has also been deferred after he was found guilty of verbally assaulting and attempting physical combat with a superior officer.

Adamu had previously received several queries for similar offenses and was ultimately found guilty of gross misconduct.

Additionally, Maigida Lawan, a principal Registrar at the Sharia Court of Appeal, faced disciplinary measures after being found guilty of soliciting and accepting improper gratification under false pretenses.

The commission demoted Lawan from Grade Level 13 to Grade Level 12 and suspended him for six months without salary.

According to the commission’s statement: “In line with the mandate, the Commission adopted the recommendations of the investigations carried out by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee and resolved to suspend two court registrars and issue formal warnings to two Upper Sharia Court judges whose conduct fell short of expected standards.”

The commission further warned that “In addition to the specific sanctions against those individuals, the Commission issued a strong warning to all court staff, anyone found engaging in corrupt practices will be directed to proceed on compulsory retirement, as the JSC will not and cannot condone any act of corruption.”

Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel artist Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja.

Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme delivered the ruling on Monday after dismissing Nwachukwu’s no-case submission.

The court found him guilty of culpable homicide related to the death of his wife, which occurred on April 8, 2022.

Nwachukwu, who was arraigned on June 3, 2022, faced a 23-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The charges against him included culpable homicide, spousal battery, cruelty to children, and criminal intimidation.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by Mrs Aderonke Imana, presented 17 witnesses, including two of Osinachi’s children, and tendered 25 exhibits to support its case.

The defendant also took the stand in his own defense, calling four witnesses and submitting four exhibits.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme, in her judgment, held that the prosecution had “proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Despite pleas for leniency from Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, the court sentenced him to death by hanging on Count 1.

In addition to the death sentence, Nwachukwu received prison sentences ranging from six months to three years on various other counts and was fined a total sum of N700,000.

Osinachi Nwachukwu, who died at the age of 42, gained national attention in 2017 after her collaboration with Prospa Ochimana on the gospel hit “Ekwueme.”

Following her death, colleagues and acquaintances accused Peter Nwachukwu of subjecting her to repeated domestic abuse, allegations that ultimately led to his arrest and prosecution.