Justice J.B.K. Aladejana, one of Ekiti State’s most senior judicial officers, has voiced strong objections to his omission from the list of nominees sent to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for consideration as the next Chief Judge of the state.

In a statement issued by the judge, he expressed dismay over what he called a “worrisome outcome” by the Ekiti State Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which reportedly acted in line with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s preferences.

Aladejana contends that bypassing him for a junior judge violates judicial tradition and raises serious constitutional concerns.

According to him, the nomination of Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, who joined the bench nearly 12 years after Aladejana, was not only irregular but also echoes a troubling past.

“The Ekiti State government’s position that I am junior because I resumed in Court 3 is both misleading and unjust,” he stated.

He explained that the justification provided by the state, based on courtroom assignment, was flawed.

“It is shocking that after enduring 16 years of suspension based on a disputed NJC recommendation, I am once again being sidelined this time from my rightful place in the hierarchy,” he said.

Justice Aladejana was suspended in 2006 due to his alleged role in the impeachment of former Governor Ayodele Fayose.

Though the NJC recommended his retirement, the state never enforced the decision. Instead, Ekiti State continued to regard him as part of the judiciary.

“I was eventually reinstated after 16 years, during which the state government continued to treat me as a member of the judiciary.”

“They sent me abroad for studies, appointed me to chair a judicial commission of inquiry on chieftaincy matters, and later made me Chairman of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission,” he recounted.

On his reinstatement in 2023, Aladejana was assigned to Court 3, an administrative decision he said he did not contest.

“He explained that it was for administrative convenience. I did not contest it because I had just returned after a long absence,” he said, referring to the decision by the late Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, who had joined the bench six years after him.

Drawing a sharp contrast with his own suspension, Aladejana raised concerns about Justice Ogunmoye serving as acting Chief Judge without the proper constitutional backing.

“It’s an ironic twist. The same issue for which I was made to suffer for over a decade is now being repeated, yet I am the one being further punished,” he said.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has initiated a formal investigation into a viral video that shows a confrontation between a traffic officer and a car owner in the Galadima area of Abuja.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the officer seen in the video has been identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Attahiru Isah.

“Consequently, the Command has promptly identified and summoned the officer, ASP Attahiru Isah, who was depicted in the footage. Administrative and possible disciplinary procedures have commenced,” Adeh stated.

The Command is also calling on the driver involved in the altercation, as well as any other witnesses, to come forward with verifiable information to support the investigation.

“This is to aid ongoing investigations. Your cooperation is vital to ensuring a thorough and fair process,” she added.

Reaffirming its stance on integrity and proper conduct, the FCT Police Command assured the public of its continued dedication to professionalism and discipline in the force.

Individuals with relevant information concerning the incident are encouraged to reach out to the Command via the contact line: 07038979348.

At least seven individuals, among them a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), lost their lives in separate assaults carried out by armed assailants in two local government areas of Benue State.

According to reports from our correspondent, the attacks took place on Tuesday in the Mbatsada communities of Mbalom and Mbasombo council wards in Gwer East Local Government Area, as well as in Tse Gever Nasemya community of Makurdi LGA.

The APC chieftain, identified by residents as Akaabo Johnson, was reportedly killed along with three others in the Mbasombo ward of Gwer East.

An additional three individuals were killed in the Makurdi incident, bringing the confirmed death toll to seven.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen stormed Gwer East around 4:35pm, unleashing gunfire without discrimination.

“They laid siege to the communities of Gwer East around 4:35pm shooting indiscriminately,” one witness said, leading to the tragic loss of lives.

A wave of grief has swept through Ogidi, a community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, following the sudden deaths of four siblings in what police suspect to be a case of food poisoning.

The heartbreaking incident occurred in the early hours of May 6, 2025.

Authorities say the children died shortly after consuming a meal prepared at home.

Confirming the tragedy, the Anambra State Police Command said officers from the Ogidi Division responded swiftly to the scene.

The lifeless bodies of the children were recovered and have since been deposited in the morgue, where autopsies will be conducted.

Their mother, who reportedly ate the same food, is currently battling for her life at a local hospital. She remains in critical condition and under intensive medical care.

Describing the situation, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said: “This is a deeply saddening incident that has shocked the community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wish the mother a swift recovery, as her insights will be crucial in understanding what transpired.”

He further revealed that samples of the suspected meal have been taken for laboratory testing to help determine the exact cause of death.

“In an effort to uncover the truth, police have collected samples of the suspected food for forensic analysis. Officers are actively interviewing residents and potential witnesses to gather additional information that may assist in the ongoing investigation,” Tochukwu added.

An army captain and a soldier have been confirmed dead following an attack by Boko Haram insurgents in Izge, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The deadly assault occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, leaving residents shaken as troops responded to the invasion.

According to the Emir of Gwoza, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, the insurgents launched their attack around 1am, triggering a confrontation with security forces.

“It’s true that my people in Izge community came under Boko Haram attack around 1am. Unfortunately, a Captain and a Soldier paid the supreme price,” the Emir stated.

He noted that despite the loss, security forces—including the military, Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), hunters, vigilantes, and determined residents, managed to push back the assailants.

“But our gallant troops, the Civilian JTF, hunters, vigilantes and the resilient community members also killed three terrorists. The terrorists abandoned their weapons, over 10 motorcycles and they are still on the run, while being trailed by our security men,” he added.

The Emir offered prayers for the deceased and praised the security forces for their efforts. “May Allah (SWT) grant the departed souls Jannatul firdaus. Our gallant men are still in the bush, sacrificing their lives to maintain peace in the society,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State for ongoing logistical support, while urging the federal government to strengthen the military’s capacity.

He said, “I also thank the Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, for the logistics support to the security operatives,” and called for equipping the forces “with technological warfare.”

This latest attack adds to a recent wave of violence in the North East.

On Saturday, Boko Haram fighters also launched an assault on the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA of Yobe State, where four soldiers were killed and multiple pieces of equipment destroyed.

The Buni Yadi strike occurred less than 24 hours after the North East Governors Forum met in Damaturu, adopting a multidimensional approach to address regional insecurity.

The Izge assault also follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to service chiefs to put an end to the rising spate of killings across the country.