The National Judicial Council (NJC), under the leadership of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, has taken disciplinary action against five judicial officers following its 107th meeting on November 13 and 14, 2024.

The sanctions were imposed for various acts of misconduct.

Among the key decisions, Justice G. C. Aguma of the Rivers State High Court and Justice A. O. Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court have both been suspended from judicial duties for one year without pay.

They will also be placed on the NJC’s “Watch-List” for two years following their suspension.

The NJC also recommended compulsory retirement for two senior judicial officers—Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, and Kadi Babagana Mahdi, Grand Kadi of Yobe State—for age falsification. Justice Chikeka was found to have submitted two conflicting birth dates, and an affidavit filed in 2006 that changed his birth date.

Similarly, Kadi Mahdi was discovered to have multiple inconsistent dates of birth, with his actual date being 1952, which means he should have retired 12 years ago.

Both officers are also required to refund salaries and allowances received in excess.

The NJC’s findings against Justice Aguma stemmed from his involvement in facilitating a garnishee order for a judgment obtained at the FCT High Court, Abuja, which was improperly filed in the Bori Division of Rivers State.

Aguma’s swift granting of the order, despite a stay of execution, raised concerns over his impartiality and involvement in the case.

In the case of Justice Nwabunike, the NJC determined that he violated the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers by granting ex parte orders without following due process, including the absence of a Motion on Notice.

His actions were deemed a breach of judicial conduct and an abuse of power.

The NJC also addressed 30 petitions during its meeting, empanelling six committees to investigate the complaints further.

Of the 30 petitions, 22 were dismissed for lack of merit, while two remained under judicial consideration.

Additionally, the NJC has appointed a committee to investigate complaints against Hon. Justice O. A. Ojo, the Chief Judge of Osun State.

Furthermore, the Council issued a caution to Hon. Justice I. A. Jamil of Kogi State for his handling of sensitive matters, urging greater circumspection in future cases.

The NJC, in its resolution, reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary and ensuring that judicial officers adhere strictly to the principles of justice and accountability.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by 13 states challenging the constitutionality of the law that created the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a unanimous ruling on Friday, the seven-member panel of justices, headed by Justice Uwani-Abba-Aji, determined that the suit lacked merit and therefore dismissed it.

Detail soon…

The Enugu State Police Command has apprehended two individuals suspected of killing Mr. Stephen Aniagu, the chairman of the Ogbete Main Market Traders’ Association (OMMATA), in Enugu.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that Aniagu was shot and killed at Moses Ogbodo Junction, near Topland Market, in the Amaechi area of Enugu South Local Government Area on September 14, 2024.

During a press briefing at the Enugu Police Command headquarters, the police spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, revealed that the arrests were made following “diligent intelligence work and coordinated efforts” by the police’s Anti-Robbery Section (D9) and the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad.

The two suspects, identified as Chukwudi Aboshi, a 28-year-old from Anike in Ebonyi State, and Ani Innocent Ebuka, a driver from Isigwe-Ugbawka in Nkanu East Local Government Area, were apprehended in Akwuke, Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA, on November 8 and 9, 2024, respectively.

The suspects

According to Ndukwe, both suspects confessed to their roles in the crime, explaining how they attacked Aniagu, stole his vehicle, and shot another male driver at the same location during the same incident.

The second victim, who was also shot multiple times, survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment.

The suspects further revealed that they had been involved in several other criminal activities, operating from a forest in Mmaku, Awgu LGA.

The suspects also provided the names of several individuals, currently at large, who were reportedly part of their criminal group, including:

Obinna Nnamani (from Ndiagu Ogbo-Ezinne, Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA)

Miracle (nicknamed “C-C” or “White,” from Mmaku community, Awgu LGA)

Okoro Chisom (from Ihie, Awgu LGA)

Israel (identity unknown)

Pius Anoja (“Ezeobo,” chief priest of the group, from Mmaku, Awgu LGA)

Mosquito (from Mmaku, Awgu LGA)

Anunti (identity unknown, from Mmaku, Awgu LGA)

Iyangbakwu (identity unknown, from Akegbe-Ugwu, Nkanu West LGA)

Police recovered a Tecno Android phone, believed to have been stolen from a victim during the attacks, along with other items suspected to be charms.

The suspects are currently assisting police with ongoing investigations to apprehend their remaining accomplices and recover the stolen vehicles used in the attacks.

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu expressed the Command’s commitment to bringing all individuals involved in these violent crimes to justice.

He reassured the public that efforts to dismantle criminal networks, particularly those involved in violent crimes, will continue.

The Commissioner also thanked the Enugu State Government, under the leadership of Dr. Peter Mba, for its strong support of the police and other security agencies in the state.

He urged the people of Enugu to stay vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement in maintaining peace and security.

The arraignment of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, on charges of fraud amounting to N110.4 billion, has been adjourned to November 27, 2024, by Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

The decision came after a request for adjournment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to allow Bello to be present in court.

Bello, along with two co-defendants, Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing trial on 16 fresh charges, including criminal breach of trust and conspiracy.

The prosecution alleges that the trio conspired to defraud the state to the tune of N110.4 billion.

At the resumed hearing, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro sought more time for Bello’s appearance, explaining that the 30-day window issued by the court for serving the summons had not yet expired.

Agoro requested the court’s permission to extend the time for Bello to appear, as well as to post a hearing notice at his last known address, located at No. 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

The court had earlier issued a public summons for Bello to appear after the EFCC claimed it was unable to serve the charge documents directly.

In compliance with Justice Anenih’s order, the EFCC had published the summons in a national newspaper and posted notices at Bello’s last known address and on the court premises.

Bello’s co-defendants, Oricha and Hudu, have been granted administrative bail by the EFCC.

Their legal representatives, including Aliyu Saiki (SAN) for Oricha and Z.E. Abass for Hudu, confirmed the bail and expressed no objection to the adjournment request.

After hearing from all parties, Justice Anenih agreed to grant the adjournment and the EFCC’s request to post the hearing notice at Bello’s residence.

She set the new arraignment date for November 27, 2024, and noted that the 30-day period for the summons was still valid.

The trial will resume on the scheduled date for further proceedings.

Just a day before Ondo State’s gubernatorial election, three candidates have announced their withdrawal from the race, endorsing the incumbent Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The candidates, representing the Accord Party (AP), the National Rescue Movement (NRM), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made their decision public after a meeting with the APC National Campaign Council.

The endorsement was formalized during a visit to Governor Aiyedatiwa, led by Ajibola Falaye of the Accord Party.

Speaking on behalf of the withdrawing candidates, Falaye praised Aiyedatiwa’s leadership and progress made in the state, emphasizing his commitment to development and good governance.

In response, Aiyedatiwa called on his supporters to step up their efforts in mobilizing voters ahead of the election.

He urged them to ensure full participation by encouraging eligible voters to use their permanent voter cards on election day.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Daniel Bwala as his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications.

The appointment was confirmed in a statement released on Thursday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who also announced the appointment of three new Director-Generals for various federal agencies.

Daniel Bwala, a lawyer and renowned public affairs analyst, is known for his role as the spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 presidential campaign.

Despite being an outspoken critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu in the run-up to the election, Bwala later distanced himself from the PDP and expressed his intent to align with the APC.

In a July interview with Channels Television, he clarified that he was “very close” to joining the APC, although his support for President Tinubu’s administration, he said, was not motivated by personal interests.

Alongside Bwala, President Tinubu appointed three other individuals to lead key federal agencies:

Olawale Olopade as the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC). Olopade, a seasoned sports administrator, has previously served as the Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Ogun State and as chairman of the local organizing committee for the 2024 National Sports Festival.

Dr. Abisoye Fagade as Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism. Fagade, a marketing communications expert, is the founder and managing director of Sodium Brand Solutions.

Dr. Adebowale Adedokun as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement. Adedokun, formerly the Director of Research, Training, and Strategic Planning at the Bureau, now steps into the leadership role.

In his statement, Onanuga emphasized that President Tinubu has called on the newly appointed officials to execute their responsibilities with “dedication, patriotism, and excellence” in service to the nation.

His Full Statement:

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of three Nigerians as directors-general of various agencies and one special adviser on Public Communications and Media. The new appointees are:

1. Mr. Olawale Olopade — Director-General, National Sports Commission

2. Dr. Abisoye Fagade — Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism

3. Dr. Adebowale Adedokun — Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement

4. Daniel Bwala — Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications (State House)

Each of these appointees brings a wealth of experience to their new roles. Olopade has significant experience in sports administration, having served as Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Ogun State and chairman of the 2024 National Sports Festival organizing committee.

Fagade, an accomplished marketing communications professional, is a prominent figure in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Adedokun, who has been with the Bureau of Public Procurement in various capacities, now leads the bureau as it continues to drive reforms in public procurement.

The President has urged all the newly appointed officials to work with diligence, integrity, and excellence as they take on their new responsibilities.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy)
November 14, 2024

Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), has been suspended indefinitely.

The suspension was announced in a statement on Thursday by Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

According to Olayinka, the suspension takes effect immediately, and Engr. Ahmad has been instructed to hand over his duties to the Director of Engineering Services, Engr. [Full Name], within the FCDA.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has started the distribution of sensitive election materials to local government areas across Ondo State in preparation for Saturday’s governorship election.

The distribution took place at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) premises in Alagbaka, Akure, with party agents, armed police officers, and commercial buses hired by INEC overseeing the process.

The security measures were put in place to ensure the safe and orderly transfer of the materials to their designated locations.

The Labour Party (LP) has firmly stated that Chief Olusola Nehemiah Ebiseni remains its official candidate for the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, dismissing reports that he had been removed from the race as “false” and the result of political maneuvering by opponents.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Ojo Tosin Leramo, Director of Legal Services for the LP Campaign Organization, described the rumors surrounding Ebiseni’s candidacy as “fake news” designed to mislead the public.

He clarified that the legal suit pending before the Court of Appeal did not challenge Ebiseni’s eligibility or nomination as the party’s candidate.

Leramo explained that the case in question, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, primarily sought an order for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload the names of Ebiseni and his running mate, Adedayo Ezekiel Awude, as the Labour Party’s candidates for the November 16 governorship election.

He emphasized that the motion filed in the case did not dispute the validity of the candidacy of Ebiseni and Awude.

“Contrary to the misleading claims, the court did not make any ruling on the validity of Ebiseni’s candidacy. Rather, the judgment, delivered on September 27 by Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite, granted the reliefs sought, including the uploading of our candidates’ names by INEC.”

Leramo also clarified that two subsequent appeals, one filed by Ayo Festus Olorunfemi and the other by Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure, did not challenge the candidacy of Ebiseni or Awude.

He stressed that the appeals focused on procedural matters rather than questioning the legitimacy of the candidates.

The statement further suggested that the recent visit to Ondo State by LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his strong statements on democracy and the party’s candidates, had triggered frustration among political rivals.

The LP urged its supporters to disregard the rumors and continue their support for the party ahead of Saturday’s election.

In response to the controversy, Chief Ebiseni reaffirmed his status as the party’s candidate, stating, “A court judgment is based on facts and evidence, not speculation. I challenge those spreading misinformation to produce the judgment they are referencing.”

He reassured LP members and supporters, saying, “Let it be clear: I, Olusola Nehemiah Ebiseni, remain the Labour Party’s candidate for governor. Any claims to the contrary are baseless and misleading.”