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Angry NBA Gives Judge 24hrs Ultimatum To Release Detained Lawyer, Threatens Boycott

By
Adesina Soyooye
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NBA



By Adesina Soyooye 

 

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has strongly condemned the recent humiliation of Lawyers by Judges over frivolous issues.

 

In a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, and General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the NBA expressed “utmost shock” over reports of the incident which happened at the Court of the Honourable Justice Chikwendu Nwogu who convicted a defence Counsel, Mrs Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin after he delivered a judgement in a suit which involved the Chief of Naval Staff and others.

 

The NBA accused some Judges of judicial bullying and abuse of contempt powers to intimidate, and thus, unlawfully detaining Lawyers.

 

The NBA, also, noted another incident which happened at the Federal High Court,  Abuja, where Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia  ordered the detention of  Martin Anyanwu, a legal officer,  in the court’s holding facility on March 25, 2026.

 

The NBA regretted the worrisome incidents of lawyers being subjected to humiliating treatment in courtrooms, including being forced to kneel or face the wall under threat of contempt. The body warned that these actions undermine the dignity of the legal profession and erode trust in the justice system.

 

According to it, not every act of discourtesy amounts to contempt, and added that criticism of a Judge or Court,  if made in good faith, does not justify punitive measures.

 

Misuse of contempt powers, the NBA, warned, creates fear in courtrooms and threatens the right of lawyers to represent clients without intimidation.

 

Where a lawyer’s conduct is questionable, the NBA argued,  the proper course is referral to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, not summary detention, and described the  actions as “high-handed” and an abuse of judicial authority.

 

Finally, it demanded the immediate release of the affected lawyers, and called for investigations by the Rivers State Chief Judge and the National Judicial Council. The body threatened a seven-day boycott of proceedings before Justice Nwogu if the detained counsel is not freed within 24 hours.

 

NBA: “We wish to remind the judges that a Judge’s  invocation of his power to punish for contempt of his court is an unwarranted exhibition of naked judicial power which puts counsel and their clients in fear of the court and erodes an important safeguard of fair trial.

 

“In deprecating these actions, we must also remind Judges that not every act of discourtesy to the Court by Counsel amounts to contempt, nor any conduct which involves a breach by Counsel of his duty to his client. Courts must distinguish between acts of discourtesy, incivility, uncouth behaviour, or rudeness.”

FCT Court Orders Arrest of Turaki, PDP Factional National Chairman

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Tanimu-Turaki

By Adesina Soyooye

A factional National Chairman of the embattled  Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, has been ordered arrested by a Federal Capital Territory High Court.

The order to arrest Turaki was issued on Thursday, March 26, by the Honourable Justice U.P. Kekemeke.

This stems from Turaki’s failure, according to the Judge, to appear before the Court, as ordered, in a case filed against him by the Inspector General of Police.

The IGP filed the one count charge against Turaki for, in October 2022, providing an alleged false information to the Police in a petition he wrote.

In ordering his arrest, Justice Kekemeke said Turaki had no justifiable reason not to appear before the Court.

Turaki was a former Minister for Special Duties under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

How Lakurawa Bandits, Ambushed, Killed Nine Soldiers, Policeman

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lakurawa terrorists

 

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The onslaught against military personnel fighting terrorism in North East has continued. Nine soldiers and policeman were killed by  Lakurawa bandits. Their operational vehicles, two in  number, were set ablaze.

 

Report from Giron Masa Village in Shanga local government area of Kebbi State indicated that the Lakurawa bandits ambushed a vehicle  conveying the military personnel.

 

The incident occurred  Tuesday night when the joint patrol team were on duty to protect the lives and properties of people in the area.

 

Governor Nasir Idris on receiving  the report of the incident, hurriedly visited the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, where the copses of nine deceased soldiers and one Policeman were deposited in the mortuary.

 

He also visited the ward where two other security personnel are receiving medical attention as a result of injuries they sustained following gunshots during the incident.

 

Idris described the incident as highly unfortunate and very painful, noting that it was a great loss not only to the security agencies but, also to the entire people of Kebbi State and the nation.

 

From the hospital, governor Idris proceeded to Giron Masa where the incident occurred and inspected the vehicles razed by the bandits.

 

Governor Idris is also expected to travel to Abuja to meet with the Chief of Army Staff to formally convey the condolences of the government and people of Kebbi State over the losses.

Fmr Ondo First Lady Betty, Says Inter Ethnic Marriage, Boost To Her Senatorial Ambition

By
Ayodele Oni
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Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu
Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Former Ondo State First Lady, Dr. Betty Akeredolu, has  revealed that her marriage to the late former Ondo state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has further exposed and expand her experience.

She maintained that she has no regrets about her inter-tribal marriage to the late former Governor.

In a statement shared on her Instagram page, Betty emphasized that Imo State in the Southeast remains her home and that her roots are “not up for debate.”

As she prepares to contest a Senatorial seat in the upcoming elections, Betty highlighted that her marriage across the Niger provided her with broader experiences, but it has never diminished her connection to her origins.

She noted that her tenure as First Lady of Ondo State allowed her to engage deeply with grassroots politics, enhanced her understanding of community needs and strengthening her capacity to serve effectively.

Betty wrote, “I am proudly from Imo State, Owerri zone, Owerri West local government and Emeabiam – my small London.

“My marriage across the Niger, I do not regret. It has given me broader experience but it has not erased my roots.”

She further stated that her political ambition for the Imo East Senatorial seat is part of a larger mission to contribute meaningfully to her home state.

“Home is where you are valued and I believe where you can serve best,” she added

CBN: Union Bank Takeover Remains; Nothing Has Change

By
James Orji
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Union Bank

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke  of the Federal High Court, Lagos has scolded the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN for sacking the Board of Union Bank, one of Nigeria’s first generation commercial banks.

The judge also quashed the CBN take over of the bank , after ordering the apex bank to restore its board.

Justice Aneke, while delivering the judgment on Wednesday, ruled that the CBN went beyond its statutory powers as a regulator to take such actions against the commercial bank, saying CBN’s action contravened the provisions of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, BOFIA 2020.

“The actions of the respondent are ultra vires and not in compliance with the provisions of BOFIA 2020,” Justice Aneke ruled.

The court also said, “The respondents are hereby restrained from further interfering in the governance of the bank, including restructuring its share capital or altering its ownership structure.”

The judge added, ““They were sanctioned without being afforded an opportunity to be heard. This constitutes clear evidence of bad faith.”

The case against CBN was filed by Titan Trust Bank Limited, Luxis International DMCC, and Magna International DMCC, who claimed to be the ultimate beneficial owners of Union Bank.

Meanwhile, the CBN has reacted to the ruling saying there’s no immediate change to the status of the bank. The position, the magazine learnt has put the customers and investors of the bank in more confusion, as to what to do next.

In a statement released after the judgment by CBN spokesperson Sidi Ali, the apex said nothing has changed.

The statement read partly, “The CBN assures the public that UBN’s status is unchanged and that it remains fully capable of meeting its obligations to customers, depositors, and all stakeholders.

“The CBN will continue to provide the necessary regulatory oversight to ensure Union Bank operates in a safe, sound, and stable manner, while maintaining public confidence in the financial system.”

“Honestly, some of us don’t know what to do now because of the position of the CBN. May be they are trying to challenge the ruling in the appellate court we don’t know yet. We are just confused,” a customer said on Thursday.

No Restriction Of Movement During Environmental Sanitation In Edo – Court Rules

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Law and Court

By Ayodele Oni

An Edo State High Court has restrained the Edo State Government, its agents, officers and privies from restricting or interfering with the movement of persons or vehicles within the state on account of any environmental sanitation exercise or related regulation.

The court declared as unlawful the restriction of human and vehicular movement during the state’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

In a judgment delivered on Thursday,

Justice Isoken Urhomwen Erameh ruled that the enforcement of a stay-at-home order between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on sanitation days violates citizens’ constitutional rights.

The case was instituted by Curtis Ogbebor, Executive Director of the Incorporated Trustees of Freedom Ambassadors Organization, supported by Rural Development, Information and Legal Advocacy Centre/FOI Counsel.

In its decision, the court held that such restrictions are inconsistent with Section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which guarantees freedom of movement.

It further found the measures to be in breach of Articles 12 and 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Justice Erameh consequently issued a declaration that the prohibition of movement during the sanitation period is unlawful and unconstitutional.

In addition, the court awarded ₦200,000 to the applicants as costs for instituting and prosecuting the action.

The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for environmental sanitation enforcement in Edo State, particularly in how authorities balance public health initiatives with constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.

Reacting to the judgment, Counsel to the applicants, President Aigbokhan, also praised the court, emphasizing that while public health remains a legitimate government concern, it must be pursued within the bounds of the law and supported by clear statutory authority and proportionate safeguards.

He criticized the state government for failing to provide basic logistics, such as waste collection trucks and supervisory personnel, for the monthly sanitation exercise.

According to him, enforcement has been reduced largely to movement restrictions carried out by law enforcement agencies relying on broad directives that undermine constitutional guarantees.

On his part, Robinson Ayodele Otuakhena Esq, Senior Legal Officer of Rural Development, Information and Legal Advocacy Centre/FOI Counsel, clarified that the judgment does not abolish sanitation exercises, but rather invalidates the restriction of movement.

“The court’s decision reorientate the state government to its primary responsibility of supporting and supervising sanitation activities, instead of pursuing and arresting citizens for exercising their fundamental right to freedom of movement.”

Hafsatu, Mother Of Newly Delivered Kano Quintuplets Dies Of Bleeding

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Hafsatu Nufi'u

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Kano house wife, Hafsatu Nufi’u who was delivered of quintuplets has died.

The shocking death of the mother of eight came just as the Kano State Government announced the take over of  all medical expenses of the new born babies.

The Source reports that Mrs Nufi’u, had on Wednesday, successfully given birth to the quintuplets, comprising three male and two female at the state-owned Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital in Kano.

At the time of delivery, both mother and babies were said to be under the intensive care unit,where they were receiving  medical  attention.

However, confirming the unfortunate death of Mrs Nufi’u on Thursday March, 26, 2026 , spokesperson for the Kano State Ministry of Health Nabilusi Abubakar Kofar Nai’sa, informed that the woman died at about 2.00 am ,after  developing persistent bleeding post-delivery.

According to Kofar-Nai’sa, all efforts to control the situation and stabilize her proved abortive.

“She started bleeding after delivery, and all efforts by the medical personnel to control the situation were unsuccessful ,” the Ministry spokesperson stated.

Kofar-Nai’sa , further informed that the deceased has been buried in her area, Hotoro, in Kano metropolis, in line with Islamic rites.

This is as the Ministry solicited for assistance from public spirited individuals and groups for the upkeep  of the quintuplets.

The deceased’s husband Salisu Nufiu had on Wednesday while welcoming the new-born babies noted that the delivery of the quintuplets was the ninth experience for the wife with eight children before now.

According to Nufi’u, a tricycle operator, his wife had given birth to a set of twins , making the quintuplets the second of such multiple births.

The Kano State Government in a statement on Wednesday said its  intervention to foot the cost of medical treatment is in furtherance of its commitment towards reducing maternal and infant mortality rate.

Ekiti: Youth Group Threatens Protest Over Whereabouts Of Monarch

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Oba Adewunmi Fasiku
Oba Adewunmi Fasiku

By Ayodele Oni

Apprehension and anxiety are the order of the day among the people of Ikole in Ekiti state following the absence of the community’s Monarch, Oba Adewunmi Fasiku, for the past four years.

Various stakeholders, especially youth groups, have through written petitions and protests demanded for the whereabouts of Oba Fasiku without answer.

The Elekole-in-Council has insisted that the Traditional Ruler, sought and obtained necessary permission before traveling on a medical vacation abroad.

The Council spoke in reaction to reports that the Royal Father’s whereabouts were unknown and that he was incommunicado.

The Elekole-in-Council, in a statement signed by the Second-in-Command to the Elekole and Olotin of Ikole-Ekiti, Chief Oluwasayo Okunola, made available to Journalists in Ado Ekiti stated that “The people in Ikole Ekiti are aware of the king’s whereabouts. He is indisposed like any other human being can be, and he is receiving treatment abroad.”

The Save Ikole Group, one of the associations had, in the report, claimed  that it has prevailed on its members, who are mainly youths in the town from attacking Chiefs of the community over the Royal Fathers’ State of health and whereabouts.

But the council stated, “The good thing is that he (the Elekole) is recuperating, and that was apparent when he addressed the chiefs and a large number of the town people via virtual means. Where the group got it from that the King is incommunicado is what we do not know.

“When the king was travelling, he took all necessary steps and procedures by seeking approval from the state government, which is the constitutional requirement, and he duly informed members of Elekole-in-Council and other Chiefs.

“It is laughable how the Save Ikole Group claimed they prevented the youths from protesting and beating up the chiefs; how on earth would Ikole youths resort to these unknown persons for advice?

“We have challenged them, and we are doing so for the umpteenth time to mention the names of the youths they met with, but they have been unable.

“The only youth body in Ikole-Ekiti, the Ikole Youth Forum, has denied ever planning a protest, let alone meeting them.

“For us, the good sons and daughters of Ikole are still full of joy over the State Specialist Hospital in the town that has just been upgraded to a Federal Medical Centre and other developments happening in the town in spite the absence of the king.”

2027: Obasanjo Backs APC Consensus Arrangement

By
James Orji
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Iyabo Obasanjo
Iyabo Obasanjo

All Progressive Congress, APC Governorship aspirant in Ogun state, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has pulled her weight behind the ruling party’s decision to chose its candidates for next year’s election through consensus arrangement.

Senator Obasanjo, a governorship aspirant in the state spoke on Thursday, on Channels Television, saying it’s the best way for the party to chose popular candidates who will represent it during next year’s election.

The former Commissioner of Health in the state spoke amid ongoing APC Congresses across the country, which has been mostly controversial because some aspirants have kicked against the arrangement, saying many aspirants will be blocked from testing their popularity .

APC spokesman, Feli Morka, while reacting to the furore generated over the consensus arrangement said, on Thursday that angry aspirants should seek internal resolution to the issue, adding that the party is prepared to listen to the complain by some aspirants that they have been shut out from contesting.

Reacting, Senator Obasanjo said the party made a wise decision to have agreed on consensus arrangement to pick its candidates fro next year’s election, noting that it enabled the party to chose the most popular candidates who can deliver victory for the party during election.

She said: “I do believe that consensus can bring the right candidates because consensus does not mean that leadership ignores the will of the people; consensus means that they look at what the people are saying. No party wants to lose, so the party will not choose people who open them for a loss; does that make sense?

“So, the consensus is going to come towards people that can actually win on the ground, if that makes sense, because at the end of the day, the party wants to win. So, they do not want to put the least popular person as the consensus candidate in a way that is going to aggravate the other participants and in a way that is going to discourage people that are popular from participating. So, I have full belief that consensus is the way to go.”

In Ogun state where Senator Obasanjo is one of the aspirants seeking the APC governorship ticket to contest the 2027 election, the leadership of the party is reported to  have agreed on Senator Solomon Olamilekan aka Yayi, represnting Ogun West in the Nigerian Senate as its consensus candidate.

APC leaders in the south west were said to have chosen Senator Olamilekan, the current Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier in the week, in his Ikoyi, Lagos residence.

The incumbent, Governor Dapo Abiodun is also believed to be supporting Yayi to succeed him.

Blessing CEO Battles Cancers, Puts Her Wigs Up For Sale

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Blessing CEO



By Akinwale Kasali 

 

Blessing Okoro, popular as Blessing CEO, a self-acclaimed relationship expert, has revealed her battle with stage four cancer. Her revelation sent shockwaves across social media platform users.

 

Breaking down in an emotional appeal to Nigerians, she made a heartbreaking revelation that she has been diagnosed with stage four cancer.

 

Known for stirring controversy on social media, she tearfully cried out, leaving many viewers stunned. She also revealed that the illness has already started taking a toll on her body, causing noticeable hair loss.

 

As the reality of her condition sets in, Blessing CEO disclosed in follow-up posts that she is now forced to sell off her prized possessions including her car, luxury wigs, and even her Lagos mansion in a desperate bid to fund chemotherapy and other life-saving treatments.

 

In her words; “Hey guys, for those of you who have always admired my wigs, I’m putting them up for auction because I need money for chemo. Please, if you’re interested, be fast… don’t stress me, I’m already going through so much.”

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