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State Police: Senate Passes Constitution Alteration Bill

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian Senate

By Ayodele Oni

 

Federal Government’s exclusive control of Nigeria policing system has ended with the passage by the Senate, of the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish State Police across the Federation.

 

The bill, passed on Wednesday, followed a rigorous clause-by-clause consideration, with more than two-thirds of Senators voting in support through a manual voting process conducted on the floor of the chamber.

 

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the passage, following overwhelming backing by lawmakers during plenary.

 

The upper chamber approved the legislation after considering the report of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, presented by Deputy Senate President and committee chairman, Barau Jibrin.

 

The provisions of the bill were first examined at the Committee of the Whole, after which lawmakers adopted them and proceeded to a final vote.

 

Debate on the legislation was led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who urged his colleagues to support what many described as a critical reform aimed at strengthening internal security and improving response to local threats.

 

The legislation seeks to establish a state policing framework that will operate concurrently with the existing federal police system, effectively ending the Federal Government’s exclusive control of policing.

 

A key provision of the bill “empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective states, subject to confirmation by the State Houses of Assembly.”

 

Under Clause 17 of the proposed constitutional amendment, “while the Federal Police Service will continue to be headed by the Inspector-General of Police, each State Police Service shall be headed by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor and confirmed by the legislature of the state.”

 

The bill also defines the operational relationship between governors and state police commands.

 

Section 17(6) provides that “a governor may issue lawful written directives of a general policy nature to the Commissioner of Police on matters relating to the maintenance of public safety and public order within the state.”

 

To address concerns over potential abuse, lawmakers introduced safeguards to protect political freedoms and civil liberties.

 

Section 17(7) specifically states that “a state Commissioner of Police shall not arrest, detain, investigate or deploy force against any person, political party or group merely for criticising the government except in accordance with the law.

 

“This provision is aimed at preventing state police formations from being weaponised against political opponents, activists, journalists or dissenting voices, ensuring that all actions comply with due process and existing legal frameworks.”

 

The passage of the bill came shortly after the Senate abandoned plans to deploy an electronic voting system for the consideration of the State Police Bill and other constitutional amendment proposals.

 

Lawmakers, instead, adopted a manual voting process following concerns that technical glitches affecting some devices could disenfranchise senators and undermine the integrity of the exercise.

 

The decision followed a motion by Bamidele, who argued that every senator must be given an equal opportunity to participate in the historic vote.

 

Akpabio supported the move, stating that an open voting system would guarantee full participation and promote transparency by allowing Nigerians to know where their representatives stand on critical constitutional issues.

 

Several senior government officials witnessed the proceedings, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani; Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun; Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

 

Following the adoption of the motion, senators were called individually to publicly declare their votes during consideration of the constitutional amendment bills.

Five Storey Building Collapses In Port Harcourt, Site Engineer, 15 Others Trapped In Rubbles

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Five Storey Building Collapses In Port Harcourt

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Over 15 persons, including a Site Engineer have been trapped in an unfortunate building collapse in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Capital.

 

The five storey building under construction had collapsed on Wednesday at about 9.00am, triggering panic among residents and workers in the area.

 

According to sources, several construction workers and the site engineer were on the premises when the structure suddenly collapsed, burying them under the debris.

 

Rescue efforts commenced immediately, with emergency responders, security agencies and local residents working to reach those trapped beneath the wreckage.

 

The reason for the collapse still remains a mystery, as the number of causalities remain uncertain, but it was gathered that 16 persons are trapped in the debris.

 

The Rivers State Government is yet to issue a statement on this development as at the time of filing in this report.

Mixed Reactions Trail Extension Of Sowore’s  Stay In Kuje Prison

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Omoyele Sowore
Omoyele Sowore

By Akinwale Kasali

 

The Court’s decision to extend the stay of Omoyele Sowore, activist and Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, at Kuje Prison has generated mixed feelings.

 

The outposken politician and Publisher of Sahara Reporters was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the hearing of his application to set aside the bail revocation order.

 

Reason for his elongated remand at the correctional centre is due to the adjournment of the hearing of the application to June 30.

 

The Prisoner of Justice Awardee is facing a lawsuit over the allegation of cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu.

 

Recall that the suit was filed by the Department of State Service, DSS,  which recently asked the Court to revoke the bail earlier granted to the AAC Presidential Candidate at the forthcoming 2027 General Elections.

 

At the last Court hearing, the Court had ordered that Sowore remain in custody until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, when his application challenging the revocation of his bail and the issuance of a bench warrant will be considered, but the elongation of his stay in prison has changed the narratives.

 

The order was issued in the case filed by the DSS against Sowore over allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation.

 

Sowore is accused of making a social media post in August 2025 in which he allegedly referred to President  Bola Tinubu as a “criminal”, a claim that led to the ongoing legal proceedings.

 

Following his continued incarceration, Sowore declared that his Presidential Campaign has just started and that revolution has just begun.

 

The manhandling of Sowore by, allegedly, Officers of the DSS has led to some section of Nigerians tackling the DSS.

 

This has made the social media platform go agog as some netizens are throwing their weight behind Sowore.

 

@mufcETHforever described Sowore and his supporters as cowards:

“Cowards, they’re only shouting everywhere without actions! Only you guys declared revolution, and the police immediately grabbed him. Why didn’t the revolution start right there,

 

Abdulazeez Mohammed defended Sowore and criticised the federal government:

“All that Sowore is saying Nigeria is indeed a corrupt country where the common man doesn’t have a voice. If you talk, they will arrest you and lock you down, but one day it will be good for us.”

 

DJ Cruzz expressed the optimism that Sowore will come out stronger in the situation:

“The more they try to suppress him, the more attention they bring to him. If he comes out of this situation, expect a stronger voice, a larger following and greater determination. Some battles don’t destroy movements; they strengthen them.”

 

Miguel questioned where Sowore will be campaigning for the 2027 elections:

“Na, for inside the prison, he wants to take a campaign, or he sent the revolution team to be campaigning on his behalf.”

 

Over the years, Sowore has continually criticised the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led All Progressives Congress, APC, Government and its policies.

 

He has however joined the 2027 Presidential Race to change the narrative and bring an end to the APC led government.

U.S. Court Jails Anambra LG Chairman Over $3.5 Million Romance Fraud Scheme

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo
Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo

By Ayodele Oni

 

For running an online fraud scheme which targeted the vulnerable close to 15 years, a United States, (US), Federal Court has sentenced Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State, to five years imprisonment.

 

He was found guilty of his role in a romance fraud scheme that authorities said ripped victims of more than $3.5 million.

 

The sentence marks a dramatic fall for the Nigerian local government chairman, whose case drew attention on both sides of the Atlantic.

 

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, the 42-year-old was convicted for operating a long-running online fraud scheme that targeted vulnerable people through dating websites.

 

Prosecutors said Nwadialo used fake identities and false stories to build trust with victims before persuading them to send large sums of money.

 

The court heard that Nwadialo spent nearly 15 years posing as a romantic partner on platforms including Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café.

 

Using aliases such as “Giovanni,” he allegedly claimed to be a military officer serving overseas and relied on stolen photographs to support his false identity.

 

Authorities said he requested money for fabricated military penalties, family emergencies, funeral expenses, school fees, and investment opportunities.

 

During sentencing in Tacoma, U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright described the scheme as deeply damaging, noting that victims suffered serious financial, emotional, and psychological harm.

 

Investigators revealed that several victims lost their life savings, while one widow reportedly sold assets and eventually lost her home after sending money to the fraudster.

 

Another victim believed she was in a genuine relationship with him for three years before learning the truth through an FBI investigation.

 

Federal prosecutors also accused Nwadialo of deliberately targeting older and vulnerable individuals, including widows and divorcees seeking companionship online.

 

The FBI, which led the investigation, stated that the scheme demonstrated how fraudsters exploit trust and emotional connections for financial gain.

The case was prosecuted by federal attorneys Sok Tea Jiang and David T. Martin.

 

Nwadialo was arrested in Texas in 2024 after arriving in the United States and was later charged with 14 counts of wire fraud.

 

His conviction and sentencing bring to a close a case that authorities say caused devastating losses to multiple victims, while also highlighting the growing global effort to combat online romance scams and other forms of cyber-enabled fraud.

Kwankwaso Set To Sue Primate Ayodele For N10 Billion Over Alleged Defamatory Statement

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the spiritual leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele , within which to retract, and tender an unreserved apology over alleged defamatory remarks, or be prepared to face legal actions.

 

In a pre-action notice shared on his official site, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement threatened to initiate a N10 billion Naira legal proceedings, should  Ayodele fail to retract the alleged defamatory statements.

 

In the pre-action notice filed by his legal team dated June 11, 2026, Senator Kwankwaso alleged that the controversial  Christian Cleric, published defamatory statements, wherein he  claimed  that he, Kwankwaso,  is fake, and will, in the end, betray Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 Polls.

 

The notice also noted that Primate Ayodele had, during the course of a live stream Church Service claimed that Kwankwaso was paid to become Obi’s running mate on the platform of the NDC.

 

Consequently, the pre-action notice demanded immediate retraction of the said offensive remarks , a public apology, as well as a written undertaking to cease any further publications of statements within 24 hours,  or be prepared for a legal action.

Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele
Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele

“Our client’s attention has been drawn to your viral publication which is trending on all social media platforms and in international and local news outlets wherein you published malicious and defamatory contents against him geared toward tarnishing his long earned reputation in Nigeria and beyond.

 

“In the said publication, while addressing a physical congregation, and being video-recorded, deliberately to your knowledge, and televised on a live stream to an unquantifiable audience, you expressly, and without cause stated amongst other things as follows: ‘KWANKWASO IS A FAKE. TO OBI, KWANKWASO WILL BETRAY YOU. KWANKWASO HAS BEEN PAID TO BE VICE PRESIDENT TO OBI,’ AMONG OTHER LIBELOUS COMMENTS WHILE PRETENDING TO BE A PREACHER”

 

“This publication directly, and unequivocally refers to our client, and attacks his credibility, sincerity of purpose, and political integrity as the Vice presidential candidate and running mate to Peter Obi under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, political party.

 

“Your assertions which are deliberate, premeditated, false, unprovoked, grossly unfounded, and unsubstantiated, meant, and negatively portrays our client to right thinking members of the society as deviant.

 

“The intended messages in your publication are carefully designed, and curated to gravely damage the sparkling reputation which our client has painstakingly built over the years ,and to create a rift within the ranks of the members of NDC ,and their teeming supporters.

 

“In the light of the foregoing, Kwankwaso’s legal team has, thereby, categorically demanded from Primate Ayodele as follows: That you, immediately, within 24 hours publish a full, direct and unequivocal retraction of, and apology for the false, malicious, and defamatory publication against our client on all social media platforms, and reputable local and international news outlets, while ensuring that the retraction and apology is given the same visibility and prominence as your defamatory publication”

 

‘Take notice that if you neglect, fail, or refuse to accede to our reasonable demands within the stipulated time frame, we have our client’s unflinching instruction to take out appropriate legal proceedings against you without further recourse to you, wherein we shall claim substantial damages to the tune of 10 billion Naira , and cost of the action on full indemnity basis amongst other reliefs”, the pre-action notice reads .

Insecurity: Yoruba Group Alleges Roles Of Two Northern Groups Suspicious

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Arewa

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Oodua Nationalist Coalition, (ONAC), has observed that the roles of two northern groups in insecurity rocking Nigeria are suspicious.

 

The Yoruba Group accused Northern Elders Forum, (NEF) and the Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF) of promoting violence and terrorism through what looks like their covert and veiled support for mass killings and kidnapping across the country.

 

In a statement on Wednesday, ONAC, warned the two organisations to stop giving the impression that they were behind and providing fund for terrorists in Nigeria, alleging that both NEF and ACF appear to be working in collaboration with anti-democratic forces.

 

ONAC, a coalition of many Pan Yoruba groups was reacting to statements issued by NEF and ACF on Monday accusing Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, (alias Igboho) of profiling Fulani.

 

In the ONAC statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr Adeola Babafemi and Assistant Publicity Secretary  Tajudeen Goriola, stated that it is shameful that the two organisations suddenly found their voices after Igboho  called for the release of a pregnant woman and her child that were kidnapped by suspected Fulani armed men.

 

“Both NEF and ACF were silent, maintaining cold complicity when 160 mostly Yoruba people were killed in Kwara state by suspected Fulani terrorists; they kept quite when four Yoruba traditional rulers were murdered by their children.

 

“They went on sabatical when 16 people were abducted at Eda Oniyo in Ekiti State; 46 people including children were kidnapped in Esiele in Oyo State, not to talk of the sacking of 33 Yoruba towns and villages in Kwara and Kogi States.”

 

ONAC maintained that the statement by NEF and ACF showed clearly that within them are real or potential terrorist funders and sympathisers whose primary aim is to destabilise Nigeria and cause a state of war.

 

“We are shocked that these organisations made up of reactionary forces and beneficiaries of the Nigerian rot can say that the action of Igboho would lead to anarchy.

 

“In reality the two organisations watch with excitement as Fulani unleash terror and anarchy on the rest of Nigerians, killing the young and old, stabbing pregnant women to extract their foetus, raping, invading farms and sacking villages in a savege desperation to impose their political culture on the rest of Nigerians,’ ONAC said.

 

The group claimed that the NEF and ACF are mere Fulani fronts decorated with the myth of Northern interests.

 

It added that the agenda of the groups is to bring down democracy and impose unaccontable, corrupt and dictatorial martial rule in line with Fulani heritage.

 

 ‘More than two million people are in IDP camps in Benue State. More than 50 communities have been sacked in Plateau State by Fulani terrorists.

 

“Instead of condemning these acts of terrorism, the two parochial and self serving organisations would rather keep quite.

 

“Even when a military coup was staged to overthrow democratically elected government in October 2023, the NEF and ACF maintained the conspiracy of cruel silence.”

 

ONAC said the Fulani across West Africa have become the most dangerous specie of humanity that the whole world detests

 

“The real threats to Nigeria is not Igboho but rabidly corrupt, inept, reactionary, self-serving  fundamentalist so called elders who dominate NEF and ACF, two organisations set up for personal profit, primitive accumulation of wealth and for the defense of narrow agenda of Fulani.

 

‘Your history of political brigandage and prodigal philosophy that is bereft of humanitarian philosophy, but defined by loyalty to Fulani Jihad agenda, linked to commercial interests and personal gains were responsible for the tumoil that the Fulani have imposed on Nigerians.

 

“Instead of being bold to caution and stem the tide of terrorism, the NEF and ACF are rather looking for infantile excuses by blaming Igboho.

 

“NEF and ACF are working for the destruction of Nigeria. They are old people using their prime to promote anarchy and blood letting forgeting that whose who sow the wind would reap the whirlwind.”

El-Rufai: “Bail Conditions Should Secure Attendance In Court, Not Guarantee Continued Incarceration” – Atiku Warns

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has expressed serious concern over the politicization of the trial and detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, by the authorities.

 

Abubakar, who is the 2027 Presidential Candidate of  the African Democratic Congress, ADC, described the continued detention of El-Rufai  as well as the refusal of the Court to review the bail conditions granted to him as totally unacceptable.

 

El-Rufai who is facing multiple inter-agency prosecutions over charges bordering on alleged diversion of public funds , inflation of Severance packages ,and breach of national security, has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC since February 18, 2026, when he was granted bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

 

The former Governor of Kaduna State, however, despite being granted bail by multiple courts where he is currently being prosecuted by the ICPC and the Department of State Service, DSS, between April and May, has remained in custody owing to  the tough conditions attached to the bail granted him by an Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Honourable Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik.

 

At the resumed hearing of the case filed by the DSS against El-Rufai over alleged wire-tapping of the telephone number of the National Security Adviser NSA on Tuesday, Justice Abdul-Malik rejected pleas for the variation of the bail conditions granted the former Kaduna State Governor.

 

El-Rufai’s defence team led by Paul Erokoro, SAN, had, in an oral application urged the court to review certain conditions of the bail, particularly  those requiring a Level 17 Civil Servant with properties in Maitama or Asokoro Districts of Abuja as one of the sureties, as well as an attestation letter from the Chairman of the Kaduna State Traditional Rulers Council .

 

According to him, the conditions appear practically untenable ,and impossible in the present circumstances.

 

The former Vice President, while reacting on Wednesday , June 24, 2026, described the stance of the court as deeply troubling ,and a source of serious concern about the State of constitutional liberties,the administration of justice, and the growing tendency to weaponise legal processes against political rivals.

 

According to Atiku, while it is true that courts reserve the discretions to grant bail  and impose  conditions ,he insisted that the exercise of such power must be done judicially ,and judiciously.

 

He emphasized that attaching stringent conditions, which are obviously, and manifestly high-handed, unreasonable, and or practically impossible to fulfill, remains counterproductive ,and certainly defeat the very essence of the bail granted.

 

The ADC presidential candidate also warned that unrealistic and harsh bail conditions are in themselves antithetical to the popular dictum ,to the effect that an  accused person remain innocent until proven guilty.

 

He emphasized that bail exit in legal proceedings as a veritable way of preserving the refrain that accused persons remain innocent until find guilty.

 

“When a court insists on conditions that require a defendant to produce a serving Grade Level 17 Federal Civil Servant who must also own verifiable property in Maitama or Asokoro, and satisfy a maze of additional requirements., Nigerians are entitled to ask a simple question: is the objective to grant bail or to ensure that bail remains unattainable?

 

“This is not merely about one individual . It is about the principles that underpin a democratic society governed by the rule of law.

 

“Today it is El-Rufai . Tomorrow it could be any citizen whose liberty depends not on the law ,but on whether he can satisfy conditions that few Nigerians can ever meet” Abubakar stated.

 

The former Vice president, lamented the increasing tendency of the judicial arm of Government to abdicate its constitutional responsibilities ,and pander to the whims and caprices of those in position of authority.

 

He noted that as a critical institution for the sustenance ,and promotion of democracies all over the world, the judiciary should not only be perceived as a sacred altar of justice, but be able through its conduct inspire public confidence in the administration of justice.

Nasir El-Rufai

Abubakar warned that no democracy can thrive in a situation where citizens are constantly suspicious that the legal processes are being directly and or remotely manipulated ,and deployed for the persecution citizens, especially the opposition voices.

 

“At a time when public trust in institutions is under unprecedented strain ,the Judiciary must be careful not to create the impression that justice is available only in theory but unreachable in practice .

 

“Bail Conditions should secure attendance in court ,not guaranteed continued incarceration” the ADC presidential candidate added.

 

He cautioned against the tendency to misconstrue his intervention to mean  an  obstruction of the cause of justice.

 

According to him, his concern ,just like any other patriotic Nigerian, is whether constitutional safeguards are being faithfully observed in the process of the  administration of justice .

I’m A Nigerian, I Don’t See The Level Of Hunger People Are Talking About – Presidential Spokesman, Onanuga

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Bayo Onanuga
Bayo Onanuga

By Ayodele Oni

 

Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential spokesperson, has said Nigerians are not too hungry as being portrayed by critics.

 

Onanuga,while acknowledging economic challenges, maintained that his personal interactions do not reflect the scale of hardship often portrayed in public discussions.

 

“I’m a Nigerian. I have people working for me privately. I don’t see the level of hunger people are talking about because I see them, and I keep asking them questions: how are things, how are they adjusting, what are the problems?” he said

 

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Onanuga argued that several government initiatives have delivered tangible benefits to citizens, citing infrastructure projects, student loans and credit facilities for workers as examples.

 

The Presidential aide maintained that he does not share the view that the level of hunger often described by critics reflects the reality across Nigeria.

 

Onanuga said many Nigerians are benefiting from policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 

According to him, recent road projects have significantly improved travel experiences for many Nigerians.

 

Recalling a recent journey from Ibadan to Lagos, Onanuga said he was impressed by a newly constructed concrete road around the Ijebu-Ode axis.

 

“One day I was traveling from Ibadan to Lagos, and Google Maps told me that there’s a go-slow in the approach to Lagos, and I decided to take Ijebu-Ode via Shagamu.

 

“What struck me most was that I just found myself on a paved road, concrete road. I said, ‘Wow, when was this one built?’” he said.

 

He added that the road had changed public perception in the area.

 

“I found that our people, I mean, our Ijebu people, have stopped complaining. I said, ‘Oh, no wonder they now have a brand new road that’s not just an asphalt road, a concrete road,’” he said.

 

Onanuga also pointed to the impact of the coastal highway project, saying it has reduced travel time for residents.

 

“I live in Ajah. Anytime I go to Lagos, and I ask Google Maps to tell me how soon I will get home, Google Maps will tell me one hour, seven minutes.

 

“Before, it was two hours, 30 minutes, and the reason for that is that we now have a coastal road that has shortened my travel time.

 

“Is that not beneficial? What are people talking about really?”, he stated.

 

Onanuga highlighted the Federal Government’s student loan scheme and access to low-interest credit for civil servants as evidence that government policies are making a difference.

 

“If you are a parent and you have four children in university, and they’re able to access federal loan, which is interest free, are they not benefiting?

 

“If you are a civil servant and you can access the credit card, very cheap loan at below interest, it is about seven per cent. Now people can access that loan at single digit. Are they not benefiting as well?”, he said.

 

Onanuga argued that public discourse has become dominated by assumptions that overlook positive developments.

 

“We have been pigeonholed into certain assumptions, certain conclusions,” he said.

 

Referring to a viral incident during the early days of the Tinubu administration, he recalled how a video of the President returning from a mosque in Lagos was accompanied by a voice-over suggesting widespread hunger.

 

“I think the President went to Lagos, he was coming from the Central Mosque, and somebody now did a voice-over saying ‘Ebi n pawa o,’ and that means we are hungry. Since then, people have been saying that,” he added.

In Its Harshest Choice Of Words Ever, Supreme Court Descends On Counsel, Calls His Case Juvenile, Slams N50m Fines On Him

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Honourable Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme

By Adesina Soyooye

 

“Counsel degenerated to a level unprecedented in the history of Application for review in this Court and ended up not only exposing his ignorance and poor knowledge of the law, but making a mockery of himself as a Legal practitioner. He is not worthy to be called a Legal practitioner” – Honourable Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme

 

For a  Nigerian Lawyer, S.M. Danyaro, it was like a bad dream, worse than a nightmare. He would, by now, be cursing the day he decided to take an application for review   before the Supreme case of Nigeria.

 

Not a few people are asking how he “found the legs” to leave the premises of the Supreme Court.

 

In a ruling signed on June 22, 2026, which has now been made public, a Supreme Court Justice, The Honourable Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, PhD, descended on him for ever, even, thinking of bringing such an application for a review before the Supreme Court.

 

Nwosu-Iheme described the application as vexatious and an abusive of application filed after the conclusion of a substantive appeal.

 

As punishment, his application was not only entirely dismissed, he was slammed with a fine of N50 million which he must personally pay with a period of 90 days. He dismissed the Lawyer as “uncultured.”

 

Worse, Nwosu-Iheme, the first female Judge in Nigeria to earn a PhD, known for her compassionate, but no nonsense disposition, directed that the Lawyer be denied right of audience in any Court in Nigeria until “he complies with the Court’s order and files a certificate of compliance before the Court.”

 

Justice Nwosu-Iheme’s ruling followed the lead ruling of Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur, JSC, which Nwosu-Iheme fully agreed with.

 

According to Nwosu-Iheme, Danyaro’s application ranks among the worst ever brought before Nigeria’s highest court.

 

She said: “I agree entirely with the reasoning and abide by the conclusion in the lead Ruling that this Application is one of the most thoughtless and irresponsible Applications ever brought before this Court.”

 

Describing the lawyer’s conduct as professional misconduct she accused him of filing the application merely to vent his grievances over the outcome of an earlier appeal decided by the court on June 4, 2025.

 

Nwosu-Iheme: “It is condemnable as it amounts to professional misconduct on the part of Counsel for the Applicant, S.M. Danyaro.

 

“It will haunt the said Counsel for the rest of his career as a Legal Practitioner for being oblivious of the consequences of his action.”

The Supreme Court justice did not stop there.

“I agree that this Application is thoughtless, Juvenile and Gross abuse of the process of this Court.

 

“It was brought deliberately by this irresponsible Counsel to ventilate his grievances over the outcome of the substantive Appeal.

 

“In the process of bringing this Application under the guise of a review, counsel degenerated to a level unprecedented in the history of application for review in this Court and ended up not only exposing his ignorance and poor knowledge of the law, but making a Mockery of himself as a Legal Practitioner.

 

“He is not worthy to be called a Legal Practitioner.”

 

The Apex Court affirmed that its earlier judgment delivered on June 4, 2025, in Appeal No. SC.266/2017 remains valid, binding and final.

 

“This application and the unbecoming Conduct of Counsel for the Applicant is bereft of Common Sense, it is dismissed in its entirety.

 

“The judgment of this Court delivered on the 4th day of June, 2025 in Appeal No. SC.266/2017 remain subsisting, final and binding on all parties.

 

“Sequel to the vexatious and unprofessional Application of this uncultured Counsel, S.M. Danyaro, intended only for causing annoyance when objectively evaluated, I also order that costs of N50,000,000 be paid personally by this recalcitrant Counsel, S.M. Danyaro personally for filing this trash.

 

“The costs shall be paid within 90 days to the respondents.

 

“A certificate of compliance must be filed in Court in accordance with the Provisions of Order 12 Rules 4(d), 6, and 7 of the Rules of this court.

 

“S.M. Danyaro of Counsel shall cease to have right of audience in any Court in Nigeria until there is evidence of Compliance with the said Rules of this court.”

 

The ruling, which is already being hailed by Nigerians who insist it will curb frivolous filings by some Lawyers,

was signed  off by The Honourable Justice  Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, Ph.D, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and marked as a Certified True Copy. It has been issued by the Registrar of the Supreme Court.

Celebrating Graduation On Social Media: Ondo Govt. Withholds Certificates Of 17 Students

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ondo State Government has sanctioned some graduating secondary school students for flouting directive of no celebration for final year students.

 

In the wake of complaints by parents about high costs of graduation ceremonies for outgoing pupils, government announced a ban directing school authorities to stop collecting money for such events.

 

However, students from Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas Secondary School, and CAC Grammar School, all in Akure, were seen in a viral “sign-out” video that sparked widespread public outrage across social media.

 

The affected students, numbering 17, have been sanctioned. Their testimonials and WASSCE results will be withheld upon release.

 

​In a statement,  “Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has cracked down on a group of secondary school students from Oyemekun Grammar School, Aquinas Secondary School, and CAC Grammar School following a viral “sign-out” video that sparked widespread public outrage across social media.

 

“The video, which circulated heavily on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, following the completion of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), showed graduating students engaging in chaotic and undisciplined behavior, including tearing uniforms and chanting inappropriate slogans.

 

“In an emergency meeting convened at the Ministry’s headquarters in Akure, government officials and school administrators gathered to address the breach of conduct.

 

​”The Ministry has handed down the following immediate sanctions to serve as a deterrent to other schools across the state:

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“The official school testimonials and WASSCE results of the 17 students identified in the video will be withheld until further notice, and their names will be entered into the “black book” of their respective schools.

 

“All principals have been directed to open a “black book” for student misconduct, and senior officers at the affected schools have received official queries for failing to adequately  supervise and allowing the celebrations to degenerate into lawlessness.

 

“For those in the video who are not in the terminal class, the Ministry has directed that they be expelled from school immediately.

 

“The Commissioner advised all parents to consistently counsel their children against actions that could mar their futures, stating that the measures taken by the Ministry will serve as a deterrent to other students who might consider engaging in similar acts in the future.”

 

Addressing the press after the disciplinary hearing, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, emphasized that while celebrating academic milestones is natural, the government maintains zero tolerance for activities that damage the moral fabric and reputation of the state’s educational system.

 

He stated, “The growing ‘sign-out’ culture among secondary school students must be guided by decency.

 

“We will not fold our arms and watch the discipline we have painstakingly instilled in our schools be eroded for the sake of social media clout.

 

“We must defend the integrity of our education system in the state. We will not allow those who are not ready to be in school to disturb our institutions.”

 

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Akindele Ige, advised principals to proactively share information with the Zonal Education Office and the Ministry to address unrest before it escalates.

 

He revealed that parents and the graduating students involved have been summoned to the Ministry to receive their official punishment letters.

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