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Anti-Corruption Commission, Kano, Arrests Judicial Officials, Lawyers

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has alerted the public the existence of a dangerous land grabbing syndicate in the State.

This is just as the State’s Anti-graft Agency announced the apprehension of some Judicial officials, and lawyers suspected to be involved in the illegal activities.

At an interaction session with the Media on Friday, January 17, 2025, the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission PCACC, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, alleged that the unholy syndicate comprises  Government and Judicial officials, as well as lawyers, who engaged in the illegal acquisitions of public and private  lands in the State

According to him, the group has been discovered to be involved in the seizure, and grabbing of over 1,200 parcels of land in some parts of the State.

Rimin Gado, who informed that the authorities  unmasked the gang recently, also  stated that the anti-graft agency has put machineries in place to carry out a comprehensive inquest into their nefarious activities.

The Commission’s Chairman noted that the investigation is targeted at unraveling more about the syndicate, including their modus operandi and others associated with their illegal land grabbing activities.

The Chairman, noted that so far preliminary findings have revealed that the gang with an extensive network, has been discovered to have masterminded many schemes to illegally acquire both public and private lands across Kano.

According to Rimin Gado, the syndicate which has the unalloyed backing of  some Judiciary staff, Kano State Land Officials ,Legal Practitioners, and others has over the years, been able to establish a complex network that exploit some lapses in the system to forge documents, backdate sales agreement, as well as secure fraudulent Court rulings when necessary to acquire lands.

“The land grabbers specialize in colluding with individuals in positions of authority to acquire lands fraudulently.

They manipulate legal processes, forge documents to legitimize their claims. Many of these involve lands belonging to deceased individuals, absentee  owners ,and others”, Rimin Gado noted

The Commission Chairman referenced a particular case involving about 40 plots of land which was recently recovered from the syndicate.

According to the Anti-graft Commission Chairman, the owners of the property in the first place never mortgaged it ,yet the syndicate managed to dispossess the owners.

The recovered land, he informed, is valued at over N20 million. He explained that in the course of the investigation into the matter, several suspects, including Government officials, Lawyers and Judiciary Staff were arrested.

One of the arrested persons, according to Rimin Gado, was found with about N 2,857 ,000 cash.

“We are are pursing legal actions against all those involved in these  criminal activities.

“Based on legal advice, we will take appropriate steps to ensure justice is served”, he noted.

New Eleruwa Of Eruwa Emerges, Ends Six Years Vacancy

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Eruwa Town Hall

By Akinwale Kasali

After Six Years Vacancy of the Eleruwa of Eruwa Stool in Oyo State, the Kingmakers have announced the emergence of  a new Monarch.

The process of selecting the new Eleruwa of Eruwa  took a fresh dimension following the Supreme Court’s removal of  Oba Samuel Adegbola from the throne six years ago.

The ruling, delivered in 2019, found Adegbola’s ascension inconsistent with the 1957 Eruwa Chieftaincy Declaration, and ended his 21-year reign.

However, on Thursday at the Eleruwa Palace, Oke-Oba, Eruwa, Oyo State, the kingmakers closed ranks and nominated a new Monarch for the ancient kingdom, whose name they already forwarded to Governor Seyi Makinde for further action.

One of the 18 aspirants got the unanimous nod of the kingmakers.

The Laribikusi Ruling House, comprising the Agbaragba, Ajao, Omoni, and Sabi families had earlier held an expanded meeting at the Eleruwa’s palace, where they resolved long-standing internal disputes and appointed Chief Dejo Akinlade as the Head of the family to lead the selection process.

Chief Akinlade later led a delegation to the Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Hon. Kazeem Owolabi Arogundade, on Monday, January 13, to formally communicate the family’s resolution and initiate the next steps.

During his address, Chief Akinlade expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and called for unity within the ruling house.

Akinlade said: “We must not allow external forces to exploit any divisions among us and rob us of our rights. It is time for the Laribikusi Ruling House to ascend to the throne once more,” he stated.

Ondo LG Election Petition Tribunal: AG, Lawyer Trade Words

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Ajulo SAN

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo SAN, and an Akure based lawyer, Adebayo Solagbade, are engaged in war of words over the setting up of a Tribunal to handle petitions arising from the Local Government Election due to hold on Saturday.

The lawyer had faulted the constitution of the Tribunal by the State Chief Judge and called for its disbandment.

Solagbade submitted that “I have noticed that out of the six appointees, two are practicing lawyers (members of the Nigerian Bar Association and not the judiciary) and of the four remaining, two are below the prescribed rank of “Chief Magistrate”, based on their details published in the 2024 diary printed and distributed by the Ondo State Judiciary. Furthermore, the High Court Judge who would head the Tribunal as Chairman has also been omitted.

“I submit humbly, on the premise of the statutory provisions cited, that the Tribunal is illegal, having been constituted in a manner fundamentally different from the mandatory prescriptions of the Law.

“Regrettably, it appears that my lord the Honorable Chief Judge and His Excellency the Governor were not properly advised as to the statutory requirements of constituting the Tribunal.

“I hereby call on my lord the Honorable Chief Judge and His Excellency the Governor to dissolve and reconstitute the Tribunal, in order to avoid a constitutional crisis.

“Section 88 (4) of the Local Government System, Establishment and Administration of Local Government Councils of Ondo State, Cap 87, Volume 2, Laws of Ondo State, 2006 empowers the Governor (acting in consultation with the Chief Judge of the State) to appoint the Chairman and other members of the Electoral Tribunal.

“However, Section 88 (3) prescribes the qualifications of such appointees:

“The Chairman shall be a Judge of a High Court and other members shall be appointed from among the members of the judiciary not below the rank of a Chief Magistrate”

In his response, the Attorney General insostrf that “The essence of true advocacy lies in the diligent research and continuous self-improvement of a dedicated lawyer.

“Rushing into rooftop advocacy without this vital foundation risks the perilous trap of citing obsolete laws—a mistake that can haunt even the most passionate legal practitioners.

“Upon my appointment as Attorney General by His Excellency, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, we recognized the urgent need to confront the myriad of outdated statutes plaguing Ondo State. Among these was the Local Government System, Establishment and Administration of Local Government Councils of Ondo State, Cap 87, Volume 2, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

“It is imperative to underscore that two significant issues, among others, were duly addressed and reviewed. Firstly, with respect to the appointment of the Tribunal, the prior legislation mandated that the Governor appoint the Tribunal panel of three, based on the Chief Judge’s recommendation.

“Such an arrangement seemingly compromised the independence of both the Tribunal and the judiciary. Consequently, the law has been amended to confer upon the Chief Judge the exclusive authority to appoint the Tribunal Panel.

“Secondly, the matter of the Tribunal composition was considered. Under the former statute, a High Court judge presided as the Chairman of the Local Government Election Tribunal.

“In light of the fact that appeals from the Tribunal’s decisions are directed to the Election Appeal Tribunal, which is similarly constituted by High Court judges, it is both reasonable and justifiable to assert that judges of co-ordinate authority and jurisdiction ought not to adjudicate upon each other’s decisions, hence the dire need to align the legislation with acceptable global standards and best practices.

“I reflect with great pride, on our progress in amending this legislation, achieved through the powerful synergy between the Executive led by His Excellency, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Legislature under the leadership of the Honorable Speaker, Rt Hon. Olamide Oladiji

“Let this serve as a reminder: a lawyer who embraces ongoing education and updates their knowledge is a beacon of integrity and competence in the legal arena.”

PSC Appoints Lawal DIG, Representing South West

By
Ayodele Oni
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DIG Banji Lawal

By Ayodele Oni

The Police Service Commission, (PSC) has approved the appointment of Banji Lawal as a substantive Deputy Inspector General of Police, (DIG) representing the South West Geopolitical Zone.

Lawal was formerly Assistant Inspector General of Police, (AIG) in charge of border patrol.

A statement signed by the commission’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said Lawal was appointed at an extraordinary meeting held on Friday.

Lawal takes over from DIG Sylvester Alabi who represented the zone and retired on December 31, 2024. Alabi was the DIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

The new DIG was a former Commandant Police Training College, Ikeja, Lagos; Assistant Commissioner Operations, Ekiti State Command; Abia State Command and Edo State Command.

He later became Area Commander Uyo, Deputy Commissioner Operations, Nasarawa State; Deputy Commissioner, Operations, Akwa Ibom State and Deputy Commissioner Finance and Admin ICT Force Headquarters Abuja.

He was also Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Registrar, Central Criminal Registry (CCR) Force Headquarters Annex, Alagbon close, Ikoyi; DCP Finance and Administration, Benue state; Deputy Commandant, Police Academy, Wudil Kano and CP General Investigation, Force CID.

The statement added, “The new DIG Lawal appeared before the Commission in Plenary.

“Present were the Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu Rtd mni, Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and DIG Taiwo Lakanu Rtd, FDC.

“He went through written and oral examinations where he particularly commended the Community Policing programme of the Nigeria Police Force which he said is succeeding and has achieved a lot so far.”

The PSC Chairman congratulated him on his elevation and charged him to make himself relevant in the Police Management Team.

JUSUN Presses For Judicial Autonomy In Ondo, Gives 21 Days Ultimatum

By
Ayodele Oni
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Judiciary and Court

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Branch of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN),  has written to the State Government about financial autonomy to the third arm with 21days ultimatum to comply with a court’s Judgment on the issue in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The letter dated 16th January, 2024 was signed by Afolabi Oluwafemi, the Chairman of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ondo State Branch and the Union’s Secretary,  Alade Kehinde.

In a copy of the letter sighted by newsmen, the JUSUN leadership said “we urge Your Excellency to comply with the constitutional provisions within the stipulated 21-day period, following the receipt of this letter. Failure to do so will leave us with no alternative but to consider industrial action to assert our rights and uphold the integrity of the judiciary

“We write to formally address the urgent matter concerning the compliance with the judgment delivered on the 7th day of October, 2024, in respect of the financial autonomy of the Ondo State Judiciary, as outlined in suit No. A16/18M/2024. This judgment was rendered by a court of competent jurisdiction following an application for Judicial Review by way of mandamus.

“As you are aware, Section 121 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), guarantees the financial independence of the Ondo State Judiciary.

“This provision mandates that any amount earmarked for the Judiciary and standing to its credit in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State shall be paid directly to the head of the Court. It is crucial to note that any law inconsistent with this constitutional provision is null and void.

“The court’s judgment is clear and unambiguous, compelling the following actions: Compliance by the Ondo State Governor, Attorney General, and Accountant General: We urge you to ensure compliance with the provisions of Section 121 (3) of the Constitution.

“Timely Implementation We request that the aforementioned officials commence compliance within twenty-one (21) days from the date of this judgment.

“Direct Payments to the Judiciary: We mandate that the Accountant General of Ondo State pay into the Ondo State Judiciary account the statutory allocations for recurrent and capital expenditures in monthly installments, in accordance with Section 121 (3B) of the fifth alteration to the 1999 Constitution.

“The position of the Constitution is not negotiable, and our call for compliance after a favorable judgment from the courts reflects the pressing need for adherence to the rule of law in our society.

“We remain hopeful that your administration will take the necessary steps to rectify this situation, thereby enhancing your legacy.

“We trust that you will treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves,” said the union.”

Ekiti: Vigilant Youths Arrest Suspected Electric Cable Thief

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ekiti Cable Thief

By Ayodele Oni

A suspected electric cable thief posing as a scavenger, was unlucky as he was caught by vigilant youths in Ekiti State.

The incident happened at Odo Ayedun, country home of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye.

The Speaker had replaced some of the stolen cables before Yuletide to ensure that the people did not celebrate in darkness.

Reacting to the incident, Aribasoye, advised residents of the state to complement the efforts of security agencies with community vigilance and intelligence gathering.

Aribasoye applauded the residents of the area for keeping a keen watch over their immediate vicinity, noting that security agencies alone could not sufficiently secure all areas.

The suspect, who was publicly paraded through the town carrying the stolen cables on his head before being taken into custody by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, identified himself as Oseni.

During his visit to his constituency in December, the Speaker had charged the youths and residents of the area to intensify community security efforts following cases of theft of transformer cables, transformer oil, and other items, which had led to a blackout in the area.

The Speaker, who found the condition of the people unpleasant during the festive period, ordered the purchase of some transformer cables after earlier replacing the stolen transformer oil, both gestures costing millions of naira.

Members of the community said the suspect, who is not of Southwest ethnic background, had been living in the community for close to five years, masking his criminal activities by claiming to be a metal scraper and scavenger.

Special Adviser (Media) to the Speaker, Babajide Agbeyo in a statement disclosed that the state House of Assembly Ad-hoc Committee regulating the activities of scrappers met with their relevant associations late last year, with a view to reach a consensus on laws to be made to check criminal elements hiding under the practice.

The Assembly Speaker assured that the legislative arm would continue to make and amend laws to ensure local security initiatives are strengthened and conventional security outfits supported.

TikTok Can Be Banned In US- Supreme Court Rules

By
James Orji
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Joe Biden - US President

The Supreme Court ruled Friday that a controversial ban on TikTok may take effect this weekend, rejecting an appeal from the popular app’s owners that claimed the ban violated the First Amendment.

The court handed down an unsigned opinion and there were no noted dissents.

The decision, which followed warnings from the Biden administration that the app posed a “grave” national security threat because of its ties to China, will allow the ban to start Sunday. But there are a lot of lingering questions about how the ban would work in practice because there’s no precedent for the US government blocking a major social media platform. And how exactly the government would enforce it remains unclear.

In its opinion, the Supreme Court acknowledged that for 170 million Americans TikTok offers “a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community.”

But the court said, Congress was focused on national security concerns and that, the court said, was a deciding factor in how it weighed the case.

“Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary,” the court wrote.

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Spotlight on Trump

The ruling also puts the spotlight on President-elect on Donald Trump.

In the runup to the ban’s effective date, President Joe Biden’s administration signaled it would leave enforcement of the ban to Trump, who will be inaugurated on Monday. Despite that, TikTok has said it may “go dark” when the ban takes effect.

A Biden administration official told CNN Thursday that the outgoing president plans to leave it to Trump to enforce any ban.

“Our position on this has been clear: TikTok should continue to operate under American ownership,” a Biden administration official said. “Given the timing of when it goes into effect over a holiday weekend a day before inauguration, it will be up to the next administration to implement.”

TikTok CEO Shou Chew is set to be seated on the dais, alongside other leading tech CEOs, at Trump’s inauguration — perhaps a sign of just how serious the incoming president is about trying to save the app.

And with some in Congress now suggesting that TikTok might need more time to find a buyer, Trump could find support in trying to push off the ban to a later date.

The law gives the president the option to extend the ban by 90 days, but triggering the extension requires evidence that parties working on purchasing have made significant progress, including binding legal agreements for such a deal — and TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, hasn’t publicly updated its stance that the app is not for sale.

CNN

“Desperate PDP Bent On Influencing Tribunal Outcome In Edo” – APC Alleges

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Edo Governorship Tribunal

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress,,  APC, has  alleged plans by its main rival, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, and its Gubernatorial candidate in the September 2024 off circle election in Edo State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, to manipulate the ongoing proceedings at the Election Petition Tribunal.

To this end, the Edo State Chapter Chairman of the Party, Jarret Tenebe,  on Friday, January 17, 2025, called party faithful across the State to remain vigilant and monitor closely the activities of the PDP at the Tribunal.

The Party’s position is coming on the heels of the disruption of proceedings at the Tribunal on Wednesday, January 15, by suspected hired hoodlums.

The Source reports that since the ousting of the PDP, in the September 21, 2024 Governorship polls, by APC, the two bitter rival political platforms have been engaged in a  battle of attrition.

The bout of accusations and counter- accusations that emanated from the outcome of the elections were escalated on December 15, 2024 following  the controversial suspension of the 18 PDP elected Local Council Chairmen, by the APC led state  Government.

The festering battle of wits ,

between the two sworn bitter rivals  took its toll on the State’s Election Tribunal, following the eruption of sporadic  gunshots that led to the disruption of proceedings.

Chieftains of the two parties have since been engaged in a blame game over the unfortunate incident that has served to heighten tensions in the State.

The APC Chairman, in a  statement, accused the PDP, and Chief Ighodalo of being desperate and bent on influencing the outcome of the Tribunal sitting.

“As chairman of the APC in Edo State, I am deeply concerned about the ongoing Governorship Tribunal case.

“This case has significant implications for the democratic process, the rule of law and the rights of our citizens.

“We urge all members of our party, as well as the general public to remain vigilant and closely monitor development in this case.

“We must ensure that the opposition PDP and its desperate candidate, Asue Ighodalo, do not manipulate the process”, part of the APC statement reads.

The APC ,also, reinstated its position accusing the PDP of being responsible for Wednesday’s disruption of proceedings at the Tribunal, using hired thugs and other miscreants.

According to the APC Chairman, the deliberate disruption of the Tribunal sitting is part of the wider orchestrated plans to manipulate the the system.

” We call upon the Judiciary to act with impartiality and fairness and to ensure that all parties involved are treated equitably.

“We also urge all parties involved in the case to conduct themselves with respect and dignity and refrain from any actions that may undermine the judicial process”, Tenebe emphasized.

Abia Goes After Unwholesome Activities Of Property Owners In The State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Abia State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewdchi

The Abia State Government on Friday, January 17, 2025, vowed to visit the full weight of the law on residents indulging in indiscriminate disposal of sewage into public drainages and facilities.

This is even as the Management of the Greater Aba Development Authority GADA, informed that stringent penalties, including prosecution, and fines have been lined  up as punishments for those channeling waste products into drainages on major roads across the cities of the State

At a media briefing after conducting journalists round a mini high rise property on the popular PortHarcourt-Aba Road sealed for channeling sewages into the drainage, the Head of Environmental Health, Aba metropolitan  Council, Elder Ndibe Ugochukwu, warned that the authorities will not sit by and watch some unscrupulous elements expose Aba residents to avoidable health hazards .

If left unchecked, the unwholesome activities,of property and business premises owners ,according to him, have the very high potentials ,of leading to the outbreak of epidemics in the commercial hub of the State.

Elder  Ugochukwu regretted that over 70 percent of property  owners, hoteliers, business premises owners, and developers in Aba, are channeling waste products from their properties  into public drainages,and infrastructural facilities.

He noted that such unhealthy activities are the most well- known purveyors of epidemics and other communicable diseases in the system.

“Look the developer of the building at number 47 Port Harcourt road Aba ,( a three story building) after spending millions of naira ,in constructing the property, refused or neglected to build simple soakaway pits  and other waste disposal facilities .

“He rather chose to channel the sewages into the drainages still  under construction along  the all important  Port Harcourt road by Julius Berger .

“When we discovered the development ,we ( Environmental officials ) approached him ,and requested him to  abandon the unwholesome and illegal move .

“But you can’t believe that he blatantly refused and insisted on going ahead with the project, including breaking part of the drainages under construction .

“He was given seven days notice to construct a soakawy pit to re- channel all the waste .We served him an abate notice on December 31,2024 ,urging him to stop work .

“After ,the expiry of the notice ,he still refused to do the needful ,and was bent on breaking Government drainage to channel waste.

“Well ,we are using his matter as a test case. to many because he must have to comply.About  70 % of landlords and business premises owners in Aba channeled sewages into public drainages and we will not allow such to continue.

“At this point ,we had to apply the law by having the building sealed in conjunction with our sister agency the Greater Aba Development Authority, GADA .

:We have taken him to court ,for willfully exposing residents to serious health hazards and destruction of public property.

“However, our concern is that we are being made to understand that some GADA officials have gone ahead to unseal the property without reference to us .

“That notwithstanding, we are determined to apply the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others in the habit of making public drainages their waste disposal facilities”, the Environmental head stated .

Further speaking ,Elder Ugochukwu, insisted that all property owners in the city must have sizable septic tanks and soakaway pits in line with the provisions of the  “Public Health Law CAP 103 ,Vol 6 of 2005”.

Arch Uche Ukeje, Director General GADA, stated that  the agency has taken measures to deter landlords and business premises from the unwholesome activities of channeling waste into public drainages.

While denying the allegation that his agency unsealed the Port Harcourt road controversial property, Ukeje, reaffirmed GADA’s readiness to work collaboratively with other bodies to halt illegal channeling of waste products into drainages .

He informed that the agency has resolved to prosecute and  impose fines ranging  from N200,000 to N500,000 on landlords who engage in channeling waste into public facilities .

“When the matter of the building on Port Harcourt road came up,bI sent a team there on January 2,.

“The team worked in synergy with the health officials and eventually the place was sealed. It wasn’t hidden because we put up an official announcement to that effect.

“As usual , you will not seal somebody’s property forever .The reason you seal is for the proper things to be done and not to demolish.

“He (developer) was instructed to construct a septic tank to channel his waste properly, and there is no way he can do that without gaining access to the property.

In real terms ,the property is still sealed .But ,we only allowed the developer to go in and effect the corrections demanded of him.

“When a building is under seal ,no work will go on there unless the barrier is removed ,and that is what we have done to remove the red tape ,and allow the developer to go and do the corrections.  Officially, we cannot unseal when the corrective work has not been done”,  the GADA DG stated

Supreme Court Says Sacked Speaker Obasa Not Solicitor, Advocate Of The Apex Court

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mudashiru Obasa and the Supreme Court Letter

By Akinwale Kasali

Controversy has continued to trail the claim by impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru  Obasa, that he is a Legal Practitioner, Solicitor and  advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The issue has been at the front burner of discourse when he was still in the saddle as Speaker of LAHA. It began when  a petition was written to the Supreme Court to confirm Obasa’s alleged claim.

In a letter dated 24th July, 2020, signed by Gertrude B. Karenton-Mordi for the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, titled; “RE: VERIFICATION OF MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA AS A SOLICITOR AND ADVOCATE OF THE SUPREME COURT”, it was clearly stated that Obasa’s name was not on the Roll Call of Legal Practitioners kept in the Honourable Court. It urged Obasa to come to the Honourable Court with his Call to Bar and Qualifying Certificates for Enrolment.

It further stated that if Obasa had done a Change of Name, he should come forward with proof of evidence.

The issue was, however, swept under the carpet, but has resurfaced days after his impeachment.

The Supreme Court has however debunked Obasa’s claim of being a Legal Practitioner. The Court said his name was never in the Roll Call.

Not a few people say if true, this has brought to fore “the insincerity, impersonation and deceit depicted by the former Speaker, which were part of his many sins that led to his unceremonious exit from the saddle as Speaker.”

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