The Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, has extended its heartfelt condolences to the NBA Eti-Osa Branch following the sudden demise of their Chairman, Mr. Muftau Mabokunrinje Adewale Sanni. In a statement issued by the Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch, Adeniyi Quadri, the late Mr. Sanni was described as an exemplary leader, a dedicated colleague, and a true friend of the Ikeja Branch.
In the condolence letter, the Ikeja Branch highlighted Mr. Sanni’s unparalleled contributions to the legal profession and his role in the establishment and growth of the Eti-Osa Branch. A founding member, Mr. Sanni’s vision and dedication transformed the Eti-Osa Branch from its modest beginnings as a forum to its current status as a full-fledged branch of the NBA.
“The late Mr. Sanni was a shining beacon of dedication, vision, and service, not only within your branch but across the entire Nigerian Bar Association. His unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the Eti-Osa Branch will forever be etched in the annals of our association’s history,” the letter read.
The NBA Ikeja Branch expressed solidarity with the Eti-Osa Branch during this difficult time, offering prayers for comfort and fortitude for Mr. Sanni’s family and all who mourn him.
“While we cannot fully comprehend the depth of your pain, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in this trying period. May the legacy of Mr. Muftau Mabokunrinje Adewale Sanni continue to inspire the Eti-Osa Branch and the Nigerian Bar Association as a whole,” the statement concluded.
The passing of Mr. Sanni has left a profound void within the Eti-Osa Bar, where his leadership and dedication were widely acknowledged and celebrated.
NBA Ikeja Branch Unveils Landmark Bar Journal Featuring Work by Professor Oluwakemi Adekile
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch has launched the first edition of the Ikeja Bar Journal, a groundbreaking publication that aims to shape legal discourse and advance Nigerian jurisprudence. Edited by Prof. E.O. Akingbehin, FCIArb, this inaugural edition is the result of an extensive peer-reviewed process, selecting 9 out of 30 submissions received in response to the Editorial Committee’s widely publicized call for papers on 8th July 2023.
The journal features the following articles:
Liability of Aircraft Financing Parties in Aviation Accidents: A Comparative Legal and Practical Analysis in the Context of International Air Law By Andy M. Oji
An Examination of Baby Factories as an Avenue of Human Trafficking in Nigeria By Ogwezzy Oluwatosin
An Examination of Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in the Aviation Industry in Nigeria By Uwakwe Abugu and Rufus Adeoluwa Olodude
Online Child Pornography in Tanzania Mainland: Challenges and Prospects By Tezira Phinias Kanani
Probative Value of Evidence of Paid Expert Witnesses: Lessons from Other Jurisdictions By Faruq Abbas and Nurudeen Emmanuel
Cultural Practice of Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria and Legal Perspective By Oluwatomi A. Ajayi
Electronic Recording of Confessional Statements under ACJA 2015: Issues in Implementation By Aaron Olaniyi Salau
Delay in the Administration of Justice in Nigeria: Examining the Extent of the Culpability of Judicial Support Staff By Issa Akanji Adedokun and Teri Wellington
Refund of Bride Price on Dissolution of Customary Marriage: From Tradition to Constitutionality in the Case of Ruth Reuben v Reuben Ibrahim By Professor Oluwakemi Adekile
The Editorial Committee, led by Prof. I.O. Smith, SAN as Chairman of the Board, worked tirelessly to ensure the articles were benchmarked against the journal’s rigorous standards and global best practices. Oluwaseyi Olawunmi, Esq., Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch, and his Executive Council were commended for their vision in actualizing this milestone.
Priced at just ₦4,000, the journal promises to be an indispensable resource for policymakers, legal practitioners, and academics, offering incisive analyses and solutions to pressing legal issues.
For enquiries and purchases, contact: 📞 0813 398 0926 📧 info@nbaikeja.ng
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Shell and its partners’ announcement of the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the $5 billion Bonga North Deep Offshore Field as a landmark development for the Nigerian oil sector.
The President, in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, his spokesperson on Monday morning noted that the investment by Shell and its partners, Nigeria’s first deepwater oil project in over a decade, underscores the transformative impact of his policies and reforms in attracting investments in the oil and gas sector.
“The FID signals renewed confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector and demonstrates the effectiveness of the Tinubu administration’s strategic focus on engendering a robust and competitive investment climate,” the President said in the statement.
President Tinubu remarked: “The Renewed Hope Agenda fundamentally focuses on attracting investments to transform the Nigerian economy and deliver prosperity to our people. We designed our policies and reforms from the start of my administration to achieve this goal. Shell and its partners’ decision to invest in Bonga North affirms the success of our efforts. We will continue to offer the necessary support to ensure their success and the realisation of Nigeria’s energy potential.”
The presidency further noted in the statement that President Tinubu’s strategic engagement with global energy stakeholders has been instrumental in this renewed wave of investments.
As noted in the statement, in July 2023, at the first of several high-level meetings with Shell’s global leadership, President Tinubu declared, “We are open for business and serious about creating a stable, predictable, and investor-friendly environment.”
“Presidential Directives issued in early 2024 reinforced this commitment by fast-tracking regulatory approvals, reducing operational costs, and introducing competitive fiscal incentives.
According to the statement, the Bonga North project is the second of the blueprint projects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu selected to drive the implementation of the transformative Presidential Directives 40, 41, and 42 issued in the first quarter of 2024.
These directives, aimed at enhancing regulatory clarity, accelerating project timelines, and incentivising investment in Nigeria’s energy sector, have yielded remarkable results.
“Earlier this year, the Ubeta oilfield (OML 58), the first blueprint project under this initiative, achieved a Final Investment Decision (FID) through a partnership between TotalEnergies and NNPC Limited. Dormant since its discovery in 1965, the Ubeta project will produce 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, bolstering domestic supply and expanding Nigeria’s presence in the global energy market.
With both blueprint projects now achieving FID, the success of these initiatives underscores the effectiveness of the President’s strategic vision for Nigeria’s energy future.
Ms Olu Arowolo Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, commented on the Bonga North milestone: “The Bonga North FID dispels the misconceptions about International Oil Companies leaving Nigeria.
“Instead, we are witnessing a strategic pivot of IOCs-powered capital and technical capacity to deepwater and integrated gas projects, which align with President Tinubu’s vision of transforming Nigeria into a global energy hub. The divestments from onshore operations create opportunities for local oil and gas companies to expand and thrive, building a strong foundation for Nigeria’s energy future.”
Ms Verheijen further noted: “The success of Bonga North and Ubeta demonstrates the efficacy of the reforms and directives championed by the President. These projects will trigger broader investments to revolutionise Nigeria’s power generation, transportation, and manufacturing sectors. As we look ahead to 2025, we anticipate further FIDs from international and domestic players, marking a new era of growth and opportunity for Nigeria.”
The Tinubu administration remains steadfast in positioning Nigeria as a global leader in energy innovation and investment, ensuring that these efforts translate into tangible benefits for all Nigerians.
The Bonga North oilfield, located 130 kilometres offshore in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 118, represents an impressive estimated $5 billion investment and is expected to yield approximately 350 million barrels of crude oil. Shell holds the largest operational interest, with 55%. Its other partners are the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, and Eni.
Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello has denied an online report claiming he threatened to reveal to the world how Bola Tinubu became president.
Speaking in a statement on Monday through the Director, Media office of the former governor, Ohiare Michael, Bello threatened legal action against the publication.
He labelled the report as not only mischievous but “senseless”.
“Our attention has been drawn to a not only mischievous but senseless report published by a mushroom blog called Daily Excessive, which attributed fake quotes against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to our principal, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
“Ordinarily, we would not have even bothered to give this any attention, because no informed Nigerian would take such a ridiculous story, written by a sick mind, seriously, especially since court records are public documents.
“This clarification is, however, necessary for the record and for the benefit of social media users who circulate fake news without fact-checking the details,” it reads.
“The Media Office of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, hereby states that the report in circulation by one Daily Excessive blog, which quoted the former governor to have said that he would reveal to the world how President Tinubu became President is not only misleading but also a confirmation of how unintelligent some unrelenting detractors of the former governor are.
“Every Nigerian following court proceedings, since the former governor submitted himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, knows that trial has not commenced in any of the cases. Former Governor Bello has only taken his plea at both courts.
“The court is an open place where journalists and other stakeholders monitor proceedings. This is the reason no informed Nigerian would even consider opening this sick report by an ‘Excessive fake news purveyor’ called Daily Excessive.
“But a ‘conquered’ mind is a sick mind, so we understand the plight of these mischief makers,” it added.
The Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch has launched its highly anticipated publication, the NBA Ikeja Bar Journal, Volume 1 (2024). This seminal work, priced at an affordable ₦4,000, is a rich collection of thought-provoking articles, in-depth legal analyses, and cutting-edge discourse on key topics shaping the legal landscape.
The inaugural edition features nine meticulously researched articles authored by esteemed legal scholars and practitioners, addressing critical issues across diverse areas of law:
Aviation Law: Andy M. Oji delivers a comparative analysis of the liability of aircraft financing parties in aviation accidents.
Human Trafficking: Ogwezzy Oluwatosin examines the disturbing trend of baby factories in Nigeria.
Dispute Resolution in Aviation: Uwakwe Abugu and Rufus Adeoluwa Olodude explore mechanisms tailored for the aviation industry.
Online Child Pornography: Tezira Phinias Kanani dissects the challenges and prospects of tackling this crime in Tanzania.
Expert Witnesses in Court: Faruq Abbas and Nurudeen Emmanuel scrutinize the probative value of paid expert testimony with lessons from global jurisdictions.
Cultural Practices: Oluwatomi A. Ajayi evaluates female genital mutilation in Nigeria from a legal perspective.
Justice Administration: Aaron Olaniyi Salau discusses the implementation challenges of electronic recording under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
Judicial Efficiency: Dr. Issa Akanji Adedokun and Teri Wellington probe delays in justice administration, highlighting the role of judicial support staff.
Customary Marriage Law: Professor Oluwakemi Adekile navigates the constitutional implications of refunding bride price in cases like Ruth Reuben v Reuben Ibrahim.
NBA Ikeja Publicity Secretary, Kayode Agbedejobi, Esq, described the journal as “an essential resource for legal professionals seeking to stay informed, expand their knowledge, and engage with contemporary legal issues.”
The journal is now available for purchase at the NBA Ikeja Secretariat. For enquiries, contact 0813 398 0926 or email info@nbaikeja.ng.
The State Lead of the NBA Women Forum, Lagos State Chapter, Yewande Deji-Omotayo, extends her deepest sympathies to the executive committee and members of the Eti-Osa Bar Association on the sudden passing of its Chairman, Mr. Mufutau Adewale Sanni.
Dear Esteemed Colleagues,
In this moment of grief, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray that Almighty God grants you the strength and fortitude to bear this profound loss.
Mr. Mufutau Adewale Sanni was a leader of immense dedication and impact. His contributions to the Eti-Osa Bar will not be forgotten. May his legacy of service continue to inspire all of us.
May the Almighty grant his soul eternal rest.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Yewande Deji-Omotayo State Lead, NBA Women Forum, Lagos State Chapter
UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) says for the second consecutive year, conflict zones have proven dangerous for journalists and media workers, with 2024 seeing at least 68 deaths in the line of duty.
More than 60 per cent of these killings occurred in countries experiencing conflict – the highest percentage in over a decade, according to UNESCO new data
“Reliable information is vital in conflict situations to help affected populations and to enlighten the world,” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, said in a statement on Thursday.
“It is unacceptable that journalists pay with their lives for this work.
“I call on all States to step up and ensure the protection of media workers, in accordance with international law,” she added.
The report highlights that 42 journalists were killed in conflict zones this year, including 18 in Palestine, which recorded the highest toll.
Other countries such as Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan also saw multiple fatalities, underscoring the heightened risks in regions marked by violence and instability.
This follows an unsettling trend seen in 2023, with more journalists losing their lives in conflicts over the past two years than in any comparable period since 2016-2017.
While conflict zones remain a critical concern, the overall number of journalist killings decreased slightly during this year.
A notable reduction in deaths occurred in non-conflict areas, where 26 journalists were killed – the lowest figure in 16 years.
This decline was particularly evident in Latin America and the Caribbean, where journalist killings dropped from 43 in 2022 to 12 in 2024.
This suggests some progress in addressing threats against journalists in peacetime, especially in regions previously plagued by violence against media workers.
UNESCO’s data, sourced from leading international press freedom organisations, is rigorously verified to ensure impartiality.
Cases are excluded if deaths are deemed unrelated to the victims’ journalistic work. However, dozens of cases remain under review, and UNESCO continues to monitor developments closely.
The Organisation’s mandate extends beyond tracking fatalities. It works to protect journalists through initiatives such as the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
In addition to physical threats, journalists are facing new challenges, including financial and legal pressures.
UNESCO has reported a 42 per cent increase in attacks on journalists reporting on environmental issues between 2019 and 2024, highlighting the evolving nature of risks confronting the media.
As UNESCO continues its efforts to promote press freedom and safeguard journalists, the agency calls on the international community to strengthen protections for media workers – ensuring that the quest for truth does not come at the ultimate cost.
Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, has said warned that Nigeria may collapse like a pack of cards if judiciary is removed from the country.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the 2024 Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Ozekhome affirmed that the judiciary is key to the existence of a stable society.
According to him, Nigeria may collapse without a functional judiciary system.
“I still want to believe at this point that in spite of all the issues the judiciary may have, it still remains the best of the three arms of government.
“If you remove the judiciary, Nigeria will collapse like a pack of cards.
“The role of the courts is very sacred in the functioning of society and must be held with the highest esteem,” he while charging the judiciary to live up to expectations in ensuring that their judgements reflect justice and not based on technicalities.
Speaking on the role of courts in enforcement of judgements, Ozekhome said court orders must be obeyed until set aside by a higher court.
He said the courts held the balance of scale between feuding parties, otherwise, there may be chaos in the country.
He also said that the court was critical in ensuring that judgements were enforced and complied with.
Ozekhome also advised judges to avoid attending occasions organised by politically exposed persons with cases before them, just as he enjoined them to eschew corruption under any guise.
According to him, the time has now come for Judges to form an association to defend themselves against unfounded allegations.
He advocated the establishment of a National Association of Serving Judges so that judges could defend themselves.
He called on lawyers to resist the temptation of writing incessant petitions against judges, urging to instead appeal the cases.
Earlier, the chairman of NAJUC, Mr Kayode Lawal, said that the annual conference was part of efforts to keep judiciary correspondents up to date.
“After the last edition of this conference, we noted with great concern the ugly trend in the court-of-court jurisdictions, easily conflicting decisions and orders on virtually the same issues and parties.
” It is worrisome, sad, and regrettable that the ugly development has continued to exist in spite of warnings from here and there” Lawal said.
The theme of the 2024 conference is: “The Role of Courts in Enforcement of Judgments”.
Kano state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf on Thursday, effected major changes in his cabinet, sacking the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi and five commissioners.
Commissioners sacked are Ibrahim Jibril Fagge, of Finance Ministry; Ladidi Ibrahim Garko, Culture and Tourism; Baba Halilu Dantiye, Information and Internal Affairs; Shehu Aliyu Yammedi, Special Duties; and Abbas Sani Abbas, Rural and Community Development.
A Statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, indicated that the action was, “a major political decision to effect pragmatic political realignment of his administration.”
The Statement added that Governor Yusuf’s first major re-jig of his cabinet takes immediate effect.
According to the Statement, “the much awaited decision finally came to enable optimum performance that will drive more dividend of democracy to the good people of Kano state.”
Those affected by the major shake up are the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi whose office is now scrapped, and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi dropped on health ground.
Bature further stated that Governor Yusuf removed some cabinet members and reassigned others to enhance administrative performance and political retool.
Those who retained their positions are Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi; Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran; Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Hon. Abduljabbar Mohammed Umar; Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Musa Suleiman Shanno; and Commissioner for Works and Housing, Engr. Marwan Ahmad.
Also retained are Commissioner for Solid and Mineral Resources, Sefiyanu Hamza; Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Shiekh Ahmad Tijani Auwal; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso; Commissioner for Investment and Commerce, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya; and that of Internal Security and Special Services, Major General Mohammad Inuwa Idris Rtd.
According to the statement, those reassigned are the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam who is moved from Ministry of Local Government to Higher Education; Hon. Mohammad Tajo Usman moved from Science and Technology to Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata from Higher Education to Science, Technology and Innovation.
Others on reassignment list include Hon. Amina Abdullahi from Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation to Ministry for Women, Children and Disable; Hon. Nasiru Sule Garo, from Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to Ministry of Special Duties.
Commissioner for Project Monitory and Evaluation Hon. Ibrahim Namadi now moved to Ministry of Transport; while Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa of Ministry of Education now moved to Ministry of Water Resources.
On the reassigned list, are Hon. Ali Haruna Makoda moved from Water Resources to Ministry of Education; Hon. Aisha Lawal Saji from Ministry of Women, Children and Disable to Tourism and Culture; and Hon. Muhammad Diggol from Transport to Ministry of Project Monitoring and Evaluation.S
The federal government has called for collective action and regional cooperation to curb the escalating threats of terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organised crime in the subregion.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, made the call during the 53rd Session of the Mediation and Security Council of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the Ministerial Level which was held in Abuja.
Tuggar also called on member states to chart a forward-looking strategy to bolster collective security architecture and sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism in the sub-region.
He told the council that the agenda before the session highlighted the pressing challenges facing the ECOWAS region, saying that among the challenges was the political situation in member states where transitions, electoral processes, and governance deficits demand the body’s concerted attention.
Tuggar added that political stability was the foundation of sustainable development and regional integration, noting that it provided the conditions necessary for peace, security, and economic growth.
Tuggar said, “Without stability, the aspirations of our people for prosperity and progress will remain unfulfilled. Thus, we must redouble efforts to strengthen governance frameworks and promote inclusive, peaceful political transitions.
“Similarly, the escalating threats of terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organised crime pose a shared burden that no single country can confront alone.
“These challenges underscore the necessity of collective action and regional cooperation. As the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism concludes this year, this meeting offers a critical opportunity to chart a forward-looking strategy to bolster our collective security architecture and sustain the momentum in addressing these threats.”
Tuggar further said the ECOWAS region is also faced with a dire humanitarian situation, with millions affected by displacement, food insecurity, and climate-related disasters, including devastating floods.
He stated that it was imperative that ECOWAS intensified efforts to address the challenges comprehensively, with a view to ensuring that no community is left behind.
“Today’s agenda also includes critical discussions on the operationalisation of the National Early Warning and Response Centres and a presentation by GIABA on combating money laundering and terrorist financing; both are essential to strengthening regional resilience against emerging threats,” Tuggar stated.
The minister, however, said that despite the challenges, it was essential to recognise the progress member states have collectively achieved.
“A notable milestone is the significant improvement in maritime security within the ECOWAS Maritime Domain (EMD), where no piracy incidents were reported in 2024.
“This success is attributed to enhanced maritime infrastructure deployment and the successful SAFE DOMAIN III operation conducted by Benin, Nigeria, and Togo, which safeguarded critical infrastructure and deterred illegal activities. The success of this exercise indeed showcased the power of regional collaboration.
“Furthermore, our efforts to operationalise the ECOWAS Standby Force are advancing steadily. We have already received cost implications for its activation, and at this session, we anticipate updates from the ECOWAS Commission on the modalities for mobilising the required resources to make this initiative a reality.
“In line with the Authority’s directive to maintain regional unity, Nigeria has engaged key stakeholders, including the African Union, the United Nations, and member states, to develop comprehensive strategies to address the challenges confronting our region.
“These engagements have reinforced the critical importance of solidarity and partnership in securing lasting peace and stability.
“As we look ahead, let us remain mindful that peace and stability in West Africa are prerequisites for the prosperity and development of our region.
“I call on all member states to renew their commitment to working together in solidarity and shared purpose to overcome the challenges we face and to build a more secure, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa,” Tuggar further said.
In his remarks, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Alieu Omar Touray, said the ECOWAS sub-region currently stands at a crossroads in its history as a community.
Touray also said while member states are preparing to celebrate the golden jubilee of the regional integration efforts next year, member states are also faced with the impending withdrawal of some of ECOWAS member states from the community.
“While it is essential to reflect on the significant achievements made by ECOWAS over the past decades, it is also important to reflect on the future of the community with our people separated by political exigencies,” Touray said
