The National President of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima, on Saturday paid a condolence visit to the family of late leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
Speaking with newsmen after meeting with the family, Shettima said: “Baba had lived a fulfilled life. Some of us are proponents of restructuring and that is what he stood for till the end.
“We will continue to build on what he built and what he stood for.”
He described Adebanjo as a foremost nationalist and a great mentor to many.
Shettima added: “Baba has always been a nationalist par excellence. I am here because I was always very close to him.
“He (Adebanjo) mentored us seriously. Despite our differences and background, he was always a great nationalist and had this culture of consistency.”
The Arewa leader said that late Adebanjo lived and stood for justice, fairness and equity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adebanjo, one of the leading Yoruba leaders, died on Friday in Lagos, at 96.
Friends, family members and Afenifere chieftains have been visiting Adebanjo’s Lekki residence since his death was announced Friday afternoon.
The House of Representatives has advised the public to be guided by verified information regarding the $150m bribery allegation against three of its members by cryptocurrency giant, Binance, before taking a position on the matter.
Recall that Binance’s head of financial compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, on Friday, named Ginger Onwusibe, Philip Agbese and Peter Akpanke, all members of the House of Representatives, as the Nigerian officials who demanded the bribe from him to forestall his arrest and prosecution for alleged financial crimes.
Both Agbese and Onwusibe, in separate press statements, have dismissed the claims, vowing to use the instrument of the law to clear their names.
In its official reaction on Saturday via a statement signed by its spokesman, Akin Rotimi, the House urged the public not to allow itself to be swayed by what it called “Recycled claims,” targeted at Nigerian institutions and public servants.
The statement read in part, “The House of Representatives urges the public to rely on verified facts and not be misled by recycled claims aimed at discrediting Nigerian institutions and public officials. The House remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“As an independent arm of government, the House upholds due process, the rule of law, and constitutional oversight. These allegations, which have been previously circulated last year, are directed at individual members, not the institution itself.
“The Honourable members named have assured the House leadership that they never had any such dealings as reported. One of the members has already instituted legal action to clear his name, while others affected have been encouraged to do the same in pursuit of justice and the protection of their reputations.”
The statement also said, “It is also important to highlight that, with the active involvement of both the Nigerian and United States governments, this matter has evolved into a government-to-government engagement. Notably, in the course of high-level diplomatic discussions, the Federal Government of Nigeria has prioritised national interest over external commercial pressure, including rejecting financial settlement offers from Binance.
“These facts raise serious questions about the credibility and intent of the allegations being peddled.”
The House further noted with the matter already before a court of competent jurisdiction and remains the subject of ongoing diplomatic engagements, it will refrain from further comment in line with established parliamentary, judicial, and diplomatic principles.
The Nigerian Bar Association is set to host a State of the Nation Discourse on Local Government Financial Autonomy, a critical conversation aimed at ensuring full compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment in Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State & 35 Others.
This high-level engagement will bring together State Governors, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the general public to interrogate the challenges hindering the full implementation of this landmark decision.
Originally scheduled for February 10, 2025, the event will now take place on February 19, 2025, at the NBA House, 1101 Muhammadu Buhari Way, Abuja.
We regret any inconvenience this adjustment may cause, but we remain committed to fostering a robust and impactful dialogue on local government autonomy.
Join us as we chart a path toward a more accountable and efficient local government system in Nigeria.
For more details, follow our official social media channels: @Nigerianbar
We look forward to your participation!”
Signed: Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara General Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association
Retired Federal High Court Judge, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, has called for more concise and straightforward court judgments to prevent public confusion and misinterpretation, particularly in today’s politically charged atmosphere. Speaking on Tuesday to Newsmen, organized by the newspaper’s editorial board, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja branch, discussed the implications of poorly implemented criminal justice and human rights in Nigeria.
Addressing concerns over confusing court rulings, Justice Taiwo noted that lengthy and complex judgments often lead to misunderstandings, with legal professionals sometimes adding to the confusion. He emphasized that judgments should be as brief and clear as possible to avoid misinterpretation, which he attributed to those analyzing the rulings rather than the judgments themselves.
“The problem of confusing judgments is bias. And when I say bias, who stands to gain and who stands to lose?” he questioned, urging judges to keep their rulings succinct and straightforward.
Justice Taiwo also criticized lawyers for complicating cases with overly technical arguments, which make judicial decisions harder for the public to comprehend. He further addressed the issue of bail conditions, arguing that some judges impose unnecessarily harsh requirements “just to flex their muscle.”
The retired judge also condemned human rights violations by security agencies, focusing on searches without warrants and poor investigative practices. He pointed out that law enforcement officers often manipulate the law to justify entering properties without proper legal authorization.
“What baffles me is that some policemen try to manipulate the law to suggest they can enter any property without a warrant, duly applied for, granted, and signed by a judicial officer or justice of the peace,” he said.
In addition, Justice Taiwo criticized the quality of criminal investigations in Nigeria, stressing that thorough examinations of cases should take place before any arrests are made. He cited the prosecution of convicted fraudster Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, a.k.a. “Ray Hushpuppi,” in the U.S. as an example of proper investigative procedures, saying, “The way cases are investigated in Nigeria is tasteless. You have to prove your case beyond a reasonable doubt, not with doubt.”
An 80-year-old prince, Adefusi Adebisi, has been arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State on charges of willful property destruction and breach of public peace. Adebisi, from Bolorunduro in Ondo East Local Government Area, is accused of trespassing on land owned by Reverend David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi and destroying economic trees valued at ₦247 million.
The incident allegedly occurred on November 25, 2024, at Omilosu, near Bolorunduro. Police Prosecutor H. A. Olagbaju presented the charges (Charge No. MBD/8C/2025), accusing the defendant of conspiracy, malicious damage, and trespassing, actions that could provoke a breach of peace.
The charges include conspiracy to commit forcible entry and malicious damage, punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap. 37 Vol I, Laws of Ondo State, 2006. Adebisi is also charged with willfully destroying plantain, cocoa, kolanut, and palm trees worth ₦247 million, which is punishable under Section 451 of the Criminal Code, as well as trespassing with intent to breach the peace, punishable under Section 81 of the Criminal Code.
Adebisi pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense counsel, Mr. E. O. Edo, requested bail, stressing the presumption of innocence and his client’s commitment to attending all court hearings.
Senior Magistrate Mrs. Mike Akinbola granted bail in the sum of ₦10 million, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must provide proof of means, submit two years’ worth of tax clearance, reside within the court’s jurisdiction, and present their National Identification Numbers (NIN).
The case has been adjourned to March 5, 2025, for hearing, with the prosecutor instructed to file all necessary evidence before the next session.
In a dramatic development during a court session on Monday, Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), shocked everyone by dismissing his legal team and opting to represent himself. Kanu, who is facing terrorism charges, expressed his discontent with the Nigerian justice system, accusing it of bias and unfair treatment.
The court proceedings, held at the Federal High Court in Abuja, saw Kanu instructing his lawyers to step aside, declaring that he no longer wished to be represented by them. Maxwell Opara, one of Kanu’s attorneys, explained that the IPOB leader felt that the government had failed to address his calls for self-determination, leading to his disillusionment with the legal process.
Opara shared Kanu’s frustration, stating that the IPOB leader viewed himself as a human rights activist fighting for the rights of the Igbo people. He expressed the belief that the government’s disregard for these concerns was contributing to the unrest in the region.
Kanu also raised concerns about other cases, like that of Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), whose issues were resolved politically. He questioned why his case was treated differently, hinting that his detention was politically motivated.
The proceedings saw Kanu using harsh language, which his lawyers tried to calm, but he insisted they step aside. “I no longer want you to represent me,” Kanu told them, signaling his intent to handle his defense on his own despite not being a lawyer.
The session was abruptly adjourned, with Justice Binta Nyako postponing the case indefinitely. Opara clarified that the court had lost jurisdiction over the case since September 2024 when Justice Nyako recused herself, and no judge had been reassigned to the matter yet. The defense team emphasized that they appeared in court out of respect for the judiciary but reaffirmed their belief that the court had no jurisdiction over the case.
Opara further criticized any attempt to bring the case back before Justice Nyako, describing such efforts as unconstitutional. He reiterated calls for the Nigerian government to resolve the matter politically, noting the widespread calls for Kanu’s release to restore peace in the Southeast.
Meanwhile, Kanu made grave accusations against Justice Binta Nyako, accusing her of presiding over his trial for personal gain. He claimed that her family members were facing corruption charges, and the government had used her position to secure their release, a statement that has caused a stir on social media. Kanu also pointed out that the Supreme Court had previously declared Nyako biased and ordered her recusal, but the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court ignored this order, reassigning the case to her.
Kanu expressed his disbelief that the trial continued under Nyako’s jurisdiction, despite her previous withdrawal. He dismissed the proceedings as unjust and vowed not to recognize any rulings from Nyako. The IPOB leader further asserted his right to agitate for Biafra’s independence, echoing his stance that the government had violated his rights by illegally detaining him.
Kanu’s legal journey began in 2015, and despite the Court of Appeal’s ruling in October 2022, which found his extradition illegal, the government has resisted his release. The matter was recently appealed to the Supreme Court, which reversed the lower court’s decision and ordered the continuation of his trial. Kanu’s case remains a flashpoint for political and legal debate in Nigeria.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely adjourned further proceedings in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the self-proclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Justice Binta Nyako made the decision on Monday after Kanu and his counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, insisted that the trial judge no longer had jurisdiction to preside over the case following her earlier recusal.
At the start of the session, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) informed the court that all necessary documents had been filed and served, and the prosecution was ready to proceed. However, defence lawyer Aloy Ejimakor countered, stating that the issue before the court was not about continuing the trial.
Justice Nyako then clarified that while she had previously recused herself from the case, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court had rejected her withdrawal and directed that Kanu’s legal team file a formal motion requesting the reassignment of the case.
Speaking after the court sitting, Kanu stated that he attended court out of respect but insisted that Justice Nyako no longer had the jurisdiction to hear his case, having previously recused herself in September 2024.
“I don’t recognise the authority of this court to preside over my case. Everything you have said here is meaningless to me. Why is it that when it comes to my case, everything is turned upside down?”
He further argued that the Chief Judge’s memo directing Justice Nyako to resume the case could not override the court’s previous order excusing her from the matter.
Students of the University of Ibadan College of Medicine, on Monday, stormed the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, protesting the prolonged power outage at the hospital.
The students expressed their grievances, saying they were tired of the over 100-day power outage at UCH.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, and the IBEDC management were at UCH over the lingering power outage during the protest.
The students displayed placards with inscriptions such as “We are tired of 100 days of darkness; Save UCH” among others.
They insisted the minister must bring solutions to the outage, which, they said, had been disrupting their academic and clinical activities.
The Student Union President, Bolaji Aweda, says the union demands immediate restoration of power to UCH.
According to him, the students also demand that the 50 per cent waiver the government promised to tertiary healthcare facilities be implemented.They also requested for an urgent reformation of the health sector among others.
In his response, the minister assured that the government and the UCH management team would look into the real issues and causes of the power outage.
He promised to proffer a permanent solution to the situation and that the institution would soon be reconnected by IBEDC.
NAN recalls IBEDC disconnected UCH from the national grid on Oct. 27 due to accumulated debts.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr Olajide Idris, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), on his 70th birthday.
Tinubu commended Dr Idris for his contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s public healthcare system and improving the country’s pandemic response efforts.
As a former commissioner for health in Lagos State, Dr. Idris was pivotal in shaping the state’s health policies and programmes.
The President recalled Dr Idris’ leadership as head of the Lagos State response team during the country’s Ebola virus outbreak, a role in which his professionalism and dedication saved many lives.
President Tinubu expressed the belief that under Idris’ stewardship, the NCDC would continue to play a pivotal role in protecting Nigerians from infectious diseases.
As you mark this 70th year of life, I wish you continued good health, joy, and the fulfilment of your dreams. May your birthday and the years ahead be filled with love, peace, and the knowledge that your life’s work has made an enduring impact on the country,” the President stated.
Idris is a member of several professional bodies, including the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, the Nigerian Medical Association, and the American Public Health Association, and also a board member of the University of Ibadan Research Foundation, Research Advisory Board, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research and Network for Health Equity and Development.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Adekunle Salako, has assured of increased funding for Nigeria’s health sector by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He gave the assurance on Monday, during a working visit to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
Salako who commended the UBTH management team for their dedication and innovation in the Hospital, stated that the government prioritises and values health workers.
“The challenge of ‘Japa’ in the health sector is mostly an economic challenge and we will continue to address it. But, economic problem is practically beyond the health sector. I believe that the direction of ‘Japa’ will eventually be reversed.
“Withing the economic ability of Nigeria, health workers are still the best paid in our country today, which means that government prioritizes and value health workers.
“We will continue to canvass for increased funding for the healthcare sector, and of course, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has clearly demonstrated his priority attention to the health sector.
“Not many things that we asked the president that he doesn’t do. He knows the value of health and he is giving a lot of attention to the health sector and we are just going to encourage us to continue to reciprocate our commitment, hard work and dedication to the people,” he said.
