Appeal Court affirms Diri’s re-election as Bayelsa Governor
By Vivian Michael, Abuja The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, Thursday, affirmed the re-election of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State. The judgement described the appeal brought before it by the All Progressives Congress(APC) and its candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, as incompetent and abuse of court process. The appellate court, had in a unanimous decision by a three-man panel of Justices lead by Justice James Abunduga, said it found no reason to dislodge the earlier judgement of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. It held that the court below was right when it declined to nullify the outcome of the gubernatorial poll that was held in the state on November 11, 2023. The Bayelsa Governorship petition tribunal, had on May 27, led by Justice Adekunle Adeleye, dismissed as lacking in merit, the petition that was filed against governor Diri’s re-election by the APC and its candidate. The tribunal held that the petitioners failed to adduce any credible evidence to substantiate any of the allegations they raised against the outcome of the governorship poll. It struck out as incompetent, all the additional proof of evidence, as well as statements on oath of some of the witnesses that testified for the petitioners. The court below maintained that the law expressly provided that an election petition must be filed no later than 21 days after the result of an election was declared. It held that such petition must, at the time it was filed, be accompanied by written statements of all the intended witnesses. The tribunal held that the decision of Sylva and his party to file their additional proof of evidence and statement on oath of witnesses, long after they had filed the petition, was “tantamount to a surreptitious attempt to amend the case of the petitioners.” The tribunal noted that whereas Sylva and his party prayed it to declare that they were the valid winners of the governorship election, they equally applied for the same election to be declared invalid. It held that prayers of the petitioners were contradictory, adding that Sylva and APC did not tender any electoral material to show that any irregularity occurred during the election. It held that the petitioners were unable to discharge the burden of proof that was placed on them by the law, stressing that they failed to show, polling units by polling units, the particulars of the non compliance they alleged and how it substantially affected the outcome of the election.
Court to continue Bello’s trial despite pending appeal
By Vivian Michael The Federal High Court, Abuja, has refused to stay proceedings on the Federal Government case brought against the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. Justice Emeka Nwite in his ruling held that proceedings on the alleged money laundering case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will continue September 25, despite the appeal filed by the defendant. At the resumed trial, Wednesday, counsel to the Defendant, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, told the court that they had filed an application for stay of proceedings on the case, pending the determination of the appeal pending before the Court of Appeal on an arrest warrant. He submitted, “Your lordship is functus officio. Heavens will not fall if the court stayed proceedings awaiting the outcome of the Court of Appeal. “We are relying on the provision of the Constitution which overrides the EFCC Act which the prosecution is relying on”. Responding, counsel to the EFCC, Kemi Pinhero, SAN, opposed the application. He maintained that the defendant had not shown any Court of Appeal document showing that the court wants the lower court to stay proceeding. At that point, the trial Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite asked whether, having received the application and affidavit, and being aware of the pending appeal, it would not amount to judicial rascality for his court to continue proceedings on the matter. “Won’t it amount to judicial rascality to continue this case when there’s an issue of jurisdiction?” The judge further asked. But the prosecution Counsel, Pinheiro, SAN, said, “it is not really an issue of jurisdiction”, adding that, mere filing of an affidavit could not suffice as the case was not a civil case and urged the court to stick to the matter of the day, which was the ruling on the arguments presented on June 27. However, counsel to Bello told the court that the Judge was misled on the 27th of June and that the request was for the proceedings of that day to be expunged. “They are asking your lordship to undo the work of the Court of Appeal. To avoid controversy and in order not to render the appeal nugatory, this should not continue. Even if Yahaya Bello were to be here, you cannot arraign him,” he argued. “The Affidavit filed on 16th July 2024, is to bring to your lordship’s attention the notices of appeal filed against your lordship’s ruling on 23rd April and 10th May. This appeal was transmitted to the Court of Appeal on 23rd of May and appellant’s brief of argument was filed on the 31st of May. Motion for stay has also been filed at the Court of Appeal. The two appeals basically challenge the jurisdiction of this court to entertain the charges ab initio. “We urge your lordship to expunge the record of the proceedings on 27th June because at that time, an appeal had been entered and the proceedings should not have happened. The court was functus officio,” Abdulwahab argued. According to him, the court insisting on hearing the matter would bring the court into conflict with the Court of Appeal. Reacting, EFCC stated that one of the appeals sought to have his Lordship stay further proceedings until the determination of the appeal. He, however, noted that the judge was bound by his own rulings and, therefore, had the discretion to determine whether to proceed or not, noting that the first authority that the Defendant’s Counsel cited was a 1999 case that predated the EFCC Act 2004. “This same position was canvassed on behalf of Mustapha, SAN in 2016 case, Mustapha v FRN, and the court held that proceedings can only be stayed where there is a Court of Appeal order to that effect and they relied on Section 306 of ACJA. In Chukwuma v IGP, a 2018 case, the court held something similar,” he submitted. Responding on point of law, Abdulwahab said, “We have two notices of appeal – one is on mixed law and fact and the other is on jurisdiction. The authorities he has cited are different from jurisdiction. Chukwuma v IGP is on admissibility of document and not jurisdiction. “In Chief Cletus Ibeto v FRN, which is an ongoing criminal appeal, all the facts are on all fours with the recent case. The lower court stayed proceedings because of the issue of Jurisdiction and now the argument at the court of appeal is on Section 306. That is how it is supposed to be.” In his ruling, Justice Nwite said, “The grant of stay of proceedings is at the court’s discretion, and since it is an issue of discretion no one can give an authority for the judge to rely on. The judge only needs to exercise this power judicially.” However, the judge, who had asked before going on recess, whether it will not amount to judicial rascality to continue the case when there was an issue of jurisdiction, changed his position and noted that the defendant wanted to use the appeal to delay proceedings. Justice Nwite maintained that there have been previous Court of Appeal judgments on such matters. He also granted the application for withdrawal of the Defendant’s Counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, from the case and referred the matter of professional misconduct by the two Defendants’ counsel to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to conduct investigation on possible infractions. Justice Nwite said, having stated the law, “the question is whether there was an undertaking by Abdulwahab and Adedipe, SAN, which was breached to amount to contempt of court.” Meanwhile, the matter has been adjourned to September 25, for Bello’s arraignment.
Court dismisses Emefiele’s medical leave application
By Vivian Michael A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting in Maitama, Tuesday, refused the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele’s request to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. Ruling on the application, Justice Hamza Muazu held that although Emefiele stated he would be away from July 28 to September 10, no medical appointment or invitation was presented to the court. Muazu hinted that the court had the discretion to grant leave but highlighted that Emefiele is standing trial in three courts, two in the FCT and one in Lagos. Muazu stated, “The letter of invitation for medical follow-up is not attached. As it stands now, I cannot use my discretion to grant the application, and he is standing trial in three courts. “The application is hereby dismissed, and the adjourned date for continuation of trial still stands.” The embattled former CBN boss is charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence, and obtaining money by false pretence during his tenure as the apex bank’s governor. The anti corruption agency also alleged that Emefiele forged a document titled “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions” dated January 26, 2023, and purported it to have come from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). According to the prosecution, he was using his office to confer unfair and corrupt advantages on two companies: April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd. Emefiele is alleged to have obtained $6,230,000.00 by false pretence on February 8, 2023, claiming it was requested by the SGF for a contingent logistic advance in line with the President’s directive.
Presidency Reacts To Supreme Court Ruling On Local Government Autonomy
The presidency has reacted to Thursday’s victory against 36 state governors at the Supreme Court on local government autonomy. The Supreme Court ruled that all federal allocations for local government councils should be paid directly into their accounts. In Nigeria, most states operate a joint account with local governments, Justice Emmanuel Agim, who led a seven-member panel of justices, said local government allocation should be paid directly to a separate account belonging to each local government. The federal government through the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) approached the Supreme Court, in a suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, and sought that 36 governors of the federation grant full autonomy to the 774 local governments. Giving details of federal government’s prayer in the suit, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his X handle on Thursday, wrote, “The details of the Supreme Court ruling giving 774 local councils financial autonomy “The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that all federal funds for local government councils should be paid directly into their accounts. “Justice Emmanuel Agim, who led a seven-member panel of justices, delivered the judgment in a suit filed by the federal government against the 36 state governors. “According to the judgment, henceforth, no more payments of local government area allocations will be made to state government accounts. The court also prohibited the governors from receiving, tampering with, or withholding funds meant for local governments. “Furthermore, the court barred the governors from dissolving democratically elected officials for local governments and deemed such actions a breach of the 1999 Constitution. “The federal government had approached the Supreme Court with a suit seeking to compel the governors of the 36 federating states to grant full autonomy to local governments in their domains. The suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, was filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government. “The Federal Government accused the state governors of gross misconduct and abuse of power in its suit, which was based on 27 grounds. In the originating summons, the FG prayed the Supreme Court to make an order stating that funds standing to the credit of local governments from the Federation Account should be paid directly to the local governments rather than through the state governments. “The justice minister also requested an order restraining governors, their agents, and privies from receiving, spending, or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is in place in the states. “Finally, the Federal Government sought an order stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments, contrary to the constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratic system.”
Buhari’s Minister Of Power, Sale Mamman Collapses In Court
The trial of Saleh Mamman, who served as the Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was postponed on Thursday after he fainted just outside the Federal High Court in Abuja. Mamman, who was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday morning for his trial, fainted before the proceedings began. The lawyer for Mamman, Femi Ate, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho right after the trial was announced that Mamman needed to take his plea. When the trial resumed, the former minister entered the courtroom and took his place on the dock, with some of his clothing already soaked. Justice Omotosho then inquired about Mamman’s condition, asking if he was overheating or if it was raining outside. Mamman, from his position on the dock, replied that he had been drenched with water. The lawyer for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, while speaking in court, mentioned that the trial for Mamman had been scheduled, but there was an unexpected incident outside the courtroom. Olumide-Fusika explained that he had a conversation with Ate outside the courtroom regarding Mamman’s health issues. “I was informed of an incident outside. I will want my learned senior advocate to tell the honourable court himself,” he said. Addressing journalists on Thursday morning, Ate said Mamman, “Upon being brought into the premises of the court, he collapsed and had to be resuscitated and treated by the medical personnel of the Federal High Court.” Ate stressed that his client (Mamman), was served with the charge after he was resuscitated. “He was served this morning,” he added. The senior lawyer requested a delay in proceedings from Olumide-Fusika to ensure the arraignment could take place on Monday, when his client would be in a better state. However, the judge informed them that the court was so busy with cases that the arraignment could only be rescheduled for the end of September. Following this, Olumide-Fusika decided to cancel the request for a delay. Olumide-Fusika mentioned that he had corrected a typo in the defendant’s name earlier that morning and asked the court to inform Mamman of the updated charge, hoping he would give his plea. However, Justice Omotosho opposed this request. The judge then inquired if Mamman was capable of giving his plea today, to which he replied in the affirmative. The former minister explained to the court that he fainted outside the courtroom due to not eating and the effects of the drugs he had taken. While waiting outside, his blood pressure dropped. Mamman, on the other hand, stated that he was in good health and ready to proceed with the arraignment. “It can happen to anyone,” the judge said. The former minister stated to the judge that he notified his attorney about the mistake the EFCC made regarding the name included in the arrest warrant they presented to him. “I was complaining about the name, that it was not my own,” he said. However, Justice Omotosho then stepped down the arraignment until 1 pm today.
EndSARS Protest: ECOWAS Court finds FG guilty of human rights violations
The Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) has found the Federal Government guilty of violating the fundamental human rights of youths that participated in the October 2020, EndSARS protest. A three-man panel of Justices, had in a unanimous decision, held that there was merit in a suit brought before it by three participants in the protest – Obianuju Catherine Udeh, Perpetual Kamsi and Dabiraoluwa Adeyinka. Specifically, the court held that the Federal Republic of Nigeria, through its security agencies, violated Articles 1, 4, 6, 9, 10, and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ACPHR, pertaining to the right to life, security of person, freedom of expression, assembly and association, prohibition of torture, duty of the state to investigate, and the right to effective remedy. The Applicants had, in their suit, alleged that these violations occurred during peaceful protests they held at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State on October 20 and 21, 2020. In the judgement delivered by the lead Judge Rapporteur, Justice Koroma Mohamed Sengu, the regional court dismissed the Applicants’ allegation that their right to life as guaranteed under Article 4 of the ACPHR, was violated. However, it ordered FG to pay each of the Applicants the sum of N2million as compensation for violations of their security of person, prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association, duty to investigate human rights violations, and right to effective remedy. Additionally, it held that FG must adhere to its obligations under the ACPHR by investigating and prosecuting its agents responsible for the violations. The court ordered FG to, within the next six months, report to it, measures it has taken to implement the judgment. The Applicants had alleged that during the peaceful protests against the SARS Unit of the Nigerian Police Force at Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos State, on October 20 and 21, 2020, the Respondent, committed several human rights violations. Triggered by the alleged killing of one Daniel Chibuike, the protests were aimed to address police harassment and brutality. In the suit, the 1st Applicant, among other things, told the court that soldiers shot life ammunitions at protesters, resulting in deaths and injuries, which she live-streamed. She told the court that subsequently, she started receiving threatening phone calls that forced her not only to go into hiding but also to seek asylum. Likewise, the 2nd Applicant, who said she was responsible for the welfare of the protesters, described how soldiers began shooting after a power cut, leading to her hospitalisation due to excessive tear gas she inhaled. On her part, the 3rd Applicant narrated how she narrowly escaped being shot and how soldiers refused to allow an ambulance to enter the protest ground to help the injured participants. She further told the court that she later witnessed how the victims were neglected without the provision of adequate healthcare for them at the hospital. She further submitted that with the help of her colleagues, she eventually took over and started taking care of the victims. She alleged that she faced numerous threats and was placed on surveillance by security agents. Consequently, all the Applicants prayed the court to issue declaratory reliefs against FG and award compensation to them for the gross violations of their fundamental human rights. Meanwhile, in processes it filed before the court, FG, through its team of lawyers, denied all the allegations and claims that were made up by the Applicants. It told the court that the protesters unlawfully assembled at Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020, under the guise of protesting against SARS. FG also maintained that its agents followed strict rules of engagement and did not shoot or kill protesters. It argued that the 1st Applicant incited the crowd by playing music and using her Instagram page to stir disaffection against law enforcement agents who were targeting escapee members of Boko Haram and bandits. FG further contended that the 2nd Applicant’s provision of logistics and welfare packages indicated her support for the violent protest. It claimed that soldiers were present to restore peace until the police arrived, denying any harm inflicted on protesters and the alleged refusal to access the ambulance. More so, FG denied that the 3rd Applicant’s presence was peaceful, asserting it was meant to escalate violence. It argued that the treatment and care of the injured were managed by the Lagos State government, insisting that the Applicants failed to provide credible evidence to support their claims and the reliefs they sought from the court. In its judgment on Wednesday, the court held that it could not establish that there was a violation of the right to life as the Applicants failed to adduce any evidence to that effect. Nevertheless, it held that several articles of the ACHPR were breached by the Respondent (FG), which occasioned fundamental breaches of human rights. Furthermore, the Court said it was satisfied that the Applicants were denied the right to an effective remedy. It ordered FG to make reparations to the Applicants for the violation of their fundamental human rights. Other members of the panel that concurred with the lead judgement were Justice Dupe Atoki, who presided, and Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves
CJN inaugurated 22 Appeal, 12 FCT courts justices .. Charges them to be upright
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Wednesday, charged the newly inaugurated 22 Appeal Court and 12 FCT high court justices to be upright in the discharge of thier duties in the temple of Justice. The CJN reminded the justices that they have taken the oath of allegiance to the dictates of the Almighty God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, therefore, should deliver justice to Nigerians without fear or favour. “It is a solemn pledge and commitment to good conduct in the course of your adjudication, especially as senior judicial officers in the appellate court. ‘The number of Justices that we have just sworn-in today is quite unprecedented in the recent history of the Court of Appeal. The last time we had a large number like this was on Monday, 28 June, 2021, when 18 Justices were sworn-in. That was preceded by that of Monday, 5th November,2012 when 12 Justices were inaugurated. “Today’s ceremony is an indication of the perilous times that we are currently in, which has resulted in an upsurge in litigation. “Several unfathomable crimes are being committed in the country, aside from the usual political matters that have made litigations to go on alarming rise. “No Court in the land is spared of this litigation deluge, as it were. We are constantly on our toes and the dockets are ever increasing in response tO the challenges of the time. “This underscores the tact that Nigeria is fast emerging as a frontline crime-infested country that we all have to urgently curtail. “The enormous task of cleaning the Augean stable rests squarely on Your Lordships. So, you must hastily fasten your belt and roll up your sleeves to face the challenges head-on. In other words, you should hit the ground speeding at a supersonic velocity; and not just running. “You must redouble your pace to catch up with the expectations of the sprawling community of litigants. As judicial officers, you have a divine mandate on earth that you must discharge with unveiled honesty and sincerity. You must give good account of yourselves to justify your elevation to the Court ot Appeal. “In the next couple of months, we shall be having two governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, respectively. As usual, the Courts will be besieged with Plethora of petitions. It is our statutory duty to hear all matters that come before us and adjudicate according to the laws of the land. “We must not falter; and we must not tread the path of infamy. Yes, it is true that we cannot please everyone through our actions and work, but with the right application of the law and the Constitution of the land, which we all have collectively pledged to uphold, we can go a long way to do those things that our conscience will be very proud ot; and the generality of the Nigerian citizens will equally be happy about. “Every position we attain in life always avails us that unique opportunity to do something novel and impactful, especially if there was any previous act of wrongdoing or misapplication of discretion. “With Your Lordships’ elevation to the higher Bench today, you have to be very mindful of the enormous confidence the public is now reposing in you vis-a-vis their expectations. “Like we often say, to whom much Is given, much is expected. Your Lordships must not rest on your oars, as the onus now lies more heavily on you to discharge your judicial duties more dispassionately and transparently. “So, you must, individually and collectively, guide your loins to do more to earn lasting trust and integrity. Your conduct and disposition must tally with the yearnings and aspirations of the generality of the citizenry. “I have made it known at different fora that we have been treated to an unpalatable cocktail ot misleading and conflicting judgments as well as trivolous interlocutory orders emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdictions, which have literally attempted to make a mockery of our judicial system and flagrantly desecrate the revered Temple of Justice. “Several cases of such abound across the length and breadth of the country. This is, largely, an embarrassment to our jurisprudence, and we win never handle it with levity. Punitive measures must detinitely be meted out to such erring Judges. “We have already activated the process of reining-in such errant Judges with a view to making them face the consequence of their despicable and odious conduct. “As Judicial Officers, we have to continually remind Ourselves the fact that we are not occupying our respective positions to serve ourselves, but the Nigerian masses; and the best way we can serve them is by doing what will make them feel safe in our hands and also trust us to always deliver the right judgments that will not be tainted by sentiments, emotions or other clandestine considerations. congratulate “Your Lordships for making the list and wish you the best that you can achieve in this strategic position you now occupy”, the CJN said. Those inaugurated into the bench of the appellate court by the CJN, are: Abdullahi Muhammad Liman from Nasarawa State; Abiodun Azeem Akinyemi from Ogun State; Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi from Oyo State; Zainab Bage Abubakar from Kebbi State; Isaq Mohammed Sani from Kaduna State; Lateef Babajide Lawal-Akapo from Lagos State; and Ngozika U. Okaisabor from Imo State respectively. Others are: Donatus Nwaezuoke Okorowo from Enugu State; Ruqayat Oremei Ayoola from Kogi State; Polycarp Terna Kwahar from Benue State; Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike from Rivers State; Fadawa Umaru from Borno State; Oyewumi Oyejoju Oyebiola from Oyo State; Ntong Festus Ntong from Akwa Ibom State; Nehizena Idemudia Afolabi from Edo State; and Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba from Abia State. The rest are Abdu Dogo from Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; Abdulazeez M. Anka from Zamfara State; Owibunkeonye Onwosi from Ebonyi State; Asma’u Akanbi-Yusuf from Kwara State; Victoria Toochukwu Nwoye from Anambra State; and Enenche Eleojo from Kogi State.
Bello/EFCC: Present your case transfer to Lokoja request in open court – CJ …Says defendant has pending appeal bordering on jurisdiction before Appeal Court
…’It’s improper to take any step that will amount to pre-empting Appeal outcome’ The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Terhembe Tsoho, has directed that the request by a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, for the transfer of the alleged money laundering case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to Kogi State be presented in open court. In a letter addressed to Abdulwahab Muhammed, SAN and Musa Yakubu, SAN, the Chief Judge drew the attention of the former governor’s counsels to a pending appeal in the case: Yahaya Adoza Bello Vs FRN wherein the defendant had sought a consequential order remitting the case to the Chief Judge for reassignment. The letter, signed by Special Assistant to the CJ, Joshua Ibrahim AJI, Esq, said as a result of this, it would be improper to take any step that would be tantamount to pre-empting the outcome of the Appeal. “There is documentary evidence of a pending appeal in the case Yahaya Adoza Bello Vs FRN filed on 17/05/2024 wherein the defendant as Appellant has sought a consequential order remitting the case to the Chief Judge for reassignment. It is not proper to take any step that will tantamount to pre-empting the outcome of the Appeal. “The main issue raised is jurisdictional in nature and will be more appropriately decided by the court. The matter should therefore be presented in open court,” the CJ stated. The Chief Judge noted that the main offence alleged bordered on conversion of Kogi State funds to purchase properties in Abuja, and that the filing of the charge could either be in Abuja or Lokoja. He referred to two ongoing cases before the FHC in charge No FHC/ABJ/CR/550/22 FRN Vs Ali Bello and another, and another charge, FRN Vs Ali Bello and 3 others, where a similar request for transfer was made and the lower court refused the application.
BREAKING: Court Of Appeal Strikes Out Pro-Wike LG Chairmen Suit
The Port Harcourt division of the Court of Appeal, on Monday, struck out two appeals filed by Local Government Chairmen loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, for lack of merit. The appeals marked CA/PH/137M/2024 and CA/PH/145M/2024, filed by Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and six others, challenged the decisions of the lower court in the matters of the elongation of the council leadership tenure. The Court of Appeal found the appeals to be without merit and consequently struck them out. Martin Amaewhule-led lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, had amended the local government law and extended the tenure of the 23 local Chairmen that would expire by June by six months. When Governor Siminalayi Fubara declined assent to the Bill, the Lawmakers override the Governor and passed the Bill into Law.
CJN to swear-in 12 new Judges for FCT High Court, July 10
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola will on Wednesday July 10, swear-in the newly appointed 12 Judges for the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. The inauguration of the jurists has been slated to hold at the Main Courtroom of the Supreme Court of Nigeria at 10am. A statement by the Director of Information and Press of the Supreme Court, Dr Akande Festus indicated that the new Judges are Buetnaan Mandy Bassi from Plateau State; Ademuyiwa Olakunle Oyeyipo from Kwara State; Bamodu Odunayo Olutomi from Lagos State; Iheabunike Anumaenwe Godwin from Imo State and Odo Celestine Obinna from Enugu State and Hauwa Lawal Gummi from Zamfara State respectively. The rest are Sarah Benjamin Inesu Avoh from Bayelsa State; Maryam Iye Yusuf from Kogi State; Ariwoola Oluwakemi Victoria from Oyo State; Lesley Nkesi Belema Wike from Rivers State; Ibrahim Tanko Munirat from Bauchi State and Abdulrahman Usman from Taraba State.