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Tag: Court

  • My husband gives me only N50 for food – Woman tells court

    My husband gives me only N50 for food – Woman tells court

    A hearing-impaired woman, Hauwa’u Bello, on Wednesday dragged her husband, Usman Shuaibu, before a Shari’a court sitting in Magajin Gari, Kaduna state, because he gives her only N50 for food.

    The complainant, who communicated through sign language, which was interpreted by one Aisha Sulaiman, said her husband was starving her.

    “We got married in 2016, and my parents provided food for us. The problem started when the food finished. He has failed in his responsibilities to provide for the house. He is a tailor.

    “When I delivered my baby, he couldn’t pay the hospital bill, it was his mother who provided the money,” she said.

    She said that their parents had intervened and advised her husband to provide his family’s needs but he didn’t change. She prayed court to dissolve the marriage.

    Shuaibu denied Bello’s claims. The Judge, Malam Kabir Muhammad, ordered the couple to present their parents or guardians on August 25.

  • Court fines 21 convicted foreign hackers

    Court fines 21 convicted foreign hackers

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 21 foreign hackers and ordered each of them to pay the sum of N1 million.

    Justice Ekerete Akpan’s ruling followed the convicts’ plea bargain deal with the Nigerian Police Force, the prosecuting agency.

    The 21 foreigners were part of the 109 defendants currently being prosecuted by the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police on allegations bordering on high-level cybercrime, money laundering and activities threatening national security.

    Justice Akpan also ordered the convicts to leave the shores of Nigeria within six days of the ruling.

    The judge ordered that all the gadgets used in the commission of the crimes shall be forfeited to the Federal Government.

    The affected 21 defendants include Yang Yang (M), 33 years; Li Xiao Fen (M), 41 years; Zheng Peng Zhan (M), 28; Shu Huan (M), 20; Jupanpan (M), 25; Feng Guo (M), 29; Zhao Yifan (M), 31; Mahunan (M), 26; Wang Yi Bo (M), 24; Chen Yan Qi (M), 26 and Shi Hao Jie (M), 28 years, who were represented in court by Linda Ikpeazu.

    Julius Mba appeared for Xiejang Bing (M), 29 years; Zheng Jian Feng (M); Zheng Peng Fei (M), 32; Wei Tang (M), 32; Wang Hao (M), 27; Cheng Xing (M), 30; Yang Xu Gung (M), 27; Zhu Jiu Hui (M), 28; Xhou Kia Lai (M), 28 and Tue Xue Fie (F), 21.

    Ikpeazu had announced appearance for 3rd, 9th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 20th, 24th, 50th, 53rd and 56th defendants, while Mba appeared for the 10th , 37th, 45th, 48th, 49th, 51st, 54th, 55th, 57th and 59th defendants respectively.

    The lead prosecuting lawyer was A.A. Egwu.

    Delivering the ruling, the judge said: “after the defendants entered the plea bargain agreement without being forced, I hereby convict you as charged.”

    He held that the sentence shall be based on the parties’ agreement of N1 million fine each, against each of the defendants which shall be paid before their release.

    “They shall depart the country within six working days,” he declared.

    When the judge asked the lawyers if the convicts had paid the N1 million, Ikpeazu said: “My lord, we are going to pay in the next five minutes.”

    Justice Akpan then adjourned the matter until Oct. 22 and Oct. 23 for continuation of trial of the remaining defendants.

    The I-G had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024, sued the 109 foreigners and were arraigned on six counts.

    The defendants, who include nationals from China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, had pleaded not guilty to the counts and were remanded in correctional centres.

    Justice Akpan had, on Nov. 29, 2024, admitted them to a N1 billion bail with five sureties each.

    The judge, who granted them bail, directed that the five sureties must have a landed property worth N200, 000 million each.

    Justice Akpan directed that the sureties must deposit the original and verified documents of their landed property with the deputy registrar of the court.

    The judge also directed the sureties to deposit their international passports.

    While the male defendants were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, the court held that the female defendants should be kept at Keffi Correctional Centre in Nasarawa State pending the perfection of their bail terms.

    The defendants, who had met their bail terms, were, in 2024, arrested by the police.

    They were apprehended in their residence at Plot 1906, Cadestral Zone 807, Katampe District of Abuja, where they were said to be engaging in cybercrime by allegedly promoting “a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform.”

    In the six-count charge, the foreigners were charged with cybercrime, money laundering and unlawfully residing in Nigeria, etc.

    In one of the counts, they were alleged to have aided, abetted, conspired among themselves “to commit an offence, to wit; cybercrime.”

    They were alleged to have commited the offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).

    They were also alleged to have accessed a computer network and input with the intention that such inauthentic data will be considered or acted upon as If they were authentic or genuine.

    The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).

    Again, they were alleged to have removed “from Nigeria proceeds generated from operating a fraudulent and unregistered gambling platforms.

    “These platforms are 9f.com, c2.top, 8pg.top and you thereby commit money laundering, contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

    The defendants were also accused of entering “the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a business permit of 30 days duration and failed to leave the Nigerian territory at the expiration of the said permit.

    The offence is contrary to Section 4 (2) and punishable under Section 44 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act 2015.”

  • Court halts suspension of Niger LG chairman

    Court halts suspension of Niger LG chairman

    A Minna High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining the suspension and potential impeachment of Aminu Yakubu-Ladan, Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government in Niger.

    The court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Mohamed, granted the interim order in Minna on Friday.

    Recall that the council’s legislative arm on July 28, served a notice of suspension on the chairman, citing allegations of misconduct and abuse office.

    The suspension notice was signed by 10 members of the legislative arm.

    The chairman had earlier filled a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to restrain the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC) and others from conducting a scheduled LG election until the expiration of council chairmen’s tenure.

    The NSIEC had fixed Nov. 1 for the conduct of the local government poll across the state.

    The judge restrained the 1st to 10th defendants from acting on or taking further actions on the suspension notice, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    The court also granted an interim order restraining the 1st to 11th defendants from initiating or commencing the processes, by whatever means,  the removal of the plaintiff (chairman) from office.

    The judge adjourned the case until Aug. 6 for hearing.

  • Super Eagles player drags wife to court, demands divorce

    Super Eagles player drags wife to court, demands divorce

    Former Enyimba goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo has approached a State High Court sitting in Lokoja for the dissolution of his nine-year marriage.

    According to Kogi Reports, the Super Eagles goalkeeper failed to turn up for the case during the hearing at Court 6 on Thursday, July 24.

    The presiding officer, Justice Ada has adjourned the case till October 2025 when the judiciary resumes for legal matters.

    The former Super Eagles’ wife is currently the Team Manager of Confluence Queens of Lokoja. Ojo had earlier admitted to committing adultery outside his marriage in the case file.

    What transpired between the duo? The relationship between Ojo Olorunleke and Tosin Ojo turned south immediately after the player returned from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

    According to OwoSports, the AFCON silver medallist failed to return to his family in Lokoja, allegedly residing with his Abuja-based girlfriend, Precious Daniel.

    Reports have it that Daniel published pictures of herself and the Super Eagles star on social media, which generated a crisis in his family.

    His wife, Tosin Ojo, confronted him, with Olorunleke allegedly admitting to having extramarital affairs with the Benue-born model, per Nigerian Post.

    Efforts to reconcile the player and his wife by family and friends have proved abortive. Well-wishers react Suleiman Malik Babanawa said: “Why, what is happening to Leke? He was doing well and went to Sudan, then his troubles began, lost his place in the Super Eagle, got injured in Sudan and now losing his wife.

    “He should go for prayers and seek forgiveness from his wife, she has sacrificed a lot for him and his children.”

    Arabinrin Aderonke wrote:

    “This is so sad but what else do you expect from a man, especially footballers. They always dump or maltreat the women who laboured with them – ingrates. Build with a man at your own risk o. Where was Precious when they started from nothing.

    “When Tosin rallied round people seeking for support for her husband. When Tosin entered prayer sessions for him.

  • Edo robbery suspects disown confessional statements in court

    Edo robbery suspects disown confessional statements in court

    Defendants in a robbery case before a Benin High Court, including three junior secondary school dropouts, on Friday, disowned written and video confessional statements, which they allegedly wrote.

    The trio included Osamudiamwen Abudu, Sunday Owolabi, and Emeka Igwe.

    They are facing a three-count charge, pertaining to conspiracy, armed robbery, and receipt of stolen items.

    At the resumed hearing of the case, the Evidence-in-Chief, Insp. Oloyo Thompson, of the Legal Monitoring Unit, Edo Police Command, told the court that the defendants made written confessional statements and a video-recorded statement, transferred to a flash drive, detailing how they committed the crime.

    However, when confronted with their alleged written statements in court, the three of them denied knowing anything about the statements.

    They also denied that the signatures on the written statements belonged to them.

    Abudu and Owolabi, along with others at large, were arrested on August 18, 2024 at a police checkpoint in Ugbowo.

    According to Thompson, the defendants were arrested with three phones and a power bank, which they had stolen from the University of Benin students at Ekosodin, Ugbowo.

    He said that during the investigation, it was discovered that the two defendants had robbed one Iriogbe David of one phone and a power bank, and at the time of the robbery, were armed with broken bottles and stones.

    He said that the duo also robbed other students of their phones, which they had previously sold to the third defendant, Igwe.

    Igwe also allegedly made a confessional statement that he did receive stolen iPhone 6 and iPhone 7.

    In their statements, the three defendants allegedly stated that they were junior secondary school dropouts, while Igwe claimed to have trained in phones repairs.

    Thompson said that Igwe was arrested in his shop at the Bob Izua Shopping Mall, located at King’s Square.

    In the alleged statements, Abudu and Owolabi stated that the stolen phones with passwords were sold for N25,000 each, while the ones without passwords were sold for N35,000 each.

    On Igwe’s alleged statement, he stated that he had been arrested before as a result of buying stolen phones.

    The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 6(b) and is punishable under Section 1(2)(a) and Section 5 of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap 11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

    The Presiding Judge, Justice Williams Aziegbemhin, granted the request of the State Prosecuting Counsel, Mr Abel Amasowomwn, for the court to play the alleged defendants’ confessional video statements.

    The alleged defendants’ written and signed statements were openly read by the evidence-in-chief, and the defendants’ statements and application, as well as the bond of the victims, were tendered and marked as Exhibits.

    The Counsel for the defendants, Miss Eloho Chika, did not oppose the prosecuting counsel’s request but argued that she was ambushed.

    Chika said that she was supposed to have had access to the exhibits to look at the video to enable her to prepare for cross-examination before watching it in the open court.

    The judge adjourned the case to October 8 for cross-examination and continuation of hearing.

  • BREAKING: Court finally orders IGP, Lagos CP to pay N10m over #EndSARS protest clampdown

    BREAKING: Court finally orders IGP, Lagos CP to pay N10m over #EndSARS protest clampdown

    The Federal High Court in Lagos has finally ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos Commissioner of Police to pay N10 million in damages for violating the rights of peaceful protesters.

    Delivering judgement on Thursday, M. Kakaki, the presiding judge, ruled that the security agencies acted unlawfully during the #EndSARS memorial held on 20 October, 2024.

    Kakaki said the applicants were entitled to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, as guaranteed under section 40 of the 1999 constitution (as amended).

    He held that while the police have powers to enforce the law, those powers must be exercised in line with democratic principles and the rule of law.

     

    “The applicants were unjustly harassed and their rights infringed upon,” the judge ruled.

     

    The applicants include Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, Olamilekan Sanusi, Osugba Blessing, Kayode Agbaje, Michael Adedeji, Jennifer Rita Obiora, Orunsola Oluremi, Seyi Akinde, Akin Okunowon, Ugochukwu Prince, Aisha Omolara, Thomas Abiodun Olamide, Ogbu Obinna Ferdinald, Aghedo Kehinde Stephen, Duronike Olawale, Isaac Obasi, Funmilayo Jolade Ajayi, Gideon Adeyemi, and Afeez Suleiman.

    The court also recognised three applicant organisations, including Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Take It Back Movement (TIB), and the Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR

  • Court fixes date for ex-Gov Obiano’s trial over N4bn money laundering

    Court fixes date for ex-Gov Obiano’s trial over N4bn money laundering

    The Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja on Thursday, fixed Nov. 25 for the trial of former Anambra Governor, Willie Obiano, in the alleged N4 billion money laundering case.

    The court adjourned the case after the new trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, rose after taking three judgments and a number of cases on the cause list.

    The nine-count charge, preferred against the former governor by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was re-assigned to Justice Umar recently.

    The former judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, had fixed May 26, for continuation of trial before the case was re-assigned to Justice Umar by the Chief Judge of FHC, Justice John Tsoho in his May 18 press release.

    However, on May 26, Justice Umar, who was transfered from Enugu judicial division of the court, did not sit and the case was fixed for July 24 for mention. Obiano was Anambra governor between March 2014 and March 2022.

    The former governor, in the charge, was alleged to have among others, misappropriated over N4 billion from the state’s treasury.

    It would be recalled that the EFCC’s lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, led two witnesses in evidence in the trial of the ex-governor on Oct. 7, 2024, before Justice Ekwo.

    A former commercial bank staff, Mr Ugochukwu Otubelu, had revealed how he managed the security vote account under Obiano’s government.

    Otubelu, the 3rd prosecution witness (PW-3), said though he was with the bank between Nov. 2, 2008 and March 24, 2023, he said he is now a businessman.

    He said that the signatories to the security vote account were the former Principal Secretary to the ex-governor, Willy Nwokoye, and the Accountant, Theophilus Nweze.

    He said he interfaced with them mostly on daily and weekly basis in processing their transactions.

    The PW-3, who admitted that funds from the security votes account went into six companies’ account, said the money did not go to the account holders.

    The EFCC also called Hayatu Hadejia, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator as PW-4. Hadejia told the court that he is a businessman, who runs BDC companies.

    He said he had five companies and was invited by the EFCC as part of its investigations into the financial activities of the government of ex-governor Obiano.

    Another BDC Operator, Ayuba Tanko, on Nov. 13, 2024, said between April and December 2017, a total sum of N416 million was paid into a company’s account he used, by proxy, in the ongoing trial of Obiano.

    Ayuba, who was PW-5, said the N416 million which was received in tranches, was given back as 1.137 million US dollars equivalent.

    “I am a trader. I trade in forex exchange. I trade in USDs, Euros and pounce sterling. I do source for customers and I do exchange and collect commission,” he said.

    The PW-5 said he used two companies; Sauki Bureau De Change and Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd for his business.

    He said he was invited by the EFCC, through its Investigation Department, in 2023 and was questioned about Zigaziga Trading and Company Ltd’s account domiciled in one of the commercial banks.

    When the senior lawyer asked him how much he received at the period, the witness said: “Between April 2017 to December 2017, the total money I received at that period was 416 million in naira.

    “And I gave a dollar equivalent as 1, 137, 000.00 US dollars,” he said.

    Ayuba said besides this transaction, he did not do any other business with the Anambra government under Gov. Obiano.

    Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, during cross examination, asked the PW-5 if he had ever had any dealing with the ex-governor directly, Ayuba said: “I did not deal directly with the defendant.”

    The prosecution counsel also called three bankers, who gave their testimonies in the alleged money laundering charge.

  • Court strikes out charge against Oba Otudeko, others

    Court strikes out charge against Oba Otudeko, others

    A Federal High Court, Lagos, on Wednesday, struck out a charge preferred by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), against Chairman of the Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko and others.

    Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, struck out the charge, following EFCC’s information to the court that parties had achieved full settlement in the case.

    EFCC preferred a 13-count charge against Oba Otudeko and a former Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Olabisi Onasanya.

    Also charged were a former board member of Honeywell, Soji Akintayo and a firm, Anchorage Leisure Ltd.

    At the last adjourned date of March 17, first defense counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), had informed the court that a meeting involving all counsel, had been convened at the instance of the Attorney General (AG).

    He had said that this was aimed at reaching a peaceful settlement of the case.

    The prosecution, had confirmed the position to the court, which then adjourned the case for a report of settlement.

    When the case was called on Wednesday, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) announced appearance for the prosecution together with Mrs Bilikisu Buhari and S.I Suleiman.

    Mr Bode Olanipekun (SAN) appeared for the first defendant, Mr A Olumide-Fusika (SAN) appeared for the second defendant, and Mr Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) appeared for the third defendant.

    Meanwhile, Mr Elijah Akefe appeared for the fourth defendant while Mr B.O Ofulue, appeared for the nominal complainant (First Bank).

    Counsel to the first defendant (Olanipekun), then informed the court that all outstanding issues between the first defendant and the nominal complainant (first bank), had been resolved.

    He told the court that same had been duly communicated to the appropriate authorities, including the prosecution.

    Counsel to the nominal complainant (Ofulue), confirmed the position to the court.

    In response, the prosecutor confirmed the position to the court that there had been settlement of the issues, and gave a detailed recall of all incidences, including the meetings held as well as resolutions.

    Citing the provisions of section 180 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, he averred that in the interest of justice, public policy and the need to prevent abuse of court process, the AG decided that the matter be discontinued.

    Counsel to all defendants confirmed the position as stated by prosecution.

    Justice Aneke, consequently held: “This charge is hereby struck out”.

    Meanwhile, in a statement by its Counsel, Olasumbo Abolaji, Honeywell welcomed the development, calling it a reaffirmation of Otudeko’s integrity.

    “Honeywell Group confirms that the legal proceedings initiated by the EFCC against our Chairman, Oba Otudeko, in connection with matters relating to First Holdco Plc, have been formally withdrawn.

    “This development marks the closure of a chapter that, while challenging, never diminished our confidence in Otudeko’s integrity or our belief in the principles that have guided his life and leadership.

    “At no point was there any finding or admission of wrongdoing, and this conclusion further affirms what we have always maintained, that this was a commercial transaction, investigated by the EFCC and resolved eight years ago.

    “Otudeko’s service, enterprise, and nation-building record stand firm and unblemished.

    “For over six decades, he has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic and institutional development, including distinguished tenures across banking, industry, and public service,” he said

    The Group reaffirmed its commitment to creating value through enterprise in food, energy, infrastructure, and financial services.

    “As we move forward, we do so strengthened by experience, focused on the future, and anchored in the enduring values that have always shaped our journey”.

  • CBEX promoters granted N10m bail each

    CBEX promoters granted N10m bail each

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a bail to two of the detained Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX)’s promoters in the sum of N10 million each with two sureties each in like sum.

    Those admitted to bail by Justice Mohammed Umar are Awerosuo Otorudo and Chukwuebuka Ehirim.

    Justice Umar, in a ruling, ordered that the sureties must have property worth the bail sum within the jurisdiction of the court.

    He directed that the residence of the sureties must be verified by the registrar of the court.

    The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until Oct. 13 for commencement of trial.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Umar had, on July 7, adjourned for ruling on their bail application, after it was argued by the defendants’ lawyer, Justice Otorudo, and opposed by EFCC’s counsel, Fadila Yusuf.

    The development followed their arraignment by the anti-graft agency on three-count charge over allegations bordering on illegal financial operations and unlicensed investment activities.

    They were arraigned on amended three-count charge marked:

    In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/216/2025, the defendants were alleged to have collected public funds and promised up to 88 per cent returns on investment without regulatory approval.

    In a related development, Justice Umar has also fixed July 25 for ruling on the bail application filed by Adefowora Abiodun, Managing Director of ST Technologies International Limited, allegedly using another company, CBEX, to perpetrate investment scam.

    Justice Umar fixed the date after his bail application was argued, following Abiodun and his company’s arraignment on amended eight-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/215/2025.

    While Abiodun is the 1st defendant, ST Technologies International Limited is named as 2nd defendant in the amended charge dated July 9.

    ‎The allegations, in the earlier charge, bordered on alleged case of obtaining by false pretense, money laundering and carrying on the activities of other financial institutions without having the required license from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Security and Exchange Commission (SEC).

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to the amended counts.

    The defendants’ lawyer, Babatunde Busari, informed the court of a bail application dated and filed on Abiodun ‘s behalf on June 30.

    Busari urged the judge to admit his client to bail on liberal terms.

    He said the charge showed that the alleged offences against his client were bailable.

    Besides, he said two critical exhibits attached to their application showed that Abiodun voluntarily submitted himself to the commission for investigation.

    “He (Abiodun) came to us as counsel and we took him to the commission.

    “He also has a medical report that shows that the 1st defendant requires urgent eye surgery and that has not been possible for him for the past 80 days that he has been in detention.

    “We, therefore, urge the court to admit the defendant on bail as the total of the monetary claim Is about N20 million naira,” he said.

    Busari prayed the court to release Abiodun to him for the purpose of bail.

    But EFCC’s lawyer, Fatsuma Mohammed, vehemently opposed the bail plea, saying a counter affidavit dated July 7 was filed in respect of the motion.

    The lawyer urged the court to refuse bail and order for expeditious trial of the case, adding that investigation had been concluded “and we are ready for trial.”

    “Is it a bailable offence?” the judge asked.

    Responding, Mohammed said: “The section consequent to which the defendant is being charged, upon conviction, is seven years and it is enough number of years which is enough for him to try to run.”

    Justice Umar,who adjourned the matter until July 25 for ruling, ordered Abiodun to be remanded in the EFCC’s custody pending ruling on bail application.

    NAN reports that CBEX was one of several digital platforms that collapsed after allegedly collecting billions of naira from unsuspecting investors.

    NAN reports that Justice Emeka Nwite of a sister court had, on April 24, gave the EFCC the go-ahead to arrest and detain six operators of CBEX over their involvement in the fraud.

    The judge, who gave the order after the EFCC’s lawyer, Fadila Yusuf, moved an ex-parte motion to the effect, said the detention would be pending the conclusion of investigation of the alleged offences and possible prosecution.

    The six suspects include Adefowora Abiodun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, and Seyi Oloyede.
    Others are Avwerosuo Otorudo and Chukwuebuka Ehirim as 1st to 6th defendants respectively.

    In the motion ex-parte dated and filed April 23 by Yusuf, the anti-graft agency gave four grounds for its application.

    She said the EFCC had a statutory duty of prevention and detection of financial crimes through investigation.

    Yusuf said that “the defendants are at large and a warrant of arrest is required to arrest the defendants for proper investigation and prosecution of this case.”

    NAN reports that Adefowora Abiodun (1st defendant), Avwerosuo Otorudo (5th defendant) and Chukwuebuka Ehirim (6th defendant) had been in the EFCC custody on investigation.

    Justice Nwite had, also on June 30, declined to grant the bail application filed by the three detained alleged promoters of CBEX.

    The judge, in a ruling, held it was obvious that from the totality of the affidavit evidence of both parties, it was glaring that the character of evidence against the defendants was strong.

    He also held that due to the nature of the case, the EFCC obtained an order of remand of the defendants by court of competent jurisdiction.

    The EFCC, in the affidavit in support of the motion ex-parte filed before Justice Nwite, said sometimes in April 2025, it received an intel bothering on an alleged investment scheme fraud against the defendants.

    It alleged that the defendants and their company, ST Technologies International Limited, using another company, Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), perpetrated the alleged fraud and the case was received and assigned to its Cybercrimes Section for investigation.

    The EFCC averred that the defendants promised unrealistic return on investment of up to 100%.

    “That the victims were made to convert their digital assets into a stable coin of USDT for onward deposit into the suspects crypto wallet.

    “That the victims were initially given full access to the platform to monitor their investment.

    “That following deposits valued at over one Billion Dollars by the victims, the CBEX investment platform became inaccessible to them and they could no longer withdraw from the investment made.

    “That the victims later discovered that the said scheme is a scam.

    “That during the course of investigation, it was discovered that the said ST Technologies International Limited, though registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), it was not registered with the security and Exchange Commission (SEC) for investment purposes.

    “That it was also discovered during investigation that the defendants had moved out of their last known address in Lagos and Ogun States.”

    The anti-graft agency said that a warrant of arrest was required to place the defendants on red watch list so that they could be traced and arrested to answer to the case against them.

    According to the commission, investigation into the allegation against the defendants revealed a prima facie case of investment scam. It said it would be in the interest of justice to grant the application.

  • Court dismisses suit seeking to stop LGAs allocation in Kano

    Court dismisses suit seeking to stop LGAs allocation in Kano

    A Federal High Court sitting in Kano, on Monday, dismissed a suit filed by Abdullahi Abbas of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and one other seeking to stop statutory allocations to the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State.

    Abbas, Aminu Aliyu-Tiga, and the APC , through their counsel, Sunday Olowomoran, filed a motion exparte dated Oct. 28, and filed on Nov.1, 2024.

    The respondents in the suit are the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federal Account Allocation Committee(FAAC), Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission,(RMAFC), Accountant-General of the Federation, Minister of Finance, Auditor General of the Federation, and Attorney General of the Federation.

    Others are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Kano State Government, Attorney General Kano, Kano State Independent Electoral Commission(KANSIEC) and the 44 Kano local governments.

    The applicants are seeking a declaration that the 12th to 55th respondents are not democratically elected and constituted pursuant to Section 7(1) of the Constitution of the fedyeral Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    They are also asking the court to restrain the Federal Government, the CBN, and the Accountant-General from disbursing statutory funds to Kano’s 44 local government councils.

    Justice Simon Amobeda, in his ruling, held that even though a notice of discontinuance which ought to be filed not later than 14 days after service, was filed,  a hearing date had been fixed, citing Order 50 Rules 3, 4 and 5 of the court.

    “To avoid resuscitating the case in the future, the proper order to make is to dismiss the case.

    “In view of this, leave is hereby granted to the applicants to withdraw the case. The suit is hereby dismissed with no cost,” Amobeda said.

    Earlier, while addressing the court on the propriety or otherwise of the case, counsel to the applicants, Mr Sunday Olowomoran, on behalf of the lead counsel, Abdul Adamu-Fagge, SAN, made an oral application to withdraw the case.

    “My Lord, this suit was appealed. The appellate court on June 30, said this court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter and that the Kano State High Court is the proper court to entertain it,” Olowomoran said, urging the court to strike out the case.

    Counsel to CBN and RMAFC, Mr. B. D. Uche and S. G. Ahmad, told the court that their clients were not part of the appeal at the appellate court and urged the court to dismiss the suit with a cost of N1 million each.

    Counsel to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Tajudeen Abdullahi, urged the court to dismiss the suit, not strike it out, with a cost of N2.5 million.

    Counsel to Kano State Government, Bashir Yusuf-Muhammad, urged the court to apply the principle of law by dismissing the suit with a cost of N2 billion against the plaintiffs.

    Also, counsel to the Kano State Attorney-General, Sani Mustafa-Dauda, also urged the court to dismiss the suit with a cost of N5 million.
    Counsel to KANSIEC, Ibrahim Wangida, urged the court to dismiss the suit, not strike it out.

    “My Lord, KANSIEC has suffered psychological and physical trauma; the office was locked for three months. We have filed processes, services, and printing. We are asking for a cost of N2 million,” he said.

    Counsel to the 44 local governments, Eyitayo Fatogun, SAN, also urged the court to dismiss the suit with a cost of N2 million, citing Order 50 of the rules of the court.

    Counsel for the 44 elected local government chairmen, Mustapha Hussaini, urged the court to dismiss the suit with a cost of N44 million.

    The court, on Oct. 23, 2024, halted the conduct of the local government councils’ election scheduled for Oct. 26, 2025, until KANSIEC is properly reconstituted, as it had previously been dissolved by the court for partisanship.