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Tag: High Court

  • Lagos High Court begins annual vacation July 21

    Lagos High Court begins annual vacation July 21

    The Lagos State High Court will begin its annual vacation on July 21 to end the 2024/2025 legal year of the state judiciary.

    This is contained in a notice dated June 5 and signed by the State Chief Registrar, Mr Tajudeen Elias. According to the notice, the vacation will end on Sept. 12.

    Elias stated that the State Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, approved the annual vacation pursuant to Order 49, Rule 4(D) of the High Court of Lagos Civil Procedure Rules, 2019.

    However, he noted that the Criminal Division of the High Court would continue to sit during the vacation.

    Elias said: “Notwithstanding the long vacation, the Criminal Division of the High Court of Lagos State may sit throughout the period of the vacation.

    “Where a judge of a criminal division is on vacation, a vacation judge may be assigned to deal with all pending criminal cases in that court.

    “Notwithstanding the long vacation, any case or matter may be heard by a judge during the period of vacation (except on a Sunday or public holiday).

    “Where such case or matter is urgent, a judge will, at the consent of all parties concerned, agree to hear it.”

    The chief registrar said that any application for an urgent hearing could be made by summons in chambers before the vacation judge or the judge before whom the substantive case was pending.

    He also stated that the 2025/2026 legal year of the state judiciary would begin on Sept.15, while the new legal year service would take place on Sept. 22.

  • Adeleke condemns arson attack on Osun High Court building

    Adeleke condemns arson attack on Osun High Court building

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has condemned the arson attack on Ilesa High Court building by yet-to-identified persons, describing the act as a criminal attack on the state judiciary.

    This is contained in a statement by Malam Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson for the governor, on Monday in Osogbo.

    Adeleke directed thorough investigation into the incident and also called on security agencies to beef up  security in all court premises in the state.

    “Thorough investigation must be conducted by the security agencies to apprehend the suspects and ensure they face the consequences of their actions.

    “I further direct security agencies to beef up surveillance across the various court buildings.

    “Additionally, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice is to join hands with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the immediate rehabilitation of the court building,” he said.

    Adeleke, who, described the attack as a threat to democracy, said that judiciary remains the stabiliser and critical arbiter of the democratic process.

    “The Judiciary needs our support and not to be attacked,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the incident happened in the early hours of Monday.

    NAN further learnt that the arson attack led to the destruction of court sensitive documents and exhibits, with the entire building razed.

    An eyewitness revealed that the state fire service responded to the incident but was unable to salvage the situation as the fire had destroyed the building before the arrival of the firemen.

  • Alleged money laundering: Abuja High Court summons Ex-Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello to Appear on Nov 14

    Alleged money laundering: Abuja High Court summons Ex-Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello to Appear on Nov 14

    A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja has issued a public summons against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello over his ongoing alleged money laundering and corruption cases initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Bello had previously been declared wanted over allegations of money laundering and corruption to the tune of N80.2 billion.

    In September, the EFCC filed fresh charges against the wanted former governor, accusing him of N110.4 billion fraud.

    However, all efforts made by the EFCC to get Bello arrested had been thwarted by political interference.

    In September, the former governor honoured the EFCC’s invitation but he was accompanied by the Kogo State Governor, Usman Ododo, and the anti-corruption agency asked him to leave, blaming its refusal to detain him on his decision to come with the governor, who has immunity.

    EFCC operatives later stormed the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja in an attempt to arrest the former governor.

    The siege was announced by the Director of Yahaya Bello’s Media Office, Ohiare Michael, who raised the alarm in a statement titled, “Despite voluntary visit, EFCC officials surround Kogi Government Lodge, Abuja in an attempt to forcefully arrest former governor Yahaya Bello, fire gunshots.”

    In a court document released to the public on Friday morning by the EFCC, Justice Maryann E. Anenih issued a public summons, compelling Yahaya Bello to appear before the court on the 14th of November 2024.

    The summons was dated October 3, 2024.

    The document reads: “Complaint has been made this day on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that you (YAHAYA ADOZA BELLO) sometime within the year 2016 up until 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit offences to wit: Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to Section 311 of Penal Code Law Cap. 89 Laws of Northern Nigeria 1963, Punishable under SECTION 312 of same Law; and having possession or control of property reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained contrary to and punishable under Section 319A of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 89 Laws of the Northern Nigeria 1963.

    “You are hereby summoned to appear before the Federal Capital Territory High Court of Justice (High Court No. 3) sitting at Maitama on the 14th day of November 2024 at the hour of 9:00am to answer to the said complaint.”

  • Ondo: Gov Aiyedatiwa swears in new Judges, doles out vehicles

    Ondo: Gov Aiyedatiwa swears in new Judges, doles out vehicles

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has sworn in six newly appointed Judges of the State High Court and presented official vehicles to each of the Judges.

    Aiyedatiwa, at the event on Thursday in Akure, described the event as a significant step in strengthening the judiciary and advancing the administration of justice in the state.

    The Governor said the importance of the appointments would mark the second large-scale judicial swearing-in, during his tenure.

    The six newly sworn-in Judges are; Hon. Justices Adebisi Daomi, Adeola Adegoroye, Justinah Kpemi, Happiness Demehin-Ogunbayo, Wumi Fabuluje and Idowu Ogunwumiju.

    The Governor appreciated the justices for their contributions to the legal profession and their dedication to justice.

    “This is particularly fulfilling for me, as it marks the second instance on record in our administration that appointment to the bench of the state judiciary would be carried out, and in large number.

    “These appointees have distinguished themselves in the practice of law and administration of justice in our dear state,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa appreciated the efforts of the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Segun Odusola, for his leadership in ensuring a significant increase in the number of judges, thereby reducing the workload of the courts.

    He thanked the National Judicial Council and the newly appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, for their role in facilitating the appointments.

    Aiyedatiwa commended the diligence, knowledge of the law, and commitment to justice, saying their appointments were as a product of rigorous and thorough processes, to have most qualified hands in dispensing  justice in the state

    He later reiterated his administration’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, encouraging the new judges to carry out their duties with “diligence, sobriety, courage, and the fear of God.”.

    Earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice for Ondo State, Olukayode Ajulo,said the governor had high respect for the judiciary, and his strong commitment to upholding the rule of law.

    Ajulo said through his policies and actions, the governor had consistently demonstrated his dedication to ensuring the judiciary was well-resourced, for the effective delivery of justice.

    Ajulo stated the critical collaboration between the judiciary, the legal profession, the executive, and the legislature, which had greatly improved the efficiency of the justice system in Ondo State.

    He underscored that since the governor assumed office, there had been seamless cooperation between the executive and judicial branches, working together as progressive partners, in advancing justice delivery across the state.

    Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed judges, Justice Williams Daomi, pledged that they would uphold the high standards of the judiciary and serve as exemplary ambassadors.

  • Misconduct: 27 High Court Judges face NJC probe panels

    Misconduct: 27 High Court Judges face NJC probe panels

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has constituted four probe panels to investigate 27 high court judges in the country over alleged judicial misconduct.

    A This is contained in a statement issued by the NJC Director of Information, Mr Soji Oye on Friday in Abuja.

    Oye said that the remaining 18 petitions were discountenanced for lacking in merit, abandoned or being subjudice.

    The council at its 106th meeting presided over by the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, considered the report of its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee on 22 petitions written against 27 Judicial Officers of the Federal and State High Courts.

    Based on the report of the preliminary committee, the Council em paneled four Committees to investigate allegations in the petitions that were found meritorious.

    Oye said the council also issued a letter of advice to Justice O. M. Olagunju of Oyo State High Court to be circumspect as a judicial officer before acting, even in the most challenging situation.

    Olagunju was said to have used uncouth language in a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, challenging council’s decision and its policy direction on appointment of the President Court of the Customary Court of Appeal, Oyo State.

    According to Oye `the discountenanced petitions are against Justice Monica B. Dongban-Mensem, President Court of Appeal, Justices E. O. Williams Dawodu, B. A. Georgewill, Yargata Timpar, S. D. Samchi, Aisha B. Aliyu, A. A. Aderibigbe M. L. Shuaibu, H. A. O. Abiru and Abdulazeez Waziri all of the Court of Appeal.

    Others are Justices John Tsoho, Chief Judge, Federal High Court, Z. B. Abubakar, James. Kolawole Omotosho, Sunday B. Onu, all of the FHC and Justice Okon E. Abang when he was serving at the Federal High Court.

    The rest are Justices Kayode Agunloye of the FCT High Court, Babagana Karumi of the High Court Borno State, Maimuna A. Abubakar of the High Court of Niger State, A. A. Aderibigbe of Osun State High Court and Aisha B. Aliyu of Nasarawa State High Court.

    He noted that the NJC placed five Judges on its pre-sanction Watch List register for poor performance and would be recommended to the council for appropriate sanction if they do not improve on their performance.

    He said that justice Ariwoola in the meeting being the last one before his retirement appreciated the cooperation he received from members of the council and the council’s secretariat and implored them to extend same to his successor.

    Members of the council in return eulogized the outgoing CJN and Chairman one after the other and wished him good health in retirement.

  • Nnamdi Kanu: Lawyer demands ‘Fair hearing before trial’ as court fixes May 20 for judgment

    Nnamdi Kanu: Lawyer demands ‘Fair hearing before trial’ as court fixes May 20 for judgment

    The lead counsel to the, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) Alloy Ejimakor has called for “fair hearing safeguards” for his client.

    The lawyer said that his condition should be met before Kanu’s trial for terrorism begins.

    Recall that Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court had fixed May 20, 2024, to decide Kanu’s bail.

    The judge  will also rule on Kanu’s request to transfer him from the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, to house arrest.

    Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021 in a motion argued by Ejimakor requested the court to restore the bail granted him in 2017 by the same Judge.

    He told the court that contrary to the claim of the Federal Government, he did not jump bail or breach any of the conditions of the bail but had to escape out of the country when the military allegedly invaded his house.

    Reacting, Ejimakor posted on X: “We’re done with today’s proceedings. I called it ‘proceedings’ because it’s not yet a TRIAL.

    “Like I said earlier, before #MNK is put on trial, #FairHearing safeguards must be in place. We’ve made our applications; it’s now up to the Court to do the right thing. Next date: May 20.”

  • WikiLeaks founder, Assange in final High Court bid for appeal against extradition

    WikiLeaks founder, Assange in final High Court bid for appeal against extradition

    Julian Assange is set to make his final bid for a domestic appeal against a judge’s ruling over his extradition from the UK to the United States.

    The WikiLeaks founder is wanted in the US over an alleged conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information following the publication of hundreds of thousands of leaked documents relating to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

    In a January 2021 ruling, then-district judge Vanessa Baraitser said that Assange should not be sent to the U.S., citing a real and “oppressive” risk of suicide, while ruling against the 52-year-old on all other issues.

    U.S. authorities subsequently brought a successful challenge against this decision, paving the way for Assange’s extradition.

    Lawyers for Assange, who has been held in Belmarsh prison in south-east London, will now ask the High Court in London for the go-ahead to challenge the original judge’s dismissal of other parts of his case against extradition.

    The hearing comes after High Court judge Mr Justice Swift first refused to give Assange the green light to appeal – without a hearing – last June.

    A two-day hearing is now set to begin on Tuesday, which is expected to be Assange’s final chance to be granted an appeal in a UK court.

    Speaking at a news conference last week, his wife Stella Assange said that if the appeal bid is unsuccessful, Assange would apply to the European Court of Human Rights for a Rule 39 order to stop extradition while it considers his case.

    His supporters say the Australian national faces 175 years in prison if he is extradited.

    During their earlier successful challenge, lawyers for the U.S. authorities said Judge Baraitser’s decision risked becoming a “trump card” for anyone who wanted to oppose their extradition.

    They also said that four “binding” diplomatic assurances had been made, including that the U.S. would consent to Assange being transferred to Australia, where he was born, to serve any prison sentence he may be given.

    The two-day hearing before Dame Victoria Sharp and Mr Justice Johnson is due to begin at 10.30am on Tuesday.

  • Police confirm abduction of Justice Joy Uwana in A’Ibom

    Police confirm abduction of Justice Joy Uwana in A’Ibom

    The abduction of a High Court Judge, Justice Joy Uwana, and her driver in Oron Local Government Area of the state has been confirmed by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

    Recall that the judge was abducted on Monday along with her driver, while her police orderly was killed in the attack that occurred on the Uyo-Okobo road.

    The spokesman for the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, SP Odiko Macdon confirmed the incident to Newsmen on Tuesday in Uyo.

    He said that the police have commenced an investigation to track the kidnappers and ensure the safe release of the judge and her driver.

    “The Command has received that report—a very bad dastardly act indeed. We are on it and the Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

    “We have been on it all day and we will spare no resources in ensuring that the needful is done to ensure that she reunites with her family.

    “Our heart goes to the family of the deceased officer attached to the judge, who was brutally murdered. It is very unfortunate; this is not what Akwa Ibom is known for,” Macdon said.

    He urged people in the state to go about their normal businesses and assured them that the perpetrators of the heinous crime would be brought to book.

    Macdon said the police command would continue to synergise with sister security agencies to ensure that the state remains peaceful.

  • Police confirm abduction of High Court judge

    Police confirm abduction of High Court judge

    The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has confirmed the abduction of a High Court Judge, Justice Joy Uwana and her driver in Oron Local Government Area of the state.

    According to reports, the judge was abducted on Monday along with her driver, while her police orderly was killed in the attack which occurred on Uyo-Okobo road.

    SP Odiko Macdon, spokesman of the police command in the state confirmed the incident to NAN on Tuesday in Uyo.

    He said that the police has commenced investigation to track the kidnappers and ensure the safe release of the judge and her driver.

    “The Command has received that report, a very bad dastardly act indeed.

    “We are on it and the Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durusinmi has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

    “We have been on it all day and we will spare no resources in ensuring that the needful is done to ensure that she reunites with her family.

    “Our heart goes to the family of the deceased officer attached to the judge, who was brutally murdered.

    “It is very unfortunate; this is not what Akwa Ibom is known for,” Macdon said.

    He urged people in the state to go about their normal businesses, and assured that the perpetrators of the heinous crime would be brought to book.

    Macdon said the police command would continue to synergise with sister security agencies to ensure that the state remain peaceful.

    He warned criminal elements in the state to relocate as the state is no more conducive for their heinous crimes.

    “We enjoin the good people of Akwa Ibom to go about their lawful businesses,” the command spokesman added.

  • Ondo: Court orders state Assembly to investigate Akeredolu’s health status

    Ondo: Court orders state Assembly to investigate Akeredolu’s health status

    An Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure the state capital has ordered the State House of Assembly to form a panel of medical personnel to investigate the status of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s health.

    Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has been governing Ondo state since returning from Germany on a medical vacation few months ago.

    Recall that a coalition of civil society groups through their conveners, Olufemi Lawson, Ologun Ayodeji, Isijola Kike and Arogbo Olaniyi, approached the court to seek an order that would compel the state assembly to investigate Akeredolu’s health.

    The coalition, through their counsel, Dotun Ajulo, named the state assembly, its speaker, Olamide Oladiji and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as respondent.

    Ruling on the matter on Wednesday, Justice A. I. Kolawole ordered the lawmakers to set up a medical panel to provide clear report on the governor’s health.

    According to the judge, the order was in line with Section 189(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

    The matter was subsequently adjourned to January 11, 2024.