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Tag: SAN

  • How ex- Minister Malami, former Rep Koko reportedly imported bandits to cause mayhem in Kebbi

    How ex- Minister Malami, former Rep Koko reportedly imported bandits to cause mayhem in Kebbi

    A plot reportedly orchestrated by ex- Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and ex-Representative Muhammad Shehu Koko to destabilise Kebbi State has backfired.

    The duo, now prominent figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), allegedly imported bandits and thugs to wreak havoc in the state, only to be met with fierce resistance from enraged residents and loyal All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters.

    The incident, which happened last Monday in Birnin Kebbi, has exposed the underhanded tactics of Malami and Koko, revealing a sordid pact rooted in political desperation and criminal collusion.

    According to multiple sources, Malami and Koko, both recent defectors from the APC to the ADC, conspired to unleash chaos in Kebbi State to bolster their fledgling political relevance.

    Malami, who served as AGF from 2015 to 2023 under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, resigned from the APC on July 2, 2025, and joined the ADC, reportedly nursing ambitions for the Kebbi governorship in 2027.

    Koko, a former House of Representatives member for Koko/Maiyama Federal Constituency, was suspended by the APC in May 2025 alongside nine others for alleged anti-party activities, disloyalty, and harassment of party executives.

    Sources claim the duo’s defection was fueled by their rejection by Kebbi’s political mainstream, prompting them to resort to thuggery and violence to intimidate opponents and assert dominance.

    “It’s no secret that Koko has a long history of thuggery,” said a senior APC official in Birnin Kebbi, speaking anonymously.

    “Before he wormed his way into politics, he was known for hiring bandits to terrorise rivals. Now, he’s found a willing partner in Malami, who’s using his legal clout to shield Koko from his corruption trial.

    “Their plan was to destabilise Kebbi, make it look like the APC is losing control, and position themselves as saviours. But the people of Kebbi are wiser than that.”

    The plot unravelled on Monday when Malami’s convoy, supposedly on a condolence visit to families in Birnin Kebbi, was allegedly used as a cover to transport armed thugs and bandits to the APC state headquarters along Old NITEL Road.

    Malami claimed his convoy was attacked by “suspected political thugs” emerging from the APC office, a narrative he peddled to journalists, lamenting that “about 10 vehicles were vandalised” and supporters injured.

    However, multiple eyewitnesses and residents paint a starkly different picture, accusing Malami and Koko of orchestrating the violence themselves.

    “They weren’t attacked; they were the attackers,” said a local trader who witnessed the chaos, also speaking anonymously.

    “Malami and Koko brought these hoodlums to vandalise the APC secretariat and intimidate supporters. They thought they could bully their way into relevance, but the people of Birnin Kebbi wouldn’t have it.

    “Residents and APC loyalists spotted the thugs, chased them down, and stopped their nonsense. That’s why Malami is crying foul now – his plan failed, and he’s embarrassed.”

    Sources added that Koko personally mobilised the bandits, leveraging his longstanding connections with men of the underworld.

    “Koko has been linked to bandits for years,” a security operative in Kebbi revealed. “He uses them to harass opponents, disrupt elections, and create fear.

    “This time, he promised Malami an army of thugs to boost his ADC campaign, while Malami, with his legal influence, assured Koko protection from his ICPC troubles. It’s a dirty deal, plain and simple.”

    The Kebbi State Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident.

  • Democracy on trial:Withholding Osun LG funds ‘highly political’ — Ozekhome

    Democracy on trial:Withholding Osun LG funds ‘highly political’ — Ozekhome

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has described the withholding of local government funds for Osun State as “highly political,” warning that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, must offer proper legal guidance to the Presidency over the matter.

    Ozekhome, accused the AGF of taking a partisan position by recommending that allocations be released to sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) officials in the state while appearing on a national tv program.

    “Let me tell you, it is highly political because the Attorney-General wrote a letter dated March 21 to the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy to release the funds due to the local governments to the APC officials, people he knew very well had been sacked from office and never reinstated by any court of law,” Ozekhome said.

    The senior lawyer reminded President Bola Tinubu of his own legal battles as Lagos governor when the then Olusegun Obasanjo administration withheld state allocations.

    “The Supreme Court held that the Federal Government could never withhold funds meant for local governments in Lagos State.

    “All it could say was that Lagos had 20 recognised local governments, so the additional 47 created by the state would not receive allocations. But the funds for the 20 had to be released,” he recalled.

    According to Ozekhome, the same principle should guide the Osun situation.

    “If the Attorney-General gave proper advice and guidance, which is his role as protector and defender of the people’s interest, I do not see President Bola Tinubu refusing to approve it.

    “If he did give the advice and the President ignored it, then he ought to resign,” he argued.

    He cited a case during the Goodluck Jonathan administration when the then AGF, Mohammed Bello Adoke, advised that while a state of emergency could be declared in Plateau, the President could not remove Governor Joshua Dariye from office.

    “The President abided by that advice,” Ozekhome noted, insisting that Osun’s elected councillors and chairmen, now in office after fresh elections, should be entitled to their allocations without delay.

    Osun’s Govt Stance
    The Osun LG funds dispute had escalated into a constitutional and political tussle, with the state accusing the Federal Government of illegal seizure, while the AGF insists Osun provided no proper account details and must refund past allocations.

    Earlier in August, the Osun Government insisted there was “no legal or political basis” for the continued withholding, citing the February 22 local elections and a June 13 Court of Appeal judgement that affirmed the PDP-elected officials as the rightful leadership.

    It also alleged the AGF acted without President Tinubu’s approval, warning that the seizure was punishing grassroots communities rather than politicians.

  • SEE LIST: LPPC shortlists 72 lawyers for rank of SAN in 2025

    SEE LIST: LPPC shortlists 72 lawyers for rank of SAN in 2025

    The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has shortlisted 72 lawyers for the award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) for 2025.

    The Secretary of the LPPC, Kabir Eniola Akanbi, Esq., who also serves as the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, announced this in a public notice dated 17th June, 2025.

    The announcement precedes the final stage of the conferment process, which includes the interview.

    The notice said that shortlisted candidates were grouped under two categories in accordance with the LPPC Guidelines system.

    It listed the shortlisted applicants in order of seniority at the Bar as reproduced hereunder.

    A. Advocate Applicants:

    Theophilus Esan Kolawole, Esq
    Fedude Zimughan, Esq
    Ernest Chik Wendu Ikeji, Esq
    Victor Esiri Akpoguma, Esq
    Leslie Akujuobi Njemanze, Esq
    Akintola Wilson Adewale, Esq
    Preye Agedah, Esq
    Omamuzo Erebe, Esq
    Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, Esq
    Olumide Ekisola, Esq
    George Ejie Ukaegbu, Esq
    Oromena Justice Ajakpovi, Esq
    Tairu Adebayo, Esq
    Bawaakhimie Osali Ibrahim, Esq
    Suleh Umar, Esq
    Emeka Akabogu, Esq
    Godwin Sunday Ogboji Esq
    Godwin Aimuagbonrie Idiagbonya, Esq
    Adeolu Olusegun Salako, Esq
    Adetunji Oso, Esq
    Achinike Godwin William-Wobodo, Esq
    Shuaib Agbarere Mustapha, Esq
    Adizua Chu-chu Okoroafor, Esq
    Olanrewaju Tasleem Akinsola, Esq
    Amaechi Fidelis Iteshi, Esq
    Adakole Edwin Inegedu, Esq
    Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, Esq
    David Ogenyi Ogebe, Esq
    Aminu Sani Gadanya, Esq
    Oluseun Awonuga Adentyi, Esq
    Ikechukwu Raphael Uwanna, Esq
    Ayodeji Joseph Ademola,Esq
    Kelechi Nwaiwu, Esq
    Lawal Garba Hudu, Esq
    Ibim Simeon Dokubo, Esq
    Luka Abubakar Haruna Musa, Esq
    Shakeer Adedayo Oshodi, Esq
    Oluwole Tolulope Jimi-bada, Esq
    Mubarak Tijani Adekilekun, Esq
    Chinyere Ekene Moneme, Esq
    Shuaibu Magaji Labaran, Esq
    Kingsley Tochukwuudeh, Esq
    Augustine Enenche Audu, Esq
    Ali Dussah Zubairu, Esq
    Adeyemi Adebambo Pitan, Esq
    Habeeb Abdulrahman Oredola, Esq
    Abdulakeem Labi-lawal, Esq
    Victor Agunzi, Esq
    Nkwegu Luke Ogbagaegwu, Esq
    Bidemi Ifedunni Ademola-Bello, Esq
    Temilolu Femi Adamolekun, Esq
    Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, Esq
    Adedayo Gbolahan Adesina, Esq
    Usman Yusufzaiyanu, Esq
    Taiwo Azeez Hassan, Esq
    Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja, Esq
    Rye Olufemi Olabunmi Oyewole, Esq

    B. Academic Applicants

    Prof. John Alewo Agbonika

    Prof. Osy Ezechukwunyere Nwebo
    Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule
    Prof. Najeem Adeyemi Ijaiya
    Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri
    Prof. Akkaarren Samuel Shaakaa
    Prof. Nathaniel Ahagbue Inegbedion
    Prof. Collins Obioma Chijioke
    Prof. Violet Aigbokhaevbo
    Prof Meshak Nnama Umenweke
    Prof. Augustine Robert Agom
    Prof Osaretin George Izevbuwa
    Prof. Chimajosephat Ubanyionwu
    Prof. Ibrahim Abdulqadir Abikan
    Prof. Ominiye Bukola Akinola

    The LPPC invited the public to comment on the integrity, reputation and competence of the applicants.

    “Every complaint must be accompanied with a verifying affidavit deposed to by the author before a superior court of record in Nigeria or before a Notary Public and must be in twenty (20) copies, which must be received.

    “Twenty (20) copies of such comments or complaints must be received at the office of the secretary, Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, not later than 4.00 pm on Monday, 14th July, 2025, or by email to: Ippesecretariat@courts.gov.ng Or Enquiries.ippesecretariat@supremecourt.gov.ng

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the publication of the names of the shortlisted applicants is not an indication of their success in the process,” LPPC said.

  • Photo news: Prof Uwensuyi, Edosomwan pictured with Fagbemi, Taku in ln Zambia

    Photo news: Prof Uwensuyi, Edosomwan pictured with Fagbemi, Taku in ln Zambia

    Photo news: Today in Lusaka, Zambia, Prof Charles Uwensuyi+Edosomwan, SAN, (Life Council member of African Bar Association) Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Nig’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice (Middle) and Chief Charles Taku, a freedom fighter prince of Bangwa Cameron, an international human rights advocate.

  • Senator Dafinone Hails Chief T. J. Okpoko, SAN, on his 92nd Birthday

    Senator Dafinone Hails Chief T. J. Okpoko, SAN, on his 92nd Birthday

    The Senator representing Delta Central Senatoral district, Senator Ede Dafinone has eulogised high-Chief T. J Onomigbo-Okpoko, SAN, on his 92nd Birthday Anniversary.

    Senator Ede Dafinone, in birthday message signed by him, said that Chief Okpoko, a distinguished legal icon, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and revered High Chief of Okpe Kingdom, has made indelible contributions to the legal profession, leadership, and community development. Adding that “His steadfast commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law has earned him widespread admiration across the nation.

    “It is with immense joy and heartfelt gratitude that I, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, extend my warmest congratulations to our father, High-Chief T. J. Onomigbo-Okpoko, SAN, on the remarkable occasion of your 92nd birthday.

    “As you mark this glorious milestone, I join the entire Urhobo Nation, Okpe Kingdom, the legal community, and well-wishers in celebrating your life of service, integrity, and excellence. Your exemplary leadership continues to inspire generations, and your legacy would remain a beacon of hope. On behalf of the Dafinone family, the good people of Delta Central, I wish, Pa. Chief T. J. Onomigbo-Okpoko, SAN, many more years of good health, happiness, and fulfillment. Happy 92nd birthday, Sir!

  • ICYMI: Dalah, Ubani, 85 others elevated to SAN [SEE FULL LIST]

    ICYMI: Dalah, Ubani, 85 others elevated to SAN [SEE FULL LIST]

    The Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, has approved the elevation of 87 legal practitioners to the Inner Bar.

    Hajo Bello, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of LPPC disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Bello said that the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank is awarded as a mark of excellence to members of the legal profession, who have distinguished themselves as advocates and academics.

    Messrs Baba Dalah and Monday Ubani were among the notable names out of the 87 that got the rank of SAN.

    Bello  said that the LPPC at its 164th plenary session further considered five different petitions written against some of the applicants,  and determined that each of the petitions lacked merit and were dismissed.

    She noted that the swearing-in ceremony of the 87 successful applicants is scheduled to take place on Sept. 30.

    The new awardees for 2024  include Baba Fika Dalah, Monday Onyekachi Ubani, Lateef Olaseinde Karim, Godwin Tagbo Ike, and Mustapha Ikhegbe Abubakar.

    SEE FULL LIST BELOW:

    1. LATEEF OLASEINDE KARIM, ESQ
    2. GODWIN TAGBO IKE, ESQ
    3. JOHNSON ODIONU, ESQ
    4. NNODIM MARCELLINUS DURU, ESO
    5. INNOCENT ADAMS OVBAGBEDIA, ESQ
    6. SORONNADIANTHONY NJOKU , ESQ
    7. ADAMU ABUBAKAR, ESQ
    8. CHARLES OYAOLE MUSA, ESQ
    9. UDOCHI NUNNY IHEANACHO,ESQ
    10. DAVID DARE ONIETAN, ESQ
    11. ELELE CHINATU CASMIR, ESQ
    12. JOSIAH RAPULUCHUKS NDUKA,ESQ
    13. GODWIN IKECHUKWU OBETA, ESQ
    14. HABEEB ORISAVBIA ILAVBARE, ESQ
    15. MOSES KOLADE OBAFEMI, ESQ
    16. MATHEW ECHEZONAM ESONANJOR, ESQ
    17. BABA FIKA DALAH, ESQ
    18. BABATUNDE ADEMOYE SODIPO, ESQ
    19. MUSTAPHA IKHEGBE ABUBAKAR, ESO
    20. EMMANUEL IBHAGBEMIEN ESENE, ESQ
    21. HENRY ADEDAYO BELLO, ESQ
    22. BONIFACE CHINEDU MOORE, ESQ
    23. CLEMENTAMECHI EZIKA, ESQ
    24. OMOKAYODE ADEBAYO DADA, ESQ
    25. EDVWIN ANIKWEM, ESQ
    26. ROY OGBONNAYA UMAHI NWAEZE, ESỌ
    27. OLUMIDE ONIYIRE OLUGBENGA, ESQ
    28. MONDAY ONYEKACHI UBANI, ESQ
    29. AYOOLA OLUFEMIAJAYI, ESQ
    30. PAUL CHUKWUMA OBI, ESQ
    31. OLASUPO DOMINICAT-JOHN, ESỌ
    32. COLE SEGUN OLOLADE, ESQ
    33. CHARLES AYODEJI ADEOGUN- PHILLIPS, ESQ
    34. OKECHUKVWU KINGSLEY AJUNWA, ESQ
    35. JACOB OCHEOGBU IFERE, ESQ0
    36. EMMANUEL ADEREMI ADEKILE, ESQ
    37. CHRISTOPHER EHUMADU OKEKE, ESQ
    38. OLURONKE ADEYEMI, ESQ
    39. OLUWOLE OLAWA LE AFOLABI, ESQ
    40. TOBOUKEBIDE KEKEMEKE, ESQ
    41. AKINBAMIGBE ADESOMOJU, ESQ
    42. VICTOR OWARIENOMARE ODJEMU , ESQ
    43. JOSIAH OJOCHIDE DANIEL-EBUNE, ESQ
    44. OLUKUNLE OGHENEOVO EDUN, ESQ
    45. ABDULAZIZ ENEBI IBRAHIM, ESO
    46. STANLEY CHIDOZIE IMO. ESQ
    47. CHARLES OLADIPO TITILOYE, ESQ
    48. ABDULKARIM KANA ABUBAKAR, ESQ
    49. KINGSLEY CHUKU, ESỌ
    50. ADEYINKA OLUWASEUN ADEREMI, ESQ
    51. OLAOLU AKINTUNDE OWOLABI, ESO
    52. ADEDEJI SHARAFADEEN ABDULKADIR, ESQ
    53. IDOWU OMOTUNDE BENSON, ESQ
    54. KOLAWOLE JAMES OLOWOOKERE ,ESO
    55. CHINASA THELMA UNAEGBUNAM , ESQ
    56. ADEMOLA OLUWAWOLEMI ESAN, ESQ
    57. OMOSANYA ATILOLA POPO0LA, ESQ
    58. TAIYE AYOTUNDE ONIYIDE, ESO
    59. EMONYE OGA ADEKWU, ESQ
    60. ADEREMI OGUNTOYE, ESQ
    61. KASHOPEFOLUWA OLAWALE BALOGUN, ESQ
    62. ABDUL ADAMU, ESQ
    63. THEODORE OKEY EZEOBI, ESQ
    64. RIL LWAN BIRNIN KEBBI UMAR, ESO
    65. CHIENYE IFEANYICHUKWU OKAFOR, ESQ
    66. KAKA SHEHU LAWAN, ESsQ
    67. ABBA MUHAMMED, ESO
    68. WENDY NWENENDA KUKU, ESQ
    69. EKELE ENYINNAYA IHEANACHO, ESQ
    70. OKECHUKWU GEORGE EDEZE, ESQ
    71. AKINYEMI OLUWOLE OLUJINMI, ESQ
    72. GYANG YAYA ZI, ESQ
    73. IDRIS ABUBAKAR, ESQ
    74. GEORGE IBRAHIM, ESQ
    75. BOONYAMEEN BABAJIDE LAWAL, ESO
    76. TERKAA JEREMIAH AONDO,
    77. TOCHUKWVU PETER TOCHUKWU, ESO
    78. UCHENNA UZO NJOKU, ESỌ
    79. PAUL BABATUNDE DAUDU, ESQ
    80. CHUKWUDI KACHIKWU ENEBELI, ESQ
    81. YUSUF F OLATUNJI OGUNRINDE, ESQ
    82. TOBECHUKWU KENECHUKWU NWEKE, ESQ
    83. ADEMOLA KAMARDEEN ABIMBOLA, ESQ
    84. YUNUS ABDULSALAM, ESO
    85. MOFESOMO AYODEJI TAYO-0YETIB0, ESO
    86. CHUKWUEMEKA AGAMADODAIGWE NNAWUCHI, ESQ
  • LPPC shortlists 98 prominent lawyers for SAN conferment

    LPPC shortlists 98 prominent lawyers for SAN conferment

    The Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) has shortlisted 98 Nigerian lawyers, including professors of law, for elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2024.

     

    Among the shortlisted candidates are former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Officers, Monday OnyekachiUbani, Kunle Edun, Dr. Rapulu Nduka, and Stanley Imo. Also shortlisted are Paul Daudu, Chairman of the NBA Bwari Branch, and notable Abuja-based senior lawyer, Okey Ajunwa.

     

    A statement by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, who also serves as LPPC Secretary, Hajo Sarki Bello, indicated that the shortlisted candidates are divided into two categories: advocate and academic.

     

    The statement reads: “The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) by this notice announces the shortlisting of applicants for the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria for the year 2024.

     

    “The advocates, who are practising legal practitioners, make up the majority with 87 candidates, while the academics, who are law lecturers, have only 11 candidates.

     

    The advocates include Lateef Olaseinde Karim, Godwin Tagbo Ike, Johnson Odionu, Nnodim Marcellinus Duru, Innocent Adams Ovbagbedia, Soronnadi Anthony Njoku, Adamu Abubakar, Charles Oyaole Musa, Udochi Nunny Iheanacho, David Dare Onietan, and Elele Chinatu Casmir.

     

    “Others are Josiah Rapuluchuks Nduka, Godwin Ikechukwu Obeta, Habeeb Orisavia Ilavbare, Moses Kolade Obafemi, Mathew Echezonam Esonanjor, Baba Fika Dalah, Babatunde Ademoye Sodipo, Mustapha Ikhegbe Abubakar, Emmanuel Ibhagbemien Esene, Henry Adedayo Bello, Boniface Chinedu Moore, and Clement Amechi Ezika.

     

    “The advocate list also includes Omokayode Adebayo Dada, Edwin Anikwem, Roy Ogbonnaya Umahi Nwaeze, Olumide Oniyire Olugbenga, Monday Onyekachi Ubani, Ayoola Olufemi Ajayi, Paul Chukwuma Obi, Olasupo Dominic Ati-John, Cole Segun Ololade, Charles Ayodeji Adeogun-Phillips, and Okechukwu Kingsley Ajunwa.

     

    “Additional names include Jacob Ocheogbu Ifere, Emmanuel Aderemi Adekile, Christopher Ehumadu Okeke, Waziri Yusha’u Mamman, Oluronke Adeyemi, Oluwole Olawale Afolabi, Toboukebide Kekemeke, Akinbamigbe Adesomoju, and Victor Owarienomare Odjemu.

     

    “Further shortlisted candidates are Josiah Ojochide Daniel-Ebune, Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, Abdulaziz Enebi Ibrahim, Stanley Chidozie Imo, Charles Oladipo Titiloye, Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar, Kingsley Chuku, Adeyinka Oluwaseun Aderemi, Olaolu Akintunde Owolabi, Adedeji Sharafadeen Abdulkadir, Idowu Omotunde Benson, and Kolawole James Olowookere.

     

    “Also on the list are Chinasa Thelma Unaegbunam, Ademola Oluwawolemi Esan, Omosanya Atilola Popoola, Taiye Ayotunde Oniyide, Emonye Oga Adekwu, Aderemi Oguntoye, Kashopefoluwa Olawale Balogun, Abdul Adamu, Theodore Okey Ezeobi, Rilwan Birnin Kebbi Umar, Chienye Ifeanyichukwu Okafor, Kaka Shehu Lawan, Abba Muhammed, Wendy Nwenenda Kuku, and Ekele Enyinnaya Iheanacho.

  • SAN urges EFCC to curb media trial of financial crime suspects

    SAN urges EFCC to curb media trial of financial crime suspects

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Dr Kayode Ajulo, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to address growing concerns of media trial of suspects of financial crimes.

    Ajulo made the call in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, titled: “Re-evaluation of the EFCC: Ensuring Accountability and Effectiveness.”

    He said: “There is a growing apprehension that the EFCC has become overly preoccupied with media trials, theatrics, and grand gestures, rather than adhering to the standards and procedures necessary for effective investigation.”

    The lawyer said this approach had led to hasty actions, inadequate evidence gathering and subsequent dismissal of cases by the courts, undermining the pursuit of justice.

    According to him, a recent incident that exemplifies these concerns is the alleged prosecution of Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal by the EFCC while his case was pending before the Supreme Court.

    He said:  “However, following his victory in the apex court, the EFCC swiftly shifted its focus to his political rival, former governor Bello Matawale, now Minister of State for Defence.”

    Ajulo recalled that the commission had previously accused him too of involvement in financial crimes.

    He noted that the timing and circumstances surrounding this accusation raised legitimate questions about the EFCC’s impartiality and its commitment to due process.

    “It is essential to inquire about the EFCC’s inaction during the mandatory screening of the recently appointed minister, where his past activities were expected to undergo thorough review,” he said.

    The lawyer said the origin of the petition and the credibility of the accusers must be scrutinised to ensure that  EFCC’s actions were not driven by ulterior motives or baseless claims.

    According to him, stringent procedures should be in place for submitting petitions, saying comprehensive forensic investigative patterns should be employed when dealing with such cases.

    He added that this would safeguard the EFCC from embarking on fruitless pursuits and ensure that its efforts were focused on genuine and substantive cases.

    Ajulo said the EFCC played a pivotal role in combating corruption and financial crimes, adding that it was equally crucial to critically evaluate its operations to address shortcomings.

    According to the erudite lawyer, such a process necessitated collaboration between the EFCC’s leadership, relevant government bodies, civil society organisations, legal experts and the media.

    He added that through open dialogue and collective efforts, the EFCC would restore public trust, enhance transparency and strengthen its capacity to effectively tackle economic and financial crimes.

  • Nigerian rapper, Falz celebrates mum over elevation to SAN

    Nigerian rapper, Falz celebrates mum over elevation to SAN

    Popular Nigerian  rapper and lawyer, Folarin Falana, famously known as  Falz The Bhad Guy, has relished his mum’s elevation to the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.

    Falz’s  mother, Funmi Falana, was among the 58 lawyers decorated as Senior Advocate of Nigeria on Monday.

    His  dad, Femi Falana, is also a renowned SAN.

    Celebrating his parents, Falz posted a photo of himslf and flanked by his parents in their SAN robes on Instagram with the caption, ‘’What’s better than one Senior Advocate? Two.”

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Falz mother was listed among lawyers that would be elevated to the  SANship position.

  • Supreme Court verdict: Judges not suited to determine winners of elections – Falana

    Supreme Court verdict: Judges not suited to determine winners of elections – Falana

    Nigerian frontline lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has said judges are not suited to determine winners of elections.

    The human rights lawyer made this assertion in reference to Thursday’s judgment of the Supreme Court in a chat with a national television on Friday.

    He maintained that it is not ideal for the judiciary to decide winners of elections.

    insisting that determining winners of election is an exclusive reserve of the Independent National Electoral Commission if things are done the way they should be done.

    “No doubt the judgment of the Supreme Court ascended the electoral contestation as far as the presidential election conducted in February this year is concerned, but for sure it is not a judicial endorsement of the conduct of the election by INEC.

    “And what I mean is that even with the judgment, it is very clear that Nigeria has a long way to go in terms of ensuring that credible elections are conducted, elections that will be devoid of acrimony, elections that all of us will be proud of, but we are still a long way from there even with the judgment.

    “Yes for now the presidential election is concluded, it should have been concluded in February, but it has just been concluded by the Supreme Court and it should not be so. The judiciary should not determine the winners of elections.

    Judges are not suited to determine the winners of election; that is a job that is the exclusive reserve of INEC if things are done properly and that is why we must put an end to the shame that has become our law in terms of conducting elections,” Falana said.

    The Senior Advocate said that Nigeria must realise at all times that it has the largest concentration of black people on earth and therefore has a greater responsibility to put its house in order so that black people will not be insulted all over the world.

    He said it doesn’t take much to conduct a good election if the political class are honest and dedicated in the conduct of transparent elections.

    The apex court in its ruling on Thursday, upheld the election of President Bola Tinubu and dismissed the appeals by the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar; and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi.

    A seven-judge panel led by Justice John Okoro ruled that the opposition appeals over claims of fraud, electoral law violations, and Tinubu’s ineligibility to run for President lack merit.