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Federal Character: Reps Direct FCT Federal High Court To Halt Recruitment Process
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has directed the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Abuja to immediately halt the recruitment process in the Court until there is compliance with the Federal Character principle and quota system.
This resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the “Urgent Need to Re- examine the list of Proposed States to fill the 12 vacancies created to the disadvantage of others in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sponsored by Rep. Igariwey Iduma Enwo.
Debating the motion, the House
noted that the High Court is one of the Judicial bodies in the Federal Capital Territory Judiciary established by Section 255 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.
The lawmaker further noted that in the past few days, the media and the civil Society Community have expressed serious concerns and protestations over the proposed list of states to fill the 12 vacant positions in the High Courts of the Federal Capital Territory.
“Observes that information in the public space is to the effect that the proposed list is expected to be sent to the National Judicial Council by the 19th of February, 2024, for vetting by the NJC, and subsequently to the Senate for confirmation.
“Cognizant that under the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (Number of Judges) Act 2003, the principle of Federal character of Nigeria, shall be applied in the appointment of Judges of the Court; implying that the number of judges of the FCT High Court must always reflect the 36 states and the FCT.
“Concerned that whereas every state of the federation has judges from their respective states appointed in the FCT High Court system, 4 states, namely, Ebonyi, Abia, Imo and Bayelsa, do not have a single indigene from their states appointed and sitting in the FCT High Court system.
“Worried that Ebonyi State in particular is doubly discriminated against in that it has none of its judges appointed in the High Courts of the FCT, and yet was not listed as one of the states to apply for the vacant 12 positions sought to be filled.
“Further aware that according to the FCT website, at least 7 Magistrates from the four unrepresented states of Ebonyi, Abia, Imo and Bayelsa are currently qualified, and working in the FCT Court system as Magistrates, in addition to qualified private legal practitioners from these states who are willing and eager to apply to fill these vacant positions.
“Concerned that the non-representation of judges from 4 states in the High Court System of the FCT, when some others have as many as 3 judges representing them, is a gross violation of S14(3) of the 1999 constitution which requires staffing from the 36 states and the FCT.
“Cognizant of the fact that the underlying philosophy of the Federal Character Commission principle is to provide equality of access in public service representations, curb dominance by one or few sections of the country, promote inclusiveness and national unity. Violation of this principle of our constitution may not only be destabilising, but could open the flood gates to litigation”.
The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on FCT Judiciary and Judiciary to investigate the Federal Character approval granted to it and the extent of compliance thereto and report.
An Ikeja Special Offences Court has scheduled May 4, 2026, to deliver its ruling on whether an extra-judicial statement made by co-defendant Henry Omoile will be admitted as evidence in the ongoing trial involving former Godwin Emefiele.
The statement in question was allegedly made by Omoile, who is standing trial alongside Emefiele. Presiding judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, fixed the date after both the prosecution and defence teams adopted their final written addresses during a trial-within-trial session.
The hearing is focused on determining whether Omoile’s statement was given voluntarily and is therefore admissible in court.
Emefiele is facing a 19-count charge bordering on alleged gratification, corrupt practices, and abuse of office, involving transactions estimated at $4.5 billion and ₦2.8 billion.
Omoile, meanwhile, is standing trial on a three-count charge relating to alleged unlawful acceptance of gifts connected to dealings with the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Counsel to Omoile, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adeyinka Kotoye, argued that the statement should be rejected on the grounds that it was not voluntarily made. He cited provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, stressing the importance of video-recorded interrogations to ensure transparency.
The defence also raised concerns over possible coercion, inducement, and lack of proper legal representation during the recording of the statement.
Similarly, counsel to Emefiele, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), urged the court to discountenance the statement, arguing under the Evidence Act that any involuntary confession is inadmissible.
However, Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), maintained that the statement was properly obtained in line with legal procedures, adding that although it was not video-recorded, it was made in the presence of Omoile’s lawyer.
He further argued that the contents of the statement do not support claims of coercion, noting that Omoile did not implicate Emefiele and denied the allegations against himself.
After hearing all submissions, Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter for ruling on May 4, 2026, while also fixing June 26 and June 30, 2026, for continuation of the substantive trial.
Nine kingmakers of Ijebu-Ode have been re-invited by the Ogun State Police Command to appear at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, next Monday and Tuesday over fresh allegations of bribery and financial inducement in the selection of the new Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland.
The development marks the second time the kingmakers are being summoned by the police on the matter.
Recall that the Ogun State Government, in January 2026, suspended the selection process through a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat.
The suspension followed petitions from security agencies and other stakeholders.
The kingmakers were first invited by the Ogun State Police Command in February over similar accusations of cash inducement. However, the probe was later dropped following the intervention of superior authorities.
In the latest development, the nine kingmakers have been re-invited through a letter dated April 17, 2026, signed by Gbenga Adeoye, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
One of the kingmakers, the Kakanfo of Ijebuland, Chief Abimbola Okenla, confirmed the invitation.
He disclosed that four of them are expected to appear on Monday, April 21, 2026, while the remaining five are scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2026.
Chief Okenla described the repeated invitations as a distraction, insisting that the allegations are unfounded.
“It’s true that the Ogun State Police Command has invited the kingmakers to the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta.
Four of us are to be there on Monday while the remaining five will be there on Tuesday,” he said.
“None of us is happy with this frequent invitation by the security agencies over unfounded allegations. The people of Ijebuland are equally not happy about it because it is becoming more of a distraction.”
The Kakanfo appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to conclude the selection process without further delay.
“We are only pleading with Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the kingmakers to do their job and complete the assignment of picking the next Awujale of Ijebuland without any further delay,” he added.
Parts of the police invitation letter read:
“In continuation of the aforementioned case under investigation, you are kindly requested to report at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on [Monday/Tuesday] April 21/22, 2026 at 1000hrs for an interview with the Commissioner of Police, through the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department.
“This is a fact-finding invitation pursuant to the investigative powers conferred on the Nigeria Police by the combined provisions of Section 214 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 4(a) of the Police Act 2020.
“Your presence is therefore required to assist in advancing the course of criminal justice delivery and fairness. Should you require any clarification, kindly contact 08038455857. Please take note that you are at liberty to come along with your lawyer.”
Nigerian-American singer, David Adedeji Adeleke popularly known as Davido has commended Nigerian businessman Aliko Mohammed Dangote for his style of living.
According to him, the owner of Dangote cement is a different kind of billionaire.
He said unlike other billionaires who always buy luxury cars and show off, Mr. Aliko buys two cars every 8 years.
Speaking in an interview, Davido stated that the businessman always tells him to save his money.
“Uncle Aliko is a different kind of a billionaire, Uncle Aliko buys like two cars every 8 years. He is different ” Davido said.
“Anytime he sees me he just says one thing, save your money. There is nothing more he tells me than save your money.” He added.
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