News
Court dismisses no case submission by suspended UNICAL dean
By Francesca Hangeior
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday dismissed the no-case submission by the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, and his lawyer, Sunny Anyanwu.
The professor is currently standing trial on four amended counts of alleged sexual harassment and gratification preferred against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
His lawyer, Anyanwu, was alleged to have harassed the ICPC’s star witness.
On February 19, their lawyer, Joe Agi (SAN), filed a no-case submission urging the court to discharge and acquit them.
The duo contended that there was no evidence adduced by the prosecution on which the court could convict them, insisting that the commission failed to establish a prima facie case against them.
Specifically, the professor claimed that the series of chats between him and TKJ, a diploma graduate suggested a consensual relationship between them.
In the chats, the professor noted that they conveyed their love, affection, and concern for each other’s safety.
But the commission, in opposition, filed a counter affidavit on Feb. 23, praying the court to dismiss the application.
Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling, held that the evidence led by the prosecution constituted a prima facie case against the duo.
Justice Omotosho, therefore, ordered Ndifon, the suspended dean, and Anyanwu to enter their defence.
The judge said that though the provision of the ICPC Act relied upon by Agi showed that FHC was not mentioned as a court with jurisdiction over the Act, he said that the court was bound by the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Aweto Vs. FRN(2018) where it cited provisions of the ICPC Act, 2000 and Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“The purpose of the above decision is that the Federal High Court has the requisite jurisdiction to entertain matters based on the Corrupt Practices Act 2000.
“This is premised on the powers of the Federal High Court under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution vesting it with exclusive jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters involving federal agencies.
“The ICPC is a federal agency and likewise the 1st defendant is a public officer in a federal institution. All these factors make this court a proper venue to try the offences,” he said.
On the issue of territorial jurisdiction, the judge disagreed with the defence counsel that the court was not the right venue for the trial since the cause of action arose in Cross River.
Citing Order 2 Rules 2 and 3 of the FHC (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, Justice Omotosho held that a suit could be commenced in any judicial division of the FHC.
On whether the ICPC had powers to investigate and prosecute offences under the Cybercrimes Act, 2015, he said the commission is a prime federal law enforcement agency with the mandate of investigating and prosecuting offences of corruption, fraud, bribery, and abuse of office by public officers, going by its Act under Section 47.
Justice Omotosho said the evidence so far led by the prosecution shows prima facie that the 1st defendant (Ndifon) solicited the nude photos of PW2 (female diploma student) with the promise of giving her admission into the Faculty of Law of the University of Calabar.
“PW1 who was one of the investigators testified that examinations carried out on the phone of the Ist defendant reveal messages from 1st defendant to PW2 soliciting for these images.”
The judge, however, said that holding that a prima facie case has been established does not necessarily imply that the court finds the defendants guilty of the charge.
“Consequently, this objection is overruled. In the final analysis, the no-case submission of the defence is likely to fail as the evidence led by the prosecution constitutes a prima facie case against the defendants.
“Consequently, the no-case submission is overruled and the defendants are ordered to enter their defence,” Justice Omotosho declared.
The matter was adjourned until March 12 for the defendants to enter a defence.
As we enter 2025, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. May you be rich in joy, success, and good health.
As the new year dawns, it brings many hopes, aspirations, and prospects for better days. By the grace of God, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we will fulfill our collective desires.
Though 2024 posed numerous challenges to our citizens and households, I am confident that the New Year will bring brighter days.
Economic indicators point to a positive and encouraging outlook for our nation. Fuel prices have gradually decreased, and we recorded foreign trade surpluses in three consecutive quarters. Foreign reserves have risen, and the Naira has strengthened against the US dollar, bringing greater stability.
The stock market’s record growth has generated trillions of naira in wealth, and the surge in foreign investment reflects renewed confidence in our economy. Nevertheless, the cost of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern for many Nigerian households in 2024.
In 2025, our government is committed to intensifying efforts to lower these costs by boosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential drugs and other medical supplies. We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%. With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people.
In this new year, my administration will further consolidate and increase access to credit for individuals and critical sectors of the economy to boost national economic output.
To achieve this, the federal government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.
The Company—expected to start operations before the end of the second quarter—is a partnership of government institutions, such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the private sector, and multilateral institutions.
This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support under-served groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialisation, and better living standards for our people.
On a personal note, thank you for placing your confidence in me as your president. Your trust humbles me, and I promise to continue serving you diligently and wholeheartedly.
We will continue to embark on necessary reforms to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation.
I seek your cooperation and collaboration at all times as we pursue our goal of a one trillion-dollar economy. Let us stay focused and united.
We are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that will work for everyone. Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion.
CITIZENSHIP
To achieve our national goals and objectives, we must become better citizens and uncompromising in our devotion and allegiance to Nigeria.
Citizens’ moral rectitude and faith in our country are fundamental to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda. In 2025, we will commit to promoting adherence to ethical principles, shared values, and beliefs under the National Identity Project.
I will unveil the National Values Charter, already approved by the Federal Executive Council, in the first quarter of 2025. I will launch an ambitious national orientation campaign that fosters patriotism and love for our country and inspires citizens to rally together. The Charter will promote mutual commitments between the government and citizens and foster trust and cooperation among our diverse population and between the government and the citizens.
As far-reaching and foundational as our reforms are, they can produce the desired outcomes only through shared common values and identities and unconditional love for our country.
The Youth Confab will begin in the first quarter of 2025, a testament to our commitment to youth inclusiveness and investment as nation-builders. The Ministry of Youth will soon announce the modalities for selecting the conference’s representatives from our diverse, youthful population.
Dear Compatriots, I urge you to continue believing in yourselves and keeping faith in our blessed country.
Let me use this New Year’s message to urge our governors and local council chairpersons to work closely with the central government to seize emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms and move our nation forward. I commend governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport. I also congratulate those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition. The Federal Government will always offer necessary assistance to the states.
To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain over the past 19 months. I assure you they will not be in vain even in the months ahead. Together, let us stay the course of nation-building.
The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams.
God bless you all, and may God bless our beloved country, Nigeria.
Happy New Year and a prosperous 2025 to you all!
Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
January 1, 2025
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has issued a travel advisory for Nigerian nationals planning to visit or reside in Australia, citing an increase in hate crimes, including antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents, in certain cities.
In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministry urged Nigerians to exercise caution and be mindful of the evolving security situation.
The statement reads: “While Australia is widely recognized for its multiculturalism and tolerance, recent incidents have highlighted the need for vigilance”.
Providing context, the Ministry referenced a concerning event that occurred in early December 2024.
“In the Sydney suburb of Woollahra, a car was set ablaze, and anti-Israel graffiti was sprayed on nearby buildings. This incident reflects a broader pattern of increasing antisemitic and Islamophobic activities,” the statement added.
Nigerian nationals were urged to take extra precautions when navigating cultural and social dynamics in Australia. “It is essential for Nigerians to remain vigilant and proactive to ensure their safety and comfort,” the advisory emphasized.
The Ministry reassured Nigerians that support is available for those who encounter discrimination or harassment. “We strongly encourage any Nigerian who experiences or witnesses racist attacks or harassment to contact the Nigerian High Commission in Canberra immediately. The High Commission is prepared to provide necessary assistance,” the statement concluded.
The contact details for the High Commission are as follows:
- Address: 26 Guilfoyle St, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Canberra, Australia
- Phone: +61262158500
- Email: [email protected]
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians abroad while fostering international cooperation and understanding.
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