By Francesca Hangeior

Some academics and alumni have called for the urgent constitution of a new governing council for the University of Abuja.

They also asked the federal government to extend the tenure of the acting vice-chancellor of the University, Patricia Lar who has three months left in her appointment.

Although her mandate is for six months, they want it extended to allow for the completion of ongoing reforms.

The academics said this would enable her to continue the ‘rescue mission’ gains the university is experiencing under her leadership.

They said this in a joint statement signed by Godwin Okaneme of the department of philosophy, Iheanyichukwu Ukpabi of the department of policy and strategic studies, Abuja Leadership Centre, and Umoru Abdulrasheed Oseni of the faculty of education at the university.

The academics described her emergence as a “rescue mission” following the removal of Aisha Maikudi, the former VC, on February 6.

The statement said: “The University does not yet have a full-fledged Governing Council. We appeal to the Federal Government to expedite action on the appointment of a Governing Council for the University to enable the institution run effectively and efficiently without encumbrances.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal High Court in Abuja has quashed a suit filed by MultiChoice Nigeria, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, challenging the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) intervention in its recent subscription price hike.

Delivering judgement on Thursday, Justice James Omotoso ruled that the suit constituted an abuse of court process as similar proceedings were already pending elsewhere.

He stressed that the plaintiff should have pursued its arguments in that court, rendering the current filing procedurally inappropriate.

Justice Omotoso noted that while the FCCPC has investigative powers under its establishing Act, it lacks the authority to fix or suspend prices unless specifically delegated by the President through a gazetted instrument. No such delegation was presented to the court.

“The power to fix prices is exclusively that of the President. Any decision taken without such delegation is a nullity,” he stated.

He added that Nigeria operates a free market system, and service providers like MultiChoice retain the right to set their prices, with consumers free to accept or reject them.

The judge further ruled that FCCPC’s actions, including directing MultiChoice to suspend its price increase, breached the company’s right to fair hearing and appeared selectively targeted.

He dismissed the FCCPC’s claim that MultiChoice held a dominant market position, calling the argument untenable.

The use of services like those provided by the plaintiff is discretionary and not essential. Nigeria can do without it,” he added.

He warned that attempts to fix prices by regulatory bodies could scare off investors and harm the economy.

The court held that while the FCCPC may investigate market practices, it cannot impose price controls without proper legal backing.

MultiChoice had increased subscription rates by up to 25% on March 1, 2025, citing inflation and operational cost pressures.

The FCCPC opposed the move and threatened to sanction the firm.

By Francesca Hangeior

The Imo State Police Command has demoted a sergeant, Anayo Ekezie for assaulting a road traveller using a smoke gunner along the Owerri-Aba Expressway.

The Command also announced the reprimand of two Police Inspectors, Ofem Obongha and Obinna Okereke, for failing to exercise supervisory control during the incident which occurred along the Owerri-Aba highway.

Police spokesperson for Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye made the disclosure on Wednesday night.

According to him, the three men all attached to the Safer Highway unit were found guilty of breach of the Police Force code of conduct and human rights standards.
He said Anayo Ekezie was found guilty and was demoted from a Sergeant to a Corporal as punishment for his action, while the other two Inspectors were reprimanded for failing to exercise appropriate supervision.

Okoye said, “The Imo State Police Command, in response to a viral video showing police officers assaulting a man along the Owerri–Aba Road, has identified the officers involved and initiated disciplinary action. The officers are Inspector Ofem Obongha, Inspector Obinna Okereke, and Sergeant Anayo Ekezie, all from the Safer Highway Unit.

“Following a review of the video, the Command conducted an orderly room trial in line with Nigeria Police Force disciplinary procedures. Sergeant Anayo Ekezie was found guilty of using his issued smoke gunner in the assault and has been demoted to the rank of Corporal.

“Inspectors Obongha and Okereke were severely reprimanded for failing to exercise proper supervisory control, which allowed the unprofessional conduct to occur, ” Okoye said.

On his part, the Commissioner of Police for Imo State, Aboki Danjuma condemned the action of the men which he said ran foul of the Force’s code of conduct and human rights standards.

Danjuma maintained that there was zero tolerance for police misconduct and promised appropriate action on those found guilty.

Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command has called on the public to report any incidents of Police misconduct through the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), X-Squad unit, or via 08033424051 or 0814 802 4755 saying they are committed to transparency, professionalism, and protecting citizens’ rights.