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Just in: Federal High Court gives 48 justices the nod to deal with anti-graft cases

Published

16 hours ago

March 5, 2025

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The Nigerian judiciary has designated 48 justices across various divisions of the Federal High Court to handle cases brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This decision, contained in a press statement dated February 13, 2025 and signed by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John T. Tsoho, is aimed to fast-track the prosecution of financial crimes, money laundering, and corruption cases that have long plagued Nigeria’s judicial system.

“The following Judges are hereby designated to handle Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) cases in their respective Divisions,” the statement reads.

The judges assigned to oversee these cases include Justices I. E. Ekwo, J. O. Abdulmalik, J. K. Omotosho, Emeka Nwite, M. S. Liman, and H. J. Yilwa in the Abuja Division.

In Lagos, Justices C. J. Aneke, Y. S. Bogoro, D. E. Osiagor, and O. A. Oluseyi have been designated.

Port Harcourt will have Justices P. M. Ayua and A. T. Mohammed handling EFCC cases, while in Calabar, Justice I. L. Ojukwu is assigned.

In Asaba, Justices F. A. Olubanjo and O. A. Agbaje will preside over corruption cases, while Justice H. A. Nganjiwa is designated for Warri. Yenagoa has Justice N. Ayo-Emmanuel assigned, while Uyo will have Justice C. S. Onah.

In Kano, Justice S. M. Shuaibu will handle cases, while Bauchi has Justice Aminu Garba. Jos will have Justices D. V. Agishi and S. I. Tanko.

Lafia will see Justices M. O. Olajuwon and A. Onoja-Alapa overseeing EFCC trials. In Makurdi, Justices M. S. Abubakar and E. R. Joshua have been designated, while in Ilorin, Justice M. O. Awogboro will handle cases.

Justice B. K. Usman is assigned to Yola, Justice J. K. Dagat to Maiduguri, and Justice F. M. Aminu to Damaturu. Kaduna will have Justice R. M. Aikawa handling EFCC cases, while in Katsina, Justices A. B. Aliyu and H. Dadan-Garba are assigned. Sokoto will have Justice A. G. Mahmud overseeing financial crime trials.

In Umuahia, Justices S. B. Onu and K. O. Ogundare will preside, while Awka has Justice E. N. Anyadike.

Justice H. I. O. Oshomah is designated for Abakaliki, while in Enugu, Justices M. G. Umar and F. O. G. Ogunbanjo are assigned. Owerri will have Justices I. N. Oweibo and C. J. Wigwe-Oreh handling EFCC cases.

Justice C. A. Obiozor is assigned to Benin, Justice B. O. Kuewunmi to Ado-Ekiti, and Justice A. J. Adeyemi to Abeokuta.

In Akure, Justice T. B. Adegoke will handle EFCC corruption cases, while Osogbo has Justice A. A. Demi-Ajayi. The Ibadan Division will see Justice U. N. Agomoh overseeing EFCC matters.

The latest development comes amid public outcry over delayed trials, prolonged adjournments, and allegations of judicial interference in cases involving politically exposed persons and corrupt government officials.

Despite the EFCC securing convictions in some cases, critics argue that the judicial process has been weaponised to either stall or fast-track cases depending on political interests.

SaharaReporters has previously reported on how influential politicians, former governors, and top government officials use legal loopholes and judicial delays to evade justice.

Many corruption cases have dragged on for years, with some abruptly dismissed due to technicalities.

Related Topics:Court Enugu Nigeria Nigerian Public Outcry

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Reps Invite Executive Secretary FCDA, Director Development Control

Published

21 minutes ago

March 5, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda and Director, Development Control, Galadima Muktar to appear before on Tuesday 11th March, 2025.

They are expected to explain why the development of a controversial property is proceeding despite clear violations of the Federal Capital Territory’s building regulations.

In a petition to the House demanding urgent intervention, a private citizen, Samuel Ajayi, argued that allowing the construction to continue would undermine the meticulous planning that shaped the FCT. The property in question is reportedly located in the Guzape Cadastral Zone.

Responding to the petition, the Committee Chairman, Mike Etaba, directed the Executive Secretary of the FCDA and the Director of Development Control to promptly address the issue.

He said: “At this point, it is a complaint until we establish the facts therein. Every Nigerian’s voice must be heard while all public officers must be made accountable. We shall ensure fair hearing for all the parties”.

Meanwhile, the Committee has directed the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to appear in person on Tuesday 11th March, 2025, to clarify the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the Okpai shoreline protection and landing jetty project in Delta State.

This follows a petition submitted by Lynpat Solicitors against Orbit Marine and Energy Services Ltd for failing to complete the project.

“NDDC holds the key to this case and the MD must come in person to clear the air. If he fails as he had done before, we’ll take further actions against them”, Etaba stated.

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Reps Direct Cleaup Of Oil Spill, Fire Incident In Buguma

Published

39 minutes ago

March 5, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives, Committee on Environment has directed for the commencement of the clean up of impacted communities by an oil spill and fire incident at Well 8, Buguma, Degema local government area of Rivers State.

This resolution wws sequel to a hearing over a petition against activities of the NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited on Wednesday in Abuja.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Pondi Julius Gbabojor, directed the NNPCL and NEOL to immediately provide an urgent intervention by supplying relief materials to the affected communities.

The Committee also granted the request for a three-week extension to NNPCL and NEOL, for a fair hearing and the right of reply on the engagement .

Gbabojor said, “As you may be aware, this Hearing is convened by the Committee on Environment, to address a Formal Complaint against NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited (NEOL) regarding the Spill and Fire Incident at Well 8, Buguma, Degema LGA Rivers State, filed by Messrs Anosike Egbuchiwe & Associates, Legal Practitioners on behalf of the Friends of Eco Life and the affected communities.

“A gas leak was reported on 1st December 2024, at OML 18, Well 8, Buguma, Degema LGA, Rivers State. Thereafter, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT), comprising the NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd, NOSDRA, NUPRC, Rivers State Ministry of Environment, and the representatives of Buguma community visited the site on 6th December 2024, during which certain directives were issued to the Operator to forestall further escalation”

“Consequently, the incident has resulted in air pollution and_ significant contamination of bodies of water and farmland, leading to the loss of biodiversity and marine habitats, thereby exposing both Indigenous people and residents of Buguma and its environs to grave health risks and environmental hazards.

“The devastation occasioned by this incident can only be imagined. The affected communities have been languishing in squalor, considering that for over three months, economic activities centered around farming and fishing have come to an abrupt halt, with no access to safe drinking water, medical care, or the basic necessities of life.

“In response to our invitation to today’s Hearing, the NNPCL in a letter dated 4′” March 2025, conveyed their inability to attend today’s engagement and sought an extension for three weeks, to enable them to provide necessary information and appear accordingly.

It was gathered that the NNPCL had already embarked on the directive to commence the process of remediation, following the clean-up of the impacted communities, by sending relief materials to ameliorate the situation.

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Lenten Season: Deputy Speaker Urges Christians To Pray for Nigeria, Forgive One Another

Published

1 hour ago

March 5, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has called on Christians to forgive one another and pray for Nigeria during the Lenten season.

In a statement on Wednesday, Kalu urged Christians to use the period of Lent to reflect on their relationship with God and with one another.

The Lenten period, which spans 40 days leading up to Easter is a sacred time for spiritual reflection, repentance, and renewal, commemorating the 40 days Jesus Christ spent in the wilderness, fasting and praying before the beginning of His earthly ministry.

Kalu encouraged Christians to emulate the example of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of mankind by engaging in prayer, fasting, and acts of charity, seeking to deepen their faith, confront their weaknesses, and become changed people.

He said that by observing Lent, Christians reaffirm their commitment to their faith, seek forgiveness for past wrongs, and prepare to celebrate the joy and hope of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.

“As we observe Lent, I urge all Christians to pray fervently for our dear nation, Nigeria. We must seek divine guidance and intervention in addressing the challenges we face as a nation.

“We are also called as Christians to forgive one another just as God has forgiven us through death of Jesus Christ. Let us use this period to let go of grudges and seek reconciliation with one another.

“As we pray, fast, and give alms to the needy, let us also seek to deepen our relationship with God and with one another,” Kalu said.

The Deputy Speaker wished all Christians a successful Lenten season.