Category Nigeria News

The National Judicial Council (NJC), has recommended the elevation and appointment of the presiding justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, Justice Olubunmi Oyewole for appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. 

NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Babalola-Ogedengbe said the Council, at its 110th Meeting held on January 13,  2026, and presided over by, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, recommended Justice Oyewole for appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, alongside 35 other candidates for various judicial offices across the country.

Justice Oyewole born on May 13, 1965 is from Ila-Orangun, Osun State and takes the south west slot made vacant as a result of the retirement of the immediate past Chief Justice Of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. 

Apart from Justice Oyewole, 27 others were approved for appointments as Judges of various High Courts.

The breakdown shows that Borno and Plateau states will get six new judges, Ekiti will get five new judges while Niger and Delta will get four each, Benue and Taraba will each get one judge. 

READ ALSO: Professors To Get ₦140k Monthly Top-Up In New FG/ASUU Deal, Says Minister

The council also recommended six Kadis for appointment to the Sharia Courts of Appeal in Niger, three for Taraba and two judges for appointment to the Customary Court of Appeal, Delta State.

The Council also recommended the extension of the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice I. O. Agugua by three months, just as it called on the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, to immediately commence the process of constituting the State Judicial Service Commission, to enable the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge of Imo State.

The NJC stressed the imperative of prompt appointment of the substantive Chief Judge to ensure stability, safeguard judicial independence, and promote the effective administration of justice in the State.

The Council has also cleared the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, of all allegations bordering on financial recklessness, diversion of funds, and judicial misconduct.

The Council said it  took the decision after considering and upholding the report of a three-member Investigation Committee constituted to probe several petitions filed against the Chief Judge.

In a related development, the National Judicial Council also dismissed a petition filed against a Judge of the Delta State High Court, Justice Gentu E. Timi, over allegations of professional misconduct arising from a chieftaincy dispute.

Meanwhile, the Council has reversed the one-year suspension without pay earlier imposed on Hon. Justice Jane Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division.

Out of a total of 39 petitions reviewed, the NJC Committee dismissed 26 for lacking in merit, recommended seven for further investigation and issued cautions to two judicial officers.

One of the judicial officers was cautioned for delivering judgment in a case outside the constitutionally prescribed 90 days contrary to the provisions of Section 294(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and for the uncouth language he used in his response to the petition against him.

The NJC also  reiterated its earlier warning to judges against indiscriminate grant of exparte orders and advised Heads of Court to be circumspect in assigning complex matters to newly appointed Judges.

The Council also constituted a Committee to consider the request for review submitted by the nine (9) dismissed Judges of Imo State Judiciary.

Kebbi State has raised ₦80 million to support legionnaires and families of fallen heroes.

The money was raised at the launch of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Kebbi State.

While addressing members of the Nigerian Legion at the event held in Birnin Kebbi, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi said the programme was dear to his administration.

Governor Idris noted that the peace and unity enjoyed in the country were products of the sacrifices made by fallen heroes.

“Last year, we launched this programme, and it is very dear to us. All of us here are beneficiaries of the sacrifices and commitment of our fallen heroes.

“I am personally a beneficiary of their sacrifices. Without them, we would not be here today,” Idris said.

READ ALSO: No More Traditional Titles Without Approval — Kebbi Govt

The governor assured the legion of the state government’s continued support, particularly in the areas of land allocation, Hajj seats, and the welfare of families of fallen heroes.

“We have taken note of the land you requested. On Hajj seats, you will be treated like any other group. On the welfare of the families of our fallen heroes, we are doing our best.

“We cannot forget them, and we will continue to improve their welfare,” he said.

The governor announced a donation of ₦50 million by the state government, adding that he and his family donated an additional ₦10 million to the cause.

Earlier, the Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in the state, Ahmed Shehu, said the Remembrance Day celebration was organised not only to honour fallen heroes but also to show concern for soldiers currently serving on the frontlines.

He said the legion remained committed to ensuring that fallen heroes were remembered and recognised for their sacrifices during peacekeeping missions within and outside the country.

Shehu disclosed that the ₦50 million donated by the state government in 2025 was judiciously utilised, noting that widows of fallen heroes benefitted from the intervention, while ₦50,000 was distributed to each participant at the 2025 remembrance ceremony.

He commended the state government for donating Hajj seats to legion members in the previous year and appealed for an increase in the number of slots in 2026.

According to him, no fewer than 20,180 members of the Nigerian Legion in the state were solidly behind the governor’s development agenda and commitment to moving the state to greater heights.

Members of the State Executive Council donated ₦5 million, while the Secretary to the State Government contributed ₦500,000.

The emirates of Yauri, Argungu and Zuru donated ₦1.5 million collectively, while the Gwandu Emirate donated ₦1 million.

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court Abuja, has adjourned the N1.2 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by a human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other defendants, to March 10 for a definite hearing.

Sowore had sued the IGP and others over his arrest, detention, and arraignment by the police in Abuja.

At the day’s proceedings, his counsel, Marshal Abubakar, informed the court that the matter was slated for mention and all the defendants, who had been served with hearing notice, were not in court; they gave no reason for their absence.

He prayed the court that the matter be deemed mentioned and a date be fixed for a definite hearing and adoption of processes.

Consequently, the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, adjourned the matter till March 10 for a definite hearing and directed that the hearing notice be served on all the defendants.

Sowore is seeking multiple declarations that his arrest, harassment, restraint, and subsequent arraignment on October 23 and 24, 2025, were “illegal, oppressive, and unlawful.”

In the originating motion, Sowore, through his team of lawyers led by Marshal Abubakar, accused the police of flagrant abuse of power and blatant violation of his constitutionally guaranteed rights to liberty, dignity, and movement.

The motion, brought pursuant to Sections 34, 35, 37, 41, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Articles 2, 5, 6, and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, seeks several reliefs, including a declaration that:

“The arrest of the applicant by the agents of the respondents on 23rd October, 2025, is illegal, oppressive, unlawful, and constitutes a blatant violation of the applicant’s fundamental right to personal liberty as enshrined in Section 35(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Sowore is also asking the court to declare that his harassment, restraint, and detention on the same date violated his freedom of movement under Section 41(1) of the Constitution and Article 12 of the African Charter.

“The harassment, restraint, arrest, and detention of the applicant by the agents of the respondents on 23rd October, 2025, is illegal, oppressive, unlawful, and constitutes a blatant violation of the applicant’s fundamental right to freedom of movement,” the court document reads in part.

He further described his arraignment on October 24, 2025, as a continuation of the constitutional violations, saying it breached his right to dignity and freedom from arbitrary detention.

In his supporting affidavit, he narrated how he was arrested within the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja, while attending to legal proceedings, allegedly on accusations related to a peaceful protest.

“I was arrested on the 23rd October, 2025, within the vicinity of this honourable court over allegations that I took part in a peaceful protest”, the affidavit stated and accused the police of resorting to “self-help rather than due process.”

He asked the court to order the AGF to initiate disciplinary actions against the IGP and the FCT Commissioner of Police under relevant laws, including the Anti-Torture Act of 2017 and the Violence Against Persons Act.

The suit seeks an order mandating the 1st to 3rd respondents (IGP, Nigeria Police, and FCT Commissioner) to tender a public apology to Sowore in at least three national newspapers for violating his rights.

READ ALSO: Two More Lawmakers Withdraw Support For Impeachment Against Fubara

It also seeks an order compelling the respondents to jointly and severally pay N200 million as general damages for the unlawful arrest and detention, and an additional N1 billion as punitive and exemplary damages for the “illegal violation” of his fundamental human rights.

The document further stated that the activist was entitled to compensation and a public apology, as the police actions “amounted to oppression, abuse of power, and a violation of human dignity.

The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has admitted that the death of Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, resulted from medical negligence at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, Kano, following a surgical procedure.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, said a preliminary investigation confirmed that surgical scissors were mistakenly left inside the patient’s body during surgery.

“The preliminary findings of the investigation ordered by the Executive Secretary, Dr Mansur Mudi Nagoda, revealed clear medical negligence, as surgical scissors were left inside the patient after the procedure,” Suleiman said.

Following the findings, the Board announced the immediate suspension of three hospital personnel directly involved in the surgery, pending the outcome of further investigations.

READ ALSO: Lagos Govt Probes Alleged Negligence In Death Of Chimamanda’s Son

“As an immediate step, the Board has suspended three personnel directly involved in the case from carrying out any clinical responsibilities,” the statement added.

The Board further disclosed that the matter has been referred to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee for a comprehensive investigation and possible disciplinary action in line with professional standards and existing laws.

“The case has been referred to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee for thorough investigation and appropriate disciplinary measures,” Suleiman stated.

While expressing sympathy to the bereaved family, the Board extended its condolences and assured the public that negligence would not be tolerated in the state’s healthcare facilities.

“The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and sympathises with them over this painful loss. We reassure the public that negligence will not be condoned in any form,” the statement read.

Aishatu Umar reportedly died after doctors allegedly left surgical scissors in her abdomen during an operation at the government-owned urology centre. Her husband, Abubakar Muhammad, said she began experiencing severe complications shortly after the surgery.

“My wife kept complaining of severe pain and discomfort after the operation,” Muhammad said. “We returned to the hospital several times, but her condition kept worsening until she eventually died.”

The incident has sparked widespread outrage among residents of Kano State, with many raising concerns over poor oversight and accountability in public healthcare facilities. Nigerians on social media have also called for justice for the deceased and urgent reforms to prevent similar occurrences.

The Niger State Government has issued a two-month ultimatum to residents of hamlets around Kainji Lake to vacate the area for resettlement, as part of renewed efforts to flush out criminals operating within the axis.

Governor Umaru Bago disclosed this during a condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, at his palace in New Bussa, following a recent terrorist attack in the Emirate.

He explained that the planned resettlement, to be coordinated by the Emirate Council, has become necessary to prevent collateral damage.

Bago added that the move became necessary, as the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, is intensifying efforts to clear forests and dislodge criminal elements using the Kainji Lake area as hideouts.

He noted with concern the influx of unprofiled individuals into the Emirate, describing it as a major security threat, while also lamenting the activities of informants who, according to him, have continued to undermine security operations in the area.

Bago charged the Emirate Council to rise to its responsibility by working closely with security agencies and governments at all levels to tackle all forms of insecurity within the Emirate.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Emir and the people of Borgu Emirate, particularly the families of those who lost their lives in the attack, and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and comfort for their loved ones.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, assured that the Federal Government remains committed to restoring peace and security across the country and would support all initiatives aimed at achieving lasting security.

According to him, “It will be a welcome development if concrete actions are taken to relocate the affected communities, reclaim the forest, and deploy it for productive community use.”

READ ALSO: Ondo Govt Shuts Down Private School Over ‘Non-Compliance’

Responding, the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, pledged the Emirate’s full cooperation with relevant authorities to identify and prosecute informants, stressing that the security of lives and property remains a top priority.