Category Nigeria News

The military junta’s infamous “ahaja kudirat abiola” murder trial has come to an end after decades of legal tigers in Lagos.

The Lagos State government attempted to prosecute Hamza Al-Mustapha, the former chief security officer of the late military dictator Sani Abacha, but the court rejected that effort.

The government’s delay was criticized by the justices, who noted that the state had not done anything for nine years even after receiving the order to reopen the case in 2014.

According to Persecondnews, Al-Mustapha was the main suspect in the 1993 presidential election winner’s wife, Chief MKO Abiola, who was killed in 1996.

The state’s failure to proceed with the appeal was described as “inexcusable” by Justice Uwani Aba-Aji, who delivered the lead judgment.

The court upheld Al-Mustapha’s previous acquittal as a result of this “inexcusable” negligence, putting an end to the scandalous case.

Mr. Paul Daudu (SAN), Al-Mustapha’s attorney, told the court that Lagos State had not yet submitted an appeal or put any steps in place to implement the order that was given to it over nine years ago.

Daudu argued that the state’s failure to file an appeal in 2014 clearly demonstrated a lack of interest in the case’s development.

He pleaded with the judge to dismiss the appeal entirely on abandonment grounds.

Justice Aba-Aji confirmed from the court registrar that Lagos State had received hearing notices but did not appear or provide any justification.

The court determined in a quick decision that the appellant had more than enough time to file the necessary paperwork in nine years.

Despite being aware of the proceedings since 2020, the state government hasn’t made an appearance or spoken with the court, causing the panel to complain.

The appeal with the SC/CR/45/2014 mark was therefore dismissed.

On the same grounds, the Lagos State Government’s SC/CR/6/2014 appeal was also rejected.

The Supreme Court granted Lagos State the right to challenge the Court of Appeal’s judgment on July 12, 2013, which found Al-Mustapha innocent and discharged.

Lagos State was required to submit its notice of appeal within 30 days by a seven-member panel led by Justice Walter Onnoghen, the then-Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The state argued that the case needed to be reviewed and that the Court of Appeal’s finding that Al-Mustapha’s evidence was insufficient.

Persecondnews also recalls that a Lagos High Court sentenced Lateef Shofolahan, Mohammed Abacha, and Al-Mustafah to death by hanging for conspiracy and murder on January 30, 2012.

Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for commercial oil drilling to begin at Eba in the Ogun Waterside region, Ogun State is on track to join the group of oil-producing states.

Gov . Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, the flag officer commanding Western Naval Command, made the announcement on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the State House in Abeokuta.

The governor’s chief press secretary, Lekan Adeniran, emailed to Persecondnews in a dual breakthrough for the state, further revealing that the president has approved the immediate launch of the awaited Olokola Deep Seaport.

The president’s personal priorities are both projects, according to Abiodun, who noted that while the seaport will provide a critical alternative to the state’s coastal residents’ congested ports, the drilling operations at Eba will promote economic inclusion and empowerment.

You will start to see a lot of activity there, the governor said, “Let me share with you that Mr. President has approved the opening of commercial oil drilling operations at Eba and Ogun Waterside.”

“Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been in the works for a while, is now back on the table. Because this is only his idea, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the President.

Mr. President has unwaveringly expressed his desire for the port to become a reality during the past two weeks alone, he continued.

President Tinubu specifically instructed that the port’s construction should be significantly advanced between now and the following year, according to Abiodun.

He claimed that the project offers a significant opportunity to decongest Lagos ports, particularly since the coastal road is currently a viable logistics corridor.

The new seaport’s designation, which reflects its strategic location along the coast and enormous economic and commercial potential, is further disclosed by him.

The governor applauded the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base on Tongeji Island, noting that the naval presence would stop infiltration from the neighboring Benin Republic and stop any attempts to undermine Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

He also made it known that his administration is working to improve living conditions and promote new economic activities for island residents.

Abiodun praised the Nigerian Navy’s role in the state’s security architecture, noting that Ogun State’s relative tranquility has been maintained through cooperation between security organizations.

Under his leadership, the governor expressed confidence in Ogun State’s ability to achieve greater security and advancement, describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned and accomplished officer.

We’re pleased that someone with your history, education, background, training, and experience is currently in this position. The governor claimed that you are a round peg in a round hole.

Due to the area’s significant oil potential, Mustapha stated that Ogun State was crucial and strategic to Nigeria’s national security and that it would become a Forward Operations Base.

He claimed that the Ogun State Government and the Nigerian Navy’s synergy were being strengthened during the visit.

Amadi cited two court orders that prevented him from appointing one, noting that the Rivers State House of Assembly had requested the panel.

In response to allegations of gross misconduct by the State House of Assembly, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has decided to dissolve the judicial panel.

Amadi cited two court orders, which prevented him from appointing one, in addition to the House of Assembly’s report that the CJ had petitioned the CJ to constitute the panel.

He emphasized that following judicial directives is essential and that the court orders that were served on Amadi’s office on January 16, 2026, will continue to be in effect.

The Court of Appeal has already heard from Speaker Martins Amaewhule, who has appealed the court’s rulings.

Julius Abure was appointed as the party’s national leader by a Federal High Court in Abuja, and Esther Nenadi Usman has been confirmed as the party’s legitimate leader.

A Supreme Court ruling from April 4, 2025, which established Abure’s tenure had expired, served as Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment.

In a matter of days, the court ordered the United States’ Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the Usman-led Caretaker Committee as the only legitimate representative of the Labour Party.

Sen. Usman filed a lawsuit challenging Abure’s leadership, and this decision was made.

Abure’s removal from the National Executive Committee (NEC) was the result of a leadership disagreement with the organization.

In order to fill the leadership void, the party established a 29-member caretaker committee, with Usman serving as chairman.

Persecondnews recalls that the Supreme Court had previously ruled that Abure was the LP chairman, citing the fact that the case was a matter of internal party intrigue and not justiciable.

Political parties must adhere to their rules and regulations, according to the court.