Category Nigeria News

In her ongoing trial, Chidinma Ojukwu, the university undergraduate and prime suspect in the murder of Michael Usifo Ataga, the CEO of Super TV, has begun responding to questions.

Ojukwu told the Lagos State High Court in Tafa Balewa Square that she had never discussed Ataga’s death with Quadri while Babatunde Busari’s attorney, Adedapo Quadri, was addressing questions from him.

Ojukwu testified that Quadri’s involvement in the production of her school identity card was the only thing he had to deal with: the supply of Loud, a type of cannabis, Rohypnol, and his assistance in producing her identity card.

“About the death of Mr. Ataga, I never had a conversation with Adedapo Quadri.”

The only transactions we ever engaged in were for the purchase of Loud and Rohypnol. He also assisted me in getting my school ID card, Ojukwu said.

On June 15, 2021, Ojukwu and Quadri are accused of conspiring to murder Ataga by repeatedly stabbing him in the neck and chest at No. Adewale Oshin Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, is where it is 19

Chidinma Also Reported to the Court: “Usifo Ataga Found Dead In Lekki Apartment.”

The Lagos State government has brought eight counts against them that relate to conspiracy, murder, and stabbing.

Chioma Egbuchu, Chioma Egbuchu’s sister, was charged with possessing an iPhone 7 that Usifo Ataga had stolen in count nine.

On October 12, 2021, the defendants were set to be detained.

At the resumed trial hearing on Monday, Quadri’s lawyer, Busari, cross-examined Ojukwu, who claimed Quadri had no knowledge of her involvement with Ataga at the Lekki apartment complex where the incident took place.

She said, “Quarri didn’t know anything about the incident at the apartment between me and Mr. Ataga.”

He never came to visit me there throughout my stay. After Ataga claimed that he only had one stick of Loud left, “she continued, I only called him to supply Loud and Rohypnol.”

Ojukwu acknowledged leaving the apartment with a brown envelope that included Ataga’s and one Mary Johnson’s personal records.

When she said, “I took the brown envelope when I was leaving the apartment.”

She confirmed that the items contained “Mr. Ataga’s driver’s license, his ID card, office complimentary cards, a driver’s license, his Access Bank statement, an international passport belonging to one Mary Johnson, and UBA statements of account.”

She claimed that she had mistakenly taken the envelope while questioning the police at her Yaba home.

When the police arrived at No. 2 in my home. I told DSP Olusegun Bamidele that I mistakenly took the envelope home, according to Ojukwu in Alagomeji, Yaba, at 57 Akinwunmi Street.

The defendant added that she was assisted by someone else, not Quadri, in obtaining her driver’s license and other documents, and that she had also obtained her international passport by herself.

She said, “My phone conversation with Quadri was all about Loud and Rohypnol.”

Before this testimony, the court heard Onwuka Egwu, Ojukwu’s attorney’s counsel’s submissions, who reminded the judge that he had requested to tender some letters after the prosecution had objected.

He stated, “I wrote a letter to the prosecution asking for the release of items held on bond to the nominal complainant on October 29, 2021.”

Yusuf Sule, the prosecution’s attorney, informed the court that the prosecution had not seen any of this.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya directed Egwu to tender the letters after hearing both parties’ arguments.

Through Ojukwu, Egwu submitted four letters that were all acknowledged in evidence.

Justice Adesanya ruled that the letter, which was written on October 29, 2021 and was mailed to the DPP, was admissible.

The judge remarked, “The letter is properly before the court and is therefore admissible in evidence.”

The judge also accepted Ojukwu’s handwritten letter naming Egwu as her attorney, and accepted the document as evidence that “the correspondence is a record.”

Additionally, copies of letters sent to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and Panti, as well as those to the Ministry of Justice, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, and the Inspector-General of Police, are permitted.

The judge argued that the document’s creator is relevant, and relevance can be defined as relevance. I concur that the objection has been overturned.

Through Ojukwu, Egwu also offered an iPhone 7 Plus, an iPhone 11 Pro, an iPhone X, and a MacBook following the ruling.

She said, “My sister owns the iPhone 7 Plus, while my sister owns the iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone X, and silver 2019 MacBook Pro,” and that she had the devices identified. I gave a vendor the MacBook.

On Monday, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda obtained three new judges from the Katsina State High Court, urging them to uphold public trust with honesty and fairness.

Barristers Maryam Umaru Abdullahi, Shamsuddeen Abdurrahman, and Abubakar Muhammad Dikko are the newly appointed judges.

Members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, and family members of the appointees also attended the swearing-in ceremony, which took place at the Government House in Katsina.

The newly sworn-in judges’ profiles reflect distinguished academic achievements and professional accomplishments in a variety of legal field.

A skilled legal practitioner, Justice Maryam Umaru Abdullahi holds degrees from the University of Abuja and the UK. She has held positions as the Director of the National Judicial Institute, State Solicitor, and Director of the Supreme Court’s Notary Public Unit.

READ ALSO: [FULL LIST] NJC Sends 10 Judges On Compulsory Retirement, Recommends 21 For Appointment

Justice Shamsuddeen Abdurrahman Ammama joins the bench with youthful energy, academic excellence, and a wealth of professional experience. He has worked in academia, the National Judicial Institute, and the National Assembly as a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Zaria, with two Master’s degrees, including one in oil and gas law from the United Kingdom.

Justice Abubakar Muhammad Dikko has spent more than 20 years as the country’s Supreme Court’s Head of Litigation. He was a research assistant to a former Nigerian Chief Justice and a University of Abuja graduate with a Master’s degree in law.

Governor Radda referred to the swearing-in as “a remarkable milestone in the state’s judicial history,” stressing that the new judges’ appointments would advance Katsina State’s system of justice and promote efficient justice delivery.

He praised the State Judicial Service Commission for conducting a thorough and merit-based selection process that resulted in credible and qualified appointees.

“We are swearing in three new Katsina State High Court judges today. The Governor called the move “a significant step forward for our judiciary” because it strengthens the state’s ability to administer justice.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would guide the new judges through their responsibilities in a moral compass throughout their judicial careers.

“First of all, I want to congratulate you and wish you God’s guidance in carrying out your responsibilities. We as members of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary can all reflect deeply on the obligations we owe, he said. This oath of office and an act of allegiance are sufficient.

Governor Radda also advised the judges to regularly retake their oaths, stating that their positions are sacred trusts in the eyes of Katsina State and the governors of the state.

I suggest that we all go back and read this oath once more after a while, perhaps a month. He continued, reaffirming the crucial role of the judiciary as the last hope for the common man, especially for the poor and the voiceless, in society. “It will remind us that whatever we do, God is watching and aware of all our actions.

Everyone admires you for doing justice, whether or not one has voice. particularly those who do not. If you carry out your duties with diligence and sincerity, I believe your position will point you in the right direction,” he said.

The Governor assured the governor that his administration would continue to support the legislature and the judiciary to promote effective collaboration between the three branches of government.

“To ensure harmony between the three branches of government, we will continue to support the judiciary and the legislature.” Without a strong and efficient judicial system, there is nothing that we can accomplish as a state. According to him, the judiciary is still our society’s foundation for peace, order, and justice.

Governor Radda also emphasized the value of prompt justice delivery, warning that judicial review could deteriorate public trust in the system.

Lawal Pedro, the state attorney general and commissioner for justice in Lagos State, has refuted claims that the state government willfully violate a subsisting court order by continuing to demolish homes in Oworonshoki, calling the claim “false and unfair.”

Contrary to reports that the latest demolition phase violated a restraining order obtained by residents, Pedro insisted that no order of court was ever served on any agency of the Lagos State Government prior to the completion of the most recent demolition.

“As of right now, I am aware of the court order they are referring to. The order was not served on any government agency prior to the demolition exercise they are suing. On Friday, October 24, the demolition’s official day, according to me, was October 24. Can a government office be served on Saturday, even if the order was obtained that day? No government agency was aware of any such order at the time, Pedro explained.

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The Attorney General argued that the government could not be accused of contempt until a formal service of process was established and that government agencies could not act on “verbal notice” of a court decision.

He said, “My position is that no government agency was informed of any order that had been violated prior to the act being complained about.”

Pedro criticized what he called the misuse of court procedures against the interests of the public, claiming that many litigants have resorted to using the judiciary “as an instrument of oppression” despite the government’s leniency.

According to him, Oworonshoki’s demolition began almost a month ago but was abruptly stopped at the request of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to give residents time to relocate.

Despite being unsure as to whether they were legally owners of the properties, he claimed the government had compensated the victims.

“Almost a month ago, the demolition began.” The people were given compensation to allow them to relocate after the governor’s directive prevented it from happening. Even though they were aware of the government’s demolition plan over a month ago, the case they are now referring to didn’t even have its filings until recently.

They allegedly turned around and filed a lawsuit with the government, but they only recently engaged a lawyer, Pedro alleged, using the same compensation funds, which they had already received from the government, to turn things around and file a lawsuit.

He confirmed that he had seen a copy of the interim injunction, which he claimed merely restrained further demolition, noting that it was an ex parte pre-emptive order obtained without the government being heard.

The order is to “stop continuation of demolition,” which demonstrates that demolition had taken place.
prior to demolition. It was ex parte obtained.

Before the order was made in violation of the principle of fair hearing, the government claimed, “We were not in court, and we were not part of the proceedings.”

Pedro added that his office, which is referred to as the first defendant in the case, had not been formally served at the time of the interview.

“I called my office to confirm that I was away in Akure over the weekend for an official assignment. No order has been given at this time. The Attorney General should receive an order first, if it exists. He continued, “That hasn’t been done.”

He added that before claiming damages, residents who claim illegal demolition must establish ownership and compliance with building regulations.

No one who denounces the government has even questioned whether any of the demolished properties had building permits. The law is clear: these structures are illegal and demolished if you construct them without permission.

We should stop using the media to legalize or deny the law because we always react with sentiment and emotion and then blame the government for upholding it.
He argued that to justify illegality.

The state’s recent instances of building collapse served as examples of why the government must take drastic measures to stop preventable tragedies, according to the Attorney General.

Pedro explained that the Oba’s family owns the majority of the land, which is a government initiative, while the remaining portion had been purchased.

He claimed that any structure constructed without government approval or allocation is still prohibited.

It would be improper to place the structures on the land that the Oba’s family had been given as excised land.
for government entry. However, the government has no right to interfere if they fall under its purview. Anyone who claims ownership must provide title documentation.
documents and building plans that were approved, he added.

He argued that the state government had acted within its rights and had not violated any valid court orders, calling the criticism of the demolition “unfair and sentimental.”

“No order has been deliberately flouted by the government.” The narrative that we disobeyed
the court is untrue. We are seeing a government-sponsored blackmail attempt.
enforcing the law,” Pedro declared.

Oworonshoki’s house demolition has sparked a lot of outcry and confusion.
residents, some of whom claim that the state violated a court order.

Atedo Peterside, a Nigerian entrepreneur and investment banker, has criticized the Federal Government for failing to improve living conditions for citizens as a result of its failure to do so.

The economist claimed that the government should concentrate on policies that boost investor confidence and boost public trust in the economy in an interview with Politics Today on Channels Television.

“The government is supposed to be doing a number of things to improve investor interest in the economy. He remarked, “You have to make sure investors have confidence.”

He expressed concern that a small elite is increasingly benefiting from Nigeria’s economic system.

“This economy only works for a select few people, as I’m seeing it more and more.” He claimed that if we don’t pay attention, GDP will increase, but income distribution will worsen, with the very wealthy becoming richer and the poor becoming poorer.

The founder of the ANAP Foundation warned that many Nigerians are living in poverty every day because their purchasing power and disposable incomes are declining.

When millions of people remain impoverished, according to Peterside, it was insufficient to increase GDP.

“All of this was done to improve the livelihoods of 220 million Nigerians.” When the very wealthy become wealthy and the poor become poorer, he claimed, it won’t suffice to increase GDP.

He refuted claims that government spending is to blame for inflation, noting that both state and local governments have received more money but are not making the best use of it.

“Your spending money doesn’t cause inflation,” you say. When printing money without having any resources, inflation occurs.

“State governments have more money,” he says. LGAs are wealthier. The money is being taken over by the elites, though not to improve lives. Around 400 people travel with the president and burn fuel on them each time they travel, he lamented.

The investment banker claimed that the government had abandoned the Oronsaye Report, which recommended streamlined operations and lessening waste.

He recalled that there was discussion about implementing the Oronsaye report and reducing waste in 2012 when we discussed removing the fuel subsidy. The government appears and dissipates in this instance. They then lavishly spend the money.

He urged leaders to channel money into productive sectors and eliminate unnecessary spending.

The benefits only increase if waste is eliminated, money is used wisely, and infrastructure is improved, Peterside said.

NBS Report and GDP

Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 4.23% year over year in the second quarter of 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

This was a decrease from the 3.4% that was recorded in the same quarter of 2024, which was fueled by gains in the oil and industry.

Agriculture increased by 2.8%, while the industrial sector increased by 7.45%. During the same time, the services industry increased by 3.9%.

The oil industry increased by 20.4% as a result of increased crude production, which averages at 1.68 million barrels per day.

Despite this, Peterside argued that the citizens’ stated improvements have not been attained due to the growth.

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate decreased to 18.02% in September 2025 from 20.12% in August, according to a related report from the NBS.

Following the reforms and increased agricultural supply, it was the sixth consecutive month in decline.

Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to attend the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum (2025APCS), which is scheduled for this week.

Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant for Public Communications and Social Media, confirmed Wike’s arrival in a statement released on Monday in Dubai.

The Minister left Abuja on Sunday and arrived in Dubai on Monday at 4 a.m. Ambassador Zayyanu Ibrahim, the ambassador’s representative from Nigeria’s Consul General in Dubai, and other FTA (Federal Capital Territory Administration) officials who had earlier welcomed him.

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The acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Yunana Dauda, Benedict Daudu, Mukhtar Galadima, Chuks Udeh, and Sani Daura, were just a few of the FCTA officials who were present.

Wike is scheduled to lead a discussion panel on Tuesday where he will address mayors from other cities around the world about recent developments in the FCT and make connections with them.

The 2025APCS, according to the summit organizers, aims to foster long-term trade and investment connections between cities and businesses in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and other regions.