The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Court orders final forfeiture of aircraft over N1.04b customs duty violation

    Court orders final forfeiture of aircraft over N1.04b customs duty violation

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of a Bombardier BD-700 Global 6000 aircraft to the Federal Government.

    The aircraft, with registration mark9H-GVG and manufacturer’s serial number 9470 and operated by Orlean Invest Africa Limited, reportedly failed to pay N1,044,493,295.54 as customs duty to the government.

    In a judgment, Justice James Omotosho held that the respondents failed to show cause why the order of final seizure, condemnation and forfeiture should not be made against them.

    The judgment, delivered on January 22 (a certified true copy of which The Nation sighted yesterday), was on a suit filed by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) against Orlean Invest Africa Limited and the aircraft.

    The judge held that the respondents did not provide sufficient proof of compliance with Nigeria’s customs laws.

    He said: “From all the processes filed by the respondents, they have failed to show cause why the second respondent should not be forfeited. Proof of payment of customs duty would have helped their case, but they failed to exhibit the same. The failure to pay any customs duty since importing the second respondent into Nigeria is a grave breach of the law and affects the revenue flow of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    Read Also: Court remands NEDC’s project coordinator Mohammed, one other in prison over alleged N5b fraud

    “Hiding under foreign ownership to operate aircraft in Nigeria for years is nothing more than an attempt to cheat the government of revenue due to it.

    “The respondents have not shown any specific evidence showing that the duty assessed is wrong, by means of proof of some repayment.

    “The respondents only made a blanket statement of how the duty was assessed and they insisted that they are not liable to pay customs duty. “

    “It is, therefore, clear that the respondents are liable to pay customs duty on the second respondent. The customs duty assessed is still presumed correct.

    “In the final analysis, the case of the applicant has merit and same is hereby granted as prayed. It is, therefore, ordered as follows:

    “This honourable court hereby orders the final seizure, condemnation and forfeiture of Bombardier BD-700 Global 6000 with registration mark 9H-GVG and manufacturer’s serial Number 9470 at any airport in Nigeria to the Federal Government of Nigeria,” Justice Omotosho said.

    The case was filed by the NCS following an audit exercise conducted on private aircraft operating in the Nigerian airspace in 2024 to determine the regularity of their operations in the context of importation and exportation processes under customs laws.

    The NCS said it discovered that many private aircraft were operating in violation of the payment of appropriate duties and accordingly issued warning notices.

    The plaintiff said it assessed the customs duty liability of Orlean Invest Africa Limited at ₦1,044,493,295.54.

    The plaintiff’s lawyer, Okon Efut (SAN), the principal partner at Okon N. Efut, SAN & Associates, hailed the courage of the Judiciary in ensuring that extant laws are complied with by all, irrespective of status.

    The lawyer described the ruling as groundbreaking and the first of its kind in Nigeria.

  • Tinubu seeks Senate’s nod for 60 new Justices, judges

    Tinubu seeks Senate’s nod for 60 new Justices, judges

    • President urges Senate to confirm Oyewole for Supreme Court

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve the appointment of 40 additional Justices for the Court of Appeal and 20 judges for the Federal High Court as part of efforts to strengthen judicial capacity and tackle mounting caseloads.

    The request is contained in two separate Bills that the President transmitted to the Red Chamber and read yesterday at plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio as the lawmakers resumed sitting after the Christmas and New Year recess.

    In the first Bill, President Tinubu is seeking an amendment to the Court of Appeal Act, 2004, to increase the number of justices in the Appeal Court from 70 to 110.

    The second Bill proposes an amendment to the Federal High Court Act, 2004, to raise the number of judges from the current 70 to 90.

    According to the President, the proposed expansion has become necessary due to the growing workload of the courts and the emergence of specialised and complex areas of litigation, including terrorism-related cases, taxation, and other evolving aspects of federal jurisdiction.

    Beyond increasing manpower, the Court of Appeal amendment also aims to modernise judicial operations.

    Read Also: 10,000 Ekiti youths, students march for Tinubu, Oyebanji

    The Bill provides for electronic and virtual court proceedings and seeks to update several operational terminologies in the existing law to reflect contemporary judicial practices.

    He said the Bills proposed the modernisation of the court proceedings through the introduction of virtual court proceedings.

    “The Bill provides for the conduct of proceedings of the Court of Appeal through electronic and audio, establishment of the Alternative Dispute  Resolution Center (ADRC).

    “The Court of Appeal Bill seeks to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre within the Court of Appeal, where appellate matters may be referred for settlement,” the President said.

    On the Federal High Court, President Tinubu noted that the present number of judges is no longer sufficient to cope with the volume and complexity of cases brought before the court.

    He recalled that the court was originally established with 50 judges, a figure increased to 70 in 2009.

    President Tinubu argued that recent developments in governance, security, and economic regulation have placed additional demands on the court, making a further expansion unavoidable.

    The President said the proposed increase to 90 judges would improve efficiency, reduce delays in the administration of justice and ensure that the court is better equipped with judges possessing the requisite professional competence in emerging areas of law.

    Also, President Tinubu yesterday forwarded the name of Justice Joseph Olubunmi Oyewole to the Senate for confirmation as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    After reading the letters, Akpabio referred them to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative action.

  • Claims over neglect of wounded soldiers untrue, says DHQ

    Claims over neglect of wounded soldiers untrue, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims circulating in a viral video alleging neglect and poor welfare for military personnel wounded in action.

    It described the assertions as misleading and unfair.

    The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

    The clarification followed a video circulated by Lucky Udu Studio on social media that insinuated institutional indifference toward the welfare of injured military personnel.

    Uba said the welfare of wounded soldiers remained a top moral and operational priority of the Armed Forces, with comprehensive medical and welfare structures firmly in place.

    “All personnel injured in the course of operations are entitled to full medical care in line with established Armed Forces medical policies,” he said.

    Uba explained that wounded personnel receive treatment across the network of military hospitals and medical centres nationwide, with referrals to specialised civilian facilities at government expense where required.

    He added that critically wounded personnel are routinely evacuated abroad for advanced medical treatment when such care is unavailable locally, noting that medical evacuation, surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics and long-term care are integral components of the military welfare framework.

    The defence spokesman further clarified that personnel whose injuries prevent further service were granted favourable medical boarding and discharge conditions, including access to pensions, gratuities and other statutory benefits in line with extant regulations.

    He added that families of personnel killed in action are supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions and educational support initiatives for dependents.

    Uba described as inaccurate the claim that injured or fallen soldiers are abandoned, stressing that wounded personnel benefit from rehabilitation programmes, counselling, family support and sustained command oversight.

    Read Also: 10,000 Ekiti youths, students march for Tinubu, Oyebanji

    “The very soldiers featured in the video are living evidence of the efforts of the Armed Forces in rehabilitating personnel wounded in action,” he said.

    He also highlighted Nigeria’s participation in the Invictus Games as further proof of its commitment to the recovery, resilience and reintegration of wounded and injured service personnel.

    Uba said while constructive feedback was welcome, he warned that sweeping and unsubstantiated generalisations could undermine public confidence and discourage young Nigerians willing to serve the nation.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to transparency, accountability and the welfare and dignity of its personnel.

  • Tax: Banks can’t debit account without owner’s consent

    Tax: Banks can’t debit account without owner’s consent

    The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee has said that banks cannot debit customers accounts for taxes without the consent of such customers.

    Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, said that tax authorities in Nigeria do not have the power to directly debit or take money from people’s bank accounts.

    Oyedele was reacting to media reports suggesting that the Lagos State Government planned to start debiting the personal accounts of taxpayers who fail to pay their taxes.

    He described such reports as misleading, noting that they did not reflect how the law actually works.

    He explained that what exists in Nigerian tax law is the “power of substitution,” which is very different from directly taking money from a person’s bank account.

    He said: “The power of substitution is a tax recovery method that allows the tax authority to ask a third party to pay money that belongs to a taxpayer who has refused to settle a confirmed and unpaid tax debt. This only happens after all legal and administrative steps, including court appeals, have been completed”.

    According to him, the power of substitution cannot be used freely or without limits as it is tightly controlled by law and can only be applied after a long process has been followed.

    “This is not an arbitrary or routine action. It is a last resort that can only be used after enquiries, assessments, objections, final notices and court appeals have all been concluded, and the tax debt has become final and legally due,” Oyedele said.

    He also allayed fears among low-income earners and small business owners pointing out that people who earn the national minimum wage or small businesses that fall below the taxable threshold are not affected by such measure like power of substitution.

    He said: “The power of substitution only makes sense where there is a large and confirmed tax debt. Most low-income earners and small businesses do not fall into this category under the new tax laws”.

    He explained that this approach is not unique to Nigeria as many countries use similar systems to recover unpaid taxes.

    “This is a global practice. Other countries also allow tax authorities to use third parties, such as through garnishment or third-party payment notices, to collect confirmed tax debts,” Oyedele said.

    He pointed out that the main reason for having this power is to make the tax system fair to everyone.

    He said: “Without strong tools to enforce payment, honest taxpayers end up carrying the burden, while those who refuse to pay are encouraged. This can put pressure on government finances and lead to higher taxes for everyone else”.

    Read Also: New tax laws boost workers’ January salary- Oyedele

    He outlined the strict conditions that must be met before the power of substitution can be used. He said the tax authority must first complete the full process of establishing the tax debt, the debt must be final and legally due, and the taxpayer must have refused or failed to pay within the time given in writing.

    He added that when a third party is appointed as a “substitute,” it means the person or organisation holds money belonging to the taxpayer or owes the taxpayer some money.

    “The tax authority can send a notice to anyone who is holding funds for the taxpayer or owes the taxpayer money,” Oyedele said.

    He explained that such a person is not forced to act without a chance to respond. He said the law allows the appointed party to either comply or formally object in writing within 30 days, stating clear reasons for the objection.

    He said: “There are also full rights of appeal under the tax dispute system, just like with any tax assessment”.

    He said there were several protections in place to prevent abuse of the process, including the right to due process in assessing the tax, the right of the substitute to object, the right to appeal, and the involvement of the Office of the Tax Ombud to protect taxpayer rights.

    He insisted that the power of substitution was not meant to punish people or be used regularly.

    He said: “It is a carefully controlled tool designed to make sure the tax system is fair. It exists to ensure that people who have a confirmed and lawful tax debt cannot simply ignore their obligation to pay”.

    He urged the public to seek correct information and not be misled by reports that suggest tax authorities can simply reach into bank accounts without following the law.

  • Court strikes out Nnamdi Kanu’s motion seeking relocation from Sokoto prison

    Court strikes out Nnamdi Kanu’s motion seeking relocation from Sokoto prison

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out the motion ex parte filed by convicted self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed separatist group the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking to be relocated from the Sokoto prison, where he is currently being held.

    In a ruling yesterday, Justice James Omotosho held that the motion was incompetent and that Kanu also failed to comply with the court order on December 8, last year, that he should convert the motion ex parte to a motion on notice and serve it on those to be affected by the court order.

    Justice Omotosho said: “In respect of the application before this court, it has to do with an application that was brought incompetently as par seeking for the movements of the convict from where he is presently kept.

    “The application is not competent. However, in the interest of justice, when it came up, the court gave hint and urged that the same be converted; in other words, telling the applicant to go and file a motion on notice.

    “The applicant, having not filed the motion on notice today, January 27, 2026, there is no application for determination before this court.

    “It is based on this that the motion ex parte is struck out, as there is nothing to be determined.”

    Earlier, when the case was called, the judge asked the registrar to confirm the service of the process and hearing notice on the respondents – the Federal Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The registrar told the court that there was no proof of service of the motion on notice and hearing notice on the respondents.

    A lawyer from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON), Demdoo Asan, who appeared for Kanu, stated that although the court had on the last adjourned date directed that the motion be served on the respondents, he had been unable to do so.

    Read Also: 10,000 Ekiti youths, students march for Tinubu, Oyebanji

    Asan said he had not seen Kanu’s relatives since they last attended court, adding that efforts to get them to come to his office so that they could sign court papers failed

    He said: “They kept saying they would get back to me, but that wasn’t done.

    “My lord, that has been the reason counsel could not file the motion on notice. It’s because counsel cannot depose to that affidavit personally.”

    The lawyer said the second reason he could not file and serve the respondents was that Kanu had sought to dictate to him how to handle the case.

    Citing Order 50, Rule 1 of the Federal High Court Rules, Asan applied to the court to be allowed to withdraw from further representing Kanu, an application the judge granted.

  • Navy gets new spokesperson

    Navy gets new spokesperson

    The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Captain Abiodun Abidemi Folorunsho as the new Director of Naval Information and spokesperson for the Nigerian Navy.

    Captain Folorunsho took over from Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, who had been redeployed to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft as the Commander.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Admiral A. O. Olodude, said Captain Folorunsho is a member of the 50 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

    He was Assistant Director PLANS/CNS Directive at the Naval Headquarters before he was elevated to the post of Director, Naval Information and spokesperson for the Nigerian Navy.

    Read Also: 10,000 Ekiti youths, students march for Tinubu, Oyebanji

    The new spokesman holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and a Master of Science degree in War Studies (Maritime) from the National Defence University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

    Captain Folorunsho has garnered extensive experience, having completed several local, national, and international engagements for the Nigerian Navy, Sister Services and other Tri-Service organisations.

    He has been a resource person on public speaking and managing protocols to several professional military education institutions in Nigeria.

    According to the statement, the new Navy spokesperson has been exposed to the inner workings of public relations through his extensive editorial work on several magazines and journals across units within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

  • MTN to fund Obalende bus stop modernisation

    MTN to fund Obalende bus stop modernisation

    Lagos State Government has entered into a partnership with MTN Nigeria to redevelop and rename Obalende under-bridge as Y’ELLO Bus Park, in a move aimed at transforming the area into a modern and functional transport hub.

    Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known in a statement yesterday.

    He described the initiative as part of the state’s efforts to reclaim and revitalise public spaces across Lagos.

    Wahab said the redevelopment would convert what was previously a degraded and notorious environment into a secure, organised and community-centred facility designed to serve commuters and residents at Obalende axis.

    He said when completed, Y’ELLO Bus Park would feature a regulated transport terminal, a recycling drop-off station, a road camp for Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) sweepers and security agencies, over 60 public toilet fixtures, kiosks and other essential amenities.

    Read Also: MTN Nigeria deepens disability Inclusion

    Wahab said the design of the bus park prioritised safety, health and aesthetics, noting that solar-powered lighting would enhance night-time visibility, reduce blind spots and improve the effectiveness of CCTV surveillance to curb criminal activities in the area.

    The commissioner said a biodigester system would be deployed to sustainably manage wastewater generated within the park, while a dedicated recycling station would discourage illegal waste disposal.

    He said the project also aligned with the state’s climate responsibility goals, with the installation of solar panels to promote energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and tree planting to improve air quality and enhance the visual appeal of the environment.

    Wahab described the initiative as a reflection of Lagos State Government’s commitment to making public spaces functional, sustainable and safe in a manner that met modern urban needs.

  • Family members, friends honour Fafowora at 60th wedding anniversary, wife’s 80th birthday

    Family members, friends honour Fafowora at 60th wedding anniversary, wife’s 80th birthday

    Family members, friends and associates yesterday gathered in Lagos to celebrate the 80th birthday of Mrs. Bose Fafowora, wife of former Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Oladapo Fafowora. It was also their 60th wedding anniversary.

    Six decades defined by commitment, faith and service to family and the society.

    Reflecting on their journey, Amb. Fafowora said he married at a young age.

    “I was 24, while my wife was 19 at that time. Our parents initially opposed the union.

     “They were horrified. But we had faith and confidence that we had made the right choice. Divorce was rare and again we knew that marriage is for life,” he said, noting that in those days, marriage was seen as a lifelong commitment.

    He described their marriage as one in which they grew together, blended their lives and faced challenges with resolve.

    “Her character was formative, and we were able to move on through whatever challenges that came. Sixty years may seem long, but it feels like yesterday. We are still learning,” he said.

    The ambassador paid tribute to his wife’s enduring support and intelligence, describing her as “everything” to him.

    He said he was raised by a single father, but marriage brought a new sense of nurturing into his life.

    Chief Bose Fafowora, speaking at the celebration, shared what she called the secret to a lasting union.

    She said: “Don’t keep malice. Marriage is a life of service—put each other’s interests first.’’

    She urged young couples not give up easily when challenges arose. “Marriage is sometimes good, sometimes bad. Young people must face the challenges and not give up.”

    Read Also: Why I’d prefer a small wedding – Bimbo Ademoye

    Mrs. Ibilola Kuti, their daughter, described the day as a joyous gathering to celebrate their parents’ years of commitment.

     She said: “We are celebrating God’s grace and favour over our mum at 80, and our parents’ 60 years of wedding. It’s an example of living a God-fearing life.”

    According to her, closeness remains a powerful example for a family. “Our prayer is that we too will look back at 80 with much to be thankful for.”

    Mrs. Kuti said their parents’ union remained an inspiration to the rest of the family. 

    Mr. Akin Babatiola, brother to Chief Bose Fafowora, praised his sister as a guiding light and a rallying point for the extended family.

    “She treats everyone with kindness, She and her husband are a support system to many,” he said.

    He noted her leadership within the family, especially after the passing on of their mother. “She has played a motherly role to all of us and serves as president of the extended family. Their resilience, patience and strong love are evident,” he said.

    Representatives of Saint Margaret Old Girls Association also paid tribute to Chief Bose Fafowora. They described her as “a woman of substance” and an ever-present supporter. “We wish her long life and prosperity,” the association said.

    As the celebrations were concluded, family members echoed a shared hope—that the values of patience, forgiveness, faith and commitment embodied by the Fafoworas would continue to guide future generations.

  • 2027: Ogun West Professionals advocates consensus agenda

    2027: Ogun West Professionals advocates consensus agenda

    • Group to hold maiden media chat with YAYI on Sunday

    As part of its consensus agenda, a group, Ogun West Professionals, has advocated unity and consensus among political stakeholders in Ogun West Senatorial District.

    It says this is to ensure the district produces governor after the 2027 general election.

    The group is, therefore, holding its media chat on Sunday at Frontiers Hotel, Ilaro, Ogun State with the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation and the lawmaker representing Ogun West, Senator Solomon Adeola aka YAYI.

    Adeola is a frontline governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, is slated to be the guest speaker.

    The event is aimed at creating unity and coherence among Ogun West Senatorial District people on the clamour for a winning governorship candidate from the zone for the 2027 general election.

    Media representatives, monarchs, community leaders and guests will hear from Adeola on his agenda for the zone at the media chat.

    The Chairman of Steering Committee of Ogun West Professionals, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, who is the executive secretary of Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), at a media briefing in Ilaro, said since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, the governorship seat had been exchanged between two senatorial districts, namely Ogun East and Ogun Central – to the detriment of Ogun West.

    ‘’But, Ogun West Senatorial District is a major economic hub covering 37 per cent of the state’s landmass,’’ he added.

    Bamgbose said as next year’s governorship election draws near, Ogun West Professionals is ready to tackle the impediments of lack of cohesion and unity of purpose among major political players in Ogun West Senatorial District.

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    He added: “So, the part the group is charting is to look around and look at the political aspirants, those that have been showing interest that they are going to contest and they are looking for platform.

    “So, the media chat is being held in Ilaro, where the attendance is expected to be over 2,000 because the professionals themselves – a platform of a little close to a thousand members – is reaching out to other formidable groups, formidable clubs or artisans across the state.

    “They have been contacted to ensure they are part of the programme. We are looking for everything we can do to harmonise opinions, to bring people together so that a formidable team and a formidable voice can emanate from Ogun West Senatorial District so that we can get the buy in of Ogun Central Senatorial District and Ogun East Senatorial District in terms of support so that come 2027, we’ll be able to get the nod for it.

    “So, I think the body is equally looking at who is likely and who is more favourable within the ranks of the politicians that are clamouring to contest.

    “So, we are working for unity and coherence among aspirants from the zone. Certainly, we cannot get 100 per cent support for any particular candidate because as long as we have different political parties, there will be different interests and there can be different candidates.

    “But this time, I think part of what Ogun West Professionals is clamouring for is to make sure aspirants from the zone in key political parties are made the governorship candidates of their parties so that the people of Ogun West Senatorial District can eventually determine who they want.”

    Bamgbose said: “Ogun West Senatorial District has not been fortunate enough to occupy the number one position in Ogun State in terms of governorship seat since the state was created in 1976, most especially under this democratic dispensation.

    “This was largely alluded to the fact that the people from the zone, most especially the politicians, have not been speaking with one voice. So, Ogun West Professionals identified lack of unity, one voice and coherence among the people as militating against their desire to win the governorship seat.

    “We the professionals are indigenes of various towns and villages across the zone; that is, from the Awori, the Yewa, the Anago, the Ketu, etc. That is, in all the Ogun West’s five local governments: Ado-Odo Ota, Imeko Afon, Ipokia, Yewa North and Yewa South.

    “The professionals said let’s have a media chat with Senator Adeola to hear from him directly and to let him tell the whole world what he has on the table to ensure  Ogun West can win the governorship election holding in 2027.”

  • Appeal Court stops judgment on Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility

    Appeal Court stops judgment on Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility

    Akure Division of the Court of Appeal has suspended the judgment of the Federal High Court in a suit challenging the eligibility of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to contest for a second term.

    Aiyedatiwa’s tenure will end in 2028.

    The appellate court also ordered a stay of proceedings in a suit filed by an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Dr Akin Egbuwalo, seeking an interpretation of Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) on whether Aiyedatiwa is qualified to re-contest.

    Justice Toyin Adegoke of the Federal High Court, Akure, has slated today to deliver judgment on the matter.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa was first sworn in on December 27, 2024, to complete the tenure of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

    He was sworn in again on February 24, 2025, after winning the November 16, 2024 governorship election, in which he defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi.

    The suit, instituted by Egbuwalo through his counsel, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), listed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Governor Aiyedatiwa, All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, as defendants.

    However, the defendants, through their counsel led by Chief Solomon Awomolo (SAN), approached the Court of Appeal, challenging the conduct of proceedings at the trial court and urging the appellate court to restrain Justice Adegoke from delivering the judgment, pending the determination of interlocutory appeals.

    Read Also: ‘Appeal Court did not overturn Nestoil – FBN Quest ruling’

    Although Akintola (SAN) urged the court to discountenance the application, arguing that there was no competent appeal before the appellate court, the panel of justices led by Justice P. O. Affen, with Justices M. S. Hassan and P. C. Obiorah – held that it would be in the interest of justice to allow the trial judge respond to what it described as weighty allegations raised against him.

    The appellate court noted that while it was not the general practice to arrest judgments of lower courts or stay proceedings, there were exceptional circumstances warranting such intervention.

    Consequently, the Court of Appeal ordered the suspension of the judgment scheduled for January 28 and directed that proceedings at the Federal High Court be stayed pending the determination of the appeal.

    Reacting to the ruling, Awomolo (SAN) said the decision effectively halted further proceedings at the trial court.

    “The implication of the ruling is that the judgment of Honourable Justice Adegoke scheduled for January 28 is suspended until further notice. Everything is now on hold until the Court of Appeal determines the pending applications and appeal.

    “The court predicated its ruling on respect for due process, the rule of law and the hierarchy of courts, to ensure the appeal is not rendered academic.”