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  • Appeal Court upholds N2.5b judgment against ABU over unlawful sack of 110 staff

    Appeal Court upholds N2.5b judgment against ABU over unlawful sack of 110 staff

    • …threatens sanction should CBN fail to promptly release funds 

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the N2.5 billion judgment given on November 30, 2015 by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) against the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria over its unlawful disengagement of 110 staff in 1996.

    The appellate court also ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to promptly release the judgment sum to the staff, whose unlawful disengagement was voided in the November 30, 2015 judgment of the NICN, failing which its (the bank’s) principal officers shall be subjected to the court’s disciplinary powers.

    A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal made the pronouncements in two unanimous judgments delivered on Friday by Justice Okon Abang, who wrote the lead judgments in both appeals.

    The first judgment was on the appeal, marked: CA/ABJ/CV/476/2023 filed against the November 30, 2015 judgment by the ABU, the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

    The second judgment was on the appeal, marked: CA/ABJ/CV/1064/2022 filed by the CBN against the garnishee order absolute made by the NICN on January 27, 2022 ordering the apex bank to pay the N2.5b judgment sum to the disengaged staff, led by Joseph Ekundayo, from ABU’s funds in the bank’s custody.

    In his lead judgment in the appeal by the ABU, the FME and the AGF, Justice Abang agreed with the arguments by the lawyer to the disengaged staff, Adegbiyega Kolade and resolved the three issues, identified for determination, against the appellants.

    Justice Abang held that the appeal filed by the appellants in 2023 against a judgment delivered in 2015 was an afterthought and that as against their contention, the trial court did not deny them the right to fair hearing.

    He said: “Having resolved the three issues formulated by the appellants against them, this appeal is devoid of merit. It is accordingly dismissed.” 

    Justice Abang proceeded to award N5million cost against the appellants and in favour of the 110 disengaged staff.

    Read Also: Borno swears in six new High Court Judges, deepens judicial reforms

    The NICN had, in the November 30, 2015 judgment, voided the disengagement of the 110 staff by the ABU, ordered it to reinstate them and pay them all their salary and other entitlements calculated to be over N2.5b.

    In its second judgment on Friday, the Court of Appeal frowned at role the CBN played in the bid by the original judgment debtors – the ABU, the FME and the AGF – to frustrate efforts by the disengaged staff to execute the judgment.

    Justice Abang resolved the two issues, identified for the determination of the appeal, against the CBN.

    He faulted the CBN’s argument that the NICN lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the garnishee proceeding and make the garnishee order absolute.

    Justice Abang held that the NICN has the requisite jurisdiction to entertain the garnishee proceeding because it was a consequencial or incidental proceeding to give effect to the November 30, 2015 judgment, given in the substantive suit that was over an employment dispute.

    He noted that the judgment creditors (the disengaged staff) had no single claim against the CBN in the garnishee proceeding to have warrant its argument that the Federal High Court was the proper venue for the hearing of the garnishee proceeding.

    Justice Abang wondered why the CBN chose to waste public funds in engaging a lawyer to file the appeal when it has the funds to pay the judgment sum after the trial court made the garnishee order nisi absolute.

    He said: “The CBN ought to have released that money to the judgment creditors when the judgment was not set aside or stayed. Why is CBN holding the brief for the judgment debtors?

    “The conduct of the CBN in this case is reckless and condemnable to the extreme. There is no reason for the CBN to have filed this appeal. Its conduct is oppressive.

    “It is not the duty of the garnishee to play the role of an advocate for the judgment debtors by shielding them from the effect of the judgment,” he said.

    Justice Abang also criticised CBN’s lawyer, Senator Ita Enang for accepting the brief when he ought to have advised his client to comply with the order for it to release the judgment sum to the judgment creditors.

    He added: “Counsel ought to have advised the appellant on the futility of filing this appeal or withdraw his services if his client insisted on proceeding with the appeal.

    “Since 2018 when the order nisi was made, the CBN has held on to the money and has been trading with it at the expense of the judgment creditors. This is man’s inhumanity to man.

    Justice Abang said it was wrong for the CBN to support efforts by the original judgment debtors – ABU, the FME and the AGF – to prevent the judgment creditors from reaping the fruit of their labour and subject them to inhuman treatment.

    He also faulted CBN’s argument that being a public officer, the judgment creditors ought to have first sought and obtained the consent of the AGF before commencing the garnishee proceeding against it.

    Relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in the case of the CBN versus Interstella Communications Limited, Justice Abang held that if the AGF is a party to the original suit, the prior consent of the AGF is not required before a garnishee proceeding could be commenced to enforce the judgment in that suit.

    He dismissed the appeal and ordered the CBN to release the judgment sum to the judgment creditors without delay.

    Justice Abang added that the failure by the CBN to release the money without delay shall attract disciplinary action against principal officers of the apex bank.

    He proceeded to award a cost of N5m against the CBN and in favour of the disengaged staff of the ABU.

    Other members of the court’s panel – Justices Adebukola Banjoko and Eberechi Wike – agreed with the lead judgments in both appeals.

  • Tinubu declares 2026 year of families, social development 

    Tinubu declares 2026 year of families, social development 

    President Bola Tinubu has designated 2026 as the year of families and social development.

    The President explained that placing the family unit at the heart of Nigeria’s national development strategy was a major policy shift aimed at tackling poverty, insecurity and social instability.

    The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted this in a statement on Friday, noting that the declaration was made at the State House in Abuja.

    Tinubu said the move aligns Nigeria with countries like Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, which have adopted family-focused governance models to drive long-term development outcomes.

    He said: “Strong families are a national security and development asset. Societies that invest in family stability reduce vulnerability and long-term instability. I hereby direct that the year 2026 be designated as the Year of Social Development and Families in Nigeria, with coordinated action across all arms and levels of government.”

    The announcement follows Tinubu’s January state visit to Türkiye, where Nigeria signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation on family cohesion and social welfare systems. 

    Read Also: 2027: Southern coalition set to mobilize massive support for Tinubu’s reelection

    The agreement is expected to guide reforms in social services, child protection and community support structures.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the administration has moved beyond rhetoric to implementing practical measures to back the President’s commitment.

    She stated: “For social development, it is no longer business as usual, the government intends to institutionalise coordinated family policies nationwide.

    “Central to the new agenda is the proposed Nigeria Families First Programme (NFFP), which will serve as the government’s primary platform for implementing family-focused interventions. The initiative is designed to address economic pressures on households and improve child welfare and social stability”.

    The Minister further noted the programme will target economic empowerment of families by supporting sustainable livelihoods, enhancing parenting skills through education and training, introducing broader child-focused social protection measures, and improving access to healthcare, housing and professional care services.

    She added that the initiative forms part of Tinubu’s administration’s wider “Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions,” a nine-pillar framework aimed at improving outcomes for women and children. 

    The framework is aligned with the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, an international blueprint for advancing gender equality and child welfare.

    The statement noted that the approach is also aimed at ensuring that interventions in health, education, housing and employment begin at the household level rather than through fragmented social programmes.

    According to the Minister: “The success of the initiative will depend on effective coordination among federal, state and local governments, as well as sustained funding and monitoring.

    “If fully implemented, the Tinubu administration believes the family-centred strategy could help reduce poverty, strengthen social safety nets and address some of the underlying drivers of insecurity across the country.”

    Following the declaration, she said the government will roll out detailed action plans and partnerships in the coming months to translate the policy into measurable results for Nigerian families.

  • Terrorists ‘killed Kwara villagers for refusing strange belief’

    Terrorists ‘killed Kwara villagers for refusing strange belief’

    • DHQ reveals cause of dastardly attack

    • Tinubu, AbdulRazaq meet at Aso Villa

    There was a flurry of activities yesterday following Tuesday night’s chilling attacks on a Kwara community, in which scores were murdered in cold blood by terrorists.

    Community leaders of Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area, in the northern part of Kwara State, said 75 people were buried the same day, with many bodies still scattered in bushes and on farms.

    Yesterday, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who visited the beleaguered village on Wednesday, more than six hours’ drive from Ilorin, the state capital, was at the Presidential Villa for a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The President created Operation Savannah Shield, whose commander arrived in the state yesterday.

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun also joined the military in moving men and assets to Kwara State.

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) explained the motive behind the killings and how they were carried out.

    Defence spokesman Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba said in a statement that the terrorists entered Woro and neighbouring communities with the intention of imposing a “twisted” belief through terror and intimidation.

    The DHQ noted that the same spirit was “exhibited by the resilient people of Woro and neighbouring communities, who stood firm against violent coercion and refused to abandon their way of life and constitutional loyalty despite threats.”

    The DHQ revealed that the terrorists initially entered Woro with a request to conduct a preaching and indoctrination session in the village, which was outrightly rejected.

    It said troops were dispatched to dominate the area with robust patrols, surveillance and other security measures for about two weeks.

    “The cowardly terrorists, however, returned weeks later to kill innocent citizens in protest and in a bid to terrorise inhabitants and others.

    “These groups seek to impose their twisted beliefs through terror and intimidation,” the DHQ said.

    The military high command mourned with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the Kwara attack and similar incidents across the country.

    READ ALSO: President rallies relief materials to affected Kwara communities

    It commended the remarkable spirit exhibited by various Nigerian communities that have been targeted by terrorists.

    While reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding all Nigerians, the DHQ called for enhanced cooperation between citizens and security agencies.

    It said: “Efforts will continue to be intensified by the military, in conjunction with other security agencies, towards finding and bringing to account those responsible for the dastardly attack and indeed all terrorists in the country.”

    It was gathered that an extremist group, the Mahmuda group, operates between the northern part of Kwara and Niger State.

    AbdulRazaq, briefing reporters after he met with the President, said: “I came to brief Mr President about what happened in Kaiama and also to thank him for the prompt action taken by establishing Operation Savannah Shield.

    “Mr President directed the armed forces to move in, clean up the area and ensure that peace and calm are restored.

    “I am confident because, as I speak to you, the first commander for Operation Savannah Shield has reported in Kwara State, Ilorin, and has hit the ground running. We rely on the military to do what they do best.

    “That will go a long way in deterring criminal elements and bringing calm to the region in Kwara State.”

    Operation Savannah Shield is expected to confront not only terrorist elements but also kidnappers and other criminal groups that have, in recent times, extended their activities across parts of Kwara State and other Northcentral states.

    IGP deploys squad

    Egbetokun ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence assets to Kaiama LGA.

    He added that the Force had begun a probe into the attack and a manhunt for the perpetrators.

    “Investigations are already underway, and all available resources have been mobilised to ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended and brought to justice. The perpetrators will not escape the long arm of the law,” he said in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.

    The IGP described the incident as “deeply painful and tragic” and assured that the perpetrators would be apprehended.

    “The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns the violent attack that occurred on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Kaiama,” he said.

    The IGP extended condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of the state.

    Egbetokun reassured the public that the police remained steadfast in their responsibility to protect lives and property.

    “The IGP reassures the public that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to do everything necessary to guarantee the safety and security of all citizens,” the statement quoted him as saying.

    He explained that the deployment of tactical, operational and intelligence assets to Kaiama and surrounding communities was aimed at restoring calm, strengthening security presence and preventing further acts of violence.

    The IGP urged the public to remain calm and support ongoing security efforts by providing timely and credible information.

  • Kaiama massacre: Tinubu orders federal, state agencies to provide relief to affected communities 

    Kaiama massacre: Tinubu orders federal, state agencies to provide relief to affected communities 

    …condemns “cowardly, beastly” assault, says perpetrators will not escape justice

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday evening directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide immediate support and relief to communities affected by the deadly terrorist attack in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    The President, in a message posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, said the directive was also aimed at ensuring that those behind the atrocity are pursued and brought to justice.

    “I have further directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide immediate support and relief to the affected community and to ensure that those responsible for this atrocity are pursued and brought to justice,” Tinubu said.

    The President disclosed that he met earlier in the day with the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, who briefed him on the incident in Kaiama LGA.

    “Today, I met with the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, to be debriefed on the incident in Kaiama LGA,” he said.

    READ ALSO; Only six new products added to Nigeria’s export list – Adedeji

    Tinubu condemned the attack in strong terms, describing the gunmen as heartless for targeting defenceless villagers.

    “I condemn in the strongest terms this cowardly and beastly attack. The gunmen are heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror,” he stated.

    According to him, the assailants’ actions were not only criminal but also an affront to national values and faith.

    “Their actions offend our humanity, our faith, and our shared values as a nation,” he added.

    The President recalled that he had, a day earlier, ordered the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area following the “horrific attack on innocent villagers in Worro.”

    He said the new military command would spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate the terrorists and protect communities.

    “Yesterday, I directed the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following the horrific attack on innocent villagers in Worro. This new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate these barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities,” Tinubu said.

    The President noted that the attack was particularly disturbing because the victims were reportedly killed for rejecting forced indoctrination.

    Tinubu praised the victims for refusing to be drawn into extremist ideology, stressing that Nigeria would not surrender its people to terror disguised as religion.

    “As I said, ‘It is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue.’ Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism and terrorism masquerading as faith,” he declared.

    He assured that the perpetrators would be tracked and punished, insisting they would not evade justice.

    “They will not go scot-free,” the President said.

    Tinubu also offered prayers for the victims and condolences to their families, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s support for Kwara State.

    “I pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. I also sympathise with the people and government of Kwara State. The Federal Government stands with you,” he said.

    He pledged that the government would protect communities and defeat those seeking to divide the country through terror.

    “We will protect our communities, defend our values, and defeat those who seek to divide us through terror,” Tinubu added.

  • JUST IN: Trump recognises Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at US prayer breakfast 

    JUST IN: Trump recognises Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at US prayer breakfast 

    United States President Donald Trump has publicly recognised Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, February 5 at Washington, D.C.

    The event, a long-standing tradition in the U.S. capital that brings together political and religious leaders, took a notable turn when the American president paused his address to spotlight the Nigeria’s First Lady. 

    Trump drew attention to Mrs. Tinubu in the audience, describing her as a respected figure and highlighting her role as a Christian pastor in one of the largest churches in Nigeria.

    READ ALSO; Only six new products added to Nigeria’s export list – Adedeji

    He described her as a woman of significant influence and faith, acknowledging her spiritual role back home.

    “We’re honored to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. 

    “A very respected woman. First Lady, please, where are you? Thank you very much. It’s a great honor. Thank you very much. Very respected person, too,” Trump said, searching the crowd before acknowledging her presence.

  • Tinubu meets Kwara governor after Kaiama attack

    Tinubu meets Kwara governor after Kaiama attack

    • … Akpabio, Imo, Kebbi, Cross River govs, Yilwatda also in to see President

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently meeting with the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, at the State House, Abuja, following the deadly attack on Worro community in Kaiama council area of the state.

    The meeting is coming barely two days after more than 160 people were reported killed in the rural settlement in an assault authorities have linked to suspected jihadist fighters.

    Sources at the State House said the engagement is part of ongoing consultations on the security situation in Kwara and the immediate federal response to the killings.

    On Wednesday, Tinubu ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and approved the establishment of a new military command to spearhead Operation Savannah Shield, aimed at flushing out the attackers and securing vulnerable communities.

    Read Also: Adeleke’s wife distributes N25million Remi Tinubu business grant to traders

    The President had condemned the assault as cowardly and inhumane, expressing outrage that the victims were reportedly targeted for rejecting extremist indoctrination and choosing a peaceful practice of Islam.

    He also directed closer collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide relief for affected residents and ensure the perpetrators are tracked down and prosecuted.

    Meanwhile, other high-profile visitors, who are also at the State House to see Tinubu, include the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; and governors Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), and Bassey Otu (Cross River).

    Details of the meetings were still sketchy as of press time.

  • JUST IN: 183 abducted Kurmin Wali worshippers regain freedom – Gov. Sani confirms

    JUST IN: 183 abducted Kurmin Wali worshippers regain freedom – Gov. Sani confirms

    Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has announced that all 183 worshippers abducted from three churches in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State, have regained their freedom.

    The governor said the worshippers were kidnapped during an attack on January 18, adding that 11 of the victims escaped during the incident, while the remaining 172 later returned, with some rescued by security agencies and others finding their way back on their own.

    Governor Sani disclosed while receiving the rescued victims at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.

    He described the incident as unfortunate and unexpected, noting that security measures had been put in place across the state to protect communities.

    He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for their collaboration, which he said contributed to the safe return of the worshippers.

    The governor also disclosed that his administration has begun the construction of an access road to Kurmin Wali village, while plans are underway to build a hospital and a skills acquisition centre to support the community.

    According to him, President Tinubu has further assured the state government that a military base will be established in the area to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of such attacks.

    Governor Sani cautioned against the politicisation of insecurity, stressing that his administration remains focused on the protection of lives and property and the sanctity of human life.

  • BREAKING: INEC register two new parties 

    BREAKING: INEC register two new parties 

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the registration of two new political parties, bring the number of parties in the country to 21.

    National Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joaish Amupitan, who announced this at the first quarterly meeting with political party leaders listed the new parties as Democratic Leadership Alliance and National Democratic Congress.

    Prof. Amupitan said while only the Democratic Leadership Alliance met all the conditions for the registration of political parties, the National Democratic Congress is being registered in obedience to the judgement of the Federal High Court in Lokoja.

    Read Also: INEC to revalidate voter register before 2027 polls

    He said certificate of registration will be handed over to the new political parties 

    Details shortly… 

  • BREAKING: INEC recognises Wike-backed PDP faction

    BREAKING: INEC recognises Wike-backed PDP faction

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has tacitly recognised the FCT Minister, Nyelsom Wike-backed National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.

    The duo of Mohammed and the Acting National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu are part of party leaders attending the first quarterly meeting between the commission and political party leaders.

    The meeting is meant for only national chairmen and National Secretaries of all registered parties recognised by the Commission.

    Read Also: INEC to revalidate voter register before 2027 polls

    The Federal High Court in Ibadan had directed the commission to recognise the Abdulrahman Mohammed led caretaker Committee as the genuine leadership of the party.

     Details shortly… 

  • JUST IN: ONSA, DSS, Kaduna govt rescue kidnapped Kajuru worshippers

    JUST IN: ONSA, DSS, Kaduna govt rescue kidnapped Kajuru worshippers

    …Gov Uba Sani visits victims, confirms return of 82

    A joint security operation coordinated by the Kaduna State Government, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has rescued scores of worshippers kidnapped during a church service at Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area on January 18.

    Governor Uba Sani confirmed on Wednesday that 82 of the abducted worshippers have safely returned from captivity.

    However, a credible security source disclosed that the number of those rescued in the operation was over 100, including children and infants.

    According to the source, the victims were freed through a carefully coordinated operation involving operatives drawn from the DSS, ONSA, and security assets mobilised by the Kaduna State Government.

    Bandits had invaded the church in Kurmin Wali during worship and abducted 177 persons, throwing the community into panic and grief.

    In the days following the attack, 11 of the worshippers reportedly regained their freedom, leaving 166 in captivity before the latest rescue breakthrough.

    Read Also: Battle for Kaduna Govt House

    Governor Sani made the confirmation during a visit to the victims at the Women and Children Shelter in Kaduna, where they are currently receiving medical attention and psychosocial support.

    The governor sympathised with the victims and their families over the traumatic experience and assured the Kurmin Wali community that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.

    He expressed optimism that the remaining abductees would regain their freedom within a few days.

    Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending banditry and kidnapping across Kaduna State, stressing that no effort would be spared to ensure the safe return of every victim.

    He commended the DSS, ONSA, and other security agencies for what he described as gallantry, professionalism, and swift response in the rescue operation.

    The governor also urged residents to continue to cooperate with security agencies by volunteering timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations to restore lasting peace in the area.