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Category: Law

Wanted: Digitally-driven judiciary to strengthen rule of law

The consensus among experts was clear: strengthening the judiciary is not merely a reform agenda; it is essential for democracy, rule of law, and economic resilience. They spoke at the Dialogue on National Agenda for Democracy Strengthening (NADS), reports Deputy News Editor JOSEPH JIBUEZE

Nigeria’s judiciary stands at a critical crossroads, where the rule of law, democratic stability, and economic growth intersect.

Judicial reform is, therefore, both a legal and economic imperative.

A fair and efficient judiciary ensures enforceable contracts, deters corruption, and encourages investment.

At the Dialogue on the National Agenda for Democracy Strengthening (NADS), legal and business experts stressed that strengthening the judiciary is not merely a reform agenda, but is critical for democracy, rule of law, and development.

They highlighted persistent challenges undermining justice delivery.

These include delays, case congestion, inconsistent rulings, inadequate infrastructure, low digital literacy, and limited access to technology.

The dialogue was organised by the Private Sector Development for Democracy Forum (PSDdF), a platform convened by the American Business Council and Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), in conjunction with Digitslaw Network Limited and Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

Among the speakers were Dr. Anthony Idigbe (SAN), Prof. Bankole Sodipo (SAN), Adeyemi Candide-Johnson (SAN), NACCIMA Director-General Olusola Obadimu, and CIPE Africa Regional Hub Director Mrs Lola Adekanye.

There were also contributions from legal experts Ebele Enedah and Isioma Idigbe, both partners at Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, and Deputy Law Editor at ThisDay, Jude Igbanoi, among others.

They emphasised that without an independent, efficient, and transparent judiciary, democracy becomes fragile, business confidence declines, and citizens’ trust erodes.

The dialogue underscored the transformative potential of technology in addressing these gaps.

Recommendations included expanding digital case management, e-filing, virtual hearings, and AI-assisted legal research; mandating adoption of court technology by legal practitioners; investing in infrastructure, training, and cybersecurity; and fostering collaboration between courts, private-sector innovators, and civil society.

Participants also called for the review of existing policies like the Judiciary Information Technology Policy (JIPTO), the development of interoperable platforms, and the creation of a national digital justice repository.

Read Also: Why EFCC declared Sylva wanted

Strengthening the judiciary, they concluded, is not only a legal imperative but an economic necessity, essential for restoring investor confidence, accelerating justice delivery, and consolidating Nigeria’s democratic and economic resilience.

Idigbe advocates digitisation

Dr Idigbe observed that while the Constitution does not explicitly define democracy, its preamble enshrines the values of freedom, equality, and justice.

“The Constitution created the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary to enforce the separation of powers, in line with Montesquieu’s thoughts.

“Institutions like the National Judicial Council ensure transparency and independence in judicial appointments,” he explained.

He referenced Hon. Deemster Doyle of the Isle of Man, who warned that while accountability of public officials is crucial, applying this scrutiny to the judiciary must be balanced to preserve the effectiveness of the separation of powers.

Doyle’s key advice included ensuring that administrative support to the judiciary remains independent – a principle that resonated throughout the dialogue.

Despite constitutional guarantees and decades of reform efforts, the SAN stressed that Nigeria’s courts face systemic inefficiencies.

Idigbe highlighted the persistent issues of delays, congestion, costs, and inconsistent outcomes.

He cited research demonstrating that informal factors, such as overworked judges, procrastinating prosecutors, poorly prepared investigations, and non-cooperative witnesses, often contribute more to delays than formal procedural shortcomings.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. Addressing delays is fundamental to giving the rule of law practical meaning,” he said.

Idigbe contextualised these challenges within pre- and post-COVID-19 realities, including inadequate infrastructure, unreliable power, low digital literacy, and the exclusion of rural populations and people with disabilities.

He called for a mindset of “leapfrogging,” using technology to overcome structural limitations rapidly.

He cited Nigeria’s mobile phone revolution as an example, where GSM technology enabled the country to move from 400,000 landlines to over 200 million mobile phones in just 10 years.

“Post-COVID-19, the digital economy is on an irreversible trajectory. The judiciary must embrace this change to remain relevant,” he emphasised.

He noted the NJC’s technology reform initiatives, which include a Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS), LegalMail, e-filing, online dispute resolution, AI drafting and research tools, and electronic payment technologies.

States like Rivers, Borno, Bayelsa, and Delta have already implemented these systems, with the Federal High Court piloting AI-assisted justice delivery.

“Even if the court system is reformed, delays will remain if private lawyers are not up to speed with technology,” Idigbe warned, underscoring the need for private sector adoption of legal technology.

He emphasised that the adoption of digital tools by the judiciary alone is insufficient.

Private sector actors, particularly lawyers and law firms, must also leverage technology to reduce systemic delays, he said.

He noted that despite progress, significant challenges remain:

•Inadequate funding for infrastructure and maintenance

•Cybersecurity threats and data protection concerns

•Insufficient regulatory frameworks to drive compliance

•Lack of training and technical expertise among judges, court staff, and lawyers

•Unreliable power supply

Idigbe warned that technological adoption without addressing these issues risks failure.

He invoked Grudin’s Law, cautioning that systems are likely to fail if those who benefit are not those who operate them.

He noted that platforms such as DigitsLaw, Law Pavilion, and Case Radar allow law firms to manage client cases, generate documents, conduct AI-assisted legal research, and integrate with NCMS systems for seamless e-filing.

Sodipo: more funding needed

Prof. Sodipo, delivering the keynote, stressed the judiciary’s role in democratic consolidation and economic growth.

He argued that a predictable legal environment fosters private sector confidence, promotes investment, and supports inclusive development.

Sodipo highlighted Nigeria’s poor performance in global rule of law indices, ranking 120 out of 140 countries in 2024, behind countries such as Niger, El Salvador, and Ukraine.

He called for urgent adoption of technology and collaboration with stakeholders, including the Central Bank and development partners.

The SAN said: “The rule of law and an independent judiciary are fundamental to any democratic and economically thriving country.

“The judiciary and the rule of law are essential pillars for advancing Nigeria’s democratic consolidation and socio-economic development.

“Independent and professional judges are the foundation of a fair, impartial, and constitutionally guaranteed system of courts of law known as the judiciary.

“This independence does not imply judges can make decisions based on personal preferences, but rather that they are free to make lawful decisions even if those decisions contradict the government or powerful parties involved in a case.

“A strong legal and regulatory ecosystem is vital for democratic stability and economic growth.

“A predictable and transparent legal environment not only ensures justice and equality under the law but also provides the foundation for private sector confidence, innovation, and inclusive development.”

Shodipo stressed that the rule of law underpins democracy, economic competitiveness, and institutional stability.

Citing former Chief Justice Dahiru Musdapher, he said an effective justice system is based on four principles: independence, transparency, accountability and efficiency.

He also quoted Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who stressed that the ability of the Nigerian judiciary to successfully adopt and implement technology will depend in large part on the strength of the national digital ecosystem.

Noting the adoption of technology in its rules, the professor of law said the judiciary needs to be engaged.

“The Nigerian judiciary is ready for collaboration. We must urge the heads of courts to adopt and adapt the National Judicial Institute and the National Judicial Council’s mandates.

“We need to collect data about various stages of the judicial system in order to highlight the depth of the problem.

“This may help the government to realise the significance of the issues and devote funds to deal with the problems.

“Our efforts must be all encompassing by addressing the court registrars, bailiffs and support staff,” he said.

‘Technology can play a transformative role’

Candide-Johnson, Chairman of PSDdF Steering Committee, said strengthening the judiciary is not just a legal reform agenda, but is an economic imperative.

According to him, investors thrive where contracts are enforceable, where corruption is punished, and where justice is timely.

“A fair and efficient judicial system gives businesses the confidence to invest, innovate, and expand,” he said.

He stressed that strengthening the judiciary in the 21st century requires innovation.

According to him, society is not built by courts alone but by a shared culture of integrity, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

Candide-Johnson added: “Technology can and will play a transformative role – from digital case management and e-filing systems to data-driven performance tracking and online access to justice.

“That is why the collaboration with DigitsLaw, a legal innovation and technology firm, is so vital.

“It represents the convergence of legal reform and digital innovation – two drivers of national transformation.”

The SAN said PSDdF was established as a platform for collaboration among organisations and institutions representing the private sector, think tanks, civil society, academia, and the media, with a shared conviction that democracy and economic prosperity are closely linked.

Its work, he said, is guided by a simple but powerful belief that a strong democracy, built on respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, provides the enabling environment for innovation, fair competition, and inclusive growth.

Through research, dialogue, and advocacy, the Forum aims to bridge the gap between governance and enterprise, ensuring that the private sector not only benefits from democracy but also actively contributes to strengthening it.

The SAN added: “Predictable laws, efficient courts, and integrity in governance form the bedrock of investor confidence, citizen trust, and national stability.

“To advance this vision, the PSDdF has developed the National Agenda for Democracy Strengthening (NADS) – a comprehensive document that examines Nigeria’s current democratic and governance landscape to identify potential inflection points and those reforms that will have a catalytic effect towards building a more stable, fair, and equitable democratic nation while emphasising the role of private sector organisations, civil society and academia.”

According to him, the NADS identifies four priority areas that are critical to consolidating democracy, including strengthening specific democratic institutions, strategic technical capacity development and civic education, promoting private sector accountability, transparency, and responsibility to curb corruption and advocating for land tenure reforms to address arbitrary use and abuse of powers.

“The NADS is a call to action for all stakeholders to play their part in shaping a more democratic, accountable, and prosperous Nigeria.

“We are doing this because we know that an independent, efficient, and transparent judiciary is the anchor of democracy, human rights, and economic stability.

“Without a credible rule of law system, democracy becomes fragile, businesses lose confidence, citizens lose trust, and justice becomes the privilege of the few rather than the right of all,” Candide-Johnson said.

Economic implications of judicial reform

Obadimu highlighted the economic rationale for judicial reform.

He said: “Every thriving economy relies on the predictability, fairness, and integrity of its legal systems. Efficient, impartial, and accessible justice fosters enterprise and investment.”

He pointed out that Nigeria’s private sector contributes over 80 per cent of GDP and 90 per cent of jobs, yet legal uncertainty and enforcement challenges remain major constraints.

He emphasised that strengthening the judiciary, implementing digital case management, and establishing specialised commercial courts are necessary steps for enhancing investor confidence and promoting sustainable growth.

Obadimu said: “Every thriving economy is built, not merely on natural resources or capital investments, but on the predictability, fairness, and integrity of its legal and regulatory systems.

“Where justice is slow, uncertain, or compromised, business confidence declines. But where justice is efficient, impartial, and accessible, enterprise flourishes.

“Across Africa and indeed around the world, evidence shows that economies that strengthen the rule of law also attract greater investment.

“The World Bank’s Doing Business indicators consistently rank countries with transparent judicial processes among those with the highest inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI).”

He referred to the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index (2024), which ranks Nigeria 118th out of 142 countries, reflecting persistent challenges in civil justice, regulatory enforcement, and corruption control.

“These are not just numbers; they are realities that shape the daily experience of our entrepreneurs and MSMEs, the true drivers of our national economy.

“We must, therefore, approach justice reform not as an abstract legal exercise, but as an economic necessity.

“A predictable and transparent justice system lowers transaction costs, enhances credit confidence, and ensures that agreements, the very building blocks of commerce, are respected.

“Indeed, the private sector depends on the rule of law to protect intellectual property and investment rights; guarantee fair competition and transparent regulatory frameworks; and resolve disputes swiftly through courts or alternative mechanisms such as arbitration and mediation.”

The NACCIMA DG noted that Nigeria has begun to make notable strides through legal and institutional reforms, but said the journey ahead demands deeper institutional commitment.

“We must continue to drive judicial reforms that promote digital case management, time-bound adjudication of commercial disputes, and the establishment of specialised Commercial Divisions in our courts.

“Capacity-building for judges, lawyers, and business actors is equally vital to ensure that all understand the economic implications of delayed or inconsistent justice.

“Beyond the courtroom, justice must also find expression in public policy in transparent procurement systems, fair taxation, predictable regulation, and the sanctity of contracts.

“When government actions are consistent with the rule of law, businesses plan better, invest more confidently, and expand sustainably.

“As we look toward the coming decade, let us remember that justice is not only a moral virtue, but also a strategic advantage.

“Strengthening the rule of law is the surest route to restoring investor confidence, unlocking innovation, and ensuring that our growth is both inclusive and sustainable.

“Let us, therefore, work together, policymakers, the judiciary, the bar, and the private sector, inclusive to build a justice system that is not only fair, but functional; not only independent, but efficient; and above all, one that truly enables enterprise to thrive.”

Place of legal technology

Head of Communications at DigitsLaw, Osho Alaba, described the platform as a cloud-based legal practice management solution designed to meet Africa’s unique legal and regulatory environment.

She said the platform enables:

Seamless collaboration among lawyers, corporate legal teams, and justice institutions

    Streamlined workflows, file sharing, and task management

    Mobile access for real-time updates on cases and client communications

    Compliance with local regulations while supporting innovation

Digitslaw, she said, is designed to help law firms, corporate legal teams, and justice institutions operate efficiently in a digital era.

“We provide an end-to-end suite of tools that streamline legal workflows, enhance collaboration, and support data-driven decision-making across the justice system.

“Our mission is to digitise legal operations in Africa and empower legal professionals with technology that improves access to justice, transparency, and service delivery.

“We also have a powerful mobile application that enables lawyers and legal teams to manage their work seamlessly on the go.

“From accessing case files to tracking court dates, tasks, and client communication, the app ensures that critical information and tools are always within reach, whether in chambers, in transit, or inside the courtroom.

“With real-time notifications, secure access to documents, and the ability to update matters and activities remotely, the Digitslaw mobile app brings flexibility, speed, and continuity to legal practice.

“It empowers modern legal professionals to stay productive and connected anytime, anywhere,” Alaba said.

The Rule of Law Scorecard, an evidence-based framework being developed under the PSDdF to assess and track Nigeria’s progress in strengthening the rule of law and democratic governance, was also introduced at the event.

November 11, 2025
Ex-police officers seek amendment of PENCOM Act

Retired police officers, under the aegis of the Police Retired Officers’ Forum (PROF), have decried the inadequacy and delay in the payment of police gratuities and pensions.

They called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the amendment of the Pension Reform Act 2014, to give legal effect to the exit of police personnel from the contributory pension scheme.

The retirees urged the Senate to introduce and pass the Police Amendment Bill 2025 (Pension Act 2014) to concur with the version already passed by the House of Representatives in October this year.

National Coordinator of PROF, Chief Superintendent of Police Raphael Irowainu (rtd), lamented that although the 9th National Assembly passed the bill and transmitted it to then-President Muhammadu Buhari for assent, he failed to sign it into law.

“As of today, following our agitation last month, the House of Representatives has passed the amendment bill and forwarded it to the Senate for concurrence and harmonisation.

“But since then, the Senate has not acted. We were even at the Senate last Thursday and were alarmed to learn that the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has not presented or listed it for discussion,” Irowainu said.

He appealed to Nigerians to prevail on the Senate and the President to expedite action on the bill, saying:

“Without fixing the police, the problem of internal security in Nigeria cannot be solved. We are the lead agency in internal security, and it is imperative that the government does the needful before things get out of hand.”

Irowainu condemned what he described as the government’s neglect of police officers who die in the line of duty.

“People complain about insecurity, yet they refuse to care for those sent to fight it. When five policemen were killed in the U.S. during Barack Obama’s presidency, the entire country stood still. In Nigeria, when a policeman is killed, nobody cares,” he said.

Read Also: Religion not Nigeria’s crisis, says Soyinka

He recalled that in 2013, about 50 policemen and 10 DSS operatives were killed in Nasarawa State while attempting to arrest a criminal gang leader.

“The DSS families were compensated with N10 million and a house each, while the families of the policemen received N2.5 million each. Even getting that payment was a problem. The government has abandoned the police,” he lamented.

Irowainu described the pension paid to retired police officers as “grossly inadequate.

“An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) receives about N1.5 million as total retirement benefit and about N24,000 monthly pension.

“A Deputy Superintendent (DSP) gets N2 million and N25,000 monthly; a Superintendent (SP), N2.5 million and N30,000; a Chief Superintendent (CSP), N3 million and N50,000; an Assistant Commissioner (ACP), between N6 million and N7 million and N60,000 monthly; while a Deputy Commissioner (DCP) gets about N8 million and N65,000 to N70,000 monthly. Even a retired Commissioner of Police received about N75,000 monthly before our agitation began.”

He compared this with the military, saying: “A retired Warrant Officer 2 (WO2), equivalent to a police inspector, gets about N30 million as take-home pay. This disparity is shameful.”

Irowainu added that many police retirees who left service in 2024 have not been paid their gratuities.

“Even if they pay now, the money has lost value. Many of our colleagues have died; many live in poverty and have become beggars. Some cannot fund their children’s education, and some of those children have turned to crime,” he said.

He warned that the neglect of retired police officers poses a serious national security threat.

“Serving and retired officers are part of the system. We are trained in intelligence and weapon handling. When denied basic needs, some may resort to crime or form criminal gangs, which will be difficult to control,” he cautioned.

He added that many retirees, disillusioned by poor treatment, may withhold intelligence or even sabotage crime prevention efforts.

“It is not in the government’s interest to ignore serving and retired officers. Failing to remove the police from the contributory pension scheme is a deliberate act that undermines national security. Those still in service are demoralised. When officers see what retirees face, they lose motivation to serve professionally,” he said.

Irowainu also accused the Police Management Team of neglect, alleging that senior officers had already exited the contributory scheme.

“Officers from the rank of AIG to IGP are no longer part of PENCOM. They are our generals, yet they abandoned us. If the government fails to remove the rest of us, the current insecurity in Nigeria will be child’s play,” he warned.

He further said the government’s actions showed disinterest in police welfare.

“Any government that values national security will care for its police. Policemen are dying daily. Even the debarment allowance introduced by President Buhari for security personnel who retire after 25 years or die in service has not been paid to policemen. It’s the result of unresponsive leadership,” he added.

He noted that while the military pays the families of deceased officers at least N5 million, police families receive far less.

“We demand justice, fairness, and dignity for the men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting Nigeria,” he said.

November 11, 2025
Clergy to DSVA: enlighten couples

Presiding Pastor ACT (Assembly of Christ Triumphant) Baptist Church, Ogudu. Rev Dr. Remi Mathews Adejumo has urged the Lagos Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) to carry out more awareness campaign against domestic violence for couples going into marriages.

He also advised parents to take interest and approve who their children is getting married to in order to avoid domestic violence.

Dr. Adejumo gave the advice while speaking on Friday at a two-day training for religious counselors held at Ikeja Local Government Secretariat Hall

“It is not compulsory that somebody should get married. If you marry a self centred person, you are going to have problems.

“If the situation between a couple is too chaotic, they can stay apart for a period of time to allow things to cool down and they can come back together again”, he advised.

“So it’is good that they lecture and create awareness on how these things can be addressed right from when they are preparing for marriage and of course people being taught how they can manage themselves and get things right.”

Read Also: Why EFCC declared Sylva wanted

Dr Adejumo called for synergy between marriage counselors in the churches and the mosques, adding that anything not established in the words of God in the Bible and Quaran should not be allowed.

Head, Community Engagement of DSVA, Damilare Adewusi, explained that the purpose of engagement was basically to equip the religious counselors to be able to handle situations between husband and wives effectively and prevent chaotic situations.

He said this was why they brought the participants at the engagement from amongst we have here are religious counselors from both the Christian and the Muslim.

“Basically, it is just for them to understand the end result – how to help their audience, the congregation better in terms of counseling. When they can cite someone that might probably be a perpetrator of domestic violence.

So, all that we are doing here is to equip these leaders with the right knowledge so that when such instances comes up, they know what to do.

“Even in the process of counseling the congregation, they can also tell them what to look out for and also the way out. So, basically. That is what we are doing, equipping them with the right knowledge”, he said.

He said the engagement brought together about 100 religious councilors from the Muslim and Christian faith adding ” the engagement was necessary because they are almost the last stop before the couples say I Do.

“So it’s important that they understand what it is for a couple to see the signs of violence and be able to flee away from it.”

A Mental Health Nurse Mr Taiwo Amusa who lectured the religious leaders on Psychological trauma, and Psychological first aid described the terms as intense problem that everybody faces in life and it needs psychological first aid.

Asked of the relevance of the psychological training on the religious leaders, he said the relevance are multi-factorial “because when you say psychology, everybody knows that psychology is a science and study of the mind and if you are not able to study the mind of affected person, you won’t be able to solve his problem at all and you wont be able to relate him or her to the religious aspect in terms of he or she to know that God knows everything, either Islamic way or Christian way.

“Whatever services you render to care for psychological trauma victim, if it has no basis of spiritual base, then that individual may fall apart after some time.So there are relevances in-between.

He stated that before psychological first aid can be rendered to any victim or survivor, one must know the cause of the psychological trauma.

“As a psychological first aid health provider, you should have some qualities, that is psychologically you must be balance, You must use your intent, your knowledge to solve the problems of victims who might be psychologically traumatized.

“So it is very important for everybody, the parents, the family, every human being in the community needs to have the knowledge of psychological trauma and to have the knowledge of psychological first aid to be given to a survivor or any victim that is having psychological trauma and this will go a long way to reduce damage, suicide and depression from any victim of any psychological trauma:, he said

Imam Olawale Mourufudeen Gen. Sec. League of Chief Imam and Alfas, Isheri LCDA stated his preference for the the engagement.

“This program is such that this society right now and in the future will always prefer because during the two day programme, we have learnt a lot about the topics discussed there. They are topics that have to do with our day-to-day activities.

“Our tomorrow, is being prepared for us today to enable us to prepare our children for the challenges of tomorrow on anything that has to do with emotional trauma, sexual violence among others.

“So we are able to have this type of programme every now and then, it would enlighten everyone and our youths because it is very educational and very enlightening. There are a lot of things happening that we don’t understand. Our coming here has provided us with an opportunity to learn and have experience for wider knowledge of what is happening around us”, he noted.

Pastor Dr. Emmanuel Timilade Oladele, the President of Institute of Marriage Administrators Counselors of Nigeria said marriage administrators have the mandate to educate and give positive advice to both public and private institutions in Nigeria, regarding marriage matters.

“This discussion on the role of Religious Leaders and Marriage Counselors in Mitigating Sexual and Gender-based Violence, particularly in Lagos State is very germane, .

“Religious leaders play critical roles because most of the people that we call our citizens, they are under them. They have over 90% of people, they are members of many organization either Islamic organizations or Christian organizations.

“So a program like this is very key for them to also know that while they are preaching or teaching in their places of worship, they should also incorporate that sexual and gender-based violence is not to be tolerated.

“For example, when somebody is saying a female or girl child or woman is inferior to a man., the question is where is the basis?.

“Also like I have mentioned, anything that we don’t know or have the basis, we should frown at it, and we should also give listening ears to the survivor or the victim of this sexual and gender-based violence. It is because of how the people react to them, that they keep quiet and are suffering and silent.

“So I want to appeal to everybody that whoever is able to identify or notice this kind of a menace that is very evil, they should give opportunity to survivors or to the victim to open up so that they will not be dying in silence.

“So all of us together, when we join hands together against sexual and gender-based violence, we would be able to have a better society, where development, progress, and personal contribution will become the order of the day”, he said.

November 11, 2025
Emelonye: rights due diligence must be a legal requirement

International human rights scholar and former Senior United Nations Envoy, Prof Uchenna Emelonye, has renewed calls for an enforceable framework to mandate businesses in Nigeria to adhere to policies and code of conduct that will entrench the protection of human rights in their operations.

Emelonye, CEO of AfriRIGHTS and Professor of Law at Bournemouth University, UK, made the call at the United Nations Business & Human Rights Panel Discussion.

The topic was: “From Policy To Practice: Operationalising Human Rights in Nigeria’s Industrial and Energy Transition.”

According to him, businesses in Nigeria need to act responsibly, align profit-making with human rights standards, labour protections, and environmental sustainability and ultimately place people (workers, communities, and consumers) at the centre of profit.

Decrying the many instances of human rights violations by businesses in Nigeria, Emelonye also advocated for a mandatory Human Rights Impact Assessment for all businesses that will embed rights into the design, implementation and closure phases of business projects.

Read Also: Religion not Nigeria’s crisis, says Soyinka

“When you take a closer look at the mining sector, you will notice that communities which host these mining activities are usually left in ruins after the operations of the mining companies.

“This is not supposed to be so if human rights are part and parcel of the life circle of the project, thus ensuring concrete restitution, restoration, and accountability in case of violation.”

Emelonye called on civil society organisations to move from being watchdogs of human rights violations by businesses to co-designers of enforceable remedies.

“Civil society organisations must move from monitoring and reporting business and human rights incidents.

“They should shift their indicators from ‘number of reports published’ to number of community-designed remedy frameworks implemented, number of enforceable agreements reached, tangible restitution outcomes and level of community satisfaction with the remedy process”.

The event, moderated by Adwoa Kufuor-Owusu of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), drew participants from across the world and featured other eminent panellists, including Dr Ayo Sotinrin, MD, Bank of Agriculture.

It explored and proposed practical tools for government, businesses, and civil society to integrate human rights due diligence, strengthen social dialogue, and establish effective remedy mechanisms towards a business future for Nigeria that is inclusive, rights-respecting, and globally competitive.

November 11, 2025
Rape, incest survivors sue Fed Govt over lack of care

Justice Ambrose Lewis Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi has fixed January 20, 2026 for hearing in a suit filed against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) seeking an order to protect the rights of rape and incest victims.

The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, WARDC) and two others are the main plaintiff in the suit filed on behalf of the survivors.

Justice Allagoa fixed the date for hearing of the suit following absence of counsels for the defence.

WARDC filed the suit marked FHC/LAG/975/2025 through their Counsel, Prof. Yemi Oke, (SAN), Dr. Yinka Owoeye, Emmanuella Azu, Deji Folorunsho, and Oluwatobi Adeniregun.

Other respondents in the suit are; Minister of Health, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development and National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP.

While A. Saliu-Aina held watching brief for an interested party seeking to intervene.

The applicants are seeking the following reliefs from the court; A declaration that the right of victims of rape and incest to safe termination of pregnancy should be respected as provided by law.

They also prayed the court for a declaration by the court for the government to provide comprehensive medical assistance to victims of sexual violence including rape and incest.

Also, the applicants asked for a declaration for comprehensive medical assistance, information and services on medical abortion for every victim of violence as defined under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, (VAPP) Act.

The applicants in addition prayed the court to make an order for the provision of comprehensive psychological and social assistance to every victim of sexual violence including victims of rape and incest and such further or other orders as the court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.

Earlier when the matter was called, the first Applicant, WARDC, represented by Prof. Oke told the court that the matter was of a unique importance and national significance.

Read Also: Why EFCC declared Sylva wanted

Prof. Oke expressed dissatisfaction for the absence of all the respondents.

He told the court that the respondents should have been patriotic enough to come before the court.

“This is a matter of unique importance for the lives of humanity. It is a matter every conscious Nigerians or global citizens must have been interested in.

“I’m surprised that the respondents would have been patriotic enough to come before the court, so that we can have it trash out once and for all.

“We only got served late October by the first respondent, that is the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

“Other parties have simply ignored us. Though we would like to respond to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, for obvious reason, they might even be supporting us indirectly because what we are seeking affects their interests.

“But what worries me more is the fact that other respondents have just ignored us. My lord, I’m at a crossroad, this matter is actually ripe for hearing. it is an urgent application.

“However, if the law is minded to give us one more final adjournment, there’s nothing to contest, there’s more things to challenge. The facts are obvious. It’s a very straightforward matter.

“The Minister of Health, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, that they are on our side.

“Men and women are already in your Lordship’s court. I am one of them. All is definitely not well, that why I am here.

“We are here to move the hand of justice to give effect to rights of victims of rape and incest for safe termination of pregnancy,” the senior lawyer, informed the court.

However, Justice Allagoa inquired about proper service of court process from the applicants’ lawyer.

The learned silk replied that all respondents have been served.

The judge asked, “Is that proof of service? I don’t carry on anyhow here, Director of Legal of which department did you serve?

The court however urged the applicants’ counsel to ensure proper service.

Justice Allagoa adjourned the matter for hearing till January 20, 2026.

November 11, 2025
Killer-suspect Olori Esho for trial Jan 19
- By Adebisi Onanuga and Kafilat Lawal
Justice Oyindamola Ogala of a Lagos State High Court, Ikeja yesterday fixed January 19, 2026 for commencement of trial of Wasiu Akinwande, a.k.a Olori Esho and two others for alleged murder.

The judge also ordered further remand of the suspects at the Kirikiri Maximum Custodial Centre pending commencement of trial.

Those remanded alongside Akinwande included Qudus Egbere, and Sola Edun Tomiwa.

The defendants were remanded by Justice Ogala after they pleaded not guilty to an amended five count charge brought against them by Lagos State government

The five-count charge bordered on alleged conspiracy, murder and belonging to unlawful society before Justice Ogala.

The offences are contrary to Sections 223 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015 and the Unlawful Societies and Cultism (prohibition) Law of Lagos State, 2021.

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The Lagos State Government charged the defendants to court on an amended information dated November 10, 2025.

During their arraignment, the state prosecutor A. O Azeez told the court the state filed an ammended charge against the defendant yesterday morning.

When the court registrar read the charge to them, they pleaded not guilty.

The defendants were represented by their counsels, Olanrewaju Ajanaku, and M.D Obadeyi.

When the counsel to second defendant orally requested that the second defendant be allowed to continue to enjoy the administrative bail, the court declined and urged her to file a proper bail application.

The state prosecutor consequently prayed the court for a trial date.

Justice Ogala adjourned the matter to January 19, 2026 for commencement of trial.

Count one reads, “That Qudus Egbere, Wasiu Akinwande, and others now at large on 31st Day of July, 2024 at about 1100 hours at Moshalashi Street, Mushin in the Lagos State in the Ikeja Judicial Division conspired to commit felony to with murder of Bolanle Yusuf.

Count two “That Qudus Egbere, Wasiu Akinwande, and others now at large on 31st Day of July, 2024 at about 1100 hours at Moshalashi Street, Mushin Lagos State in the Ikeja Judicial Division conspired to commit felony with murder of Yusuf Ramadan.

Count three stated: “That Qudus Egbere, Wasiu Akinwande, and others now at large on 31st Day of July, 2024 at about 1100 hours at Moshalashi Street, Mushin in the Lagos State in the Ikeja Judicial Division conspired to commit felony killed Bolanle Yusuf by using machete and gun.

Count four stated: “That Qudus Egbere, Wasiu Akinwande, and others now at large on 31st Day of July, 2024 at about 1100 hours at Moshalashi Street, Mushin in the Lagos State in the Ikeja Judicial Division conspired to commit felony killed Yusuf Ramadan by using machete and gun.

The fifth count stated: “that you Qudus Egbere, and Sola Edun Tomiwa and others now at large on 31st Day of July, 2024 at about 1100 hours at Moshalashi Street, Mushin in the Lagos State in the Ikeja Judicial Division belonging to unlawful societies to wit Eiye Confraternity.
November 11, 2025
Trump’s warning shots and international public law
- By Sebastine T. Hon
Drawing from the benumbing aloofness of the international community to the atrocious genocide, ethnic cleansing and sundry other war crimes that took place in Yugoslavia and Rwanda in the 1990s, the United Nations World Summit unanimously voted, on October 24, 2005, for and signed what was termed the “Responsibility to Protect” (R2P) Document.

Paragraph 138 of this Document stipulated that each individual State had responsibility to protect its populations from these heinous crimes, while Paragraph 139 mandated the international community, through the UN, to use appropriate diplomatic, humanitarian and other “peaceful means,” in accordance with Articles VI and VIII of the UN Charter, to help protect such endangered populations.

To underscore the importance of R2P, the UN Security Council, on August 21, 2014, passed Resolution 2171, which reaffirmed “the responsibility of each individual State to protect its populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.”

The Resolution further called upon States “to recommit to prevent and fight against genocide, and other serious crimes under international law,” and reaffirmed its commitment to “paragraphs 138 and 139 of the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document (A/60/L.1) on the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.”

From the above, no individual country, no matter how strong militarily or economically, has right to intervene in the affairs of a country, even in the face of brutal genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity – save through the UN Security Council. That is the status of the extant international legal framework for taming the monster called genocide.

The practical application of this, however, remains a mirage. Examples abound; but I shall limit myself to the USA. Prior to Ward War I, the USA was involved in dozens of direct military incursions into autonomous and semi-autonomous entities, including but not limited to South Dakota and Argentina (1890); Chile and Haiti (1891) and Korea (1894).

The USA, initially not involved in World War I, voluntarily entered the war in 1917 and became a major participant in World War II. It voluntarily joined the Korean War of 1950-1953, to assist South Korea, and it plunged fully into the Vietnam War of 1955-1975. In 1961, it invaded Cuba in what was termed the “Bay of Pigs Invasion.”

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This century-long superpower launched a similar military assault on Panama in 1989 – to remove the then-strong man of that country, Manuel Noreiga. The involvement of the US in the Gulf War between 1990-1991 is another incident within living memory. It also launched a prolonged military campaign in Afghanistan from 2001, until 2021 when President Joe Biden hurriedly ordered US troops to withdraw, in what observers have labelled a major disastrous outing for the country.

In 2003, the USA invaded Iraq in what is known as the Iraqi War, which lasted for eight (8) years, culminating in the killing of Saddam Hussein. Also, from 2011 till date, the USA is directly involved, militarily, in Syria, where it operates under the cover of counter-terrorism operations. Similar involvement by the USA in Niger since 2017 was cut short in 2023 due to the military coup in that country.

It must also be remembered that the invasion of Libya by US forces led not only to the ouster of Muammar Ghadafi, but also his killing on October 20, 2011, by local rival militias who captured him.

Some other international interventions by the US, even after R2P and UN Security Council Resolution 2171, include the use of US Special Forces in 2006, in collaboration with local military forces, to topple the Islamist government in Somalia, in an open battle with Al Shabab. In 2014, the same US Forces and the US Air Force jointly attacked Iraq, killing eight (8) civilians. In the period 2019-2020, the US deployed ground troops to Saudi Arabia to assist that country’s armed forces in its war of attrition with Iran. From 2023 till recently ,when President Trump ordered a temporary halt, the US had been bombing Houthi Rebels in Yemen and also raiding them with drones and missiles.

The US has also recently supported Israel militarily in the wake of the rain of drones and missiles by Iran – by the USA deploying patriot missiles to obliterate, where possible, those fired by Iran. The mother of it all was the recent bombing, using the highest and most deadly military technologies, the B-2 spirit stealth bombers and the Tomahawk missiles fired from a submarine, of nuclear sites in Iran by the USA Government under President Trump.

In all of these, the UN; and in particular, the UN Security Council, keeps mute or offers defeatist responses. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should kindly take note of this.

Sino-USA Armed Conflicts: A short historical analysis

Chinese (Sino)-American armed conflicts date back to 1894-1895, when the USA sent marines to the Sino-Japanese War. In the period 1898-1900, US Marines were also deployed to fight in the “Boxer Rebellion” in China.

Between 1911-1941, the USA continued to build up its military presence in China, by increasing the number of marines there, leading to countless flare-ups with the local Chinese military. More troops were deployed by the US to that country in the 1922-1927 period, during the “nationalist revolt.”

Following the victory at the polls of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the USA was forced to evacuate its citizens, with the use of the marines it had stationed in that country, and the others that had been brought in for that purpose. This was in1949.

There have been periods of conciliation and cooperation in Sino-American relations, starting with the establishment of diplomatic relations on January 1, 1979, but these have always been punctuated by diplomatic rows over the role of Beijing in Hongkong and Taiwan, respectively.

Upon President Donald Trump assuming office early 2025, his major policy of increasing tariffs on goods from other countries escalated strong rhetoric between the two countries that in March 2025, Beijing announced that it was ready to embark on “any war” with the USA. Pundits have been positing that “any war” includes a full-blown military war. Thankfully, however, these two most powerful economic nations have ‘settled’ this issue, with details being expected any moment from now. It is important for President Tinubu to appreciate, however, the popular aphorism that ‘when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.’ Nigeria cannot, with respect, afford to be the battleground, physical or intellectually cold, for any open conflagration between these two superpowers.

The Trump Bombastic Shots and antagonism from World Powers and local comprador ‘powers’

Writing sternly but vividly on his personal social media handle, President Donald stirred the hornet’s nest recently when he warned the Government of Nigeria of consequences of not halting the genocide against Christians in Nigeria. US military reprisals were promised in the event of failure by the Nigerian government on this mandate. Shortly before then, President Trump had signed an Executive Order designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

Apart from prominent members of the US Congress and high-ranking officials of the Trump administration still echoing this threat and supporting their President, Canada has also voiced its support.

On the other hand, China, the European Union and the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) have all expressed support for Nigeria, stressing that this is an internal affair of Nigeria. Also, some vested local interests, who have kept mute for the decades that the terrorists have been embarking on killing sprees in Nigeria, have suddenly found their voice: the US should not dare intervene in Nigeria. What direction should Mr. President then go?

Ignoring the US is way too much of a gamble

This brief interrogation of the situation on ground in Nigeria must catalogue, brevi manu, Beijing’s serial ‘warnings’ to America under similar circumstances and the outcomes of ‘breaches’ thereof by Washington.

On January 16, 2024, Beijing warned USA against escalating strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Neither President Joe Biden nor President Trump ‘heeded’ such ‘warning.’ Beijing buried its head, muttering incoherent words, after USA’s ‘intransigence.’

On March 14, 2025, Beijing and Moscow jointly supported Iran’s nuclear talks and warned the West against any military strike on Tehran. Also, on June 19, 2025, Beijing warned that any US arrack on Iran could spark global conflict. It also hinged its resistance to the US planned attack on the same “sovereign nation” arguments it is currently advancing with respect to the ongoing debacle in Nigeria. The US refused to ‘respect’ that ‘warning;’ and China did not reprise against the brief but elaborate aerial pummeling of nuclear sites in Iran by the USA. Rather, Beijing issued a statement that the said attack had damaged Washington’s global credibility. That was the best Beijing offered!

Away from Washington, China warned Israel of “serious consequences” if the latter attacked Iran. This came and went, without Beijing taking any counter-step against the Jewish State.

This analysis could go on and on; but one fact stands out: Nigeria will not be protected by China if the USA decides to strike terrorist cells today! There is no need to mention the warning by the EU, which is still at wits’ end on how to face the Russia-Ukraine war – upon Trump pulling out USA resources. Besides, the economy of the EU countries is plummeting fast, no thanks to the tariffs’ policy of the Trump administration. In other words, the EU, apart from tough rhetorics, will be the first to take diplomatic cover, once precision bombs from American jets start dropping on terrorist hideouts in Nigeria. What about ECOWAS and loquacious local commentators? I won’t even comment on them.

Solution? President Tinubu should not ignore the Trump warnings! Mr. President should not listen to some persons and other authorities goading him to square up to the USA, citing the “sovereignty” provisions in the UN Charter and other international legal instruments. He has no choice than to face the terrorists squarely and decisively, with visible results. Trump’s jets and special forces may be on their way already! Indeed, Trump’s body language and actions, as far as everyone knows, do not show that he backs out of issues like this one easily; neither does he chicken out at the mere ‘warning’ of Beijing or any other world power. Most USA Presidents have been like that. The examples cited above and many others are enough testament to this! Act fast, Mr. President!

•Prof Hon (SAN) is a constitutional lawyer and author.
November 11, 2025
RusselSmith, DICON sign defence manufacturing deal

RusselSmith Nigeria Limited has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to strengthen local production capability for defence equipment and components.

RusselSmith Nigeria is an ISO-certified provider of innovative asset integrity and advanced manufacturing solutions for critical industries in Africa.

The partnership will advance the local development and production of industrial and military-grade additively manufactured products for critical defence systems.

Speaking on the development, Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, said: “This strategic alliance with RusselSmith is a monumental step in the actualisation of the Military Industrial Complex. It is the direct result of the legal framework provided by the DICON Act 2023, and I must thank the President, Bola Tinubu, for assenting to this pivotal legislation.”

He appreciated the efforts of the Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Service Chiefs for their continuous guidance and unwavering support to DICON, which facilitated its achievements.

“My full support is behind this initiative as it promises to be a game-changer for our national security architecture,” he said.

CEO of RusselSmith, Kayode Adeleke, reaffirmed RusselSmith’s commitment to supporting the partnership, stating: “We are proud to partner with DICON on this forward-looking initiative that strengthens Nigeria’s defence industrial base. This partnership will build local capacity for high-value manufacturing and enhance our ability to deliver quality, precision, and reliability through the use of advanced 3D manufacturing technologies.

Together, we are laying the foundation for a new era of indigenous defence innovation and industrial capability, taking a practical step towards sustainable innovation that benefits the country’s broader industrial ecosystem.”

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By integrating additive manufacturing into defence production, the partnership will reduce supply chain vulnerabilities, enable on-demand fabrication, and create opportunities for research, local content growth, and regional collaboration.

Also speaking, Public Relations Officer of DICON, Maria Sambo, noted: “In a significant stride towards technological self-reliance and the realisation of Nigeria’s Military Industrial Complex (MIC), DICON and Russel Smith have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The strategic move is to advance the local production of additive materials for the manufacturing of critical defence equipment.”

She added that the collaboration “marks the direct implementation of the DICON Act 2023,” explaining that it empowers DICON to engage with local expertise to strengthen national security through indigenous production.

“At the heart of this MoU is the adoption of Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as industrial 3D manufacturing, which will revolutionise DICON’s production capabilities,” Sambo stated. “Additive manufacturing technologies enable rapid, on-demand, and localised fabrication of complex components using high-performance materials such as metal alloys and advanced polymers.”

The signing ceremony, which took place on October 20, 2025, was attended by senior executives from both organisations and reflects a shared commitment to developing indigenous capacity in the defence and manufacturing sectors.

The partnership also supports the implementation of the DICON Act 2023 and aligns with the Federal Government’s directive to promote indigenous technology and industrial participation in national security infrastructure.

It is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of industrial self-sufficiency and defence modernisation.

By combining RusselSmith’s expertise in industrial additive manufacturing with DICON’s established role as the nation’s defence production authority, the partnership will enable local manufacturing of high-performance parts, tools, and assemblies used in military applications.

The collaboration will also focus on developing the local ecosystem for advanced manufacturing materials, including the production of metal powders and filaments that meet the stringent quality standards required for defence and aerospace operations.

November 11, 2025
Alleged N80.2b fraud: Witness in Yahaya Bello’s trial claims fund withdrawals by Kogi State government lawful

A prosecution witness in the ongoing money laundering trial of former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello before a Federal High Court in Abuja has claimed that the various withdrawals made by the state government in its accounts did not breach any known law.

The witness, Mshelia Arhyel Bata, a Compliance Officer with Zenith Bank also claimed that the defendant’s name did not feature as beneficiary in the account statement tendered before the court.

Bello is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 19-count charge relating to money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds estimated at ₦80.2 billion.

Bata, who featured as the fourth prosecution witness, made the claims while being cross examined by Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN).

Daudu drew Bata’s attention to some transactions (mainly withdrawals) by one Umar Comfort Olufunkebin the account statement tendered by the prosecution

The witness said the withdrawals, which were in multiples of N10million, were made between December 2017 and April 2018, with beneficiaries being some hotels in Kogi State.

Bata added there were withdrawals by one Alhassan Omakoji between November 2021 and December 2022, which did not exceed N10million per transaction.

He said the withdrawals conformed with the withdrawal limits set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The witness said he was not aware of any law that regulates how Kogi State Government spends its money or allocation.

Bata added that beside from the beneficiaries of the funds like the hotels, it was impossible for him to know what the state’s withdrawals were meant for.

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The fifth prosecution witness, Jesutoni Akoni, a Compliance Officer with Ecobank Plc, was led in evidence by Chukwudi Enebeli, (SAN), for the prosecution.

The prosecution tendered, through the witness, some documents including a statement of account.

From the statement of account, Akoni confirmed cash deposits which were between N3 million and N20 million, and totalling N57 million.

Under cross examination, Akoni claimed that the defendant was was not the beneficiary of the said deposits.

Akoni said it was impossible to ascertain the source of funds from the face of the documents.

The prosecution also called a sixth witness, Mohammed Bello Hassan, who is a Relationship Officer with Keystone Bank.

The prosecution tendered through him the statements of account of Dantata and Sawoe.

Its seventh witness was Olomotame Egoro, a Compliance Officer from Access Bank, who was also subpoenaed like the others.

The prosecution also tendered through the witness some documents, including bank records.

The trial continues on Tuesday before Justice Emeka Nwite.

November 10, 2025
Court bars Lagos CP from declaring Sowore wanted

Rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has filed a N500 million fundamental rights enforcement suit at a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The defendants in the suit are: the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Police Commissioner Moshood Jimoh.

Sowore’s suit is on alleged violation of his fundamental rights.

In an affidavit of urgency he personally deposed to, Sowore stated that on November 3, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police publicly declared him “wanted” in the media without any prior invitation, arrest warrant, or formal charge against him.

In the suit filed before the court, Sowore is asking the court to enforce his rights to dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of movement as enshrined in Sections 34, 35, 39, 40, 41, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Articles 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

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The lawsuit, filed by a team of human rights lawyers, including Tope Temokun, Marshal Abubakar, Inibehe Effiong, A. E. Adegoroye, Moshood Shittu, Deji Adeyanju, O. D. Olatunde, and I. E. Osunyikanmi, follows a public declaration by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police on November 3, 2025, naming Sowore as a “wanted person”.

The motion, brought pursuant to Order of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, seeks several urgent reliefs, including: “an order granting leave to the applicant to serve the originating processes in this suit and the hearing notices for the court sittings, on the 2nd and 3rd Respondents, by substituted means, to wit; By serving the 2nd and 3rd Respondents, through the 3rd Respondent’s state command i.e. the office of the first respondent, the commissioner of police of Lagos State, lagos State Police Command. Ikeja, by delivering to the said state command, that is, the office of the first respondent, each copy of the originating processes and/or hearing notices meant for each of the second and third respondents.

“An order of interim injunction restraining the Respondents, , particularly the 1 Respondent, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers, or privies, from harassing and/or intimidating and/or threatening with arrest and/or arresting and/or further declaring, representing, or in any manner portraying the Applicant as a “wanted person” or fugitive, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

“An order of interim stay of operation and action on the effect of the public declaration made by the 1st Respondent, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, describing or declaring the Applicant, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, as a “wanted person”, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

“And for sch further order or orders as this honourable court may deem fit to make in the circumstance.”

Sowore deposed that he had not been served with any formal police invitation or warrant of arrest, adding that his constitutional rights to dignity, liberty, and free movement had been severely impaired by the actions of the police.

The activist, who described himself as a law-abiding citizen, emphasised that if he had been invited for any lawful investigation, he would have honoured such invitation.

He argued that the declaration by the Lagos Police Commissioner unlawfully tainted his reputation as a respected journalist and former presidential candidate, noting that it was intended to stifle his freedom and silence his activism.

Sowore urged the court to restrain the police and their agents from further harassing, intimidating, or arresting him, and to set aside the public declaration labeling him as a wanted person.

The Affidavit Of Urgency reads, “That unless restrained urgently by this Honourable Court, the Respondents will continue to threaten and harass me everywhere I go.

“That I am not also aware of any offences committed by me and neither have I been extended any prior invitation before the 1st Respondent’s declaration on the 3rd day of November, 2025.

“That I am a law abiding citizen and if extended invitation by the 1st Respondent for a crime known to law, I would have honoured such invitation.

“That I am a person of high repute, being a human right activist, journalist, pro-democracy campaigner, and former presidential candidate in this country and the declaration of the 1st Respondent declaring me as a “wanted” criminal unlawfully taints my reputation and dignity contrary to my social status and that if unchecked or unrestrained now, the 1st Respondent and the 2nd and 3rd Respondents will give effect to a declaration I am still challenging here and stifle my freedom of movement and my right to personal liberty will be taken away,

“That since service is fundamental to the jurisdiction of the court, and difficulty in service of processes and hearing notices might delay this case, it has become necessary to depose to the urgency of this matter as I scek leave of this Honourable Court to grant me leave to the applicant to serve the originating processes on the 2nd and 3rd respondents through the mode sought on the motion paper.

“That it is in the interest of justice to grant this application.

“That I depose to this affidavit in good faith, contentiously believing same to be true and in accordance with the Oaths Act.”

November 6, 2025