The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • Six injured in Third Mainland Bridge accident

    Six injured in Third Mainland Bridge accident

    At least six commuters were injured on Monday in a road traffic accident along the Third Mainland Bridge, Adekunle corridor, heading toward Iyana-Oworonsoki. 

    The incident involved a painted Volkswagen commercial bus with registration number KRD 436 XF.

    According to Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, the fully loaded bus, carrying passengers and assorted household items, experienced a sudden brake failure while in motion. 

    The driver subsequently lost control, causing the vehicle to capsize on the busy carriageway.

    The accident left six passengers—two men and four women—with serious injuries, including one who sustained a critical eye injury at the point of impact.

    LASTMA officials, who were on routine patrol in the area, arrived promptly to coordinate rescue operations. All injured passengers were safely extricated from the wreckage and attended to.

    According to LASTMA, “Good Samaritans swiftly transported four of the injured passengers to an undisclosed medical facility for urgent treatment. In parallel, Officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Adekunle Division, rendered crucial assistance by conveying one male victim who sustained multiple fractures to a hospital for intensive medical care. Additionally, operatives of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) administered immediate on-site medical attention to another injured passenger at the scene of the incident.”

    To prevent further accidents and restore free flow of traffic, LASTMA officials ensured the swift removal of the accident vehicle from the road.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Sleepy driver rams into another vehicle on Third Mainland Bridge

    Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, expressed deep sympathy to the injured passengers and their families, and wished them a speedy recovery.

    He also warned motorists, particularly commercial vehicle operators, against overloading and neglecting routine vehicle maintenance. 

    Hon. Giwa stressed the importance of regular mechanical checks, especially of braking systems, before embarking on any journey within or outside Lagos State.

    The Special Adviser reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s resolute commitment to the preservation of lives and property across its road networks, underscoring that acts of avoidable negligence and mechanical irresponsibility will continue to attract stringent regulatory sanctions.

  • Malami urges court to reverse interim property forfeiture order 

    Malami urges court to reverse interim property forfeiture order 

    …gives details of his earnings

    An ex-Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami (SAN) has urged a  Federal High Court in Abuja to reverse its order issued on January 6 for the interim forfeiture of some of his property.

    Malami, in a motion filed by his lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN) also gave details of his earnings while in office.

    In the motion, Malami is seeking the release of three of the 57 property affected by the order issued by Justice Emeka Nwite upon a motion ex-parte for interim forfeiture filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    He is praying for two reliefs:

    *An order of this honourable court vacating, setting aside and/or discharging the interim order(s) of this honourable court made on the 6th of January, 2026 against the respondent/applicant’s (Malami’s) properties listed as Nos. 9, 18, and 48 in the schedule of properties attached to the interim order of forfeiture of 6th January, 2026, the said properties having been duly declared in the respondent/applicant’s asset declaration forms throughout his tenure as a public officer and No. 48 is held in trust for the Estate of Late Khadi Malami Nassarawa.

    *An order of this honourable court restraining the applicant/respondent (EFCC), acting by itself or through its servants, agents and proxies from interfering with the respondent/applicant’s (Malami’s) properties in issue or disturbing the respondent/applicant’s ownership, possession and control thereof in the course of purportedly giving effect to the order of this honourable court made on the 6th of January, 2026.”

    The three property being claimed by Malami include Plot 157, Lamido Crescent, Nasarawa, GRA, Kano, purchased in July 31, 2019.

    The others are: a Bedroom Duplex and Boys Quarters at No.12, Yalinga Street, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse Il, Abuja, purchased in October 2018 at N150million, and ADC Kadi Malami Foundation Building, bought at N56million listed as No. 18 and No. 48 in the schedule of property submitted to the court by the EFCC.

    Malami argued that the property listed as numbers: Nine, 18 and 48, the subject of the interim forfeiture, especially those declared in his various asset declaration forms are not linked by prima facie evidence of an unlawful activity or a specific offence.

    The ex-AGF stated that he declared the assets listed as numbers nine and 18 in his asset declaration forms filed with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in 2019 and 2023 respectively.

    He said property marked as number 48 is held in trust by him for the benefit of the estate of his late father, Late Kadi Malami.

    Malami added: “These assets, their value and their root of title have been clearly stated and specifically demonstrated in the various asset declaration forms spanning from 2019 to 2023.

    “The declaration above is prima facie evidence of the legitimacy of the acquisition and ownership of the properties,” he said.

    Malami stated that he copiously declared his earnings in his asset declaration form filed with the CCB to include: N374, 630,900 million income from salaries, estacodes, severance allowance and others;

    “Sitting allowances as a board/committee member of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, Federal Capital Territory Judicial Service Commission, Legal Practitioner Privileges Committee, and a high-powered presidential committee.

    “N574, 073, 000 (Five hundred and seventy-four million, and seventy three thousand naira) as Income generated through disposed assets

    “N10, 017,382,684 (Ten billion, seventeen million, three hundred and eighty-two thousand, six hundred and eighty-four thousand naira) turnover from businesses.

    “N2, 522, 000, 000 (Two billion, five hundred and twenty-two million naira) being loans to businesses

    “N958,000,000 (Nine hundred and fifty-eight million naira) as a traditional gift from personal friends.”

    Malami also stated that a total sum of N509,880,000 (Five hundred and nine million, eight hundred and eighty thousand naira) was realised as income from the launch and public presentation of a book titled, “Contemporary Issues on Nigerian Law and Practice, Thorny Terrains in Traversing the Nigerian Justice Sector: My Travails and Triumphs” by Malami.

    Read Also: Hearing stalled in EFCC’s suit seeking Malami’s assets forfeiture

    “These streams of income, and the continuing profits generated from the businesses over the years, sufficiently show that the properties sought to be forfeited were acquired through legitimate and lawful means as stated in the asset declaration forms,” he said.

    According to him, the order of interim forfeiture is not based on any prima facie establishment of unlawful purpose and is liable to be set aside.

    He argued that the court wrongly granted the order of interim forfeiture against these property “which were lawfully acquired post appointment of the respondent/applicant and declared with the Code of Conduct Bureau as legitimate assets of the respondent/applicant, in compliance with the 5th Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in 2019 and 2023.

    “The interim order was obtained ex-parte by suppression of material facts and misrepresentation.

    “The interim order for forfeiture was obtained by manifest exaggeration, malicious inflation of the value of the assets, and unreasonable and incompetent valuation deliberately manipulated to mislead the court, negatively affecting its discretion in granting an order based on manipulated facts and conclusions deliberately cooked up by the applicant/respondent (EFCC).

    “That there is no prima facie evidence placed before this honourable court by the applicant/respondent (EFCC) to warrant the properties linked to the respondent/applicant (Malami) to be liable for forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “The proper remedy for preventing conflicting outcomes duplicative litigation is for this honourable court to dismiss or strike out this suit.

    “That this proceeding is an assault on the applicant’s fundamental right to property, his presumption of innocence and his right to live in peace with his family,” Malami said.

  • JAMB to give free UTME forms to PWDs

    JAMB to give free UTME forms to PWDs

    …board rakes N2.2bn from sales of UTME forms

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said it would give free application documents to persons with disabilities registering for this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. 

    The Board said this in a bulletin shared by its Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin on Monday in Abuja. 

    Registration for the examination started on January 26 and will end on 28 of this month. 

    So far, the Board has raked in N2,206,319,000.00 from the sales of UTME e-Pins. 

    It noted that as done in previous years, the free application documents are to be processed by the JAMB-equal Opportunity Group(JEOG) for candidates with disabilities, who wish to sit the 2026/2027 UTME.

    The Board explained that the free UTME documents were part of efforts aimed at giving equal opportunities to all categories of candidates with disabilities, who are desirous of pursuing their dreams of higher education.

    Read Also: JAMB denies barring undergraduates from UTME

    The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, during a meeting with critical stakeholders of the Board at the National Headquarters, Abuja, restated the Board’s commitment to the welfare of PWDs through its free application documents regime. 

    He listed those who will enjoy the free application documents to include, but not limited to, people with Down Syndrome, Autism, Dyslexia, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

    “To support the PLWDs, JAMB will issue free application documents to all categories of persons living with disabilities. For candidates to enjoy this, such candidates must possess five credits passed in O/L at not more than two sittings,” Oloyede said. 

    He also added that audiobooks will  be provided for all visually impaired candidates. 

    Explaining further, Prof Oloyede stated that the audio book is a digital adaptation of the traditional printed reading book, noting that it will come in popular audio formats such as MP3, WMV, and WMA, which will be compatible with all devices that can stream audio records.

  • FG moves to turn livestock into a growth engine

    FG moves to turn livestock into a growth engine

    The federal government has set up a new technical sub-committee under the National Economic Council (NEC) to drive the development of Nigeria’s livestock sector.

    The aim is to boost economic growth, improve food security, and strengthen unity across the country.

    Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, made this known on Monday during the first meeting of the sub-committee at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

    He said the team was created to bring together existing policies and ideas and turn them into a clear and practical plan that the National Economic Council can approve and begin to carry out without delay.

    According to him, the NEC had earlier formed a high-level committee on livestock development led by the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasir Idris. That committee includes governors from all six geopolitical zones, key ministers, and the co-chair of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Development.

    However, because of the busy schedules of state governors and the urgent need to move quickly, NEC, Bagudu said, has agreed to create a smaller technical team that would handle the detailed work and speed up the process.

    “Our task is not to reinvent the wheel. A considerable body of work already exists. What is required now is to distil these reports into a clear, practical implementation roadmap that the National Economic Council can adopt without delay,” Bagudu said.

    He spoke about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s personal interest in livestock development, describing it as part of a broader shift in how the country sees agriculture and economic growth.

    The minister said the President views livestock not as a small or side activity, but as a major part of Nigeria’s plan to improve food production, create jobs, and grow the economy.

    “Mr President has consistently said that livestock is not a marginal activity but a central economic driver for food security, agricultural productivity, and inclusive growth. His decision to personally chair the Presidential Committee on Livestock Development reflects this clarity of purpose,” Bagudu stated.

    He also pointed to the creation of a separate Ministry of Livestock Development as a sign that the government now treats the sector as a key part of the economy, rather than just a section under agriculture.

    Bagudu explained that the President’s work with the National Economic Council fits into Nigeria’s federal system, where the federal, state, and local governments all share responsibility for agriculture and food security, including livestock.

    “Livestock development requires collaboration across all tiers of government. As the institution mandated to coordinate national development planning, this ministry serves as the secretariat of our federal system, ensuring that national plans, budgets, and programmes are aligned, mutually reinforcing, and implemented collaboratively rather than in isolation,” he said.

    The minister listed several funding and support programmes that states and communities can benefit from. These include the World Bank-backed Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, NG-CARES, the Nigeria for Women Programme, and the Renewed Hope Ward-Based Development Plan.

    He explained that the ward-based plan is designed to identify and support business and economic opportunities in all 8,809 wards across the country.

    Bagudu called on state commissioners to take full responsibility for the process, saying that when the NEC accepts the committee’s recommendations, it will make it easier for states and local governments to commit more resources.

    Read Also: FG, states, councils share ₦1.969tr December revenue at FAAC meeting

    He added that clear and stable policies would also attract development partners, impact investors, and private businesses by reducing risks and building confidence in the sector.

    The Minister also spoke about the tensions that sometimes surround livestock production in different parts of the country. He said the work of the sub-committee should help change how people see the sector, turning it into a source of shared prosperity instead of conflict.

    Earlier, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Dr Sampson Ebimaro, described the meeting as an important step in moving forward the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration. He said food security is closely connected to economic growth and national development, and added that the ministry remains committed to coordinating efforts across the country to achieve lasting results.

    The meeting brought together key officials and experts involved in agriculture, planning, and livestock development. Those present included Senator Bagudu as chairman of the sub-committee; Dr Sampson Ebimaro, representing the Permanent Secretary; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness, Mr Kingsley Uzoma; the Cross River State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Dr Micheal Odere; the Kebbi State Commissioner, Dr Abba Kalgo; and the Niger State Commissioner, Mr Mustapha Ndajiwo.

    Others in attendance were the Director of Special Duties at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Gloria Ahmed; the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr Sanusi Abubakar; the Executive Director of Niger Foods, Mr Ola Oloyede; a livestock systems specialist and policy adviser, Dr Winnie Lai-Solarin; and the Minister of Livestock, Alhaji Idi Maiha.

    With the new technical team now in place, the government says the next step is to turn years of research, policies, and reports into a clear action plan that can help modernise livestock production, improve the lives of farmers and herders, and support Nigeria’s wider goals of economic growth and national stability.

  • Food prices falls in November 2025 – NBS

    Food prices falls in November 2025 – NBS

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says prices of major food items, including rice, beans, garri, tomatoes and onions, fell slightly in November 2025.

    The NBS disclosed this in its Selected Food Prices Watch report for November 2025, released in Abuja on Monday.

    According to the report, the average price of 1kg of local rice dropped 5.00 per cent year-on-year to N1,861.95 in November 2025.

    “On a month-on-month basis, the price of rice also decreased by 2.71 per cent from N1,913.78 recorded in October 2025.”

    The report showed the average price of 1kg of brown beans declined by 43.14 per cent year-on-year to N1,547.03 in November 2025.

    “On a month-on-month basis, the price also fell by 12.13 per cent from N1,760.53 recorded in October 2025.”

    It stated that the average price of 1kg of white garri fell by 32.00 per cent year-on-year to N819.70 in November 2025.

    “Also on a month-on-month basis, the price decreased by 3.19 per cent from N846.69 recorded in October 2025.”

    The NBS said the average price of 1kg of tomatoes dropped by 15.57 per cent year-on-year to N1,243.02 in November 2025.

    “On a month-on-month basis, 1kg of tomato decreased by 2.06 per cent from N1,269.17 recorded in October 2025.”

    The report added that the average price of 1kg of onions fell by 29.03 per cent year-on-year to N1,332.77 in November 2025.

    “On a month-on-month basis, 1kg of onions decreased by 2.60 per cent from N1,368.32 recorded in October 2025.”

    However, the average price of one litre of palm oil rose 1.70 per cent year-on-year to N2,508.73 in November 2025.

    “On a month-on-month basis, it decreased by 1.70 per cent from N2,537.90 recorded in October 2025.”

    State analysis showed Kogi recorded the highest rice price at N2,159.99, while Bauchi posted the lowest at N1,237.81.

    Read Also: Food prices in Lagos, others ease

    Imo recorded the highest brown beans price at N2,174.39, while Adamawa recorded the lowest at N725.

    Bayelsa had the highest white garri price at N1,164.28, while Plateau recorded the lowest at N487.31.

    Imo recorded the highest tomato price at N2,010.70, while Plateau posted the lowest at N684.38.

    Abia recorded the highest onion price at N2,300.76, while Kwara recorded the lowest at N826.56.

    Enugu recorded the highest palm oil price at N2,508.73, while Taraba recorded the lowest at N2,050.

    By zone, the average rice price was highest in the North-Central at N2,019.45 and lowest in the North-East at N1,608.54.

    The South-East and South-South recorded the highest brown beans prices, while the North-East recorded the lowest at N982.79.

    The South-East recorded the highest white garri price, while the North-Central posted the lowest at N626.36.

    The NBS said the South-East and South-South recorded the highest tomato prices, while the North-West recorded the lowest.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu, in September 2025, ordered measures to reduce food prices nationwide.

    (NAN)

  • Yelwata killings: Court remands terror suspects in Kuje prison

    Yelwata killings: Court remands terror suspects in Kuje prison

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of nine terror suspects in Kuje prison shortly after they were arraigned over their alleged involvement in the June 13, 2025, violent attacks in Yelwata Community in Benue, in which about 150 persons died, and property was destroyed.

    They are: Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono, Ardo Muhammadu Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Alhaji Musa Mohammed, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Sale Mohammed, and Bako Jibrin.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a ruling, ordered that the nine remain in Kuje prison pending the determination of their bail applications and adjourned till February 26.

    During their arraignment, the nine defendants pleaded not guilty to a 57-count charge, bordering on terrorism related offences, brought against them by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

    Shortly after the defendants pleaded to the charge, the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who led the prosecuting team, applied for a date for the prosecution to open its case.

    Fagbemi said, in line with Section 273 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and following the plea of the defendants, it means they have invoked the jurisdiction of the court for trial.

    The AGF urged the court to grant an accelerated hearing in view of the nature of the case

    When asked by the judge about the number of witnesses the prosecution plans to call, Fagbemi said, “For now, we have about eight witnesses.”

    Justice Abdulmalik rejected the move by the lawyer to the first, eighth, and ninth defendants, Ibrahim Angulu (SAN), to apply for bail orally for his clients.

    She insisted that the defendants must file formal bail applications, stressing that “The practice of this court is that you file a formal bail application.”

    At the commencement of proceedings, Fagbemi told the court that the prosecution had filed an amended and sought to add the name of the sixth defendant, Yakubu Mamah, as a defendant on the charge.

    Fagbemi also applied that the initial charge, dated September 9, 2025, but filed September 10, 2025, in which eight defendants were listed, be replaced with the amended charge, dated January 19 but filed January 20.

    Angulu and other defence lawyers – A. I. Kaura and Adamu Abdullahi – did not oppose Fagbemi’s application, following which Justice Abdulmalik struck out the old charge and announced the striking out of Mamah’s name from the charge.

    In count one of the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/471/2025, the defendants and others still at large were alleged to have, sometime between May and June 2025 in Nasarawa State, knowingly and directly participated in meetings in connection with the commission of an act of terrorism.

    They were said to have planned the attack on Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue, and subsequently carried it out on June 13, 2025, resulting in the burning of houses, grievous bodily harm, and the death of approximately 150 persons.

    Read Also: Yelwata killings: Number of displaced persons in Nasarawa rises to 4,253 — NASEMA

    The offence is said to be contrary to Section 12(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under the same section.

    In count six, Dono was alleged to have “knowingly recruited persons from Kwara State, Taraba State, Giza, and other surrounding villages in Nasarawa State to participate in the commission of an act of terrorism i.e. to attack Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, the attack which was subsequently carried out on the 13th day of June 2025, and resulted in the burning of houses, grievous bodily harm, and the death of approximately 150 persons in Yelwata.”

    Dono was, in count 16 alleged to have engaged in preparations to commit an act of terrorism by coordinating the acquisition of weapons, logistics, manpower, and information used to execute the attack on Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, the attack which was subsequently carried out on the 13th day of June 2025, and resulted in the burning of houses, grievous bodily harm, and the death of approximately 150 persons in Yelwata.

    In count 25, Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono (1st defendant) was alleged to have, between May and June 2025 in Nasarawa State, “instigated and instructed other Ardos and all Fulani youths in Nasarawa State, Kwara State, Taraba State, Giza, and other surrounding villages to carry out attack on Yelwata Community” on June 13, 2025, where at least 150 persons died.

    The offence is said to be contrary to Section 26(2)(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under the same Act.

  • IPOB sit-at-home order records low compliance in Imo

    IPOB sit-at-home order records low compliance in Imo

    The sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had minimal effect on activities across Imo State on Monday, as markets, schools, and public institutions operated normally.

    Residents, traders, and students were seen moving freely, while commercial buses plied major routes and conveyed passengers to their destinations without disruption.

    Students attended classes until the close of school for the day, and civil servants were present at their duty posts across the state.

    Read Also: Military refutes viral video of ‘captured’ IPOB commander ‘Gentle the Yahoo’

    Some residents, who spoke with our reporter, said they were surprised by the sit-at-home order, noting that they were not aware of any directive restricting movement.

     A trader, Chidima, said, “I came out for business in Owerri because there’s enough security in the capital city. More importantly, I came out to look for my daily bread, and people in town were moving freely because stores and shops were open without any fear of molestation.”

  • ‘How judges can avoid delays’, by CJN Kekere-Ekun

    ‘How judges can avoid delays’, by CJN Kekere-Ekun

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has given hints on how judges could avoid delays and ensure prompt justice delivery.

    The CJN said that where judges familiarise themselves with relevant laws and case management techniques, their decisions would be swift and cases would be determined on time.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun spoke in Abuja on Monday during the opening session of a refresher course for judges of the superior courts on “the management of evidence in trial,” organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

    She said, “The modern judge is not a passive arbiter. While impartiality remains paramount, judges are expected to exercise informed and active control over proceedings to ensure fairness, efficiency, and procedural discipline.

    “This responsibility necessarily requires a firm mastery of the Evidence Act, so that rulings on the admissibility of evidence can, in appropriate circumstances, be delivered from the Bench with clarity and confidence.

    “Undue or routine adjournments to rule on issues of admissibility should be discouraged, as they contribute to delay and undermine the momentum of trial proceedings.

    “Active case management therefore entails controlling the presentation of evidence, ruling promptly on objections, curbing dilatory tactics, and safeguarding the integrity of the trial process.

    “These functions demand not only technical competence, but also sound judicial judgment exercised with decisiveness and restraint,” the CJN said.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun stressed the importance of evidence in any trial process and why judges must develop effective evidence management skills.

    The CJN noted that evidence remains the foundation upon which judicial decisions are built, adding that it is through evidence that facts are established, credibility is assessed, and the law is applied.

    She said, “While substantive and procedural rules provide the legal framework for adjudication, it is the manner in which evidence is received, managed, evaluated, and applied that ultimately determines the fairness and quality of judicial outcomes.

    “For Judges of the superior courts, whose decisions often shape jurisprudence and public confidence in the justice system, a firm grasp of evidentiary principles is indispensable.

    “The evidentiary environment within which our courts operate has expanded considerably. Alongside traditional oral and documentary evidence, courts are now confronted with electronic records, digital communications, forensic materials, and expert testimony from specialised fields.

    “These developments enhance the truth-finding function of the courts, but they also introduce new challenges relating to admissibility, authenticity, reliability, and probative value.

    “Judicial officers must therefore be adequately equipped to navigate these complexities with confidence and consistency.”

    “The Evidence Act, 2011, as amended by the Evidence (Amendment) Act, 2023, continues to provide the statutory framework for evidentiary practice in Nigeria. Judges must interpret and apply its provisions in a manner that accords with constitutional guarantees, particularly the right to fair hearing.

    “The exercise of judicial discretion in evidentiary matters must therefore be informed, principled, and firmly grounded in law and precedent. Effective evidence management is also closely linked to judicial case management.”

    The CJN, who commended the NJI for the initiative, noted that the refresher course was convened at a time when judicial work has become increasingly complex.

    She noted, “The nature of disputes brought before our courts has evolved significantly. Judges of the superior courts are routinely called upon to determine matters involving extensive records, complex factual scenarios, and multiple layers of evidence.

    “In this context, the effective management of evidence is no longer merely procedural; it is central to the delivery of justice itself,” the CJN said.

    The Administrator of the NJI, Justice Babatunde Adejumo (retired), explained that the course was designed to provide the participating judges with an opportunity to revisit foundational principles of Evidence Law while also engaging with contemporary developments that affect how evidence is managed in practice.

    Justice Adejumo, who noted that the administration of justice has, in recent years, been confronted with new evidentiary challenges that demand renewed judicial attention, said the course is meant to strengthen judges’ capacity to navigate the new challenges with confidence and consistency.

    He added, “It also aims to build upon the experience of your lordships to interrogate recurring challenges encountered in trial management, and to explore best practices that enhance efficiency without compromising the right to fair hearing guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    He assured participants of the NJI’s “unwavering commitment to supporting the Judiciary through high quality education and training,” adding that “programmes such as this refresher course reflect our belief that judicial excellence is cultivated through continuous reflection, disciplined learning, and professional collaboration.”

  • FULL LIST: Top 15 Premier League most expensive signings since 2010

    FULL LIST: Top 15 Premier League most expensive signings since 2010

    The Premier League’s transformation into world football’s richest and most competitive league has been driven in no small part by record-breaking transfer spending over the past decade and a half.

    Since 2010, English clubs have repeatedly pushed the boundaries of the global market, shattering fee records in their bid to secure elite talent capable of delivering instant success, long-term dominance, or commercial appeal in an increasingly globalised game.

    From midfield generals and defensive lynchpins to creative playmakers and marquee forwards, these high-profile acquisitions reflect not only footballing ambition but also the financial muscle, strategic risks, and evolving recruitment philosophies of Premier League clubs.

    As the January transfer window deadline draws closer, here is a detailed look at the top 15 most expensive signings in Premier League history since 2010.

    1. Alexander Isak – Newcastle United to Liverpool (£125m, September 2025)

    Liverpool shattered the British transfer record to sign Alexander Isak after several prolific seasons at Newcastle United. The Swedish forward was identified as the long-term focal point of Liverpool’s attack, combining pace, technical quality, and elite finishing. His arrival symbolised a new financial era at Anfield and underlined the club’s ambition to remain at the summit of English and European football.

    1. Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool (£116m, June 2025)

    Before Isak’s arrival, Liverpool had already broken their own transfer record by securing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s most gifted creative midfielders, Wirtz was signed to be the cerebral force behind Liverpool’s attacking play. His transfer reflected both the club’s long-term planning and the escalating cost of elite young talent.

    1. Moisés Caicedo – Brighton to Chelsea (£115m, August 2023)

    Chelsea outbid Liverpool in a dramatic deadline-day battle to sign Moisés Caicedo, making him the most expensive defensive midfielder in Premier League history at the time. Brighton’s record sale reflected Caicedo’s meteoric rise from Ecuadorian prospect to elite ball-winner. Tasked with stabilising Chelsea’s midfield, his early struggles were heavily scrutinised, but his athleticism and defensive intelligence justified the club’s heavy investment.

    1. Enzo Fernández – Benfica to Chelsea (£106.8m, January 2023)

    Chelsea broke the British transfer record at the time to sign Enzo Fernández following his standout performances for Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he won the Young Player Award. Signed just six months after joining Benfica, Enzo was brought in to be the long-term heartbeat of Chelsea’s midfield, dictating tempo and providing leadership well beyond his age.

    1. Declan Rice – West Ham United to Arsenal (£105m, July 2023)

    Arsenal made Declan Rice their most expensive signing ever after a prolonged transfer saga involving Manchester City. Already a proven Premier League leader, Rice immediately transformed Arsenal’s midfield balance with his defensive authority, ball-carrying ability, and growing attacking output, becoming central to Mikel Arteta’s long-term project.

    1. Jack Grealish – Aston Villa to Manchester City (£100m, August 2021)

    Grealish became the first £100m signing in Premier League history when Manchester City prised him away from boyhood club Aston Villa. Signed to add creativity and control, Grealish initially faced scrutiny but grew into a vital tactical component, playing a key role in City’s historic treble-winning 2022/23 campaign.

    1. Romelu Lukaku – Inter Milan to Chelsea (£97.5m, August 2021)

    Chelsea re-signed Lukaku for a club-record fee following a prolific spell at Inter Milan. Expected to be the missing piece in Thomas Tuchel’s attack, the move quickly unravelled due to tactical issues, injuries, and off-field controversy, making it one of the most disappointing high-profile transfers in Premier League history.

    1. Paul Pogba – Juventus to Manchester United (£89m, August 2016)

    Pogba returned to Manchester United as a global superstar in what was a world-record transfer at the time. While he delivered moments of brilliance and won domestic and European silverware, inconsistency and injuries prevented him from fully justifying the enormous fee.

    1. Antony – Ajax to Manchester United (£85m, August 2022)

    Erik ten Hag pushed hard to reunite with Antony, inflating the fee during a late-window move. Although signed for his flair and creativity, Antony struggled for consistency and output, becoming emblematic of Manchester United’s recruitment inefficiencies.

    1. Harry Maguire – Leicester City to Manchester United (£80m, August 2019)

    Maguire became the world’s most expensive defender when United triggered his release clause. Initially influential and immediately named captain, later form dips and relentless scrutiny turned him into one of the most polarising figures in Premier League history.

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    1. Virgil van Dijk – Southampton to Liverpool (£75m, January 2018)

    Van Dijk’s arrival transformed Liverpool overnight. Then the world’s most expensive defender, he justified every penny by anchoring a defence that won the Champions League and Premier League, redefining elite centre-back standards in England.

    1. Romelu Lukaku – Everton to Manchester United (£75m, July 2017)

    United beat Chelsea to Lukaku’s signature after his prolific spell at Everton. Although he scored regularly, stylistic mismatches limited his long-term impact before he revived his career in Italy.

    1. Jadon Sancho – Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United (£73m, July 2021)

    After years of pursuit, United finally landed Sancho. However, adaptation issues and managerial fallout meant his Premier League career never reached the heights expected.

    1. Kai Havertz – Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea (£71m, September 2020)

    Chelsea signed Havertz as part of a major spending spree. Though inconsistent in the league, he secured his place in club history by scoring the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final.

    15. Ángel Di María – Real Madrid to Manchester United (£59.7m, August 2014)

    Signed after a Champions League-winning season with Real Madrid, Di María arrived with enormous expectations. Despite a bright start, injuries and off-field issues curtailed his time in England, making the move one of the Premier League’s most regrettable big-money transfers.

  • 2027: Adamawa APC backs Tinubu, welcomes new governorship aspirant

    2027: Adamawa APC backs Tinubu, welcomes new governorship aspirant

    The Adamawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday welcomed a new governorship aspirant, declaring that President Bola Tinubu remains the party’s only viable option at the federal level ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a ceremony to receive the aspirant, Engr. Diaulhaq Abubakar, the state chairman of the party, Barrister Idris Shuabu, expressed confidence that the APC would secure victory at the federal level.

    According to him, President Tinubu has demonstrated strong leadership and performance since assuming office, adding that his record leaves no room for alternative considerations in 2027.

    Shuabu cited initiatives such as the students’ loan scheme, the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, and efforts to curb insecurity as evidence of the president’s experience and achievements.

    He said these accomplishments underscore why Nigerians should not look beyond Tinubu in deciding the next presidential election.

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    The APC chairman also described Abubakar as a young, industrious and philanthropic individual, noting that his entry into the Adamawa governorship race is a welcome and deserving addition ahead of the 2027 contest.

    In his remarks, Abubakar formally declared his intention to seek the party’s governorship ticket, describing himself as a youth driven by a vision for equitable and inclusive governance in Adamawa State.

    “I have the mind to raise the revenue generation of the state to generate enough money to develop infrastructure, spread skills acquisition for personal development of the people, and generally ensure that everyone gets what is due to him or her,” Abubakar said.