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Tag: Court

  • Court seals Lekki property pending suit determination

    Court seals Lekki property pending suit determination

    Justice  Olukayode Musa of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has ordered the sealing of a disputed waterfront property located within the Lekki Peninsula Scheme area of Lagos State.

    The order is pending the determination of a  suit arising from a commercial land transaction.

    The order followed a motion ex-parte in suit FCT/HC/4636/2025 filed by Henry Orabuchi, seeking judicial intervention over the property ownership  disagreements.

    The first to sixth respondents include the Police, Inspector General of Police; Head, IGP Monitoring Unit, ACP Magaji K. Mohammed; SP Abigail Patrick, Emecheta Elvis Eze and the Lagos Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Lagos.

    Justice Musa, while ruling on the application by Orabuchi through his legal counsel, Ebere Nwanya, ordered parties to maintain the status quo as at November 17, 2025 when the action commenced.

    Justice Musa granted an order of interim injunction restraining first to fourth respondents, either by themselves or through any of police commands, formations, units agents, operatives or officers under its command from inviting, arresting, detaining, harassing, intimidating or howsoever dealing adversely with the applicant in connection with the subject matter of the suit pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

    The court also ordered the first and second respondents to take over the site to avoid any damage to the properties and place caveats on all registering authorities to stay all action until final determination of the main suit.

    The court issued an interim order directing the 2nd respondents, through AIG Zone 2 and 6th respondents to seal and secure the entire property known and described as Plot No. A, Block 12, Lekki Peninsula Scheme, Lagos State.

    It also  reclaimed land at the back of the property measuring 3,000 square metres forthwith and to immediately halt all works, activities, actions, or steps on the said property while ensuring that no person, authority, or entity howsoever described is permitted access to or entry upon the property pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit before the court.

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    The court issued an order joining Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development as 7th respondent in the suit with an order that the ministry shall abide by all orders made therein.

    The  applicant, Orabuchi stated that he was introduced in 2022 to a property owner (name withheld) by an intermediary who presented him as the owner of a waterfront property in Lekki, Lagos.

     He was informed that part of the land was waterlogged and required sand-filling, after which portions would be sold.

    Mr. Orabuchi said he subsequently entered into an agreement to acquire 3,000 square metres of the reclaimed land for an agreed consideration.

    He also disclosed that additional funds were paid at various stages of the transaction, based on representations made during the course of the agreement.

    Documents presented to him, he said, included a Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy covering the adjoining land, with assurances that necessary consents for the reclaimed portion would be derived from the same root of title.

    The agreement also reportedly provided that access to the waterfront portion would be through the adjoining developed property.

    Mr. Orabuchi stated that following the sand-filling exercise, issues arose concerning regulatory assessments and the extent of land recognised by relevant authorities.

    He further claimed that disagreements followed over documentation and the perfection of title to the portion he contracted to purchase.

    Mr. Orabuchi also referenced regulatory actions by Lagos State agencies during assessments conducted on the property, which he said raised additional concerns regarding compliance with applicable planning and building regulations.

    These developments, he maintained, prompted him to seek formal clarification and legal protection.

    Court documents indicate that Mr. Orabuchi petitioned the Nigeria Police over the transaction, after which the matter was referred for investigation.

    While those investigations were ongoing, he alleged that subsequent actions led him to seek relief before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The order of the court was made to preserve the subject matter of the dispute and to prevent actions that could prejudice ongoing proceedings.

  • Court grants EFCC’s request for interim forfeiture of N30.7m linked to alleged fraud in NNPC 

    Court grants EFCC’s request for interim forfeiture of N30.7m linked to alleged fraud in NNPC 

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order granting an  interim forfeiture of of N30,700, 000.00 the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claimed was associated with an alleged fraud perpetrated by some senior officiala of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order while ruling on an ex-parte motion, marked:FHC/ABJ/CS/2775/2025, filed by the EFCC and moved last Friday by its lawyer, Emenike Mgbemele.

    Justice Nwite held, in the ruling, that having considered all the material evidence placed before the court by the applicant, the application was meritorious and ought to be granted.

    The judge ordered the EFCC to publish the interim order of forfeiture in a national daily for interested persons to show cause, within 14 days, why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

    He then adjourned till January 22 for the EFCC to report its compliance with the order for publication.

    The EFCC, in a supporting affidavit, said the funds are currently lodged in EFCC’s Recovery Account with United Bank for Africa (UBA) in account number: 9058700029 with manager’s cheque name: M/C Draft Outstanding Account, be forfeited to the Federal Government.

    It stated, in a supporting affidavit, that the funds were discoverd while investigating allegations of fraudulent activities of some high profile officials of the NNPC as well as other criminal petitions brought to the commission.

    The EFCC added: “In the cause of investigation and analysing some of the documents received from the bank, the name of Mr. Adamu Yakubu, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, featured prominently.

    “On September 2, 2025, Mr. Yakubu, whose name featured in the cause of investigation, was invited and he volunteered his statement.

    “Mr Yakubu submitted a ledger to the commission evidencing records of his transactions wherein the details of customers and the amount of dollars sold by them are recorded.

    “Upon analysing the entering in the ledger submitted by Mr Yakubu, it was revealed that over N4, 000, 000, 000.00 (Four Billion Naira) was transferred to the accounts of different individuals and companies on the instruction of one Mr. Ibrahim Sani, a staff of Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS).

    “It was discovered that the balance of N30.7 million sought to be forfeited was still in possession of Yakubu from the funds which he claimed was given to him by Mr Ibrahim Sani.

    “On the 15th day of September 2025, Mr. Ibrahim Sani, a staff of FIRS, whose name appeared on the ledger and who Mr Yakubu claimed owned the N30, 700, OOO (Thirty Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira Only) was invited and he volunteered his statement.

    “Mr. Ibrahim Sani gave statement on how he had been using Yakubu, the BDC operator, to be sending monies to different individuals and companies.

    “Mr.Ibrahim equally confirmed how he usually deposit huge amount of money (Dollars) with Mr Yakubu who in turn sends its naira equivalent to individuals and companies accounts provided by him.

    “Mr. Ibrahim neither ascertained nor verified the source of these monies, which he has been depositing with Mr. Yakubu for onward transfer to other people, which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

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    “Mr. Ibrahim, however, denied ownership of the N30.7 million found in Yakubu’s account as at the time of making his statement.”

    The EFCC further stated that Ibrahim claimed that Yakubu was not holding any of his money as at September 15, 2025.

    It added that Yakubu and Ibrahim denied ownership of the said N30.7 million found in the account of the former (Yakubu).

    The EFCC stated Mr. Yakubu has since raised four different managers’ cheques in the name of the EFCC Recovery Account in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    It added  that the source of the funds sought to be forfeited in the account of Mr. Yakubu “is proceeds of unlawful activities.”

  • Alleged money laundering: Court grants N500m bail to Bauchi Commissioner Adamu

    Alleged money laundering: Court grants N500m bail to Bauchi Commissioner Adamu

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail the Commissioner of Finance in Bauchi State, Yakubu Adamu at N500million among other conditions in relation to the money laundering charge brought against him and one other.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on Friday, ordered to produce two sureties, who must be land owners within Maitama, Asokoro or Gwarinpa District of Abuja.

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    Adamu is being prosecuted with a firm, Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd, in the charge  marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/694/2025.

    Justice Nwite ordered that Adamu remains in custody until he fulfils the bail conditions.

  • Court warns INEC chair against disobeying order to recognise LP’s candidates for FCT polls

    Court warns INEC chair against disobeying order to recognise LP’s candidates for FCT polls

    The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued a warning to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, against ignoring its orders issued on December 16. 

    The court had directed INEC to grant the Labour Party (LP) an access code to enable it upload the names and particulars of its nominated candidates for the FCT area council election scheduled for February 2026.

    The warning is contained in a document labeled “Form 48,” titled: “Notice of consequences of disobedience of order of this honourable court made of the 16th day of December 2025.”

    Issued by the court’s Registrar on December 29, a copy of the notice was obtained in Abuja on Wednesday and addressed directly to the INEC Chairman.

    Part of it reads, “Take notice that unless you obey the directions contained in this attached Court order to wit: 

    *An interim injunction is hereby granted directing the defendant (the commission) to grant access code to the claimant/applicant to upload the names and particulars of their nominated candidates for the FCT Area Council election scheduled to hold on February 2026 by the defendant (the commission) within 48 hours pending the hearing of the motion on notice. 

    *An interim injunction is hereby grant directing the defendant (the commission) to upload the names and particulars of the claimant/applicant’s nominated candidates for public scrutiny within 48 hours pending the hearing and determination of the motion notice.

    *And take further notice that you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to Nigerian Correctional Center.” 

    Justice J. O. E. Adeyemi-Ajayi had issued the said orders on December 16 while ruling on an ex parte motion for interim injunctions filed by the LP after it was moved by its lawyer, Christian Elom and adjourned till January 27, 2026 for the hearing of the motion on notice.

    The motion, marked: M/16037/2025 was filed by the LP along with the substantive suit, marked: FCT/HC/CV/4930/2025, which has INEC listed as the sole defendant/respondent.

    The LP said, in a supporting affidavit, that it chose to approach the court after INEC allegedly failed to publish the names of its candidates for the February 2026 council elections as required, despite being duly notified.

    The party stated, in its support affidavit, that it gave the notice of its primary elections to the defendant (INEC) within the time frame provided by the law 

    It added that after its primary elections, and within the 180 days provided by the law, it submitted the list of the candidates who emerged from the primaries it conducted and whom it proposes to support at the election, to INEC, in the prescribed forms. 

     The LP argued that INEC is duty-bound to, within seven days of receipt of the particulars of the candidates, publish the same in the constituency in which the candidates intend to contest the election. 

    The party added that the law mandates the defendant (INEC) to, at least 150 days before the day of the election, publish, by displaying at the relevant office or offices of the defendant, and on the defendant’s website, a statement of the full names and addresses of the candidates standing nominated by the claimant.

    The LP accused INEC of allegedly failing to perform these statutory responsibilities.

  • Court declines request to stop January 1 new tax laws’ implementation 

    Court declines request to stop January 1 new tax laws’ implementation 

    • ….asks Fed Govt to proceed as planned

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has declined the request by a group –  the Incorporated Trustees of African Initiative for Abuse of Public Trust – to restrain the federal government from proceeding with the planned implementation of the new tax laws effective from January 1, 2026.

    Justice Bello Kawu, in a ruling held that the court lacked the power to stop the implementation of a law or laws already signed by the appropriate authority, without the plaintiff providing any concrete evidence of any wrong doing.

    Justice Kawu, in the ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the group, found that there was no concrete and strong evidence presented before the court by the group to warrant the grant of the reliefs it sought.

    He asked the federal government to proceed with its planned implementation of the said tax laws pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed by the plaintiff.

    In th ruling delivered on December 23, a certified true copy (CTC) of which was seen in Abuja on Wednesday, the judge said: “I have considered the application together with the affidavit in support. 

    “I have also considered the submission of the learned counsel for the claimant/applicant together with the judicial authorities cited and I am of the strong view that the court lacks power to stop implementation of a law already signed by the appropriate authority without concrete evidence of any wrong doing.

    “At this preliminary stage, it will be difficult if not impossible to prove any wrong doing because at this stage, the court should be careful not to touch on the main issue. It is my considered opinion that granting injunction at this preliminary stage will be touching the subject matter in the main suit.

    “It should be noted that once an Act is signed into law, it can only be repealed by the lawmakers or any offending section set aside by the court of law; be that as it may, exparte application cannot be used to set aside the coming into force any Act already signed into law or gazetted.

    “In view of the above, the implementation of the Tax Act 2025 and other related Acts will commence on January 1, 2026 and continue to be in force pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion before this court, ” the judge said.

    He adjourned further hearing in the case till January 9, 2026.

    The group is contending among others that in view of the controversy surrounding the laws, including allegations of alterations, it was proper for the court to stop the planned implementation until the issues are resolved.

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    Listed as defendants in the suit are: the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.

    The group had in its motion, marked:  M/17240/2025 prayed for among others, an order of interim injunction  restraining the Federal Government, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the National Assembly, or any of its agencies from implementing any of the provisions of the  gazetted Nigeria Tax Act (2025), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (2025), the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (2025) or the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act (2025) for any reasons pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

    It equally sought for an order of interim injunction restraining  the President, either by himself or through any agency of the Federal Government created under the gazette Nigeria Tax Act (2025), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (2025), the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (2025) or the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025) from  implementing  the provisions of the Acts in any states of the federation where applicable, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    The judge, who declined to grant the injunction reliefs however, granted the plaintiff’s request to be allowed to serve some of the defendants documents relating to the suit through substituted means.

    Justice Kawu ordered that court documents meant for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the President be served on them through the office of the AGF.

    The judge also ordered that court documents meant for the Senate President, the House of Reps Speaker and the N/Assembly should be served on them through the Clerk of the N/Assembly.

    He said such substituted service shall be deemed proper service.

  • Man gets 13-month community service for environmental offences in Lagos

    Man gets 13-month community service for environmental offences in Lagos

    A special Offences Mobile Court in Oshodi, Lagos has sentenced a 48-year-old man, Makinde Rasaq, to 13 months’ community service at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

    Rasaq was arrested with an Honda SUV filled with refuse on Lagos Island

    The accused, who faced seven counts, pleaded guilty to  the  charges and was subsequently sentenced to various terms with an option of community service for the offences totalling 13 months’ community service, which would be served at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

    Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), Managing Director, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, told The Nation that the offences included breach of peace, and indiscriminate dumping of waste.

    Others were non-patronage of the Private Sector Partnership (PSP) operators, illegal transportation of waste without a valid licence and obstruction of officers.

    The convicted man, he said, was arrested while illegally dumping refuse on Saturday night at the Tinubu Fountain in Central Lagos.

    Also, he said Razaq was suspected to be part of a syndicate dumping refuse to create a narrative that Lagos is dirty.

    He was subsequently placed detained at Adeniji Adele Police Station before he was handed over to Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officers for arraignment by the legal officials from the State Ministry of Justice.

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    Speaking on the latest conviction which went viral,  Gbadegesin said the message of the conviction is a declaration of zero tolerance on indiscriminate waste disposal message to everyone.

    He warned residents to ensure proper waste disposal through patronage of the LAWMA accredited PSP operators in accordance with the Environmental Laws of Lagos State.

    He reiterated that residents should desist from the unwholesome waste disposal as generation of waste is an unavoidable aspect of existence, adding that residents must always patronise the PSP for better service delivery.

  • Court grants interim forfeiture order on N1.1bn allegedly diverted from Kano state’s account

    Court grants interim forfeiture order on N1.1bn allegedly diverted from Kano state’s account

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order for the temporary forfeiture of N1,109,230,000.00 allegedly moved illegally out of the Kano State Federation Account domiciled with the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

    Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Tuesday while ruling on an ex parte motion filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and moved by its lawyer, Oluwafunke Bada.

    Justice Nwite was of the view that the request was meritorious and should be granted.

    The judge also ordered that the forfeiture order be published in any national daily for any person interested in the money to appear before the court and show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

    Justice Nwite then adjourned the matter till January 21, 2026, for the report of compliance.

    The ICPC stated in an affidavit filed along with the motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2634/2025, that the N1,109,230,000.00 was currently domiciled in the ICPC Recovery Account.

    The ICPC stated that the money was recovered in the course of investigating a petition numbered: ICPC/P/NC/564/2024 by the ICPC and that the funds were reasonably suspected to have been proceeds of unlawful activities.

    It claimed to have received a petition dated August 19, 2024, from some concerned citizens of Kano State, who alleged that two billion, three hundred million naira (2,300,000,000.00) had been withdrawn from the Kano State Federation Account: 1026282580 domiciled with UBA in cash and used for purposes not related to government business.

    The commission added that in the course of investigation, its operatives discovered that on November 9, 2023, the Accountant-General (AG) of Kano State, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, authorised the payment of N1.1 billion to two Bureau de Change (BDC) companies.

    It identified the BDC companies as Namu Na Kune Global Resources Ltd and Kazo Nazo Global Concept.

    The commission said it was discovered that Abdulsalam submitted two letters of authority to the Government House of Kano State, signed by the Managing Directors of two oil companies – A. Y. Maikifi Oil & Gas Ltd and Ammas Petroleum Company Ltd – instructing the Kano State Government to make the following payments for the supply of diesel to the state government.

    It said the two letters (which it attached to the motion) “requested from the Kano State Government, payment of N539 million to Kazo Nazo Global Concept and three payments of N570 million, N48 million, and N14.9 million to Namu Na Kune Global Resources.

    “The commission invited Yamta Audu and Ahmad Bello Hamza, the Managing Directors of A. Y. Maikifi Oil & Gas Ltd and Ammas Petroleum Company Ltd., respectively, for inquiries into the said letters of authority and supplies of oil products to the state government.

     “The two managing directors stated to the ICPC that they signed the letters of authority at the request of the Accountant General of Kano State, who informed them that the state government needed their assistance to release funds required to address certain financial needs of the state.

    “In their written statements to the ICPC, the two managing directors stated that the contracts mentioned in both letters of authority do not exist.

    “No supplies of diesel or alum were ever made by their companies to the Kano State Government.

    “Investigation revealed that after A.Y. Maikifi Oiland Gas Ltd and Ammas Petroleum Company Ltd signed the undated letters of authority which were received at the Office of the Commissioner of Water Resources on the 7th of November, 2023, the Kano State Government paid the sum N585,000,000.00 each on the 9th of October, 2023 to Kazo Nazo Global Concept and Namu Na Kune Global Resources Ltd, a total of N1,170,000,000.00.”

    The ICPC claimed that the two managing directors allegedly converted the total sum of N1,170,000,000.00 paid by the Kano State Government into one million U.S. dollars ($1,000,000.00) and handed it to one Ghali Muhammad Dahiru, in cash, for delivery to Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, the Director of Protocol of Government House, Kano State.

    It added, “Gali Muhammad Dahiru handed over the said $1,000,000.00 cash to Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo as directed by Nasiru Adamu at the Kano State Liaison Office in Asokoro, Abuja.

    “Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo admitted collecting the money in his statement to the ICPC dated 9th of September, 2025.”

    The ICPC said it was able to recover from the two companies a total of N1,109,230,000.00 out of the N1,170,000,000.00 allegedly moved illegally from the Kano State Federation Account.

    It said the N1,109,230,000.00 was paid in two instalments, each of N570,000,000 and N539,230,000 on February 27 and March 21.

  • Court summons CBN, NDIC over revocation of Aso Savings, Union Homes’ licenses

    Court summons CBN, NDIC over revocation of Aso Savings, Union Homes’ licenses

    A Federal High Court in Abuja  has summoned the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Cooperation (NDIC) to show cause why they should not be restrained from taking further actions in relation to the recent revocation of the licences of Aso Savings and Loans Plc and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc.

    Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order in a ruling on Monday on an ex-parte motion filed by both mortgage institutions, which was moved by their lawyer, Joseph Silas.

    The judge declined the applicants’ request and order restraining the respondents, but instead, ordered that the CBN and the NDIC should be put on notice.

    Justice Nwite said, “I have listened to the submission of the counsel for the plaintiffs/applicants and I have gone through the affidavit evidence, the exhibit, including the written address.

    “I am of the opinion, and I so hold, that the interest of justice will be met by putting the defendants on notice.

    “I hereby ordered that the defendant be put on notice to come and show cause why the reliefs sought should not be granted.”

    He adjourned till January 5, 2026 for the CBN and NDIC to show cause.

    The plaintiffs – Aso Savings, Union Homes, Ridhwan Hamza and Ismaila Adamu – had, in the ex-parte motion, sought two reliefs.

    *An order restraining the defendants/respondents from taking further steps on the purported revocation of the operational licence of the first and second plaintiffs (Aso Savings and Union Homes), pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    *An order barring the defendants/respondents from enforcing their unlawful decision in any way, form or manner, against the first and second plaintiffs/applicants, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    Silas had, while moving the motion, stated that the CBN did not comply with the condition precedent to the invocation of its power to revoke the operating licence of both mortgage institutions.

    He added that the NDIC, without allowing the two mortgage institutions to exhaust their rights of action, moved to curtail such rights by attempting to take over them.

    The lawyer added that if the CBN and NDIC were not restrained, they will impose upon the plaintiffs/applicants their unlawful decisions in an irreversible way.

    In a supporting affidavit, Hamza, described as a shareholder in Aso Savings, admitted that the institutions had operational challenges, which the CBN was aware of.

    Hamza claimed that the CBN, without carrying out any measure to intervene on the failures of the plaintiffs, gave Aso Savings an ultimatum to meet its minimum capital requirement by ensuring that all share reconstruction activities are concluded in a manner that fully address the capital shortfall not later than August 31, 2025.

    He said, “I know that notwithstanding the positive updates made to the first defendant/respondent (CBN) by the plaintiffs/applicants on December 16, 2025 in a press release titled, ‘Revocation of the Operational Licenses of Aso Savings and Loans Plc and Union Homes Savings and Loans Ple.

    ”The first defendant/respondent, relying on Section 12 of BOFIA 2020 and Section7.3 of its Revised Guidelines for Mortgage Banks, revoked the licenses of the plaintiffs/applicants.

    “I know that the 1st defendant/respondent grounded its decision on: 

    *Failure to meet the minimum paid-up share capital requirement for the category of the bank licence granted to the plaintiffs/applicants

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    *Having insufficient assets to meet its liabilities; being critically undercapitalised with a capital adequacy ratio below the prudential minimum ratio as prescribed by the 1st defendant/respondent; and

    *Failure to comply with several directives and obligations imposed upon the plaintiffs/applicants by the 1st defendant/respondent.

    He claimed that the CBN was aware of all the steps and progress made by the Aso Savings in raising its minimum capital requirement, with absolute success.

    Hamza added that the CBN did not act in public interest when it made the press release revoking the operational license of the two institutions, without following the requirement of Section 34 (4) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020.

    He claimed that the action of the CBN  was arbitrary, rash unreasonable and runs contrary to public policy of developing the Nigerian economy, creating jobs and encouraging investments.

    Hamza said the NDIC had sent out messages to Aso Savings’ customers “asking them to fill out an online claims form against the plaintiffs/applicants, even as the law allows the plaintiffs/applicants a window of 30 days to challenge the actions of the 1st defendant/respondent.

    He added, “I know that the steps taken by the second defendant/respondent is aimed at extinguishing the right of the plaintiffs/applicants to challenge the actions of the 1st defendant/respondent by immediately commencing liquidation process.

    “I know that the plaintiffs/applicants have constitutional rights to be heard fairly and to challenge the actions of the defendants/respondents.”

  • Court voids orders obtained by suppression of facts

    Court voids orders obtained by suppression of facts

    The Federal High Court in Lagos has set aside the proceedings conducted on November 21 in a suit between Collins Onyeweama and another against Techno Oil Limited and others, along with all orders made on that date, for constituting a flagrant breach of the respondents’ right to fair hearing.

    Justice Ayokunle Faji, who also recused himself, held that the interim orders granted on November 21 were obtained through the suppression of material facts.

    The ruling followed a motion ex-parte filed by the petitioners seeking global Mareva injunctions against the third and fourth respondents on the alleged suspicion that the first respondent’s assets were being relocated.

    The application was brought without any hearing notice to the respondents or their counsel, despite the fact that all parties to the suit were already duly represented by counsel.

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    Aggrieved by the interim orders, counsel to the various respondents filed separate applications seeking to set aside the November 21 orders on grounds of breach of fair hearing and lack of jurisdiction.

    Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), with Chukwudi Enebeli (SAN), Ogbonna Chukwumerije, and Kazeem Afolabi appeared for the first, third, fifth, and sixth respondents, while Nnaemeka Amaechina announced appearance for the second and fourth respondents.

    Oluwole Afolabi (SAN) and O.F. Fatomi appeared for the first, third, and seventh parties seeking to be bound (interveners).

    Ifeanyi Ekopo, holding the brief of Tochukwu Maduka (SAN), appeared for the fourth, fifth, and sixth parties seeking to be bound.

    Justice Faji agreed with the submissions of senior counsel representing the first, third, fifth, and sixth respondents, as well as counsel to the second and fourth respondents, that the petitioners suppressed material facts in securing the ex parte orders.

    The court observed that Exhibit 25, which formed the foundation of the petitioners’ ex parte application, had earlier been annexed to a motion on notice filed about two months before the November 21 proceedings.

    However, during the hearing of the Mareva application, petitioners’ counsel, Mr. Ade Adedeji (SAN), and Mr. Bidemi Ademola-Bello (SAN), represented to the court that the facts relied upon had only recently come to the petitioners’ knowledge.

    Justice Faji held that had the court been properly informed of the earlier filing, the ex parte application would not have been granted.

    Consequently, the court nullified the proceedings and all orders made on November 21, 2025, for violating the respondents’ constitutional right to a fair hearing.

    To preserve the integrity of the judicial process and maintain public confidence in the administration of justice, Justice Faji further announced his decision to recuse himself from further handling of the case.

    He explained that the applicable test was how a reasonable and informed observer would perceive the circumstances surrounding the breach of fair hearing.

    Accordingly, the court ordered that the case file be transmitted to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to another judge of the Lagos Division.

  • FJSC shortlists 28 for appointment as judges of Federal High Court

    FJSC shortlists 28 for appointment as judges of Federal High Court

    …NJC to make final decision at January 13, 14 meeting

    Twenty-eight lawyers have been shortlisted for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court out of the 62 applicants who passed the Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted by the court.

    It was learnt that the 34 others were dropped owing to the strict application of the screening process put in place by the current leadership of the National Judicial Court (NJC).

    In line with the new measure introduced by the NJC, the names of the 62 were published on September 17, inviting members of the public to submit feedback on nominees’ integrity, reputation, and suitability for judicial appointment.

    The Nation gathered that the 34 nominees were dropped by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) after considering petitions and complaints from members of the public about the nominees.

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    It was also gathered that the 28 shortlisted nominees will face NJC’s interview panel on January 11 and 12, 2026, preparatory to the meeting of the NJC scheduled for January 13 and 14, 2026, where the successful candidates will be named.

    When contacted, NJC’s spokesperson, Mrs. Kami Ogendegbe, confirmed that the council would meet between January 13 and 14 to consider the successful candidates.

    Mrs. Ogendegbe said the NJC “is determined not to lower the entry point bar no matter who is involved.”

    He stressed that transparency and judicial integrity have remained a top priority for the Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun-led leadership of the NJC.