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Tag: Supreme Court

  • BREAKING: Supreme Court begins hearing with Atiku/PDP’s appeal

    BREAKING: Supreme Court begins hearing with Atiku/PDP’s appeal

    The Supreme Court has commenced proceedings in the three appeals challenging the outcome of the last presidential election.

    The court has opened with the appeal filed by Atiku Abubakar and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The court’s seven-member panel is being lead by Justice John Okoro.

    Read Also:‘No justice withdrew from Supreme Court panel’

    Other members of the panel are Justices Uwani Abba-Aji, Mohammed Lawal Garba, Adamu Jauro, Ibrahim Saulawa, Tijani Abubakar and Emmanuel Agim

    Lawyers to parties are announcing their appearances.

    Details shortly…

  • JUST IN: Senior lawyers arrive Supreme Court for presidential poll dispute

    JUST IN: Senior lawyers arrive Supreme Court for presidential poll dispute

    Senior lawyers like the immediate past Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) have arrived the Supreme Court ahead of the 9am commencement of proceedings in the three appeals relating to the dispute over the last presidential election.

    Olanipekun, who walked into the courtroom around 8am, is leading the legal team of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

    Also in court are Mike Ozekhome (SAN), a member of the Atiku Abubakar/Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legal team; Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan, SAN (member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) legal team; Sir Steve Adehi, SAN, of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, legal team) and Chukwuma Majukwu Umeh, SAN, of the legal team of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM).

    Also in court are Prof Taiwo Osinpitan, SAN; Yusuf Alli, SAN; Babatunde Ogala, SAN ( of the APC, Tinubu and Shettima team); Chris Uche, SAN; Gordy Uche, SAN; Emeka Etiaba, SAN ( all of the Atiku/PDP legal team.

    Read Also: ‘No justice withdrew from Supreme Court panel’

    Others are still walking in.

    The appeals are those filed by Atiku/PDP, Peter Obi/Labour Party and the APM are, by their three appeals, seeking to upturn the September 6 consolidated judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) which dismissed their petitions and affirmed Tinubu’s election.

    Atiku and his party equally filed a motion for the court’s permission to introduce fresh evidence in the form of documents relating to Tinubu’s academic records, which they sourced from the Chicago State University (CSU) and the deposition of the school’s Registrar, Caleb Westberg.

    Details shortly…

  • ‘No justice withdrew from Supreme Court panel’

    ‘No justice withdrew from Supreme Court panel’

    No Justice withdrew from the Supreme Court panel that will hear the appeals by Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) in the February 25 presidential election.

    The highest court will also today hear the appeal by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and a motion by Atiku for permission to supply additional evidence.

    The court denied reports that some members of the seven-man panel of justices withdrew.

    Some online platforms (The Nation not included) had reported an alleged crisis in the court due to the purported refusal of some members of the panel to participate.

    The reports claimed that five of the seven Justices pulled out.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Supreme Court set date for Atiku, Obi, APM’s appeals

    But, the Supreme Court faulted the reports, insisting that the panel was intact and was prepared to hear the cases on Monday.

    “This is not true. The panel is ready. You will see all the Justices tomorrow (today). There is no crisis anywhere, as claimed by those online platforms.

    “I assure you that the panel is intact and will hear the appeals on Monday,” Supreme Court’s Director, Press and information, Dr. Festus Akande, said.

    During the hearing at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), it was falsely claimed that Justice Boloukuoromo Moses Ugo resigned.

    It was learnt that tight security measures have been put in place for today’s hearing.

    The Nation also learnt that entry into the courtroom will be restricted.

  • Supreme Court Justices drop to 10

    Supreme Court Justices drop to 10

    • Hearing of presidential poll verdict holds today

    The number of Supreme Court justices has dropped to 10, but the situation may soon change.

    It could have its full complement of 21 Justices before the end of next month.

    The Nation learnt that the authorities have resolved to fast-track the ongoing process of appointing 11 new justices.

    The apex court currently has 11 Justices, which will reduce to 10 on Friday when Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad retires.

    Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola had in June signified the commencement of a fresh process to appoint 11 Justices.

    In a notice he issued to that effect, Ariwoola requested nominations from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), heads of courts and Justices of the Supreme Court.

    A source at the National Judicial Council (NJC) said the process would be concluded before the end of next month as the council has resolved to speed up the process.

    He said the NJC was currently awaiting the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) to conclude the screening and forward the names of the successful candidates to the NJC.

    “I assure you that the NJC is committed to fast-tracking the process of making recommendations to the President once the FJSC sends in the names of successful candidates.

    “The NJC is aware of the situation at the Supreme Court and was willing to ensure that the ongoing process of appointing 11 Justices for the court is completed with dispatch.

    Read Also: Kogi APC primary: Why I appealed to Supreme Court, by Adeyemi

    “Once the FJSC sends in its list, the NJC will not waste time given the concern being expressed by many about the state of affairs at the Supreme Court. 

    “I am hopeful that the process will be rounded off before the end of next month,” the source said.

    In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Press and Information at the Supreme Court, Dr. Festus Akande, said a valedictory court service has been scheduled for Friday in honour of Justice Muhammad.

    The statement reads: “The valedictory court session to mark the retirement of Justice Musa Dattijio Muhammad from the Supreme Court Bench comes up on Friday, 27th October 2023 at the Main Courtroom of the Supreme Court of Nigeria at 10:00 am 

    “The special court session is to be presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who will customarily pay tribute to Justice Musa Dattijo alongside other major stakeholders in the nation’s justice sector.”

    Justice Muhammad, who hails from Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State, was born on October 27, 1953 in Minna. 

    He obtained a degree in Law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1977, and a master’s in law from Warwick University in 1983.

  • Allow Supreme Court decide on Tinubu’s certificate – Mumuni

    Allow Supreme Court decide on Tinubu’s certificate – Mumuni

    A stalwart of All Progressives Congress (APC), Amb. Abayomi Mumuni has urged Nigerians to allow the Supreme Court deliver judgement on the status of President Bola Tinubu’s certificate instead of making unnecessary comments that run foul of the law.

    Mumuni, a former governorship candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) in Lagos State, noted that several accusations and counter-accusations over the status of the president’s certificate have dominated the media.

    A statement by Mumuni media aide, Rasheed Abubakar urged Nigerians to be patient with the apex court to determine the true position of the law on the issue.

    The statement reads: “There is need for caution. We do not need all these unnecessary comments and counter-comments. We’ve got to be very careful so as not to run foul of the law. The judges are there to determine the true position of the certificate. There is no need do for all these distractions.”

    “I have read multiple commentaries and listened to multiple broadcasts from different angles regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic credentials. It is better we stay away from getting tangled with the charade.”

    “It is unfortunate to note that Nigerians, especially the desparados fail to learn from mistakes of others in the arena of politics. After all, we have witnessed in our dear country when politicians overshot the runways, failure to avert catch 22 in their utterances.”

    Read Also: Tinubu orders for fast-track creation of innovation centers

    “Basically, some statements may be as good as disloyalty or treachery to the nation. Already, there’s an elected president, hence, our utterances should be managed accordingly to avoid getting roped in the cobweb of the law.”

    “Shouldn’t we allow peace to reign in the country and spare ourselves of the heated arguments. Why are we behaving as if the academic credentials of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have not been in the public domain for decades. Why do we pretend as if same haven’t been accessed many years before the conduct of the last general elections through screening by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Shouldn’t we rather apply our sense organs for the good of our country?

    “Let’s remain calm for the respected judges of the highest court in the land to arrive at the point of decision, according to the electoral law, I once again call for more polite communication between the gladiators as tomorrow promises to be brighter than the present.”

  • I’m at Supreme Court for justice, says Obi

    I’m at Supreme Court for justice, says Obi

    Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 general election, Peter Obi insisted yesterday he is pursuing his case at the Supreme Court to get justice and not to join with Atiku Abubakar.

    The former Anambra state Governor, in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said he was at the Supreme Court to “reclaim his mandate.”

    The statement said: “The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi is presently in the Supreme Court seeking to reclaim his stolen mandate and he is focused on that.

    Read Also; Atiku has beaten his tattered drum of shame again, says APC

    “He has been in the vanguard of ensuring a just nation where justice must be the watchword, and he will not stop until Nigeria achieves a leadership it truly deserves. 

    “Obi has pontificated several times on the need for leaders to be good role models and to live a life worthy of emulation. This he has done by publicly putting his credentials in the open for verification. Nigeria will get better when men of integrity and honour drive the affairs of the nation. 

    “We therefore welcome every other interest willing to join us in our pursuit of a nation where justice shall reign.”

  • Supreme Court to rule on Fed Govt’s appeal against Kanu’s release December 15

    Supreme Court to rule on Fed Govt’s appeal against Kanu’s release December 15

    The Supreme Court has fixed December 15 for judgment in the appeals filed by the Federal Government and detained leader of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

    A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, chose the date yesterday after lawyer to the Federal Government, Tijani Gazali (SAN), and counsel to Kanu, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), made their final submissions.

    The Federal Government prayed the court to set aside an earlier judgment by the Court of Appeal, which quashed the treasonable felony charge against Kanu and ordered his release on the grounds that he was unlawfully brought back to the country after he jumped bail.

    Read Also; Everyone will benefit from Tinubu’s democratic dividends, says Arisekola

    Kanu urged the Supreme Court to allow the judgment of the Court of Appeal and uphold his discharge and acquittal.

    In his final submission, Gazali urge the apex court “to allow the appeal, set aside the judgment of the court below and affirm the judgment of the trial court (Federal High Court) to the effect that the respondent should stand trial in respect of the charge, which the court below quashed”.

    The government lawyer urged the court to dismiss Kanu’s cross appeal.

    Ozekhome urged the court to dismiss the appeal filed by the Federal Government with punitive cost and uphold the cross appeal in order to do substantial justice to this matter.

    He urged the court to allow the cross appeal filed by his client.

    Ozekhome told the court that Kanu had been in custody since June 29, 2021 “even when the lower court had ordered his release”.

    The lawyer prayed the court “to use this case to demonstrate that no government should trample on the rights of citizens, as was done in the case of Ojukwu v. Lagos State”.

  • Imo guber: Supreme Court affirms Achonu as Labour Party’s candidate

    Imo guber: Supreme Court affirms Achonu as Labour Party’s candidate

    The Supreme Court has affirmed Senator Athan Achonu as the authentic candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for the November 11 governorship election in Imo state.

    The court dismissed the appeal by Basil Maduka against the Labour Party over the rightful candidate of the party in the election on the grounds of locus standi.

    Two other respondents in the matter were the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Lamidi Apapa-led candidate, Joseph Ukaegbu, alias Ikenga, whose request to seek a consequential order was also rejected by the Supreme Court.

    The national publicity secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh said this in a statement on Thursday, September 28, after the court ruled on the matter.

    According to the statement, a panel of five justices led by Iyang Okoro also cautioned the appellant for abusing court processes and wasting the time of the courts all through the lower courts.

    He said: “The Supreme Court of Nigeria today dismissed an appeal brought before it by one Basil Maduka against the Labour Party over the rightful candidate of the party in the Imo state governorship election on the ground of locus standi.

    “With this judgement by the highest court in Nigeria, the Lamidi Apapa’s plot to hijack the affairs of the Labour Party including the powers to nominate candidates has finally come to an end,” the statement said.

    The statement quoted the counsel to the Labour Party, Okwudili Anozie, to have said: “Today at the Supreme Court, the antics of Basil Maduka and his accomplice Joseph Ukaegbu, alias Ikenga, was put to an end as they met their Waterloo at the Apex Court.

    “Today was a culmination of their deceit and lies to Imolites spanning from their misrepresentation of the true position of the judgments of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

    “Upon the exposure and collapse of their lies before the Supreme Court today, Basil’s Counsel, with tails in between his legs, immediately withdrew his subterfuge appeal that was aimed at giving credence to Ukaegbu’s sham, non-existent primaries.

    Read Also: Tribunal: Labour Party vows to appeal judgement on Governor Mbah

    “The Supreme Court didn’t entertain Ukaegbu’s counsel’s ignorant attempt to seek a consequential order, which even a first-year student of law knows cannot be sought by a Respondent, especially in this case where the appeal was dismissed.

    “Indeed, today has been a day of reckoning for evil-doers whose sole plan was to stop the aspiration of Imolites in their determination to Take Imo Back through Senator Athan Nneji Achonu.”

    Speaking with reporters after the ruling, Achano called on the people of the state to vote for the Labour Party.

    He pledged to bring the “desired dividends of democracy, adding that he would run a people-oriented government when elected.

  • UPDATED: Supreme Court fixes October 23 for judgment In Kogi APC governorship primaries dispute

    UPDATED: Supreme Court fixes October 23 for judgment In Kogi APC governorship primaries dispute

    The Supreme Court has scheduled judgment for October 23 to determine whether or not Ahmed Ododo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi state would be allowed to participate.

    A five-member panel of the apex court chose the date on Thursday, September 28, after lawyers to parties in the appeal marked: SC/CV/893/2023 filed by Senator Smart Adeyemi made their final submissions.

    Adeyemi is, by the appeal filed by his team of lawyers led by Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), seeking to upturn the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja which upheld Ododo’s nomination.

    It is Adeyemi’s contention that the APC in Kogi never conducted a valid primary election, noting that the primary purportedly conducted only held in 11 out of 239 wards in the state.

    While adopting the appellant’s briefs on Thursday, Adetunbi said, “It is our contention that no valid primary election was held in Kogi State by the APC.”

    Adetunbi added that the purported primary election was not conducted in the 228 wards contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act and the party’s guidelines.

    The appellant’s lawyer said the attention of the two lower courts (the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal) was not drawn to the reports of the field officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who confirmed that the primary election did not hold in, at least, 228 wards in the state.

    Read Also: Supreme Court fixes October 23 for judgment In Kogi APC governorship primaries dispute

    Adetunbi prayed the court to allow the appeal, set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal, which earlier affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, and grant the reliefs as sought by the appellant.

    Lawyer to the APC,  Abdulwahab Mohammed urged the court to dismiss the appeal with substantial cost, arguing that the appeal is against the concurrent findings of both courts below, which the appellant did not show are perverse.

    The counsels to Ododo and INEC argued in a similar manner and prayed the court to dismiss the appeal.

  • Supreme Court fixes October 23 for judgment In Kogi APC governorship primaries dispute

    Supreme Court fixes October 23 for judgment In Kogi APC governorship primaries dispute

    The Supreme Court has set October 23 as the date for its ruling on Smart Adeyemi’s petition contesting the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Kogi state governorship.

    The former lawmaker is disputing the legitimacy of the poll that resulted in Usman Ododo being elected as the APC’s standard bearer for the November 11 gubernatorial election.

    Adeyemi, who represented Kogi West Senatorial District in the Senate, is claiming that the result brought out by APC in support of Ododo was fraudulent and invalid on the ground that the primary election was conducted in only 11 out of 239 wards in the state.

    His complaint is that the requirements of the Electoral Act and the APC’s guidelines were violated during the primaries.

    At the Appeal’s hearing, Adeyemi’s counsel, Musibau Adetumbi, adopted his briefs and prayed to the court to grant the reliefs sought by Adeyemi.

    The senior lawyer argued that the primary election of April 14 was conducted in gross violation of section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

    He claimed that the election was not held in 228 wards and that the claim was supported by INEC’s field officers in their report on the primary election.

    Read Also: Ododo’s victory not negotiable, says Kogi APC

    Counsel for the APC, AbdulWahab Mohammed, asked the court to dismiss Adeyemi’s appeal on the grounds that it contradicts the concurrent findings of fact by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

    In his brief argument, counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) informed the apex court panel that the appeal was incompetent and that the decisions of the two lower courts should be upheld.

    Counsel for Usman Ododo further requested that the Appeal be dismissed on the grounds that it has become academic.

    He further stated that the 180-day period in which the APC can hold another primary poll for candidate nomination has already expired.

    After hearing the parties’ arguments, Justice Inyang Okoro declared that the final judgment would be issued on October 3.