Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Federal High Court

  • Federal Authorities Arraign Nine Suspects Over Deadly Benue State Massacre

    Federal Authorities Arraign Nine Suspects Over Deadly Benue State Massacre

    Figures cited by Daily Post reveal that nine individuals allegedly involved in a horrific attack that claimed over 150 lives in Benue State have finally faced a federal court in Abuja. The defendants were slammed with 57 counts of terrorism-related charges following the June 2025 massacre in the Yelewata community. The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry potential sentences of life imprisonment or the death penalty.

    The trial comes amid heightened pressure on the Federal Government to curb the persistent farmer-herder clashes and banditry that have plagued north-central Nigeria. Legal representatives for the state argued that the prosecution has gathered substantial evidence to link the suspects to the planning and execution of the coordinated assault. The presiding judge has ordered the defendants to be remanded in a maximum-security facility pending the commencement of the trial.

    Additional coverage from Channels TV and The Guardian confirms the start of the judicial proceedings. Channels TV reported that “the arraignment signals a renewed commitment to justice for victims of rural violence,” while The Guardian quoted a community leader from Yelewata who said, “We are watching this trial closely to see if the government truly values our lives.”

    Echotitbits take: High-profile arraignments in Nigeria often suffer from “trial fatigue” and endless adjournments. To restore faith in the security apparatus, the government needs a swift and transparent conviction. This case is a litmus test for the effectiveness of the new counter-terrorism legal framework.

    Source: LMTonline – https://www.lmtonline.com/news/world/article/nine-arraigned-for-deadly-attack-in-nigeria-that-21329076.php, February 3, 2026

    Photo credit: LMTonline

  • INEC Formally Recognizes Nenadi Usman as Labour Party Leader

    INEC Formally Recognizes Nenadi Usman as Labour Party Leader

    According to Vanguard, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially uploaded the particulars of Senator Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwochocha as the legitimate Chairman and Secretary of the Labour Party (LP). This move follows a protracted leadership tussle that saw the party split into factions. By recognizing the Usman-led interim leadership on its website, INEC has complied with a Federal High Court judgment that invalidated the tenure of the previous executive led by Julius Abure.
    The interim leadership expressed its relief, stating that the move allows the party to focus on repositioning itself as a credible opposition ahead of future elections. The development is seen as a major win for the “Abia faction” of the party, supported by Governor Alex Otti, who has been vocal about the need for constitutional order within the LP. However, the opposing faction is yet to fully concede, leading to fears of further litigation.
    The recognition was also reported by Channels TV and Tribune. Channels TV noted that “the update on the INEC portal has effectively settled the administrative dispute,” while Tribune stated that “Labour Party members are being urged to unite under the newly recognized leadership.”
    Echotitbits take:
    Nenadi Usman’s recognition is a stabilizing force for the Labour Party, but the wounds from the leadership battle are deep. Watch for whether Peter Obi fully aligns with this new structure or if a third force emerges from the remnants of the Abure faction.

    Source: Channel TV – https://www.channelstv.com/2026/01/30/inec-recognises-nenadi-usman-led-lp-after-court-order/, January 31, 2026

    Photo credit: Channel TV

  • Federal High Court Halts BPP’s Certification Convocation Following Legal Challenge

    Federal High Court Halts BPP’s Certification Convocation Following Legal Challenge

    Reporting by The Punch indicates that the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to suspend its planned certification convocation and policy dialogue. Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted an interim injunction following an application by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN), which is challenging the BPP’s authority to issue practice licenses to procurement trainers.

    The dispute reflects a jurisdictional battle over who regulates professional standards in public procurement. The court’s order pauses BPP’s planned session until the substantive suit is heard, and the Attorney-General of the Federation is joined as a defendant.

    ThisDay corroborated the restraining order, while Vanguard quoted the CIPSMN President asserting that licensing powers are vested in the institute by its 2007 Establishment Act.

    Echotitbits take: This is a classic turf war between a regulator and a professional body. The judgment will influence who “gatekeeps” procurement credentials—and could affect how procurement capacity-building is structured across MDAs that manage billions of naira in contracts.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/court-orders-bpp-to-halt-certification-programme/ 2026-01-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Massive Judicial Shakeup as Appeal Court Nominees List Emerges

    Massive Judicial Shakeup as Appeal Court Nominees List Emerges

    The Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) has released a longlist of 48 judges nominated for elevation to the Court of Appeal bench. The names reportedly include Justice James Omotosho and Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, both associated with high-profile national interest cases.

    What’s next: Only 12 nominees are expected to be confirmed for the appellate bench after further screening. The National Judicial Council (NJC) is expected to conduct final vetting, with the process framed as part of efforts to decongest courts and address vacancies created by retirements.

    Why it matters: The nominations are drawing scrutiny because of the perceived sensitivity of some past cases handled by shortlisted judges. Stakeholders are urging a merit-based final selection to strengthen judicial independence.

    Echotitbits take: This reshuffle is pivotal for legal stability. Elevating judges with experience in high-stakes matters could improve appellate capacity, but it may also create short-term gaps at the trial level where major corruption and security cases are ongoing.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/851405-njc-forwards-14-candidates-names-to-tinubu-for-appointment-as-federal-high-court-judges.html (January 25, 2026)

    Premium Times 2026-01-25

    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • Court Grants Bail to Ex-AGF Malami, Wife and Son in ₦8.7bn Money Laundering Case

    Court Grants Bail to Ex-AGF Malami, Wife and Son in ₦8.7bn Money Laundering Case

    A briefing from Premium Times reports a Federal High Court granted bail to former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife and son, in a case involving alleged ₦8.7 billion money laundering.

    The court reportedly set bail conditions at ₦500 million each, with sureties and passport surrender requirements as proceedings continue.

    The defence has disputed the allegations, while prosecutors insist the evidence is strong.

    **Echotitbits take:** Bail isn’t a verdict, but the conditions signal the court sees the allegations as serious. Watch for the next hearing dates and whether prosecutors bring key witnesses and financial trail evidence promptly.
    Source: X – https://x.com/TheNationNews/status/2008881048998822179 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: X

  • NNPC Ordered to Disclose Full Details of $3 Billion ‘Crude-for-Cash’ Loan

    NNPC Ordered to Disclose Full Details of $3 Billion ‘Crude-for-Cash’ Loan

    In an update published by The Punch, a Federal High Court has ruled that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited must release the full details of its controversial $3 billion ‘crude-for-cash’ loan. The judgment is seen as a massive victory for transparency advocates who have long questioned the terms and conditions of the deal, which used future oil production as collateral for immediate liquidity.

    The court’s decision compels NNPC to reveal the interest rates, repayment schedules, and the specific identities of the financiers involved in the transaction. Legal experts believe this sets a precedent for other state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that have previously operated under a veil of ‘commercial confidentiality.’ NNPC has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the ruling.

    Validation of this legal development appeared in Premium Times and Daily Post. Premium Times reported that ‘the ruling challenges the culture of secrecy in the oil sector,’ while Daily Post quoted a civil society leader: ‘Nigerians deserve to know how their future oil wealth is being mortgaged today.’

    Echotitbits take: This is a ‘litmus test’ for the NNPC’s claim of being a fully commercialized, transparent entity. If the details reveal unfavorable terms, it could lead to a significant political backlash against the leadership of the oil company. Watch for whether the Ministry of Justice supports an appeal or pushes for disclosure to appease international investors.
    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/court-orders-nnpc-to-disclose-details-of-3bn-crude-for-cash-loan/  January 5, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • NJC integrity screen drops 34 nominees as judicial recruitment tightens

    NJC integrity screen drops 34 nominees as judicial recruitment tightens

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    In an update published by Punch, the National Judicial Council reportedly shortlisted 28 nominees for Federal High Court appointments while 34 candidates were said to have failed an integrity test under updated recruitment guidelines.

    The screening reflects an institutional push to reduce the entry of persons of doubtful character into the bench, amid fragile public trust in justice delivery.

    The Guardian also reported that “No fewer than 34 lawyers… have failed the integrity test” and were removed from consideration, noting that petitions featured in the eliminations.

    If sustained, the reforms could shift incentives—making reputational vetting and petition handling as important as technical competence in judicial appointments.

    Punch reported the integrity test filtered out dozens of applicants, while The Guardian wrote, “No fewer than 34 lawyers… have failed the integrity test.”

    Echotitbits take: Integrity screening is welcome, but transparency is key. Watch whether NJC clarifies criteria, petition handling timelines and appeal safeguards so the process doesn’t become opaque or politically weaponised.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/csp-33-others-fail-judges-integrity-test-njc/ — December 29, 2025
    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: National Judicial Council

  • Kanu Prison Transfer Request Denied

    A Federal High Court in Abuja declined an ex-parte request by Nnamdi Kanu seeking transfer from Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility closer to Abuja or Nasarawa. The judge held that the government and corrections authorities must be heard first.

    The case was adjourned with a directive that the request be brought by motion on notice, keeping Kanu’s custodial location unchanged for now.

    2025-12-08

    The Nation

    2025-12-08

  • Adoke Trial: Court Warns EFCC Over Incessant Request For Adjournement

    Adoke Trial: Court Warns EFCC Over Incessant Request For Adjournement

    The Federal High Court, Abuja has issued warning to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against several requests for adjournment in the ongoing money laundering charge against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, who is standing trial alongside business man, Aliyu Abubakar.

    At the resumed trial on Wednesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the warning when EFCC lawyer, Bala Sanga asked the court for an adjournment following the absence of the fifth prosecution witness in court.

    READ ALSO:

    Corruption: Prosecutor stalls trial of ex-AGF, Judge adjourns till August 13

    Frowning at the incessant request for adjournment, Justice Ekwo told the prosecuting counsel to note that there was a limit to the number of adjournments he could request for.

    His explanation, Sanga told the court that the fifth prosecution witness had to be subpoenaed because he had became hesitant and was refusing to attend court to testify in the matter.

    Recall that on August 11, the EFCC had requested for an adjournment after failing to serve witness statements on the defendants.

    Also on September 7, the court granted adjournment on the case when counsel to Abubakar informed the court that the statement of the fourth prosecution witness was not added to the proof of evidence served on them.

    According to section 396(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), “where day to day trial is impracticable after arraignment, no party shall be entitled to more than five adjournments from arraignment to final judgment…”

    In an earlier testimony the fourth prosecuting witness, a bureau de change (BDC) operator, Farouk Suleiman, told the court that Abubakar had given him cheques totaling N2 billion and asked him to change it to the dollar equivalent sometime in Sept. 2013.

    READ ALSO:

    Court jails Ex-NIMASA ED, Agaba 7 years imprisonment for Laundering N1.5bn

    Suleiman, testified that he cleared the cheques through an account belonging to Farsman Holdings Limited, a company which belonged to him, domiciled with Heritage Bank.

    However, under cross-examination by Abubakar’s counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo, Suleiman said neither the cheques nor the receipt of transactions had the name of Abubakar. He said the cheques were drawn in the name of Equal Access Limited. Adoke and Abubakar were re-arraigned by the EFCC on Aug. 4, on an amended 14-count charge bordering on money laundering.

    (NAN)

  • Corruption: Prosecutor stalls trial of ex-AGF, Judge adjourns till August 13

    Corruption: Prosecutor stalls trial of ex-AGF, Judge adjourns till August 13

    The trial judge, Justice Iyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, in corruption case against ex-Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke has adjourned proceedings due to late filling of amended charges and failure to serve the defendants with the proof of evidence and statement of the witness.

    The failure of the prosecutor according to the trial Judge, to serve amended charges against Adoke, who was arraigned alongside an Abuja based businessman, Aliyu Abubakar, was thereby stalled.

    READ ALSO:

    Magu Probe: FCMB mistakenly transferred ₦573m to Prophet Omale – Bank MD

    During the last sitting, the former Minister and Abubakar pleaded not guilty to a 14-count charge filed against them bordering on money laundering.

    In June, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed an additional seven charges against the former AGF over money laundering allegations involving about N400 million.

    The trial, which was expected to begin last week but stalled due to the amended charges, bordered on an initial charge of seven counts, with six of them relating to ex-Minister Adoke.

    Earlier in the proceedings today, the prosecutor, Bala Sanga, disclosed to the court of an amended charge he filed on July 29 which was served on all the defendants.

    In the former seven counts, the EFCC alleged that the defendants committed the money laundering offences involving over N400 million in Abuja, in September 2013.

    In the counts relating to Mr Adoke, he was accused of among others, receiving the dollar equivalent of N300 million from Abubakar, paying the dollar equivalent of N367,318,800 to one Usman Mohammed Bello, and allegedly using the sum of N300 million, which was alleged to be part of the proceeds of unlawful activities, all in violations of various provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011.

    Other accusations against Adoke include: “structured cash payments, in 22 tranches”, which amounted to N80 million, another of such structured payments in 13 tranches amounting to N50 million into his Unity Bank account.

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    The EFCC alleged that the funds were not only part of the proceeds of unlawful acts but they also exceeded “thresholds outside a financial institution,” adding that the payments were done with the intention of concealing the origins of the funds contrary to Section 15(2(a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 and punishable under section 15(3) of the same law.

    On February 10, Adoke was granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja in the sum of N50m with one surety in like sum.

    The trial would resume on adjourned date of August 13, 2020.