Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Judiciary

  • Supreme Court Warns Judiciary Against Political Interference

    Supreme Court Warns Judiciary Against Political Interference

    In an update published by Daily Post, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has echoed a growing concern that Nigerian courts are “gradually becoming politicians” due to their frequent involvement in internal party disputes. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, called on the judiciary to maintain its independence and stay away from partisan matters to preserve public faith in the legal process. This comes as several high-profile political cases continue to saturate the Federal High Courts.

    The PDP also pointed to a “perception problem” where judicial officers are seen soliciting favors from government officials, which they claim compromises the appearance of neutrality. Legal experts have warned that if the judiciary does not self-regulate, the outcome of the 2027 elections could be decided in courtrooms rather than at the ballot box. This tension has led to calls for a reform that limits the types of political cases that can be brought before the bench.

    The issue was also covered by The Guardian and ThisDay. The Guardian reported that “the Chief Justice is facing pressure to issue new guidelines on political litigation,” while ThisDay noted that “civil society groups are planning a march for judicial independence.”

    Echotitbits take:

    The “judicialization of politics” is at an all-time high. When the court becomes the final arbiter of who leads a party, it loses its “impartial priest” status. Watch for a possible constitutional amendment aimed at limiting the court’s jurisdiction over internal party congresses.

    Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/politics/adebayo-hails-supreme-court-victory-warns-inec-against-interference-in-sdp-affairs/, January 31, 2026

    Photo credit: The Guardian

  • Supreme Court Bench Nears Full Strength as Tinubu Nominates Justice Oyewole

    Supreme Court Bench Nears Full Strength as Tinubu Nominates Justice Oyewole

    In an update published by Premium Times, President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Justice Olubunmi Oyewole as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The nomination follows a recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and is intended to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of the former Chief Justice, Olukayode Ariwoola. Justice Oyewole, who currently serves in the Court of Appeal, is widely regarded for his judicial experience and previous high-profile rulings.

    If confirmed, the appointment will bring the Supreme Court bench closer to its full constitutional complement of 21 justices. This move is seen as a critical step in reducing the massive backlog of cases that has plagued the apex court for years. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has referred the nomination to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for immediate screening.

    ThisDay reported on the constitutional significance of the move, noting that “the appointment restores the South-west geo-political zone’s representation on the bench.” Daily Post also highlighted the NJC’s role, quoting a judicial officer who said, “This nomination is a boost for the efficiency of the highest court in the land.”

    Echotitbits take: Filling the Supreme Court bench is a technical necessity that has been delayed for too long. A full complement of justices is essential for the timely delivery of justice, especially as the country approaches the next political cycle.

    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/news/article/tinubu-seeks-senate-confirmation-of-oyewole-as-justice-of-supreme-court/ January 28, 2026

    Photo Credit: BusinessDay

  • Judicial Accountability: Cyberstalking Trial Commences for Omoyele Sowore

    Judicial Accountability: Cyberstalking Trial Commences for Omoyele Sowore

    Judicial Accountability: Cyberstalking Trial Commences for Omoyele Sowore

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has commenced trial proceedings for Omoyele Sowore over alleged criminal defamation and cyberstalking-related counts tied to social media posts about President Bola Tinubu.

    Additional coverage across Nigerian media and stakeholder reactions indicate that the implications of the development will be closely watched in the coming days as policy, security, and market signals evolve.

    Echotitbits take: This case will serve as a litmus test for the 2024 Cybercrimes Amendment Act, clarifying where the line is drawn between political criticism and criminal defamation in Nigeria’s digital public sphere.

    Source: ThisDay – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/19/sowores-trial-for-alleged-cyberstalking-begins-january-22/ (2026-01-22)

    Photo credit: ThisDay

    2026-01-22 11:00:00

     

  • Court orders INEC to grant Labour Party access code for FCT area council candidates

    Court orders INEC to grant Labour Party access code for FCT area council candidates

    2026-01-01 07:15:00
    In an update published by Punch, an FCT High Court ordered INEC to provide the Labour Party an access code to upload candidate details for the February 2026 FCT area council elections.

    The interim orders also directed INEC to upload and publish the party’s candidates’ particulars across the six area councils within a short window, pending the hearing of the substantive motion.

    The dispute reflects wider tensions around party factions, candidate recognition and administrative access to INEC’s nomination portal.

    The Nation similarly reported INEC was ordered to “grant access code” for uploading candidates’ particulars.

    TheCable also reported the Abure-led Labour Party faction requested INEC portal access to upload candidates for the council polls.

    Echotitbits take:

    This is a reminder that election credibility can be undermined by back-end administrative fights. Watch for INEC’s compliance response and whether other parties pursue similar court pathways to compel portal access.

    Source: The Punch — December 19, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fct-council-poll-court-orders-inec-to-recognise-lp-candidates/)

    The Punch 2025-12-19

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • Court warns INEC chair against ignoring Labour Party-related FCT poll orders

    Court warns INEC chair against ignoring Labour Party-related FCT poll orders

    2026-01-01 07:20:00
    A report carried by The Nation says an FCT High Court warned INEC leadership against disregarding its earlier directives tied to Labour Party candidate processing for the FCT area council elections.

    The warning follows interim orders on portal access and candidate publication timelines, signalling possible contempt consequences if compliance is not met.

    At the core is a procedural dispute over whether INEC must grant the party digital credentials to submit candidates and publish their details as ordered.

    The Nigerian Observer also reported the court warned INEC against disregard of the order on Labour Party candidates.

    Punch earlier reported the underlying directive, stating the court ordered INEC to “grant the Labour Party an access code.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Candidate-list disputes can trigger legitimacy problems long before voting day. Watch for INEC’s documented compliance steps, and whether the matter escalates into contempt proceedings or further interim orders.

    Source: The Nation — January 1, 2026 (https://thenationonlineng.net/court-warns-inec-chair-against-disobeying-order-to-recognise-lps-candidates-for-fct-polls/amp/)

    The Nation 2026-01-01

    Photo Credit: 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

  • Malaysia’s Najib convicted in fresh fraud case as courts revisit the 1MDB era

    Malaysia’s Najib convicted in fresh fraud case as courts revisit the 1MDB era

    Photo Credit: France 24

    2025-12-27 06:00:00

    According to Punch, a Malaysian court found former prime minister Najib Razak guilty in a fraud case tied to the long‑running fallout from the 1MDB corruption saga.

    The report said the verdict adds another layer to Malaysia’s anti‑corruption narrative, where legal outcomes have become intertwined with political realignments and public trust in institutions.

    Analysts say international investors watch these cases closely because they influence perceptions of rule‑of‑law stability, enforcement risk, and governance standards in emerging markets.

    Echotitbits take:
    High‑profile convictions matter, but what counts is consistency: whether enforcement is even‑handed across parties and eras. Watch sentencing, appeal processes, and whether the case triggers broader reforms in procurement and oversight.

    Source: France 24 — December 26, 2025 (https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20251226-former-malaysian-pm-najib-guilty-of-money-laundering-1mdb-corruption-case)

    France 24 December 26, 2025

  • Justice Dongban-Mensem sworn-in as substantive President of Appeal Court

    Justice Dongban-Mensem sworn-in as substantive President of Appeal Court

    Idowu Sowunmi

    Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem was Friday sworn in as the 7th substantive President of the Court of Appeal by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Mohammed.

    Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony which took place at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja, Mohammed charged Dongban-Mensem to uphold the credibility and integrity of the Appellate Court.

    CJN tasked the new president to live up to expectations and ensure a very cordial relationship with her colleagues on the bench of the Court of Appeal.

    Noting that the Appellate Court has the largest number of Justices in the Nigeria, Mohammed urged Dongban-Mensem to always uphold her good character, behaviour and hardwork.

    “From my personal experience, workload in the Court of Appeal, especially in the divisions is the highest. It is a home of work. It is a home of cooperation. But with your experience, hard work and zeal, you will not find your new status difficult.

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    “If you sustain your good character and conduct, your tenure will definitely be an excellent one. Try to be yourself and do not allow others derail you. Remain what we know you for,” Mohammed said.

    In her remarks, Dongban-Mensem, who expressed joy over her confirmation as the substantive President of the Court of Appeal, promised Nigerians to do her utmost best in ensuring that justice is upheld at the Court of Appeal.

    She assured to build on the legacy left behind by her predecessors.

    The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed among other eminent personalities like Governors Aminu Tambuwal, Simon Lalong, Abubakar Bello and Abubakar Bagudu of Sokoto, Plateau, Niger and Kebbi states respectively.

    The event was also witnessed by the National Coordinator for Special Marshal in Nigeria, Sini Titsi Kwabe, with some other Special Marshals.

    Monica Dongban is an active member of Special Marshal, a volunteer arm of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

    Dongban-Mensem was born on June 13, 1957 to the family of M.B. Douglas-Mensem; a retired Appeal Court Justice.

    She hails from Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State. She got both her LL.B and LL.M degrees from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    She was a Visiting Lecturer on Press Law at Catholic Media Centre, Kaduna from 1988-1992 and Part-time Lecturer at University of Jos between 1989 and 1997.

    From 1990-1993, Justice Dongban-Mensem served as Deputy Chief Registrar, Superior Courts and Protocol Affairs, and was appointed Judge, High Court of Justice, Plateau Judiciary from 1993-1996.

    Dongban-Mensem transferred her service to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Judiciary in 1997, where she served until she was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2003.

    She was sworn-in as the Acting President, Court of Appeal, on March 6, 2020, by the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

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    Until this recent elevation, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem was the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, and Life Member of Body of Benchers.

    Her leisure is writing, reading, golfing ,  working with children, women and the elderly. She is a mother of four children and two grandchildren.

  • At last, Buhari okays Dongban-Mensem for Senate confirmation as appellate court president

    At last, Buhari okays Dongban-Mensem for Senate confirmation as appellate court president

    Idowu Sowunmi

    President Muhammadu Buhari has finally sent the nomination of Her Lordship, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, Acting President, Court of Appeal to the Senate for confirmation as the substantive President, Court of Appeal.

    Justice Dongban-Mensem is a serving Justice of the Court of Appeal and was recommended, as is the practice, by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for the nomination by the President.

    NJC’s decisions were taken at the virtual meeting of members of the council on April 22 and 23.

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    Confirming the news, Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, explained that the nomination was in line with the President’s constitutional responsibility.

    Justice Dongban-Mensem was sworn-in by Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, on March 7, a day after Buhari appointed her as Acting President of Court of Appeal.

  • Breaking: Buhari appoints Dongban-Mensem Acting President, Court of Appeal again

    Breaking: Buhari appoints Dongban-Mensem Acting President, Court of Appeal again

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal (PCA) with effect from June 3, 2020, for a further period of three (3) months.