Nigerian Whistleblower Nnamdi Emeh Faces Christmas in Detention as Court Delays Persist, Receives 2025 African Award

Nigerian whistleblower Nnamdi Emeh, winner of the 2025 Blueprint Africa Whistleblowing Prize, may spend Christmas in detention after a Federal High Court in Awka adjourned his case until next year. Despite existing bail and release orders, Emeh remains incarcerated, drawing criticism from rights groups and international organisations. His prolonged detention has intensified calls for his release, sparked the #FreeNnamdiEmeh campaign, and renewed concerns over whistleblower protection and judicial compliance in Nigeria.


#NnamdiEmeh
#Whistleblower
#HumanRights

Court Sets February 26 Judgment Date in NDLEA’s Asset Disclosure Case Against Abba Kyari

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 26, 2026, to deliver judgment in the NDLEA’s case against suspended DCP Abba Kyari and his brothers, who face a 23-count charge involving alleged non-disclosure of assets and money laundering. The NDLEA claims Kyari illegally concealed ownership of 14 properties and large sums of money traced to him. After hearing final arguments, Justice James Omotosho ruled that a prima facie case had been established, prompting Kyari to defend himself. He denied owning several properties and said some belonged to his late father. His brothers opted not to call witnesses. Kyari is also facing a separate NDLEA trial over alleged cocaine-related offences.

Court Orders EFCC to Apologize, Awards N5 Million to Kano Businessman Over Unlawful ‘Wanted’ Declaration

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has ruled that the EFCC acted outside its powers by publicly declaring Dubai-based Kano businessman Alhaji Rabiu Auwalu Tijjani wanted. Justice H. Buhari held that the EFCC violated Tijjani’s rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, and due process, ordering immediate removal of his details from its website, a public apology, and payment of ₦5 million in damages. The court emphasized that EFCC actions must follow proper legal procedures and not be used to settle civil or commercial disputes.

Judicial Fumble: Nigerian Court Convicts Nnamdi Kanu Under Repealed Law

A Federal High Court judgment against Nnamdi Kanu has sparked controversy after Justice J.K. Omotosho convicted him under a law repealed in 2022. Legal experts argue that the ruling violated fundamental principles of criminal jurisdiction, which require a law to be in force both when the alleged conduct occurs and at the time of trial. Critics claim the court misapplied Section 98(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, effectively resurrecting a dead law to secure a predetermined conviction. The case raises serious questions about judicial overreach and adherence to the rule of law in Nigeria.


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#NnamdiKanu #JudicialControversy #RuleOfLaw

Abuja Court Sentences Man to Six Months for Illegal Sale of Naira Notes

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Faisal Muhammad to six months in prison for illegally selling Naira notes in violation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act. Muhammad was arrested in July 2025 at Abuja’s A.Y.A. area while hawking a total of N3,150,000 in N500 and N1,000 denominations. Pleading guilty to the offence, he was sentenced by Justice R. N. Ofili-Ajumogobia, who confirmed the prosecution had established its case. The court also offered an option of a N200,000 fine. The EFCC reiterated that illegal trading in Naira notes is a criminal offence that undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s currency.

#EFCC
#IllegalNairaTrade
#AbujaCourt

Priest Testifies on 2022 Owo Church Terror Attack as Trial of Five Suspects Begins

A Catholic priest gave a harrowing account at the Federal High Court in Abuja of the 2022 Pentecost Sunday attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, which left over 40 worshippers dead and more than 100 injured. Testifying behind a protective screen, the priest described how he sought to protect children and ferry victims to the hospital amid gunfire and explosions. The five accused—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar—pleaded not guilty to a nine-count amended charge. Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the trial to January 13 and 14, 2026.

Court Rejects Ex-Minister Saleh Mamman’s No-Case Submission in ₦33.8bn Fraud Trial, Orders Defence

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed former Power Minister Saleh Mamman’s no-case submission in the ₦33.8billion fraud case filed by the EFCC. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case after presenting 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits linking Mamman to the alleged diversion of funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydropower projects. The court held that the evidence was strong enough to require the ex-minister to enter a defence. The case was adjourned to February 23, 2026.

YRC Celebrates Acquittal of 11 #EndBadGovernance Protesters, Demands Public Apology From Nigerian Government

The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) has welcomed the Federal High Court’s acquittal of 11 #EndBadGovernance protesters previously charged with treason and terrorism over the August 2024 demonstrations against hunger and economic hardship. Justice Emeka Nwite dismissed the case, citing the prosecution’s lack of diligence and repeated delays. The activists, who had spent weeks in detention before their arraignment, were discharged and acquitted after the prosecution failed to appear in court.
YRC described the ruling as a victory for democratic rights and accused the government of attempting to use the charges to intimidate future protesters. The group demanded a public apology, return of seized belongings, unfreezing of bank accounts, compensation for victims, and the release of other detained protesters, emphasizing that peaceful protest must not be criminalized in Nigeria.

2027 Election: Former Lawmakers Ask Court to Deregister ADC Over Poor Electoral Performance

A group of former federal lawmakers under the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The group alleged that the ADC failed to meet constitutional and Electoral Act requirements, including securing 25% of votes in any state during the last presidential election or winning any legislative seat in recent bye-elections. Citing Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, they argued that the party lacks the statutory criteria to remain registered. This development comes as the ADC reportedly plans to receive new lawmakers ahead of 2027, even as coalition members like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi continue efforts to build a united opposition against President Tinubu.

Witness Tells Court How Bishop Katung’s Cooperative Scheme Collected ₦3.9 Million Investment in Jos Trial

A prosecution witness, Dajok Dakung Godfrey, has narrated before a Federal High Court in Jos how he lost ₦3.9 million to an alleged fraudulent investment scheme linked to Bishop Jonas Katung of Maranatha Covenant Churches International and co-defendant Okewole Dayo. Testifying as PW3, Godfrey said he joined the Fadama Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society after watching Bishop Katung promote it on television in 2010. He made multiple payments after being promised 10% monthly returns until the scheme collapsed in 2011. Despite assurances at a settlement meeting, investors never recovered their funds, prompting a petition to the EFCC. The court admitted receipts and his statement as evidence, and the trial continues on February 19, 2026.

TIB Delta to Protest ‘Unlawful’ Prosecution of Activist Aghogho Amid AGF Authorization Dispute

The Take It Back Movement (TIB), Delta State chapter, plans a peaceful protest at the Federal High Court in Warri on December 15 over the alleged unlawful prosecution of activist Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho. The group says Delta State initiated federal charges without the Attorney-General of the Federation’s consent, despite conflicting positions presented before the ECOWAS Court. Aghogho is challenging the case as unconstitutional and seeking its dismissal along with ₦500 billion in compensation. TIB argues that the AGF’s filings expose inconsistencies, calling for judicial accountability as tensions rise ahead of the next court hearing.

Lawyer Seeks Compensation, Apology After Court Acquits 11 #EndBadGovernance Protesters

An Abuja Federal High Court has discharged and acquitted 11 #EndBadGovernance protesters after striking out all treason and terrorism charges filed by the Bola Tinubu administration. Justice Emeka Nwite described the case as baseless, leading human rights lawyer Abubakar Marshal to demand immediate compensation, restoration of frozen accounts and a public apology from the Nigerian government. Marshal condemned the prolonged prosecution as state-backed persecution, insisting the protesters were victimised for exercising constitutional rights to demand good governance. He said the ordeal—detentions, frozen accounts, and reputational damage—violated their freedoms and must now be remedied.


#EndBadGovernanc
#HumanRights
#NigeriaJustice

Abuja Court Frees 11 #EndBadGovernance Protesters, Dismisses Treason and Terrorism Charges

A Federal High Court in Abuja has acquitted 11 activists arrested during the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests, striking out all treason and terrorism-related charges brought against them. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the allegations were unfounded, marking what activist Adaramoye Michael Lenin described as a “historic victory.” The protesters had been detained for over a year after security agencies accused them of attempting to destabilise the country during nationwide demonstrations fuelled by economic hardship, insecurity, and public frustration under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Human rights groups consistently condemned the charges as politically motivated attempts to suppress dissent. With the ruling, all accused individuals have been fully discharged.

#EndBadGovernance

#HumanRights

#AbujaCourt

Court Reserves Judgment in Sowore’s Suit Against Lagos Police Commissioner Over ‘Unlawful’ Wanted Declaration

A Federal High Court in Lagos has reserved judgment in Omoyele Sowore’s fundamental rights suit against Lagos Police Commissioner Jimoh Moshood for unlawfully declaring him “wanted” over a protest in Oworonshoki. Sowore argues that the declaration violated his rights, as it was not backed by any formal charge, warrant, or criminal investigation. His counsel insisted the action endangered Sowore and misrepresented him to the public. The police, however, claimed the declaration was based on alleged traffic disruption and intelligence reports. After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Musa Kakaki adjourned judgment to a date to be communicated.

Sowore Arrives Lagos Federal High Court to Challenge Police Commissioner Over ‘Illegal Wanted’ Declaration

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore appeared at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, for the hearing of his fundamental rights enforcement suit against Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood. Sowore is challenging the police chief’s November 3 declaration naming him “wanted” over a protest in Oworonshoki—an action his lawyers say had no legal basis, warrant, charge, or investigation.

Friday’s proceedings were stalled after police served Sowore’s legal team a fresh counter-affidavit inside the courtroom, a move described by his lawyer, Tope Temokun, as a deliberate “last-minute ambush.” The court adjourned to December 9, 2025, to allow the applicant file further responses. Sowore argues the declaration violated his constitutional rights to liberty, dignity, and movement, accusing the police of using unlawful tactics to intimidate critics.

Court Declares Police Wanted Notice on Lagos Lawyer Illegal, Orders Retraction and Apology

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the Nigeria Police Force acted unlawfully by declaring Lagos-based lawyer Emmanuel Chinyere Orji wanted without a court order. Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa held that the Police exceeded their constitutional powers and violated Orji’s fundamental rights by publishing his name and photograph in national media and on its website.
The court nullified the publication, directed the Inspector General of Police to retract the notice and issue a formal apology, but dismissed Orji’s N1 billion damages claim. The judgment reinforces that law enforcement agencies cannot declare a citizen wanted without judicial authorization.


#NigeriaPolice

#FundamentalRights

#LagosCourt

Court Adjourns Hearing on Nnamdi Kanu’s Request for Transfer From Sokoto Prison to January 27

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the hearing of Nnamdi Kanu’s application seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Centre to a facility nearer to the FCT. Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case to January 27, 2026, directing that the Correctional Service and prosecution be notified. Kanu, who was recently sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism charges, argues that his distant detention location hinders effective legal consultation and obstructs his appeal process. His legal team maintains that relocating him to Kuje, Keffi, or any facility within the court’s jurisdiction is essential for fair defence.

Minister Maigari Ahmadu Obtains Court Order to Arrest Taraba Activist Despite Public Denial

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, has been accused of secretly securing multiple court orders to arrest Taraba activist Abdulmumuni Imam, despite publicly denying any involvement. Imam, who has criticised the stalled reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai Bridge and alleged diversion of ₦16.5 billion, reportedly never received any invitation or summons. Fresh revelations show the Minister’s team first obtained an arrest order from the Upper Area Court, later withdrew it, and then secured another at the Federal High Court, contradicting earlier statements from his media aide. The activist maintains he is being targeted for exposing delays and alleged interference in the emergency bridge project, which has caused multiple deaths and suffering for local communities.

EFCC Arraigns Moonlink Pharma MD for Alleged ₦55m Money Laundering, Court Orders Remand

The EFCC has arraigned Gabriel Celestine Nwawuzor, Managing Director of Moonlink Pharmaceuticals Limited, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged ₦55 million money-laundering scheme. Prosecutors accused him of diverting illicit funds through a Zenith Bank account in 2021 and disguising the money by purchasing a property in Asaba. Nwawuzor pleaded not guilty, but Justice Daniel Osiagor granted him ₦100 million bail with strict conditions, including two property-owning sureties. He was remanded in the correctional facility pending fulfilment of the bail terms. Trial begins March 11–12, 2026.

Court Adjourns NDDC Ex-Director Tuoyo Omatsuli’s N3.6bn Fraud Trial to March 2026

A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned to March 3, 2026, for judgment in the N3.6 billion fraud case involving former NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Tuoyo Omatsuli. He is standing trial alongside Don Parker Properties Limited, Francis Momoh, and Building Associates Limited on a 46-count charge filed by the EFCC, covering conspiracy, corruption, unlawful gratification, and money laundering.

The EFCC alleged that the defendants diverted billions recovered as statutory levies from oil companies through Starline Consultancy Services, funnelling the funds into shell companies, converting large sums into dollars, and acquiring high-value properties in Lagos. After years of legal battles, rejected no-case submissions, and appeals, the case is now set for a final ruling in one of the most significant corruption prosecutions linked to the NDDC.