The Court of Appeal in Ilorin, Kwara State, has upheld the death sentences of five men convicted for their roles in the 2018 Offa bank robbery.

The appellate court dismissed their appeals, ruling that they lacked merit, and unanimously affirmed the earlier judgment of the Kwara State High Court, which sentenced the convicts to death by hanging.

The decision was delivered by a three-member panel comprising Justices Ridwan Maiwada Abdullahi, Gabriel Kolawole, and Abdul Dogo.

According to the Director of Public Prosecution, Mohammed Akande, the court confirmed the sentences against Niyi Ogundiran, Salawu Azeez, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Ayoade Akinnibosun, and Adeola Adeola Abraham.

Despite the ruling, the convicts still retain the legal right to approach the Supreme Court for a final appeal.

#Nigeria #OffaRobbery #CourtOfAppeal #Justice

Supreme Court Revives ₦1.35bn Corruption Case Against Ex-Jigawa Gov Lamido, Orders Fresh Trial

The Supreme Court has overturned the Court of Appeal’s 2023 judgment that freed former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido and his sons, Mustapha and Aminu, from ₦1.35 billion corruption charges. In a unanimous ruling, the apex court held that the EFCC’s appeal had merit and ordered the defendants to return to the Federal High Court to open their defence. Lamido is accused of laundering funds allegedly received as kickbacks from contractors during his tenure. The court ruled that sufficient evidence was presented and directed that the long-running trial be resumed and concluded.

Supreme Court Upholds Conviction of Ex-Jigawa Governor’s Son Over $40,000 Undeclared Cash

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed the appeal of Aminu Sule Lamido, son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, affirming his conviction for failing to declare $40,000 in cash while leaving the country. The apex court ruled that lower courts properly evaluated evidence and applied the law. Aminu was first arrested in 2012 by EFCC at Kano Airport, having declared only $10,000 of the $50,000 in his possession. He was sentenced by the Federal High Court, and subsequent appeals to the Court of Appeal and now the Supreme Court were all dismissed, ending his long-running legal battle.

Retired Kogi Judges Cry Out Over Years of Neglect, Demand Immediate Payment of Outstanding Entitlements

Retired judges of Kogi State have raised alarms over years of neglect, urging the government to immediately pay their unpaid pensions, gratuities, allowances, and vehicle allocations. Having served decades and retired between 2021 and 2023, the judges described the non-payment as unjust, humiliating, and a violation of constitutional provisions. They warned that continued inaction undermines judicial dignity and independence, urging Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to intervene. Among the retirees are former Chief Judge John Bayo Olowosegun and ex-President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Yunusa Musa.

Scandal Hits NJC Judicial Interview Panel as Nepotism Allegations Emerge After Member’s Daughter, Other ‘Insider Candidates’ Named for Judicial Appointments

Public controversy has erupted over the composition of a key National Judicial Council (NJC) interview panel following allegations of nepotism and insider dealing in the selection of candidates for judicial appointments. Judicial sources told SaharaReporters that the panel was constituted in a manner that allegedly favours connected candidates, raising serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and conflict of interest.

According to the sources, the interview panel is chaired by Justice Inyang Okoro of the Supreme Court. Allegations have emerged that a foster child and research assistant of Justice Okoro is being positioned as the preferred candidate from Akwa Ibom State. Further concerns were raised after retired Supreme Court Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs was reportedly named to replace another panel member, despite claims that his daughter is an “insider candidate” from Kaduna State and is among those to be interviewed.

Other members of the panel include retired Supreme Court justices Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili and Bode Rhodes-Vivour, former Court of Appeal Justice Adeola Moshood, as well as current and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidents Afam Osigwe and Yakubu Maikyau. While their inclusion adds institutional weight, critics argue it does not sufficiently address the alleged conflicts of interest.

Human rights lawyer and former NHRC chairman, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, publicly condemned the situation, stating that allowing a panel member to interview his own daughter violates basic principles of conflict of interest and undermines the credibility of the judicial appointment process.

The allegations have sparked widespread debate among legal practitioners, civil society groups, and the public, with many warning that perceived insider dealing within the judiciary could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system. Observers are calling on the NJC to ensure strict adherence to transparency, impartiality, and ethical standards in the selection of judicial officers.

Appeal Court Affirms Death Sentence for Abdulmalik Tanko Over Murder of Five-Year-Old Kano Pupil Hanifa Abubakar, Upholds High Court Ruling

The Court of Appeal sitting in Kano State has upheld the death sentence passed on Abdulmalik Tanko for the murder of five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar, one of Nigeria’s most shocking child murder cases in recent years. Delivering judgment, Justice A. R. Muhammad dismissed Tanko’s appeal and affirmed the ruling of the Kano State High Court, which sentenced him to death by hanging.

The appellate court ruled that the trial court correctly applied the law and thoroughly evaluated the evidence presented by the prosecution. Justice Muhammad stated that Tanko failed to raise any credible issues capable of overturning his conviction, describing the prosecution’s case as strong, consistent, and persuasive. The court further held that there was no legal basis to interfere with either the findings or the sentence imposed by the lower court.

The judge also noted that once Tanko exhausts all remaining legal options, the appropriate authorities should ensure that the judgment is fully enforced.

Hanifa Abubakar was abducted in December 2021 from Noble Kids Academy in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, a school owned by Tanko. Investigations revealed that Tanko kidnapped the child, demanded a ₦6 million ransom from her parents, and later poisoned her with rat poison, leading to her death. The case sparked nationwide outrage due to the victim’s young age and the breach of trust by a school proprietor entrusted with children’s safety.

Tanko was arraigned alongside Isyaku Hashim and Fatima Jibril in January 2022 on charges including criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, unlawful detention, and culpable homicide. In July 2022, the Kano State High Court sentenced Tanko and Hashim to death by hanging, while Fatima Jibril was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for her role in the crime.

Turaki-Led PDP Accuses INEC of Bias, Insists Wike’s ‘Committee of Friends’ Is Not a Faction Amid Leadership Dispute

The Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of hypocrisy and sustained bias, insisting that there is no faction within the party despite claims by the electoral body. In a strongly worded statement, the PDP faulted INEC’s refusal to recognise and upload the names of its elected National Working Committee members following the party’s November 2025 convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to the party, INEC’s position—anchored on subsisting Federal High Court judgments—is misleading, as those judgments have already been appealed with applications for stay of execution before the Court of Appeal. The PDP further alleged that INEC deliberately suppressed key facts in court, including its own role in monitoring PDP National Executive Committee meetings, the convention process, and party primaries conducted in Osun and Ekiti states under the current leadership.
Warning against interference in internal party affairs, the PDP cited recent Supreme Court rulings barring INEC from meddling in party leadership disputes. It maintained that all legitimate organs of the party, including the Board of Trustees, Governors’ Forum, National Assembly caucuses, and state chairmen, recognise the Turaki-led NWC. The party dismissed the Wike-backed “committee of friends” as illegitimate, urging members to remain calm while the legal process continues.

#PDP
#INEC
#NigerianPolitics

Lawyer Criticizes Nnamdi Kanu’s Life Sentence Over National Stability Concerns
Legal Opinion: Lawyer Binzak Azeez condemned the life imprisonment sentence handed to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed IPOB, arguing that strict application of the law can sometimes undermine national stability.
Comparison to the US: Azeez cited Donald Trump’s case after the January 6 Capitol attack, noting that although US laws could have led to life imprisonment, they were not applied fully to maintain order.
Key Argument: While Kanu’s conviction follows the law, the lawyer believes it fails to deter others or preserve national unity, potentially emboldening separatist sentiments.
Call for Action: Azeez hopes the Court of Appeal overturns the conviction and urges that issues surrounding the national question be resolved politically and diplomatically.
Takeaway: The case highlights a tension in law enforcement between strict legal adherence and considerations of national stability, especially in politically sensitive contexts.

New Twist as Senate President Akpabio Takes Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension Battle to Supreme Court After Appeal Court Setback

The legal dispute surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has escalated as Senate President Godswill Akpabio approaches the Supreme Court to challenge a ruling by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal. The appellate court had struck out the Federal Government’s brief of argument in the case, describing it as fundamentally defective and incompetent due to multiple procedural violations, including non-compliance with mandatory court rules on formatting, page limits, and filing requirements. Akpabio’s legal team insists the decision breached his right to fair hearing and has asked the apex court to nullify the proceedings and allow the refiling of the appeal. The move has intensified public debate, with legal experts and civil society groups questioning the political undertones of the case and warning against perceived attempts to undermine judicial independence, as the long-running rivalry between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan continues to draw national attention.

BREAKING: Senate President Godswill Akpabio has escalated the legal battle arising from the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, heading to the Supreme Court to challenge a ruling of the Court of Appeal that dealt a major blow to his case.

Supreme Court Dismisses INEC’s Appeal On SDP Leadership, Awards ₦2 Million Cost Against Commission

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s appeal challenging the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), ruling the matter purely academic as the by-elections had already been conducted and winners sworn in. The apex court upheld earlier judgments of the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal, which compelled INEC to recognise and include SDP candidates across 12 states. The court also awarded ₦2 million in legal costs against INEC’s counsel. Justice Mohammed Idris, delivering the lead judgment, emphasized that courts do not entertain academic questions where no live dispute exists, noting that INEC’s appeal lacked merit.

INEC Says It Will Await Court of Appeal Judgment on PDP Leadership Crisis as Rival Factions Lay Claim to Party Control

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it will not recognise any faction in the ongoing leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) until the Court of Appeal delivers a final ruling. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed this after meeting with rival PDP factions at the commission’s Abuja headquarters, urging them to resolve the crisis amicably while acknowledging that the matter is already before the courts. The prolonged leadership tussle, stemming from disagreements after the party’s last national convention, has deepened internal divisions and raised concerns about the PDP’s unity, stability, and readiness to challenge the ruling APC in future elections.

Wiz Khalifa Sentenced To Nine Months In Romanian Prison For Sm%king C@nnabis On Stage

American rapper Wiz Khalifa, born Thomaz Cameron Jibril, has been sentenced to nine months in prison in Romania for sm%king c@nnabis during a festival performance. The Constanța Court of Appeal overturned an earlier fine of 3,600 Romanian lei ($829) for dr¥g possession, ruling that Khalifa must serve the sentence in custody.

The sentence was issued in abstentia, and it is unclear whether Jibril is currently in Romania, as he was last seen performing with Gunna in California. Police had briefly detained and questioned him on 13 July 2024, and prosecutors later charged him with possession of “risk drugs” for personal use. Authorities reported that he possessed over 18 grams of c@nnabis and consumed some on stage.

The judges described his act as “ostentatious” and said that, as a performer popular among young audiences, Khalifa sent a message that normalized illegal conduct and encouraged dr¥g use. After the incident, Jibril apologized in a post on X, saying he did not intend to offend Romania and that he would return, but “without a big
@ss
joint next time.”

Romanian criminologist Vlad Zaha told the BBC that extradition to the US was highly unlikely due to Khalifa’s wealth, the legal status of c@nnabis in the US, and Romania’s limited negotiating power. He described the sentence as unusually harsh and noted that, despite any formal judicial request, it is improbable that Khalifa will serve time in Constanța.

Ondo Judiciary Officers Announce Service Withdrawal Over Unimplemented Financial Autonomy

The Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts, and Legal Research Officers in Ondo State has announced a withdrawal of services starting 5 January 2026, citing the state government’s failure to genuinely implement judicial financial autonomy. Despite earlier assurances from the Ondo State government and intervention by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the coalition argues that persistent denial of welfare entitlements—such as official vehicles and allowances—has affected judicial efficiency, dignity, and effective justice delivery. The decision was communicated through letters submitted to the Chief Judge and President of the Customary Court of Appeal.

High Court Orders Attachment of Ondo Govt Funds to Pay ₦30m Compensation to Amputee Shot by Amotekun Operatives

An Ondo State High Court in Akure has ordered the attachment of Ondo State Government funds across multiple commercial banks to enforce payment of a ₦30 million judgment debt to Mr. Oluwasegun Oluwarotimi, a commercial motorcyclist shot by Amotekun operatives in 2021. The injury later resulted in the amputation of his leg. Justice Omolara Adejumo granted the garnishee order after the state government failed to comply with the court’s 2023 judgment, which was upheld after the Court of Appeal struck out the government’s appeal. The ruling directs banks holding state funds to attach and remit the judgment sum, reinforcing accountability for human rights violations by state-backed security agencies.

Supreme Court Revises Sagecom Case Ruling, Issues Clarification Favoring Fidelity Bank

In a surprising development, Nigeria’s Supreme Court on December 12, 2025, issued a clarification in the long-standing Sagecom Concepts Limited vs. Fidelity Bank Plc case, effectively revising aspects of its April 2025 judgment. The case, originating in 2011, involved claims by Sagecom for possession of a Lagos property and substantial rental damages, including daily-compounded interest and conversion of dollar rents to Naira at the prevailing exchange rate. While the original judgments by the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court awarded interest at 19.5% per annum compounded daily and conversion at the 2025 exchange rate, the Supreme Court’s clarification adjusted the interest rate to 19.5% per annum and applied the 2018 exchange rate. Fidelity Bank, citing ambiguities in the earlier judgment’s computation of interest and currency conversion, engaged Wole Olanipekun, SAN, to seek clarification. Legal experts expressed shock, noting that Supreme Court rulings are generally final, but the bank and the court argued the clarification was within the court’s authority to ensure proper implementation, not to reopen the case.

Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence for Maryam Sanda

The Supreme Court has reaffirmed the death sentence passed on Maryam Sanda for the killing of her husband, Bilyamin Bello, in a split 4–1 judgment. The apex court dismissed her appeal, holding that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and that the Court of Appeal was right to uphold the trial court’s verdict.

In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Moore Adumein, the court ruled that all issues raised by Sanda lacked merit and affirmed the sentence of death by hanging earlier imposed by an Abuja High Court on January 27, 2020, for the 2017 stabbing incident at their Abuja residence.

The Supreme Court also faulted the exercise of executive powers by President Bola Tinubu to reduce her sentence to 12 years while an appeal was still pending, stressing that such intervention was improper in a culpable homicide case under active judicial consideration.

Despite having spent about six years and eight months at Suleja Prison, Sanda was included in a recent presidential pardon on compassionate grounds. The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the clemency considered the best interests of her children, citing her good conduct, remorse, and positive influence while in custody.

#SupremeCourt #MaryamSanda #NigeriaJustice #BreakingNews

UK Court To Arraign Nigerian Doctor Femi Olaleye Over Alleged Sexual Offences After Previous Lagos Conviction

Dr. Femi Olaleye, a Lagos-based medical doctor previously convicted and later acquitted of sexual offences in Nigeria, is set to be arraigned on Friday, December 5, at Maidstone Crown Court in Kent, United Kingdom. UK authorities arrested him at Heathrow Airport over allegations linked to offences said to have occurred before he relocated to Nigeria. Olaleye, who once faced life imprisonment in Lagos before the Court of Appeal overturned the verdict, is currently detained in North Kent Police Station. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has approached the Supreme Court seeking to reinstate his earlier conviction, arguing that the appellate court erred in its judgment. The case is expected to shape future handling of sexual offence appeals in Nigeria.

EFCC Files Appeal Against Release of 27 Properties

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, which ordered the release of twenty-seven houses to James Ibechukwu Okoye and his company.

In the Notice of Appeal filed at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, the Commission expressed dissatisfaction with the decision of the trial court, which was delivered on October 31, 2025.
EFCC counsel, Abba Mohammed, SAN, sought two orders from the Court of Appeal, which include:

Staying the execution of the judgment of the trial court pending the hearing and determination of the appeal; and
Such further or other orders as the court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.

In this opinion piece, Charles O. Chukwunaru argues that Justice Omotosho’s recent conviction of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has backfired, strengthening Kanu’s global profile rather than diminishing it. He notes that the international community rejects Nigeria’s attempt to label Kanu a terrorist, viewing him instead as a separatist leader advocating for a Biafra referendum.

Chukwunaru highlights key events: Kanu’s escape after a 2017 military raid, his 2021 abduction and extraordinary rendition from Kenya, and the 2025 Kenyan High Court ruling declaring his transfer illegal and awarding him compensation. He also recalls that Nigeria’s Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him in 2022, yet he remains detained.

He stresses that IPOB is legally registered in the UK and not designated a terrorist group by the US or UK. He criticizes Nigeria’s terrorist designation of IPOB through an ex parte order and notes that some Nigerian courts have deemed the label unconstitutional.

While urging Eastern Nigerians to remain calm, Chukwunaru condemns what he describes as a politically driven conspiracy to impose a life sentence on Kanu for advocating a referendum abroad—especially when compared with the government’s leniency toward violent extremist groups. He argues this fuels claims of discrimination against the Igbo and elevates global calls for a Biafra referendum.

Chukwunaru concludes that although he disagrees with some of Kanu’s past rhetoric, the current actions of the Nigerian state only strengthen Kanu’s moral standing and political cause.