NBA Warns Osun Governor Adeleke as Months-Long Court Shutdown Threatens Constitutional Breakdown

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Osun State has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Ademola Adeleke, demanding an immediate resolution to the judiciary shutdown that has crippled the state since September 22, 2025.
The five NBA branches warned that the prolonged closure—triggered by a JUSUN strike over welfare issues and alleged neglect by the Judicial Service Commission—risks plunging Osun into a constitutional crisis “akin to a state of emergency.”
The lawyers accused the governor's JSC appointees and JUSUN leadership of sabotaging mediation efforts, leaving detainees stranded, cases abandoned and the justice system at a standstill.



#OsunJudiciaryCrisis

#NBAUltimatum

#GovernorAdeleke

Nnamdi Kanu’s 2025 Sentence Strengthens Rule of Law,” Says Dr. Austin Orette in New Commentary

Dr. Austin Orette, a US-based Nigerian scholar, has described Nnamdi Kanu’s 2025 sentencing as a major win for Nigeria’s rule of law, arguing that the judgment brings long-overdue clarity to a politically charged case. In a strongly worded opinion, Orette says avoiding Kanu’s trial only amplified extremism and misinformation, insisting that due process—not political pressure—should dictate outcomes. He criticizes activists who demanded Kanu’s release outside the judicial process and warns that undermining the courts could lead to anarchy, vigilante justice, and loss of public trust. Orette also dismisses claims of political persecution, emphasizing that the court delivered a fair, transparent trial.


#RuleOfLaw

#NnamdiKanu2025

#NigeriaJudiciary

#EndBadGovernance: Workers’ Coalition Demands End to Trial of Abuja 11, Accuses Government of Political Persecution

The Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights (SNWR) has called for the dismissal of all charges against the 11 activists arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests, describing the case as a politically motivated attempt to suppress dissent. Ahead of the December 10 court hearing, the group accused the Nigerian government of weaponising the judiciary, failing to provide credible evidence, and ignoring the worsening hardship facing citizens. SNWR said the trial exposes rising authoritarianism and urged labour unions, students, and global human rights bodies to intensify pressure for justice and the release of all political detainees.

Protesters, Slams Political Persecution

The Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights (SNWR) has raised a fresh alarm ahead of the December 10, 2025 court session in the ongoing trial of 11 young activists arrested during the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.

The group described the prosecution as a “state-orchestrated witch-hunt” aimed at silencing citizens who protested against hunger, inflation, insecurity, and worsening poverty.

In a statement signed by its coordinator, Daniel Akande, the coalition accused Nigerian authorities of weaponising the judiciary to crush legitimate dissent.

SNWR said that over a year after the arrests, the government has failed to present “a single credible piece of evidence” to support allegations of treason or an attempt to “wage war against the state.”

Akande — who is also one of the defendants — claimed he was abducted from a place of worship and later framed in a treasonable felony case he knew nothing about.

#Nigeria #HumanRights #EndBadGovernance #WorkersRights

Kogi Judicial Workers Begin Indefinite Strike as Magistrates Decry Extreme Hardship, Poor Welfare

Kogi State’s judiciary has plunged deeper into crisis as magistrates endure severe neglect, with many arriving in court wearing worn-out clothing and commuting on commercial motorcycles due to the absence of official vehicles. Some magistrates reportedly ride alongside defendants and suspects, while many struggle to feed their families or pay rent, worsening domestic tensions. Despite yearly budget allocations, critics say both former Governor Yahaya Bello and current Governor Usman Ododo have failed to address the decaying justice system.

The situation escalated further as the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Kogi chapter, declared an indefinite strike starting December 4, 2025, over the government’s failure to pay October 2024 salary arrears and the 2025 leave bonus. Civil society groups warn that the worsening conditions could cripple access to justice unless urgent reforms are implemented.

Amotekun Officers Demand Urgent Court Hearing as Lawyer Petitions Ondo Chief Judge Over Delays

Human rights lawyer Tope Temokun has petitioned the Ondo State Chief Judge over delays in assigning hearing dates to three fundamental rights cases filed by Amotekun officers who were allegedly declared wanted after demanding their appointment letters and entitlements. The officers have reportedly gone into hiding, citing threats to their lives. Temokun urged the judiciary to treat the cases with urgency in line with FREP rules. The issue has sparked protests in Akure, with activists demanding reinstatement of the officers and reversal of their wanted status.

Kogi Judiciary Workers Shut Down Courts as JUSUN Declares Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Arrears

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Kogi State Branch, has declared an indefinite strike over the state government's failure to pay outstanding October 2024 salary arrears and the 2025 leave bonus. Despite earlier assurances from Governor Ahmed Ododo, the union says the promises remain unfulfilled. Effective December 4, 2025, all judiciary workers have been directed to halt all official duties until the government meets their demands. The shutdown is expected to cripple court operations statewide, disrupting hearings, bail processes, and other essential judicial functions.

End Politically Motivated Charges Against Sowore, Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Tells Tinubu




Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately halt the prosecution of activist Omoyele Sowore by the DSS. Sowore faces a five-count charge of cyberstalking and defamation for calling President Tinubu a “criminal” in social media posts. Ejimakor argued that the case lacks legal merit and warned that using the judiciary to settle political disputes is counterproductive. The DSS claims Sowore’s posts were false and inciting, citing screenshots and correspondence with X and Meta as evidence. Sowore, a long-time government critic, appears again in court as the trial continues.

BREAKING: The Senate is now weighing IMPEACHMENT proceedings against far-Left activist judge James Boasberg — THIS WEEK — after he refused to testify.

About time. If a federal judge thinks he’s above oversight, that’s a problem. If he refuses to answer for rulings that have reshaped national security and immigration policy, that’s an even bigger problem. These rogue judges can’t be allowed to sabotage the country from the bench.

From Fox News:

• Boasberg and Judge Deborah Boardman refused to testify at a Senate hearing titled “Impeachment: Holding Rogue Judges Accountable.”
• Boasberg has sparked a firestorm with rulings that repeatedly handcuffed the Trump administration — including blocking the use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans.
• Lawmakers are also questioning his apparent role in “Arctic Frost,” the FBI program that allegedly tracked communications of multiple Republican members of Congress.
• Boardman is also in the spotlight for blocking reforms to birthright citizenship.

The Senate’s next move could reshape the entire judiciary. And for the first time in a long time, activist judges might finally be held accountable.

Senator Oshiomhole blasts Rotimi Amaechi, says he shut down Rivers' judiciary for two years because he wanted to appoint his favourite as Chief Judge of Rivers State and didn't have his way.

Court Debunks Assassination Rumour on Judge Who Sentenced Nnamdi Kanu — Labels Viral Claims ‘Fake News’


The Federal High Court has firmly denied a viral report alleging that Justice James Omotosho survived an assassination attempt days after sentencing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment.

The rumour, circulated by a Facebook blogger, claimed the judge was attacked and rushed to the hospital. However, in an official statement on Sunday, Chief Registrar Sulaiman Hassan described the story as completely false, unfounded, and designed to mislead Nigerians.

The statement, titled “Rebuttal to False Publication by ‘Celebrity Blogger’ on the Alleged Assassination Attempt on Justice James Omotosho”, urged the public to disregard the report and refrain from spreading misinformation.

“We firmly and unequivocally declare that the said report is completely false,” the court stated.
“The public is advised to treat this publication as fake news.”

Hassan expressed concern over the motive behind the fabrication, noting that such claims could spark panic and undermine confidence in the judiciary. He called on security agencies to investigate and prosecute those behind the malicious publication under cybercrime and defamation laws.

BACKGROUND ON THE CASE
Justice Omotosho had on Thursday sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment on terrorism charges. While several counts carried the death penalty, the judge opted for leniency, saying:

“As a Christian, I chose to be merciful.”

Kanu received life sentences on multiple counts, with additional terms running concurrently. The court also ordered his transfer to protective custody outside Kuje Prison and restricted his access to digital devices.

The judge further ruled that Kanu’s seized radio transmitter be forfeited to the Federal Government, with DSS allowed to pursue forfeiture of additional exhibits.

Describing the IPOB leader as “unruly” and “not remorseful,” Justice Omotosho maintained that the defendant still demonstrated “a tendency of violence.”

"Justice must never be sold"— President Tinubu warns Nigerian Judges.

President Bola Tinubu on Monday called on the judiciary to uphold integrity, warning that justice must never be for sale. He highlighted public concerns over delays in case resolutions and limited access to justice, stressing that courts must become efficient and trustworthy institutions.

Addressing judges at the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference in Abuja, themed “Building a Confident Judiciary,” Tinubu emphasized that public confidence is essential for the judiciary’s legitimacy. He affirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting judicial dignity, eliminating misconduct, and enhancing institutional capacity, saying this responsibility extends beyond the National Judicial Council to all judicial officers.

The President stressed that a judgment, however legally sound, loses authority if perceived as unfair. He called for reforms to restore public trust, noting that the judiciary exists to serve the people, not the Bench or Bar.

Tinubu underlined the need for synergy among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, and described a strong, efficient, and principled judiciary as vital for democracy and national prosperity.

He pledged tangible support, including modern infrastructure, digital case management, and well-equipped courtrooms to ensure transparency and speed in justice delivery. Highlighting judicial welfare, training, and independence, he affirmed continued backing for the National Judicial Institute to promote professional development.

Tinubu warned against corruption within the judiciary, stressing that compromise erodes governance and democracy. He urged judges to be bold and practical in addressing challenges like case backlogs, discipline, affordability, and accessibility of justice for all, particularly the vulnerable.

Concluding, he called judges “guardians of Nigeria’s moral conscience,” urging them to deliver fair, courageous rulings that strengthen democracy and ensure that every citizen is heard, promising continued governmental support in their sacred duty.

Omoyele Sowore and Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Released After Four Days in Kuje Prison.

According to a report by Channels TV, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, representing Nnamdi Kanu, have been released from Kuje Prison after four days in detention.

Their detention followed their appearance at the Kuje Magistrate Court last week in connection with the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in the Federal Capital Territory.

On Friday, the court, presided over by Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id, granted bail to Sowore, Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu (Nnamdi Kanu’s brother), and ten others.

The defendants had been charged with unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace.

Each was granted N500,000 bail, required two sureties residing in the FCT, valid identification, a three-year tax clearance, and the surrender of their passports.

Following their release on Monday, Ejimakor described the detention experience as “traumatic and inhumane,” criticizing the police for the excessive use of force during and after the protest.

He noted that officers deployed tear gas directly at protesters and engaged in aggressive conduct even after control had been established.

Ejimakor clarified that the protest targeted the presidency and the perceived unjust prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, rather than the judiciary.

He argued that any withdrawal of the case by the presidency or attorney general would leave the court with no basis to proceed.

Supreme Court Justice, Agim Reacts To Claims That Nigerian Judges Are Members Of Secret Cults.

However, in a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Niniola debunked the speculation that she was keeping her marriage secret to avoid affecting her career or bookings.
Nigerian Judges
Justice Emmanuel Agim of the Supreme Court has dismissed claims that Nigerian judges belong to secret cults, emphasizing that conscience, integrity, and godliness are the true pillars of judicial service.

Agim made the remarks on Friday, October 24, in Abuja during the Legacy Dialogue 2.0, organised by the Johnny Agim SAN (JASAN) Foundation, themed “Institutionalisation of Mentorship in the Legal Profession: A Strategic Blueprint for Professional Development.”

Speaking in a reflective tone about his faith and the misconceptions surrounding the judiciary, Justice Agim said it was absurd and offensive when people accused judges of belonging to cults.

“I have a conscience. Otherwise, I should not be going to Holy Trinity Parish or even praying if I don’t have a conscience. God is my protection, my fortress and my refuge. You cannot be evil and expect God to be all of that to you,” he said.

“But whenever I say this, a friend of mine would say, ‘I thought they said you (justices) all belong to cults.’ It is not so. We are ordinary human beings.”

The jurist stressed that the moral strength of judges comes from faith, honesty, and a clear conscience, not from membership of secret societies as often alleged by members of the public.

Justice Agim lamented the erosion of ethics and discipline in modern legal practice, saying many lawyers have abandoned the pursuit of justice for selfish ambition and fame.

“When I was a lawyer, we had cases already settled by law and you knew what your opposing counsel would say. But today, people go to court to win, not to get justice,” he declared.

Sowore Arrested Outside Federal High Court in Abuja After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu.

Prominent human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has strongly criticized the arrest of activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, outside the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the incident as “outrageous” and an assault on Nigeria’s justice system.

Effiong made his position known in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, October 23, 2025, shortly after reports and videos surfaced online showing Sowore being forcefully taken away by police officers.

The arrest occurred moments after Sowore reportedly met with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently facing trial at the same court.

Condemning the development, Effiong wrote: “The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous. The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system. He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans.”

Eyewitnesses reported that the activist had just concluded an interaction with journalists and supporters outside the courtroom when security operatives moved in and apprehended him.

Video clips shared on social media captured the dramatic scene, sparking public outrage and condemnation from rights groups, lawyers, and pro-democracy advocates who described the arrest as an attempt to silence critical voices.

Effiong, a vocal defender of civil liberties, argued that Sowore’s arrest was both unlawful and a troubling indicator of growing intolerance toward dissent under the current administration.

He stated that the judiciary, as the last hope of the common citizen, should never be turned into a stage for political intimidation.

Court remands Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother, Ejimakor, others in Kuje Prison.

A magistrate court sitting in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has ordered the remand of Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, alongside his legal counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor.

Their remand followed their participation in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which took place on Monday in Abuja.

Confirming the development, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, Kanuta Kanu, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the court session on Tuesday, described the action as a “conspiracy among the executive, legislature, and judiciary to frustrate Kanu’s trial scheduled for Thursday.”

According to court documents shared by former National Human Rights Commission chairman, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, the police arraigned Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others on charges bordering on incitement and breach of public peace.

The charge sheet alleged that the accused persons violated a court order by staging a protest that disrupted public movement, obstructed traffic, and chanted songs calling for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, had earlier disclosed on a live television programme that those arrested during the protest would face prosecution after investigation.

Both Ejimakor and Kanu’s brother have now been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

Court Remands Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother and Lead Counsel Over Abuja Protest.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Kuje, Abuja, has ordered the remand of Prince Emmanuel Kanu the younger brother of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu along with his lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor.

The development was made public by Kanunta Kanu, another sibling of the IPOB leader, who alleged via a post on X that the move was part of a coordinated effort by the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government to frustrate Nnamdi Kanu’s upcoming trial scheduled for Thursday.

“The magistrate sitting in Kuje remanded Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel in Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case, and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, his youngest brother. This is a conspiracy from the executive, legislature, and judiciary to frustrate Kanu’s trial on Thursday,” Kanunta Kanu posted.

It would be recalled that the Nigeria Police had earlier arraigned Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others in connection with a protest held in Abuja on Monday.

Court documents shared by the former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, revealed that the defendants were charged with inciting disturbance and breach of public peace.

According to the charge sheet, they allegedly obstructed traffic flow, restricted citizens’ movement, and chanted war songs while demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

Nigerian, Margaret Obi, makes history as she becomes England’s most senior black judge.

A former Nigerian solicitor, Margaret Obi, has been appointed as a Judge of the High Court of England and Wales, marking a major milestone in her distinguished legal career.

Her appointment, which officially took effect on October 3, 2025, was confirmed by several reputable British publications, including Global Legal Post. Mrs. Justice Obi is now one of only eight current High Court judges in England and Wales who previously practised as solicitors a rare feat in the British judiciary.

She will serve in the King’s Bench Division, where she is expected to draw from her 27 years of legal practice and seven years of judicial experience to deliver justice with excellence and integrity.

Congratulating her, Oba Nsugbe (KC), Head of Pump Court Chambers in the United Kingdom, praised Obi’s humility and commitment to her heritage. “For as long as I have known her, Mrs Justice Obi has always been naturally low-key and entirely grounded; never once forgetting her Nigerian roots,” Nsugbe said.

Before her elevation, Justice Obi served in several senior judicial capacities, including as a Deputy High Court Judge, Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge, and Chair of the Competition Appeal Tribunal. She also made history in 2023 when she was appointed Acting Judge of the Supreme Court of the British Indian Ocean Territory, further cementing her reputation as a respected and versatile jurist.

Her appointment has been widely celebrated within legal circles in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria, with many describing it as another testament to the excellence and global impact of Nigerian professionals abroad.

Justice Obi’s rise to one of the most prestigious judicial positions in the UK underscores her decades-long dedication to the legal profession and her enduring connection to her Nigerian background.

Osun NLC backs JUSUN strike, faults JSC on workers’ neglect.

The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has thrown its weight behind the ongoing industrial action by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Osun State Chapter.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the NLC urged the Osun State Judicial Service Commission, JSC, to prioritise the welfare of judiciary workers in accordance with existing policies and commitments.

The statement which was signed by the NLC Chairperson, Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo, described JUSUN’s grievances as legitimate and long overdue, citing consistent neglect and administrative insensitivity as reasons for the strike.

According to Arapasopo, the demands of JUSUN include the implementation of pending promotions and entitlements for 2024 and 2025, the restoration of imprest and statutory allowances, sponsorship of staff training at the National Judicial Institute, NJI, and the provision of official and utility vehicles to boost productivity.

“It is regrettable that judiciary workers continue to face neglect despite their critical role in the administration of justice. Their welfare must not be treated with indifference or delay,” the statement said.

The Congress expressed concern over what it termed the indifference of the Honourable Chief Judge and Chairman of the JSC, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, calling for immediate intervention from relevant authorities to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

“It is disheartening that workers in ministries and other agencies on the same grade levels as judiciary staff have received their 2024 and even 2025 promotion letters, with corresponding salary adjustments, while judiciary workers continue to lag behind. This is grossly unfair and unacceptable,” the statement read.

The NLC also cautioned against a growing culture of impunity and abuse of office within the judicial arm, warning that such actions undermine staff morale and institutional credibility.

Meet Notorious Kidnap Kingpin Pardoned by President Tinubu.

A wave of outrage and disbelief has trailed the release of 44-year-old Kelvin Prosper Oniarah — the infamous Delta-born kidnap kingpin once declared one of Nigeria’s most dangerous criminals — following his inclusion in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest round of presidential pardons.

Oniarah, also known by his aliases Kelvin Ibruvwe and Kelvin Ezigbe, was arrested on September 25, 2013, in a joint operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army. He was subsequently convicted for multiple counts of kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism-related offences that terrorised parts of Delta, Edo, Anambra, and Rivers States for years.

Trail of Violence and Terror
Before his arrest, Kelvin was the leader of a feared criminal syndicate responsible for high-profile kidnappings and killings. Among his victims was renowned human rights lawyer, Barrister Mike Ozekhome (SAN), abducted on August 24, 2013, along the Auchi–Benin expressway.

Other victims linked to his gang included:

A serving judge of the Edo State Judiciary,
A female Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) official,
Dr. Chudi Nwike, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who was killed in captivity,
Several National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and security personnel.
Kelvin’s network operated from camps in Warri and Kokori (Delta State), Ugbokolo (Benue), Benin City (Edo), and Aba (Abia State). His reign of terror also saw the killing of numerous policemen and soldiers during deadly ambushes.

Defiance Against the State
In a chilling episode that underscored his notoriety, Oniarah publicly issued a 60-day ultimatum to the Federal Government in September 2013, demanding the release of his detained gang members or face nationwide bloodshed — a threat that prompted one of the most extensive manhunts in Nigeria’s history.

Conviction and Release
Oniarah was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in October 2023, with his sentence backdated to 2013. It was later reduced to 13 years for what prison officials described as “good conduct” and participation in the National Open University of Nigeria correctional education programme.

His sudden release under the Tinubu administration’s controversial amnesty programme has sparked a storm of criticism from security analysts and victims’ families, who argue that granting clemency to an unrepentant criminal undermines justice and the fight against violent crime.

Kelvin’s freedom, after 12 years behind bars, now raises serious questions about the moral compass of the nation’s justice system