Judicial Power to Quash Presidential Pardon Explained by Femi Falana SAN Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, argues that presidential or gubernatorial pardons cannot override ongoing judicial processes, especially where trials or appeals are still pending. Citing several Nigerian and foreign court decisions, Falana explains that the prerogative of mercy is only valid after a conviction and exhaustion of appeals, warning that misuse of pardon powers undermines the rule of law. The article references the Maryam Sanda case to reaffirm that courts retain authority to nullify improperly granted pardons. #PresidentialPardon #RuleOfLaw #FemiFalana

Judicial Fumble: Nigerian Court Convicts Nnamdi Kanu Under Repealed Law A Federal High Court judgment against Nnamdi Kanu has sparked controversy after Justice J.K. Omotosho convicted him under a law repealed in 2022.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. --- #NnamdiKanu #JudicialControversy #RuleOfLaw

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

Family Petitions IGP as Ogun Policemen Accused of Torturing Okada Rider to Death The family of 28-year-old motorcyclist Saheed Ganiyu Ayinde has petitioned Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, alleging that officers at the Ago-Iwoye Divisional Police Headquarters tortured him to death while in custody. According to the petition submitted through their lawyer, Ayinde was arrested alongside his roommate after being falsely linked to a robbery. He was reportedly chained, brutalised, and repeatedly tortured by Inspector Yakub Adams until he died in detention, with witnesses describing his clothing soaked in blood. The family condemned the police for extra-judicial killing, extortion, and human rights violations, accusing officers of attempting to conceal Ayinde’s death. They demanded a full investigation, protection for witnesses, and disciplinary action against all officers involved. The petition warns that failure to act could heighten tensions within the community. #PoliceBrutality #OgunState #JusticeForSaheed #HumanRights #NigeriaPolice #ExtraJudicialKilling #IGPEgbetokun #SecurityNews #RuleOfLaw #SaharaReporters

NBA to Tinubu: Release Osun Local Govt Funds, Stop Violating Constitution August 20, 2025 | News The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of breaching the Constitution by allegedly withholding statutory allocations meant for Osun State local governments since February 2025. In a letter to the Attorney General of the Federation dated August 19, NBA President Afam Osigwe and General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara insisted there is “no legal justification” for the freeze on allocations, warning that it undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent. Key Points: Violates Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution on local government financial autonomy. Supreme Court ruling (A.G. Lagos vs A.G. Federation, 2004) affirms the President cannot withhold LGA funds. Action erodes public trust in democracy and emboldens lawlessness. February 2025 elections confirmed PDP officials as Osun’s valid local government leaders. The NBA demanded the immediate release of ₦46.9bn owed to Osun LGAs between March and June. It also tasked its National Litigation Committee with enforcing compliance through legal means. Governor Ademola Adeleke has repeatedly appealed to Tinubu, but the President allegedly tied the freeze to Adeleke’s removal of APC-backed council chairmen after the disputed 2022 elections. ⚖️ Bottom Line: NBA insists Tinubu has no constitutional authority to block Osun’s LGA funds and must release them without delay. #NBA #Osun #RuleOfLaw

JUST IN: Peter Obi Condemns Sowore’s Arrest, Labels It Abuse of Power Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Police Force. Obi described the move as “a miscarriage of justice and an abuse of state power,” stressing that the right to free speech and peaceful activism must be upheld in any democratic society. He urged authorities to respect the rule of law, ensure Sowore’s immediate release, and guarantee that dissenting voices are not silenced through intimidation or unlawful detention. #PeterObi #OmoyeleSowore #JusticeForSowore #RuleOfLaw #HumanRights

ECOWAS Leaders Have Failed to Uphold the Rule of Law – Femi Falana Speaks Out Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has criticized the leadership of ECOWAS, accusing them of neglecting their duty to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law across West Africa. According to Nigeria Stories, Falana emphasized that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has repeatedly turned a blind eye to constitutional violations and electoral malpractice in member countries. He stated that this failure has contributed to the erosion of democratic institutions and civil liberties in the region. “ECOWAS leaders have failed woefully in their responsibility to defend the rule of law. They watch while constitutions are manipulated and citizens’ rights are trampled upon,” Falana said. His remarks come at a time when West Africa continues to grapple with political instability, military coups, and growing public distrust in governance. Falana’s comments add to the increasing calls for ECOWAS to shift from passive diplomacy to decisive action in addressing democratic backsliding within its member states. #FemiFalana #ECOWAS #RuleOfLaw

⚖️ NBA Slams DSS for Denying Lawyers Access to Federal High Court in Abuja The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the Department of State Services (DSS) for barring lawyers from entering the Federal High Court in Abuja, calling the act a gross violation of legal rights and due process. The NBA described the incident as an attack on the rule of law and judicial independence, demanding accountability from the DSS and assurances that such interference will not happen again. Legal professionals nationwide are rallying behind the NBA, urging the protection of courtroom access and constitutional rights. #NBA #DSS #RuleOfLaw #JudiciaryUnderSiege #FederalHighCourt