• Odinkalu says it is unprecedented for Justice Abang’s panel, “a panel this junior to be constituted to sit upon a decision of a much more senior panel of the Court of Appeal”

The Court of Appeal Abuja division on Tuesday stayed actions earlier delivered against the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

In a unanimous ruling delivered by a three-member panel of justices, presided over by Hon. Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill, the court agreed to the withdrawal of the application filed by the Kano State Government after the transmission of the record of appeal to the Supreme Court.

While resuming the hearing to rule on the enforcement of its earlier orders, counsel to the Kano State Government, Barrister Ibrahim Wangida, informed the court of a notice of appeal against the stay of execution granted on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Barrister Wangida told the court that all necessary legal actions had been completed, including the transmission of the record to the Supreme Court.

The transmission of the record of appeal to the Supreme Court, by implication and judicial precedent, operates as a stay of any action on the ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered on March 14, 2025.

Recall that Justice Abang, on Friday, March 14, 2025, ordered a stay of execution of an earlier judgment of the court that validated the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

The judge also ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, as well as the sheriff of the court and the trial court, as it was before the trial court’s judgment delivered on June 13, 2024, in suit no. FHC/KN/CS/182/2024.

Dissatisfied with Justice Abang’s verdict, counsel to the Kano State Government, Mr. Wangida, faulted the March 14 ruling, arguing that it constituted a gross error in interpreting constitutional provisions. He noted that an appeal had already been filed before the apex court.

Responding to the notice of the application, counsel to the appellant, Abdul Fagge (SAN), who did not object to the notice, told the court that the respondent acted within constitutional provisions.

The Kano State Government had reinstated Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano pursuant to the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024. The same law deposed Aminu Ado Bayero as the 15th Emir, along with four first-class emirs appointed by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Bayero, however, has forcefully returned and occupied the Nasarawa mini palace in Kano under heavy security cover while challenging his removal by the state government.

In a statement issued on 25 March 2025, a Professor of Law and ex-chair of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) queried why a Justice Abang who became a justice of appeal in 2023 sat in judgment over the decision of Justice Gabriel Kolawole, a Justice of Appeal since 22 June, 2018 on the same matter.

“On 14 March, 2025, a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja in Appeal No., CA/KN/27/M/2025, Alhaji Aliyu Babba Dan Sarki Dawaki Babba vs. Kano State House of Assembly & 7 Ors, granted a “Mandatory Injunction” (not a stay of execution) arresting the enforcement of the judgment of the same Court of Appeal on 10 January 2025 in Appeal No. CA/KN/126/2024, Kano State House of Assembly & Anor vs. Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi & Ors.

“The earlier judgment of the Court was delivered by a panel led by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, a Justice of Appeal since 22 June, 2018. The latter decision arresting that judgment was given by a panel led by Justice Okon Abang, a Justice of the Court of Appeal since 20 September 2023. Other members of the latter panel were Justice Eberechi Suzette Nyesom-Wike (Justice of the Court of Appeal since 10 July 2024) and Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi (Justice of the Court of Appeal since 10 July 2024). This panel of the Court of Appeal included the wife of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

“In terms of seniority in the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal, Justice Okon Abang is no. 6 out of 10; Justice Nyesom-Wike is No. 9; and Justice Oyewumi is the last. It is unprecedented for a panel this junior to be constituted to sit upon a decision of a much more senior panel of the Court of Appeal. It is equally notable that the President of the Court of Appeal has unilaterally moved this case to Abuja from Kano.

 “The subject matter of this appeal is a fundamental rights claim by a disaffected king-maker in respect of the stool of the Kano Emirate from which  Aminu Ado Bayero was deposed. The Court of Appeal in Kano had denied that claim, holding that the Federal High Court had no jurisdiction over essentially chieftaincy matters.

“Following this decision, Aminu Ado Bayero, who is not a named party in the case, notified the security services in Kano of his intention to hold an Eid-El-Fitr Durbar at the end of the holy month of Ramadhan. I am reliably informed by sources within the Court of Appeal of plans by some people to procure an order of the same Court of Appeal on Tuesday, 25 March 2025 to enjoin the security authorities in Kano to ensure co-operation with and protection for the Durbar proposed by Aminu Ado Bayero.

“Meanwhile, on Monday, 24 March 2025, the Supreme Court entered an appeal against the ruling of the Okon Abang-led Court of Appeal panel as Appeal No SC/CV/279/2025. This should ordinarily preclude the Court of Appeal from further engagement with the subject matter but these are no ordinary times and no one can say what could happen.”

PRE- ACTION NOTICE AGAINST AREA COUNCILS IN FCT TO CEASE AND DESIST FROM UNLAWFUL AND ILLEGAL ENFORCEMENT OF TAXATION AND COLLECTION OF RATES CONTAINED IN A NOTICE TITLED “HARMONIZED DEMAND NOTICE”

By a letter signed by Human Rights Lawyer Maduabuchi O.Idam on behalf of Grassroots Accountability Foundation and League for Social Justice, we as Civil Societies have issued a Pre- Action Notice against; Abuja Municipal Area Council, Gwagwalada Area Council, Kuje and Bwari Area Councils together with their consultant otherwise known as technical partners, directing them to cease and desist from the illegal and unlawful enforcement and collection of taxes, rates and charges listed and described in a notice christened “Harmonized Demand Notice”, from residents of the FCT.

By the Pre-Action Notice, we insist that in the enforcement or collection of the outrageous taxes and rates outlined in the said “Harmonized Demand Notice”, the Councils are acting and have acted unlawfully, illegally and unconstitutionally. All rates and taxes which the Area Councils are empowered to collect under the law must be one that Councils are empowered by the Constitution to collect, and same must have been domesticated in Councils bye- Laws, having the amount also specially provided thereto.

It is our resolution that failure to yield to the demand made in our letter, we shall be constrained to approach the court against the Area Councils in order to seek redress.

No one must take undue advantage over another under any guise in the society.

M.O.Idam.

The Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja (Unity Bar) Law Week Committee, Dr. Princess Chukwuani, has announced that the 2025 edition will take place from 18th June- 22nd June 2025.

According to Chukwuani, “This year’s Law Week promises to be an exciting and enriching experience for all participants.

“The theme for this year’s Law Week is ‘UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES: NEW FRONTIERS.”

“This theme is carefully chosen to focus on exploring new avenues and opportunities in the legal profession.

“We look forward to seeing you at the NBA Abuja Branch Law Week 2025! “

#Nbaabujalawweek2025

#Lawweek2025

#Nbaabuja2025

#Dontmissthemasterpiece2025.

Ondo State is grappling with a surge in crime, particularly kidnapping, which has been linked to the proliferation of arms ahead of the November 2024 governorship election and the critical shortage of police patrol vehicles, SaharaReporters has learned.

Security sources revealed that as much as 80 percent of police stations in the state lack patrol vehicles, leaving large parts of Ondo without an active security presence. This absence of mobility has left several communities vulnerable to criminals, especially kidnappers, who now operate with impunity.

“Ondo State has come under the heavy crime of kidnapping because 80 per cent of police stations don’t have patrol vehicles, and the governor doesn’t seem to care,” a senior police source told SaharaReporters.

Election-Related Proliferation Of Arms

Security sources cited the last governorship election, held on November 16, 2024, as a key factor in the rise in crime. According to insiders, a large cache of arms was smuggled into the state ahead of the polls to arm political thugs.

“The election Ondo State had on November 16, 2024, is a major contributor to the security challenges facing the state now,” a security source said.

“Prior to the election, a lot of arms were brought in for political thugs. There was a proliferation of arms all over. That is the major factor.”

The source added that, unlike other states facing similar security issues, Ondo lacks basic security infrastructure such as surveillance drones and tracking devices.

“Other states where they have security challenges make provisions for drones, trackers and certain equipment to tackle security — but in Ondo State, the police don’t have such facilities,” one of the sources noted.

Porous Borders Fuel Arms Smuggling

Concerns have also been raised over Nigeria’s porous borders, which have made it easy for weapons and other contraband to enter the country illegally.

“I don’t think there is anything that anybody wants to bring into this country that they cannot bring in. Most times, the borders are very porous,” a security official disclosed.

The ease with which arms are smuggled across the borders, especially during political seasons, has emboldened criminal networks and deepened the state’s security crisis.

Governor’s Efforts ‘Inadequate’

In 2024, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa procured seven Toyota Hilux vehicles for the police and other security agencies. However, police sources have described the effort as grossly inadequate, given the size of the state and the number of police divisions.

“Last year, the state government bought seven Toyota Hilux which were given to the police and other security agencies, but it is not enough when the police alone have almost 55 divisions,” a police source explained.

Covering rural areas, where most kidnapping cases have been reported, remains a challenge due to the shortage of patrol vehicles.

“Toyota Hilux vehicles are very expensive now because one unit should be close to N70 million to N80 million. The police alone will need at least 30 Hilux vehicles to help solve the problem, let alone other security agencies,” another source noted.

Amotekun Blamed For Reduced Attention To Police

Some security sources believe that the creation of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, has diverted state resources and attention away from the police.

“I believe that when Amotekun was established, the government diverted too much attention to Amotekun at the neglect of the Nigeria Police Force,” a senior police officer said.

While Amotekun has been instrumental in tackling local security issues, its limited resources have prevented it from adequately filling the gaps left by the underfunded police force.

Ondo Lagging Behind Neighbouring States

Sources noted that neighbouring Ogun and Ekiti states have strengthened their security infrastructure more effectively. Nearly all police divisions in Ekiti reportedly have new patrol vehicles, enabling them to respond swiftly to criminal activities.

In contrast, the shortage of vehicles in Ondo has left many communities without adequate security coverage, particularly in remote areas where criminal gangs have established strongholds.

Security Experts Call For Urgent Intervention

Security analysts have warned that without urgent action to address the shortage of patrol vehicles and curb the flow of illegal arms, the state’s security situation will deteriorate further.

“There is an urgent need to provide at least 30 new patrol vehicles for the police force to ensure proper coverage of the state,” a security expert advised.

Calls have also been made for the state government to invest in modern security infrastructure, including surveillance drones, tracking devices, and intelligence-gathering equipment.

“Other states where they have security challenges have adopted modern strategies, but Ondo is yet to take such steps,” a source said.

With kidnapping and other violent crimes on the rise, the people of Ondo are looking to the state government and security agencies for swift and decisive action to restore peace and security.

Ondo State has recently experienced a series of violent incidents and security challenges that have raised concerns among residents and authorities alike.

Communal Clashes And Land Disputes

In January 2025, a violent clash erupted between the Owake and Ebo communities in Akoko South West Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to many others.

The conflict, rooted in unresolved land and boundary disputes, led to the destruction of several properties, including the palace of the Asin of Oka-Odo and an event hall.

In November 2024, ahead of the state’s governorship election, political tensions escalated in Idanre community. Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were reportedly attacked by suspected political thugs, leading to injuries and heightened fears of election-related violence.

Kidnapping And Criminal Activities

The state has also witnessed a resurgence in kidnapping and other criminal activities. In response, the state government engaged a private security firm to address the growing concerns of farmers threatened by hoodlums on their farmlands.

These incidents underscore the multifaceted security challenges confronting Ondo State, ranging from communal disputes and political violence to kidnapping and general criminal activities.

In recent days, Akure, the capital of Ondo State, witnessed significant unrest following the tragic killing of five farmers by suspected herdsmen in the Aba Oyinbo community of Akure North Local Government Area.

This incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, March 19, 2025, sparked widespread protests among local farmers and residents.

According to reports, armed assailants invaded the Aba Oyinbo community, opening fire and resulting in the deaths of five individuals.

This attack came on the heels of a similar incident just two weeks prior, where gunmen reportedly killed at least 14 people in four neighbouring communities—Ademekun, Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, and Alajido—all within the same local government area.

Protests And Public Outcry

In response to the killings, a large number of aggrieved farmers and community members marched to the Governor’s Office in Akure, chanting solidarity songs and demanding immediate action from the state government to address the escalating violence.

The protesters expressed frustration over the increasing insecurity and the perceived lack of adequate response from authorities.

The recent killings are part of a troubling pattern of violence in Ondo State, particularly targeting farming communities. The persistent attacks have not only led to loss of lives but have also instilled fear among residents, disrupting agricultural activities and threatening the livelihoods of many. 

• As judge recuses self from her suit after Akpabio’s petition

The suspended Kogi Central’s representative at Nigeria’s Senate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has formally lodged a petition with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, seeking the disbarment of Senator Nedamwen Bernards Imasuen from the Nigerian Bar. 

This is even as a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday recused himself from hearing a suit filed her suspension by the Senate.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu’s decision followed a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who questioned his impartiality in the case.

The case was originally scheduled for a hearing, but when the court clerk called it, Hie Lordship announced his withdrawal.

Senato Natasha’s petition against Imasuen highlighted allegations of professional misconduct, claims that Senator Imasuen was previously disbarred from the New York Bar for fraud, misappropriation of client funds, and failure to respond to disciplinary authorities.

According to the petition, Senator Imasuen was permanently disbarred by the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, on May 10, 2010, following a complaint by Daphne Slyfield, a client who accused him of misappropriating legal fees. 

The court found him guilty of multiple breaches of professional conduct, leading to the revocation of his legal license in the United States.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that, despite his disbarment, Senator Imasuen relocated to Nigeria and continued presenting himself as a legal practitioner while venturing into politics. 

He was eventually elected as the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District and appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, a role requiring unimpeachable integrity.

The petition further stated that Senator Imasuen failed to disclose his disbarment in his FORM EC-9 – Particulars of Personal Information submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before contesting for public office. 

According to Sahara Reporters, the legal action comes in the wake of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension from the Senate, which she claims was orchestrated by Senator Imasuen in defiance of a court order.

On March 4, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwatu, issued an interim order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with an investigation against her regarding alleged misconduct during a Senate plenary session on February 20, 2025. 

Despite being served the court order on March 5, 2025, Senator Imasuen and his committee proceeded with the investigation, leading to her suspension on March 6, 2025.

In her petition, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described Senator Imasuen’s actions as contempt of court, citing Rule 31 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners (2023), which mandates that lawyers must always treat the court with respect, dignity, and honour. 

She further accused him of procedural bias, stating that he dismissed her petition alleging sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio on procedural grounds, while actively pursuing disciplinary action against her.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that Senator Imasuen’s defiance of a subsisting court order and his unethical conduct violate Rule 1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct (2023), which mandates lawyers to uphold the rule of law and maintain high professional standards. 

She contended that under Rule 74(1) of the RPC, 2023, Senator Imasuen’s actions constitute professional misconduct, warranting his removal from the Roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

As the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee commences its review of the petition, the case is expected to spark significant legal and political debate, particularly regarding the ethical obligations of public officials who are also members of the legal profession.

During hearing at the Federal High Court on Tuesday, Justice Egwuatu said that the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.

The development puts another spanner in the works of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit, which she hoped would be promptly resolved to possibly cut short the six months suspension imposed on her by the Senate.

It is the latest in the series of drawbacks the suit has suffered in within a week, including the judge’s 19 March ruling reversing his earlier 4 March order halting the Senate’s diaciplinary process against her.

The suit also faces the prospect of an indefinite adjournment even if it is promptly resigned to another judge, with the Court of Appeal set to hear Senator Akpabio’s application for stay of proceedings of the Federal High Court regarding the suspended senator’s case.

Background

Justice Egwuatu had previously issued an interim order on 4 March, halting the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary action against Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly violating Senate rules.

The judge gave the restraining injunction before the disciplinary process reached a decision.

The judge ordered the Senate committee to suspend the disciplinary process until the substantive suit was determined.

Furthermore, he gave the defendants 72 hours to show cause why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted to stop the Senate from probing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan without affording her due process, as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution, the Senate Standing Orders 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

Egwuatu also permitted substituted service of court processes on the defendants.

He ordered that court documents be delivered to the Clerk of the National Assembly, pasted within the National Assembly premises, and published in two national newspapers.

His 4 March rulings were based on an ex parte application and an affidavit of urgency filed by Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Akpabio’s appeal

Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has been challenging the legal proceedings.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Akpabio filed an application at the Court of Appeal in Abuja on 20 March, seeking to halt the Federal High Court’s hearing of Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case.

He also sought permission to appeal an interlocutory ruling delivered by Mr Egwuatu on 10 March.

Mr Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), argued that the lower court’s decision to hear all pending applications together contradicted established legal principles.

Sahara Reporters/Premium Times