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Nigerian/British Lawyer Sandie Okoro appointed first female Chancellor, University of Birmingham

A Nigerian /UK top lawyer and equality rights champion, Sandie Okoro OBE has been appointed as the first female Chancellor of the University of Birmingham.

Currently the Group General Counsel of Standard Chartered, Ms. Okoro who will succeed Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea CBE is the University’s eighth Chancellor since 1900.

A statement obtained form the university’s website reads:

The University of Birmingham is delighted to announce the appointment of one of the country’s preeminent lawyers and equality rights champion as its new Chancellor. Sandie Okoro OBE brings a remarkable record of accolades recognising her contribution to diversity, equality and female rights, and is currently Group General Counsel of Standard Chartered where she leads the Bank’s Legal, Group Corporate Secretariat and Shared Investigative Services functions.

Sandie Okoro is the University’s eighth Chancellor since it was established in 1900. She succeeds Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea CBE, who will step down as Chancellor in July after 10 years in the role; and follows in the footsteps of the Right Honourable Joseph Chamberlain and the Right Honourable Anthony Eden, the Earl of Avon.

I am truly honoured and delighted to be appointed Chancellor. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to give a little something back to the amazing University that has given so very much to me and my family.Sandie Okoro OBE

Sandie is a proud University of Birmingham alumna, graduating with a degree in Law and Politics from Birmingham before qualifying as a barrister at City, University of London. After switching roles to solicitor, she held posts including Head of Legal for Corporate Services at Schroders, Global General Counsel at Barings and General Counsel for HSBC Global Asset Management. Sandie was also Senior Vice-President and General Counsel, and Vice-President for Compliance, for the World Bank Group.

Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, said: “We are excited to welcome Sandie as our new Chancellor. She is a highly respected trailblazer in the corporate legal sector and is of course a proud University of Birmingham graduate. To hear her talk about breaking glass ceilings and aiming high is inspirational and reflects the attitude and passion of our university and our commitment to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.”

The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University. They preside at degree ceremonies, celebrating with and inspiring students on their graduation day. They also perform an important role in engaging with the community and stakeholders and working as an advocate to raise the University’s profile and promote its reputation regionally, nationally and globally.

To hear [Sandie] talk about breaking glass ceilings and aiming high is inspirational and reflects the attitude and passion of our university and our commitment to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor, University of Birmingham

On accepting the post, Sandie Okoro said: “The wonderful University of Birmingham is the alma mater to three generations of the Okoros, my mum, me and my son. So my connection to it is very special indeed. I have followed the University’s outstanding progress very closely since my days there as a student on a full grant back in the 1980s – its dedication to impactful research, its focus on creating an inclusive environment for talented, minority students and educational excellence are themes very close to my heart.

“I am truly honoured and delighted to be appointed Chancellor. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to give a little something back to the amazing University that has given so very much to me and my family.”

Sandie was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for her services to Diversity in International Finance. She has also received a lifetime achievement award from the UK Black Solicitors Network and was named one of the Power 100 Women by City A.M. and 100 Women to Watch by Female FTSE Board.

She received the Howard University 2019 Vanguard Women Award for her accomplishments as a woman of colour who has blazed the trail and her commitment to mentoring young women and advancing the rights of women and girls globally.

She is also the recipient of the Beyond the Glass Ceiling Award presented by the Leadership Institute for Women of Color Attorneys (2019), the Chambers 100 Outstanding Global General Counsel (2019). Sandie is an Honorary Bencher of Middle Temple in the United Kingdom.

Sandie was appointed inaugural Chair of the UK-based charity Women of the World Foundation in June 2021, she received an honorary lifetime Emeritus membership of the Law Societies’ Compact and Forum for Sustainable Development Goal 16 in June 2022 and is a Governor of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Sandie has previously been a council member of the human rights organization JUSTICE, Ambassador for the Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme and sat on the Equality Standards Panel of the Premier League.

Three arrested in Bauchi for child abuse, rape 

Officers of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested three men across the state for child abuse and rape offences.

One Abubakar Nuhu, aged 50, popularly known as Wanzam of Gwallagan Mayaka, was arrested for inhumanely treating his biological son.

According to a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, the command received a complaint from the ward head of the Gwallagan Mayaka area of Bauchi that a resident of the ward revealed that “his wife Amina (not real name) who informed him that she saw a 5-year-old boy of their neighbours tied with a chain inside a room.

“On receipt of the information, a team of detectives led by CSP Mubarak S. Baba DPO D’ Division (Dutsen Tanshi) moved to the scene and rescued the boy.”

Abubakar Nuhu

The statement explained that “during the interview, the victim identified himself as Hussaini Abubakar ‘m’ 5yrs old. He revealed that he was treated inhumanely by his biological father Abubakar Nuhu ‘m’ 50yrs and further stated that he was incarcerated except all humane treatment by the father for many days which he can’t specify and also spent three days without eating.”

The boy, Hussaini Abubakar

The state police PRO added that the Commissioner of Police, Auwal Muhammad had directed the Divisional Police Officer to apprehend the offender for investigation and prosecution for the established offence.“According to the defendant, he claimed to have confined the minor to restrict him from stealing their neighbour’s valuables and he was advised to do so by a friend,” the statement noted.

Hussaini’s leg in chains

It was further revealed that the CP had directed the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department and also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the CID to investigate the crux of the matter and other motives surrounding the dastardly act.

In a related development, the police command also disclosed that “one Suleiman Musa ‘m’ aged 28yrs of behind Nitel community, lured one Amina (not real name) ‘f’ aged 9yrs old of the same address, into his room situated at the same area while she was on an errand and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her without her consent.

“During interrogation, the suspects freely confessed to having committed the crime. The investigation is still ongoing, after which the suspect will be charged to court for prosecution for the established offence.”

Again, the command revealed the arrest of “one Bala Mohammed ‘m’ aged 67yrs who lured two girls, one Safiya (not real name) ‘f’ aged 17yrs and Hassana (not real name) ‘f’ 16yrs, both of Unguwan Mahaukata into his room and had carnal knowledge of them and thereafter give them Five Hundred Nairas, as explained by the victims.

“During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to the crime and corroborated the victim’s statement,” the statement added, adding that the investigation is still ongoing, after which the suspect will be profiled and charged in court.

PUNCH

Video shows female Afghan rights activist being gang-raped in Taliban prison

The UK Guardian has obtained video evidence of a female Afghan human rights activist being gang-raped and tortured in a Taliban prison by armed men.


There have been mounting reports of sexual violence being inflicted on women and girls in Afghanistan since the Taliban re-took the country in 2021.


According to the activist, the mobile phone footage was later sent to her as a threat that it would be shared more widely if she continued to speak out against the Taliban regime.


In the video recording viewed by the Guardian and Rukhshana Media, the young woman is filmed being told to take off her clothes and is then raped multiple times by two men.


The woman in the video, recorded on a phone by one of the armed men tries to cover her face with her hands. One of the men pushes her hard when she hesitates as he gives her orders.


At one point she is told, “You’ve been fucked by Americans all these years and now it’s our turn.”


The woman has said that she was arrested for taking part in a public protest against the Taliban and was raped while being held in detention in a Taliban prison. She has since fled Afghanistan.


According to the human rights activist, she was sent the video after she spoke out against the Taliban in exile. She also added that they told her that if she continued to criticise the regime the video would be sent to her family and released on social media.


“If you continue saying anything bad against the Islamic Emirate, we will publish your video,” she said she was told.


She believes that the attack was deliberately recorded to be used to silence and shame her. The person filming the assault captures her standing naked with her face visible and she is identifiable during the attacks.


Last week the Guardian published accounts of teenage girls and young women who said that they were sexually assaulted and beaten after being detained under Afghanistan’s draconian hijab laws.


In one case, a woman’s body was allegedly found in a canal a few weeks after she had been taken into custody by Taliban militants, with a source close to her family saying she had been sexually abused before her death.

kidnapped Kaduna Customary Court Judge released, three young sons still in captivity

  • NMA expresses shock over the incident involving their member’s wife and sons

The Kaduna Customary Court judge, Janet Galadima, who was kidnapped nearly two weeks ago has been released but her three little sons are still being held.

Law & Society Magazine gathered that Her Worship who was released yesterday (Wednesday) is presently undergoing treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

It would be recalled that following her family’s inability to pay the N300million ransom demanded by their captors, her 14-year-old son who is also the eldest was shot dead by the kidnappers.

The five family members were kidnapped from their home in Kaduna State at a time Her Worship’s husband who is a medical doctor was on an official assignment.

Gloria Mabeiam Ballason, chief Executive Officer of the House of Justice, condemned the abduction and murder, expressing outrage over the kidnapping of Hon. Janet Galadima and her four children, as well as the brutal killing of her 14-year-old son.

According to Ballason, approximately fifteen abductors took the family hostage.

Ballason strongly condemned the abduction and murder, stating that judicial officers, under Article 7 of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary, deserve protection and adequate security to carry out their duties.

She emphasized that the Nigerian state has a constitutional mandate under Section 33 and 14 (2)b of the 1999 Constitution to ensure the safety of the judge, her family, and all citizens.

Describing the murder of Victor, the 14-year-old son, as “grisly and blood-curdling,” Ballason declared that no parent should endure the horror of watching their child being killed in such a manner.

She called on Nigerian security agencies, the Governor of Kaduna State, the Nigeria Bar Association, and the Judiciary to act urgently to protect the lives of Judge Janet Galadima and her children and to ensure justice is served.

Likewise, Nyada Auta who is running for the office of Welfare Secretary in the upcoming elections of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) spoke against the horrendous act.

According to Auta: “The kidnapping of His Honor, Janet Galadima, a Customary Court judge in Kaduna State, about a week ago, is a heartbreaking tragedy that has left the entire legal profession in a state of profound sorrow…

“This horrific incident serves as a sobering reminder of the alarming deterioration of the security apparatus in our country, which has made the legal profession an endangered species. It is from a place of utter anguish that I condemn the kidnapping of our esteemed colleague and urgently call upon all security agencies to intervene immediately and ensure the unconditional release of Mrs. Janet Galadima and her remaining children…”

The police spokesperson in Kaduna has not yet responded to inquiries about the incident at the time of this report.

In the meantime, Shuaibu Joga, the PRO of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Kaduna State chapter in a statement, expressed shock over the incident involving their member, Musa Gimba Dutse, whose wife Janet Galadima and four children were kidnapped on June 23, 2024, while he was away on an official assignment in Kano.

Joga noted that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N300 million, later reduced to N298 million. Despite ongoing negotiations and the involvement of security agencies, the terrorists killed Musa’s eldest son, Victor, to force the payment.

The NMA has called for an emergency SEC meeting and a press conference to urge authorities to expedite actions to secure the immediate release of Musa’s family and another doctor kidnapped six months ago.

The NMA also urged its members to remain calm and stay safe while engaging with the necessary security organs.

A family source expressed a heartfelt plea for assistance in spreading awareness of their plight, hoping it might reach someone who could intervene.

They emphasized that Musa, a civil servant with the state primary healthcare board, and his wife, a magistrate with the Kaduna State Customary Court, do not have the funds to meet the ransom demands.

Despite the efforts of the Kaduna State Government, security agencies, and the Nigeria Medical and Bar Associations, the situation remains dire, with the kidnappers still demanding N298 million and threatening further violence.

The family humbly requests that this story be shared widely to raise awareness and possibly garner the help needed to secure the release of Dr. Musa’s wife and remaining three children.

The family, abducted from their residence, is still being held captive as the kidnappers continue to pressure for the payment.

Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry invests in national development with national policy fellowship

Press Release

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) is pleased to announce the
inauguration of its National Policy Fellowship (npf) program, recognizing 14 outstanding
individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s
economic growth and development.

The ACCI National Policy Fellowship is a prestigious program that acknowledges individuals
who have made significant contributions to the economy through their operations in various
fields, including Improved Service Delivery, Academia, Manufacturing, National Security and Defense, Business and Human Rights, Support for SMEs and Industry, Civil Society and
Community Development, and Impactful Chamber Movement.

The Fellowship nomination and review process is robust and rigorous and involves
nominations from selected stakeholders followed by a review by a selection committee.
The Committee’s selection criteria include professional achievements, contribution to the
relevant field of endeavor, reputation and standing within an industry, professional community, public service, and a commitment to advancing business and economic growth.

Awardees are required to contribute to the ACCI’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and support
projects that advance the ACCI’s strategic priorities.

The investiture ceremony will take place at the Abuja Convention Centre on Monday 23 September 2024 during the opening ceremony of the Abuja International Trade Fair, a
flagship event of the ACCI. This year’s Trade Fair promises to be an exciting platform for
business networking, investment opportunities, and the exhibition of innovative products and services.

The ACCI National Policy Fellows have demonstrated exceptional dedication to Nigeria’s
economic progress and have inspired others through their work. We are proud to recognize
their achievements, uphold and applaud them, and welcome them to the ACCI family.

The Fellowship program aims to:
 Recognize outstanding contributions to national development;
 Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders;
 Promote excellence in various fields; and
 Encourage leadership and innovation

We congratulate our National Policy Fellows and look forward to their continued impact on
Nigeria’s economic landscape.

CATEGORIES AND LIST OF POLICY FELLOW NOMINEES

  1. Academia
  2. Prof. Na’ Allah Abdul Rasheed – Ex-Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja
  3. Business and Human Rights
  4. Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN OFR – Executive Secretary, Nigerian Human Rights
    Commission
  5. Chamber Movement
  6. Otunba Dele Kelvin Oye – National President of NACCIMA
  7. Chief Tony Ejinkeonye – Past President Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  8. Ide John Udeagbala – Past President NACCIMA.
  9. Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN – Past President Abuja Chamber of Commerce and
    Industry
  10. Civil Society/Community Development
  11. Mr. Kelechi Deca – Civil Society Leader and Public Policy Analyst
  12. Improved Public Service Delivery
  13. Dr. Haruna Y. Abdullahi – Chairman, FCT-Internal Revenue Services
  14. Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella – Permanent Secretary, Petroleum Resources
  15. Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi – Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry,
    Trade and Investment
  16. Industry/SME Development
  17. Mrs. Nonye Ayeni – Executive Director/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council
    (NEPC)
  18. Chief Dozie Mbanefo – Chief Executive Officer, New Crystal Communications Limited
  19. Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu – Managing Director/CEO, Stone Ville Technology Ltd
  20. Legislative Policy
  21. Ikenga Ugochinyere – Member of the House of Representatives.

CHIEF EMEKA OBEGOLU, SAN, PhD, PRESIDENT, ABUJA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Nigeria should unsign the LGBT agreement

By Sonnie Ekwowusi

It is nauseating that despite several meetings held with Nigerian officials and several briefs and memoranda sent to them, the Nigerian officials proceeded yesterday to sign the dreaded and devious Samoa Agreement. The Samoa Agreement, named after the Pacific Island, Samoa, where it was signed on November 15, 2023 is a celebration of perversity. Certain Articles of the Agreement especially Articles 2.5 and 29.5 legalize LGBT, transgenderism, abortion, teen sexual abuse, and perversity in African countries. The signing of the Agreement by Nigeria constitutes a threat to the sovereignty of Nigeria and Africa. It further debases our democracy. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, disclosed yesterday at a reception organized by the European Union in Enugu that Nigeria has signed the Samoa Agreement.

I can wager that neither Minister Atiku Bagudu nor the Nigerian officials or diplomats who signed the Samoa Agreement on our behalf understand the import of the Agreement to Nigeria’s sovereignty, let alone the destructive impact of the Agreement in Nigeria. This explains why many African bodies including the African Bar Association (AfBA) has condemned the Agreement and respectfully urged African countries not to sign it.

Not infrequently, Nigerian officials in Geneva, New York, and other places sign international agreements or treaties over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine with little or no knowledge of their contents. The pertinent questions are: Why did Nigeria sign the Samoa Agreement when LGBT, abortion, and transgenderism, as well as teen sexual abuse, are illegal in Nigeria? Were the Nigerian officials who signed the offensive Samoa Agreement representing their own interests or the interests of the Nigerian people? Having refused to sign the Agreement earlier, why did Nigeria change its mind and proceed to sign the Agreement?

You will recall that on November 15, 2023, Nigeria, to the bewilderment of the EU, refused to sign the offensive Samoa Agreement. Apart from Nigeria, 34 other ACP countries, including the Republic of Benin, Senegal, Liberia, Botswana, Burundi, Jamaica, Mali, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Namibia, Grenada, Eritrea, Malawi, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the Republic of Maldives, Mauritania, the Republic of Nauru, the Republic of Palau, Saint Lucia, the Republic of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Kingdom of Tonga, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and Tuvalu, also refused to sign the LGBT Agreement.

In fact, on that fateful November 15, 2023, Nigeria not only refused to sign the LGBT Agreement but was conspicuously absent in Samoa on the day of the signing. Frustrated by the refusal of these 35 countries to sign the Agreement, the European Union issued a significant threat dated November 24, 2023. According to the threat, which was issued in Brussels, any African, Caribbean, or Pacific country failing to sign the LGBT Agreement by January 1, 2024, when the Agreement is scheduled to come into force, will face dire consequences. These consequences include the denial of EU funding, development assistance, and program implementation. Furthermore, the threat specifies that such countries will be treated as pariah nations and may be subject to economic sanctions. They would also be barred from participating in EU-Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) meetings and activities.

Since the issuance of this threat, the EU has been applying increasing pressure on Nigerian ministers and African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) ministers to persuade ACP heads of government to sign the contentious LGBT Agreement. Several meetings convened for this purpose ended in deadlock as many ACP countries refused to sign the Agreement. Surprisingly, towards the end of October 2023, news emerged that the EU had scheduled November 15, 2023, for the signing of the Agreement in Samoa, a small island country in the central South Pacific Ocean composed of an archipelago of nine islands, four of which are inhabited.

The initial refusal of Nigeria and 34 other African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries to be coerced into signing the LGBT Agreement was hailed as praiseworthy. Unfortunately, Nigeria has now gone ahead to sign the offensive Agreement. Why did Nigeria succumb to the EU’s pressure, intimidation, and coercion and proceed to sign the LGBT Agreement? Why didn’t Nigeria call the EU’s bluff and resist their intimidation, coercion, and threats? Why didn’t the Nigerian officials who signed the Agreement consult the Nigerian people before signing? I am sure that dollars exchanged hands before the Nigerian officials signed. But why? Why betray your country and compromise principles for money?

Anyway, the signing of the Samoa Agreement is completely unacceptable. Nigeria must undo the damage: Nigeria should immediately proceed to withdraw from the LGBT Agreement. The National Assembly must invite the Nigerian officials who signed the Agreement to explain why they did so. Africans must understand that the fate of Africa lies in the hands of Africans. Only Africans can truly and really develop Africa, not foreigners. It is evident that the EU’s LGBT agenda in Africa is another form of population control. The paradox lies in the fact that the West, intent on reducing human capital in Africa, is now confronted with a serious demographic disaster. Despite wresting political independence from their erstwhile colonial masters, the economic systems and political policies of most African countries, infatuated with foreign aid, are still tied to the apron strings of the World Bank and powerful European and multinational organizations.

Therefore, Nigeria should withdraw her signature from the offensive Samoa Agreement. If most African countries, including South Africa, have refrained from signing the Samoa Agreement, why should Nigeria, the big brother of other African countries, which is supposed to lead by example, compromise her earlier stance and proceed to sign the controversial LGBT Agreement? The truth remains that when democracies lose their constituting philosophical and legal principles—when wrongs are described as “rights,” and the tools of law are deployed to do and justify evil—democracies metamorphose into LGBT totalitarianism.

Therefore, we must work to uphold our democracy. The surest way to be ruined by democracy is to take it for granted. If Nigerian democracy must yield the so-called democratic dividend, then it must reflect the will of the Nigerian people. After all, democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people. In our Presidential democracy, power belongs to the people. Our elected representatives must govern according to the wishes of the people. The ongoing revolution in Kenya results from the refusal of Kenyan political office holders to govern according to the will of the Kenyan people. The same thing, sadly, is happening in Nigeria. Our political office holders have refused to govern according to the will of the Nigerian people.

We can no longer take Nigerian democracy for granted. We must envision a democracy that guarantees personal liberty. Personal liberty is more than the absence of imprisonment or deliverance from despotic rulers. Personal liberty concerns shared beliefs, shared values, and liberating principles. If there are no liberating principles to guide political activity, then political ideas and convictions can easily be manipulated or corrupted for reasons of power.

Sonnie Ekwowusi is the Chairman, Human & Constitutional Rights Committee, African Bar Association

Couple to spend 11 years in jail for sexual assault of their 15-year-old housemaid in Lagos

A couple has bagged 11 years in jail together for the sexual assault of their 15-year-old housemaid in Lagos.

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday, 2 July, arraigned and sentenced on an amended charge, Ezimora Okechukwu, a 49-year-old, to seven years and three years consecutively for indecent handling and sexual assault, and his wife, Ezimora Obioma, to one year of community service for concealing the act of sexual assault done to their housemaid.

According to the prosecution counsel, the offences committed by the couple contravene Section 135 (1), 163 and 415 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

The court heard that the incident occurred on July 17, 2022, in the house of the convicts, in the Abule-Osun area of Lagos State.

It was gathered that the victim, a 15-year-old housemaid at the time of the incident, was indecently handled, touched, and sexually assaulted by Okechukwu.

The victim reported the heinous act to Obioma who concealed the incident but failed to report it to the authorities.

Their amended charge read, “Felony contrary to Section 135(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Did you, Ezimora Okechukwu, on July 17, 2022, at No 9, Block 19, Divine Height Street, Abule Osun, Lagos State, indecently handle a victim, a 15-year-old, by caressing her breast?”

“Sexual assault contrary to Section 163 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State. Did you Ezimora Okechukwu sexually assault the victim?”

“Accessory after the fact of felony contrary to Section 415 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State. Did you Ezimora Obioma, fail to notify police when the victim age 15 years, reported to you that one Ezimora Okechukwu had sexual intercourse with her.”

Both defendants pleaded guilty to the charges.

The first defendant’s charge, which was, “Defilement contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015, was reduced after he applied for a plea bargain through his counsel. He and his wife were then granted a lesser charge and sentence.

The prosecution counsel attested to this saying, “The Honourable Attorney General considered the request on the grounds that the defendants showed remorse for their actions, were first-time offenders with no previous convictions and the impact of the conviction on the second defendant and her four young children.”

He further stated, “The Attorney General then accepted that the 2nd defendant be sentenced to a conditional discharge of one-year community service.”

Delivering his judgment, Justice Ramon Oshodi held that the act committed by the couple was heinous.

“The first defendant stands accused of a heinous act, the defilement of a vulnerable housemaid who found shelter under his roof. The second defendant, rather than being a protector or seeking justice, the second defendant is said to have become an accomplice in silence and an accessory, she stands accused of disregarding the victim’s right by concealing the alleged crime even after the occurrence. These allegations paint a picture of the horror of abuse of power and moral failure challenging our society’s most fundamental principle of care and trust,” he held.

He then sentenced the first defendant, Okechukwu, to seven years for indecent handling and three years for sexually assaulting the victim, both sentences would run concurrently, and also sentenced Obioma to one year of community service.

Tinubu approves 40 housing units and retirement homes for judges

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has announced President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Complex, accommodation for judges and retirement homes.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike who said the President is repositioning the judiciary to strengthen the administration of justice, added that the approval for the construction of the Appeal Court Complex was a testament of the importance attached to the judiciary.

“There are things that must be done for us to get it right, and one of the things that must be done for this country to move forward is to put the judiciary where it is supposed to be.

“This is the essence of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

The minister further explained that the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dangban-Mensem had during the 2023 Legal Year requested for the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal and accommodation for judges.

He said: “I took the matter to president Tinubu, and he graciously approved.

“That there are three arms of government, the executive, the legislature and the judiciary, and all must be treated equally.”

The minister stressed that the project would be completed before September 2025, adding that he would not be a party to a project that would take more than two years to deliver.

He said that the project would be executed at N37 billion, adding that N30 billion had been provided in the 2024 budget.

The minister warned the contractor, Visible Construction, not to collect money and fail to deliver the job, saying “you have collected the first set of money, I don’t want to hear it has been raining.

“You collected the money when it was raining, so you must also do the job as it is raining.

“The contract was given to him to deliver in 16 months, but he promised to deliver between 12 and 13 months if funds are made available,” Wike said.

He added that president Tinubu had also approved the construction of 40 housing units for the accommodation of judges and justices.

He said that out of the 40 houses,10 would be allocated to the Court of Appeal, 10 to the Federal High Court and 20 to the FCT Courts.

He further said that Tinubu had equally approved the construction of retirement homes for judges and justices, beginning with the heads of courts.

“Mr President has approved the construction of retirement homes for the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the FCT, President of the Industrial Courts and the President of the Court of Appeal.

“The Chief Judge of FCT also requested for more court rooms for the Magistrates in Maitama, Asokoro and Garki Districts.

“I want to assure that the foundation of the accommodation and retirement homes will be laid in August and completed before September 2024,” Wike said.

Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, explained that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, was sited in Dakibiyu District.

Ahmad added that the complex, which was located within the vicinity of the Code of Conduct Bureau and the FCT High Court.

He said that the five-storey complex would consist of 10 courts consisting of 10 suites for the Justices, administrative offices for the Registrar, support staff, and file rooms for storage of case documents.

Other facilities, he said, include conveniences and recess areas for the justices.

Earlier, Dongban-Mensem thanked Wike and Tinubu for recognising the role of Judiciary and taking steps to provide what it needs to perform its task.

“This marks a significant milestone in our collective commitment to strengthen the administration of justice in our great nation,” she said.

Inaugurating the construction of the complex, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode, Ariwoola thanked Tinubu, Attorney General and Wike for the support to the judiciary.

“All the judiciary needs is to be left alone to perform its role unhindered as much as possible. Once you take care of the judiciary, you’ve taken care of justice,” he said. 

Student remanded for allegedly raping mad woman three times in Adamawa

We human beings are very dark, strange things. Mel Giedroyc

A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Adamawa has ordered the remand of a student of Capital Government Day Secondary School, Yola, for raping mad woman three times. 

Prior to his remand in prison custody, Idris Alex Emeka pleaded guilty at the Chief Magistrate’s Court 2 sitting in Yola where he was arraigned on a charge of rape.

Magistrate Musa Alhaji Adamu, the presiding judge of the court remanded the defendant after he had pleaded guilty to the offence which contravenes section 260 of the penal code law.

According to the prosecution, the randy student was caught pants down in a sex romp with the mentally ill woman on the 26th of June 2024.

In its First Information Report tendered in court, the prosecution alleged that the defendant had sexual intercourse with the mentally retarded woman on three occasions. 

While arraigning him on behalf of the state police command, the prosecutor, Inspector Galeon Nimrod, informed the court that one Habu Jibrilla came to Karewa Police Station and reported the matter.

Insp. Galeon explained that Jibrilla of the State Low-cost stated that he had caught the defendant having sex with his victim on the street by 6:40am and handed him over to the police.  

Bandits kidnap Kaduna Customary Court Judge and four sons, kill eldest boy over failure to pay N300m ransom

The question of insecurity in Nigeria which keeps assuming frightening dimensions appears to have defied the security apparatuses in the country with the daily tales of citizens being carried away in droves by bandits and kidnappers from their homes, schools and even while travelling by road or rail.

Over a week ago, Her Worship, Janet Galadima, a Customary Court Judge in Kaduna state was kidnapped from her home alongside her four sons.

At the time of their abduction, her husband who is a medical doctor was on call.

Sadly, her eldest son was shot dead on Tuesday by the terrorists as they could not meet up with the humongous sum of N300million being demaded by their abductors.

At the moment, Janet Galadima who has discharged her duties as a judicial officer to the best of her abilities stands the risk of being killed with her three remaining sons.

Condemning the abduction, one of the aspirants in the upcoming elections of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nyada Auta described the situation as “a heartbreaking tragedy.”

“The kidnapping of His Honor, Janet Galadima, a Customary Court judge in Kaduna State, about a week ago, is a heartbreaking tragedy that has left the entire legal profession in a state of profound sorrow.

“I am deeply distressed to learn that Mrs. Janet Galadima was abducted from her home, along with her four sons. The subsequent gruesome murder of her eldest son by these callous criminals earlier today is a devastating blow that has compounded the anguish felt by all.

“This horrific incident serves as a sobering reminder of the alarming deterioration of the security apparatus in our country, which has made the legal profession an endangered species. It is from a place of utter anguish that I condemn the kidnapping of our esteemed colleague and urgently call upon all security agencies to intervene immediately and ensure the unconditional release of Mrs. Janet Galadima and her remaining children.

“This state of lawlessness and cruelty must be confronted head-on. The authorities of our dear country must take decisive action, going beyond mere press statements, and actively combat these criminals, ensuring they are punished to the fullest extent of the law. No society deserves to harbor such elements within its midst.

“As we continue to pray fervently for the safe return of his Honor, Janet Galadima and her children, I urge lawyers across the country to equally pray for the Husband and other family members of Mrs. Janet Galadima, who must be going through a great deal of anguish and trauma.

“Finally, I call on lawyers across the country to please join us in this collective call for a swift response by all security agencies to bring about the safe release of his Honor Janet Galadima and her remaining children. The security and well-being of our colleagues must be a top priority, and we will not rest until these heinous acts are addressed with the urgency and resolve they deserve.”

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