Category: Judiciary

Ex-CJN, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad dies in S’Arabia

Aminu Imam
Ex CJN, Ibrahim Tanko

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (rtd), has died. A close source confirmed yesterday that the former head of the Nigerian Judiciary passed away at a hospital in Saudi Arabia. The death was also confirmed in a condolence statement issued by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja. In the statement, NAMLAS described the Late jurist as a towering figure of integrity, humility and commitment to justice, whose death was a major loss to the Nigerian judiciary and the nation. The association…

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‘President has power to declare emergency rule in any state’ – S’Court

Aminu Imam
S'Court on emergency rule

In a significant ruling yesterday, the Supreme Court affirmed the President’s constitutional powers to declare a state of emergency in any state, emphasising the authority’s role in preventing a breakdown of law and order or a descent into chaos and anarchy. The apex court, in a split decision of 6-to-1, held that the President, during a state of emergency, can suspend elected officials, but that such suspensions must be for a limited period. In the lead majority judgment, the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, held that Section 305 of the…

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Human rights lawyer criticises political praise-singng at Judges’ conference

Aminu Imam
Odinkalu criticises

…Accuses CJN Kekere-Ekun of partisanship  Renowned legal scholar and former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has ignited a firestorm of criticism after accusing the country’s top judiciary of formally aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during President Bola Tinubu’s address at the2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference. Odinkalu’s scathing X post, described the moment as “the moment…when Nigeria’s senior-most judges, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kekere-Ekun, officially decamped to @OfficialAPCNg”, in reaction to judges enthusiastically singing the pro-Tinubu anthem: “On…

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Kaduna: Courts shut, as judiciary workers begin indefinite strike

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Kaduna Courts to close

Courts in Kaduna State were shut yestetday, as Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) began an indefinite strike to press home several demands, including the implementation of financial autonomy for the Judiciary. The Federal and State high courts, Upper Shari’a court, Customary and Magistrates’ courts were under lock and key with banners on the gate reading: “JUSUN Kaduna state chapter embarks on strike”. At the Shari’a court Magajin-Gari, the situation was not different as court rooms were also closed. However, some staff members of the court were seen outside the…

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CJN charges newly sworn-in CCT chairman, Kogo to uphold integrity, justice

Aminu Imam
CJN charges

…Calls for judicial backing to drive power sector reforms Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has urged Mainasara Kogo, the newly sworn-in chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), to uphold integrity and remain committed to justice. Speaking at swearing-in ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday, the CJN reminded Kogo of the responsibilities of his office, stressing the need to prioritise justice above personal or political interests. “The office you now occupy requires sound judgment, independence, and the courage to do what is right, regardless of whose…

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“Justice now purchasable in Nigeria” – Sultan of Sokoto 

Aminu Imam
Sultan of Sokoto

Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, had raised a crucial alarm about the current state of Nigeria’s justice system. In a compelling and thought-provoking speech at the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual Conference in Enugu, he said: “Today in Nigeria, justice is increasingly becoming a purchasable commodity. The poor are becoming victims of miscarriage of justice, while the rich commit crimes and walk the streets scot-free”. His words have quickly spread, striking a chord with many Nigerians who feel that the judicial system is skewed in…

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Kaduna Courts to close for settlement week

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Kaduna Courts to close

Kaduna State High Court will close from next week for a week-long event focused on the free settlement of disputes among contending parties. This initiative, themed: ‘Justice for All: Peace That Lasts’, aims to provide quick and stress-free access to justice for all parties involved. The Director of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Center, Kaduna High Court, Dorcas Levy, disclosed that the state Chief Judge, Justice M.T. Aliyu, is expected to declare the event open on July 28, 2025, at the High Court premises. The Chief Judge has directed the closure…

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‘Without financial autonomy, Judicial independence is at risk’ – CJN warns

Aminu Imam
CJN warns

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has stressed that the Judiciary’s legitimacy and effectiveness depend not only on legal interpretation but also on public trust and responsible financial management. Speaking at the opening of a national workshop on judicial financial management in Abuja – organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) – the CJN emphasized that true judicial excellence is reflected in both the quality of judgments and the transparency of court governance. “It is crucial that we address the systemic challenges that hinder financial efficiency in…

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“Nigerian courts are ‘dilapidated infrastructures” – Ozekhome

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Ozekhome

Nigerian constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Professor Mike Ozekhome, (SAN), has advocated for improved funding and incentives for the nation’s judiciary, warning that continued neglect could undermine justice delivery. During an interview on a television programme yesterday, Ozekhome highlighted the deplorable conditions of many Nigerian courts, describing them as ‘dilapidated infrastructure’, whereby judges often have to write proceedings with longhand. He linked the Judiciary’s struggles to the wider societal challenges, asserting that “garbage in-garbage out” applies to the justice system. “We saw the visuals of some of the courts.…

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“Implement electoral reform to immortalise Uwais”, LP urges FG

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LP urges FG

The Labour Party, (LP), has urged the Federal Government to immortalise the late former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwais, by implementing the far-reaching electoral reform recommendations he championed during his lifetime. This call was made by chairman of the LP’s National Caretaker Committee, Senator Nenadi Usman, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday. Usman described the Late jurist as a towering figure in Nigeria’s legal and democratic history, whose legacy must be preserved through meaningful action. “To truly honour Justice Uwais’ memory”, she stated, “the Federal Government should…

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