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Tag: Federal High Court

  • Court Voids INEC’s 2027 Election Timetable Over “Illegal” Primary Deadlines

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the 2027 election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ruling that parts of the schedule violated provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

    Justice Mohammed Umar delivered the judgment in a suit filed by the Youth Party against INEC.

    The court held that INEC lacked the legal authority to impose timelines for political parties to conduct primaries and other pre-election activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Court Faults INEC’s Powers

    In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026, the Youth Party challenged the legality of several deadlines contained in INEC’s revised timetable.

    Justice Umar ruled that the commission cannot lawfully shorten statutory timelines already provided under the Electoral Act.

    According to the court, INEC’s powers to monitor and receive notices of party primaries do not include fixing the period within which political parties must hold primaries.

    “A declaration is hereby made that the powers of the defendant to receive notice of party primaries… does not extend to fixing or prescribing the timetable within which political parties may conduct their primary elections,” the court ruled.

    Sections Of Timetable Nullified

    The court also set aside portions of the timetable relating to submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, and campaign deadlines.

    Justice Umar held that:

    • INEC cannot reduce the 120-day constitutional window for submission of candidates’ particulars.
    • The commission cannot shorten the 90-day period allowed for withdrawal or substitution of candidates.
    • INEC cannot publish the final list of candidates earlier than the minimum 60 days provided by law.
    • The commission also lacks power to compel campaigns to end exactly two days before elections.

    The judge subsequently nullified all sections of the revised timetable inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2026.

    Parties Already Conducting Primaries

    Before the ruling, political parties had already begun complying with INEC’s timetable.

    The revised schedule required parties to submit membership registers by May 10 and conclude primaries and candidate replacements before the end of May.

    However, the process has generated controversy in several states, especially within the ruling All Progressives Congress, where protests, withdrawals and allegations of candidate imposition have trailed ongoing primaries.

    The judgment is expected to trigger fresh legal and political debates over the conduct of the 2027 elections and INEC’s regulatory powers.

  • Court Grants Justice Crack ₦5m Bail in Cybercrime Case Amid Viral Soldiers’ Video Row

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to social media activist Chidiebere Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in like sum.

    The ruling was delivered on Monday by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, bringing temporary relief for the detained influencer who has been in custody over cybercrime-related allegations.

    Bail conditions outlined by court

    The court ordered that the defendant must produce a surety in the sum of ₦5 million as part of the bail conditions.

    Justice Crack is expected to meet the requirements before his release from Department of State Services (DSS) custody.

    Case linked to viral military video

    The activist was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime, including the circulation of false information said to be capable of causing public unrest.

    The charges stem from a viral video relating to comments about soldiers’ welfare, which later triggered public debate online.

    He had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Earlier courtroom setback

    The case had suffered an earlier delay on May 14, 2026, after a bail application was withdrawn following a dispute between two lawyers over representation.

    The court later struck out the earlier processes and adjourned the matter to May 18 for hearing of a fresh bail application, which was eventually successful.

    The development has continued to generate reactions online, with supporters of the activist celebrating the ruling while others await further legal proceedings.

  • Court Grants El-Rufai ₦100m Bail, Orders Monthly DSS Reporting

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety in like sum.

    The ruling was delivered on Monday as the court outlined strict conditions the former governor must meet before regaining freedom.

    Court lists strict bail conditions

    Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the surety must reside in either Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja and must deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property at the court registry.

    The court further directed that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17 and must provide evidence of salary payments for at least three months.

    According to the court, the documents must be authenticated through a letter from the surety’s bank manager within the court’s jurisdiction.

    The judge also ordered the surety to depose to an affidavit of means, enter into a bail bond and submit a recent passport photograph to the court registry.

    El-Rufai to surrender passports

    As part of the bail terms, El-Rufai was ordered to deposit all valid international passports with the court.

    The court also directed that a verification letter from the surety’s department, alongside a six-month tax clearance certificate, must be submitted.

    Justice Abdulmalik additionally ordered the former governor to report to the headquarters of the Department of State Services every last Friday of the month by 10 a.m. to sign an attendance register pending the determination of the case.

    The judge warned that failure to comply with any of the conditions would lead to automatic revocation of the bail.

    The court also directed El-Rufai to submit a letter of attestation from the Chairman of the Kaduna Traditional Council.

    How El-Rufai’s legal battle started

    The former Kaduna governor was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026, before being granted bail two days later.

    He was subsequently re-arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and had remained in custody pending his arraignment.

  • Justice Crack’s Bail Hearing Stalls After Lawyers Clash in Abuja Court

    Popular Nigerian blogger and social media influencer Chidiebere Justice Mark, widely known as Justice Crack, remained in DSS custody on Thursday after confusion among his defense lawyers forced the Federal High Court in Abuja to adjourn his bail hearing.

    The hearing, held before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, ended abruptly after two lawyers announced separate appearances for the defendant, creating disagreement over who should officially lead the defense team.

    Drama Over Legal Representation

    Barrister Marshal Abubakar, who earlier filed the pending bail application, appeared in court alongside another lawyer, Olufemi Balogun, who also claimed representation for Justice Crack.

    The situation escalated after the influencer reportedly informed the court that Balogun would take charge of his defense moving forward.

    Following the development, Abubakar withdrew from the case and also withdrew the bail application he had previously filed on behalf of the defendant.

    With no active bail application before the court, Justice Abdulmalik struck out the processes filed by the former counsel, effectively halting the hearing.

    AGF Takes Over Prosecution

    During proceedings, a representative from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation informed the court that the AGF had officially taken over the prosecution of the matter.

    Balogun later told the court that he would file a fresh bail application for the defendant.

    The judge subsequently adjourned the case to Monday, May 18, 2026, for hearing of the new application. She also directed the prosecution to open its case on the next adjourned date or risk the matter being struck out for lack of diligent prosecution.

    How Justice Crack Landed in DSS Custody

    Justice Crack was arrested in April after a viral video in which he criticised feeding conditions and welfare treatment of Nigerian soldiers.

    The DSS later charged him with alleged cybercrime-related offences, including circulating false information and publishing materials considered capable of causing unrest.

    He was arraigned on May 4 before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a three-count charge and pleaded not guilty to all allegations.

    The court then ordered that he be remanded in DSS custody pending trial and consideration of his bail request.

    Supporters Shut Out of Courtroom

    Outside the courtroom, supporters, associates, and activists gathered in solidarity with the influencer.

    Reports from the court premises indicated that several friends and sympathizers were denied access into the courtroom during proceedings.

    Clips circulating across social media also showed reactions to the disagreement among members of the defense team, with many Nigerians describing the situation as unfortunate and avoidable.

    Public Attention Grows

    The case has continued to attract national attention due to wider debates around freedom of expression, military welfare, and online criticism in Nigeria.

    Justice Crack is expected to remain in DSS custody until the next hearing scheduled for May 18.

     

  • Court Orders VeryDarkMan To Pay Mr Jollof’s Wife ₦30m Over Defamation

    A Federal High Court sitting in Effurun, Delta State, has ordered controversial social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to pay ₦30 million in damages to Mrs Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjuyei Atsepoyi, the wife of comedian Mr Jollof, over defamatory statements made online.

    The court also directed VeryDarkMan to publish a public apology and retraction across his social media platforms and in two national newspapers within 14 days.

    How The Dispute Started

    The controversy began in September 2024 during a heated social media clash between VeryDarkMan and comedian Mr Jollof.

    During the online exchange, VeryDarkMan allegedly accused Mr Jollof’s wife of engaging in adultery with politicians and internet fraudsters to help her husband secure a political appointment in Delta State.

    The allegations quickly sparked reactions online, with Mr Jollof publicly defending his wife while condemning the statements made against her.

    Following the controversy, Mrs Atsepoyi filed a ₦500 million defamation suit against the social commentator.

    Court Awards ₦30m Damages

    According to court documents reportedly signed by Justice R. Harriman on May 13, 2026, the court ruled that the statements made by VeryDarkMan were defamatory.

    The judge held that the defendant failed to provide evidence to substantiate the allegations published online.

    Justice Harriman stated that the defamatory comments damaged the claimant’s reputation and warranted both general and aggravated damages.

    “I therefore have no hesitation in holding that the words complained of are defamatory in their natural and ordinary meaning and are actionable per se,” the judge ruled.

    The court subsequently awarded ₦20 million as general damages and ₦10 million as aggravated damages against VeryDarkMan.

    Court Orders Public Apology

    The court further ordered the social media personality to issue a public apology and retract the defamatory statements published between September 15 and September 19, 2024.

    “The Defendant is hereby directed to publish an apology to the Claimant in two national dailies and all his social media handles containing a retraction of the defamatory words,” the ruling added.

    Justice Harriman also restrained VeryDarkMan, his associates, agents, or representatives from making any further defamatory publication against Mrs Atsepoyi.

    The judgment has since triggered reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the growing trend of social media defamation cases involving celebrities and online commentators.

  • Court Jails Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman 75 Years for ₦33.8bn Fraud, Orders Arrest

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison after finding him guilty of money laundering and fraud involving ₦33.8 billion.

    The judgment was delivered on Wednesday by Justice James Omotosho, who convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Court delivers long jail terms on multiple counts

    The court handed the former minister seven years imprisonment on 10 counts, while he also received three years on one count and two years on another.

    Justice Omotosho ruled that the sentences would run consecutively, meaning they will not run at the same time.

    However, the judge allowed an option of a ₦10 million fine on count four, while maintaining that other counts carry no option of fine.

    ₦33.8bn linked to power projects

    Mamman was arraigned in July 2024 on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering linked to funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

    The EFCC alleged that the former minister worked with officials and private firms to “indirectly convert” the ₦33.8 billion in question.

    He pleaded not guilty to the charges marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.

    EFCC presents witnesses, exhibits

    During trial, the anti-graft agency called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits before closing its case.

    On May 7, 2026, the court convicted Mamman in absentia after holding that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

    Arrest warrant issued

    Following the sentencing, Justice Omotosho ordered the forfeiture of foreign currencies recovered from the convict as well as four properties traced to him in Abuja.

    The court also issued a warrant for Mamman’s arrest and directed security agencies to work with Interpol to ensure his capture.

    Mohammed Ahmed, who appeared for the convict, told the court he was unaware of Mamman’s whereabouts, saying repeated calls to him did not go through.

    The judge ordered that the sentence would commence from the day Mamman is arrested.

  • Court Clears El-Rufai for Abuja Treatment Under Tight ICPC Watch

    The Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, permission to seek medical treatment in Abuja under strict supervision.

    The approval covers dental and eye care and was confirmed on Wednesday by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    Court grants supervised medical access

    According to ICPC spokesperson J. Okor Odey, the court directed the commission to escort El-Rufai to approved medical facilities whenever necessary.

    The facilities listed include Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital in Abuja, with instructions that he be returned to custody immediately after treatment.

    Application follows bail variation request

    El-Rufai’s legal team had approached the court seeking a variation of his bail conditions to allow access to medical care.

    The prosecution opposed the request, but the court granted it after hearing arguments from both sides.

    Background to ongoing trial

    The former governor was arraigned on March 24 alongside Joel Adoga on charges bordering on alleged fraud and money laundering.

    Both defendants pleaded not guilty, and the court later granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties.

    Fresh bail moves face opposition

    In a related development, the ICPC has opposed a separate bail application filed by El-Rufai at the Kaduna State High Court.

    The matter was adjourned to May 13 for hearing, while the federal court has also fixed May 7 for further proceedings on the case.

  • Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of Nine Abuja Properties Linked to Timipre Sylva

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine properties linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, to the Federal Government.

    Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the order following an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Court grants EFCC application

    The ruling, delivered on April 24 but sighted on Wednesday, directed that the properties be temporarily forfeited pending further proceedings.

    The court held that the assets are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and should remain under government control until a final decision is reached.

    14-day window for objections

    Justice Egwuatu also ordered the publication of the interim forfeiture in national newspapers.

    He directed that any interested party must appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

    The matter was adjourned to May 25 for a report of compliance.

    Properties spread across Abuja

    The affected assets are located in high-value areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Wuse, Garki, Mpape and Dakibiyu.

    They include multiple blocks of flats, terrace buildings, duplexes, and a commercial property currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

    EFCC cites unlawful proceeds

    The anti-graft agency filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026 under provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

    EFCC counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, told the court that the properties are reasonably suspected to have been acquired through unlawful means.

  • Alleged Coup Plot: Villa Maintenance Staff Says He Was Deceived Into Scheme Against Tinubu

    Zekari Umoru, one of the six defendants standing trial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he was misled into the incident.

    Umoru, a staff member of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc attached to the Presidential Villa maintenance department, made the claim in a recorded extra-judicial statement played before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

    How alleged involvement began

    He said his contact with the accused persons began in May 2025 through Ahmed Ibrahim, a police inspector attached to the presidential clinic and the third defendant in the case.

    According to him, Ibrahim later introduced him to a man identified as Hassan Mohammed, also known as “Col. Mohammed Ma’aji”, who allegedly presented himself as a businessman seeking help with construction-related jobs.

    Cash transfers and repeated meetings

    Umoru told investigators that he initially believed Ma’aji was a civilian because bank transfers linked to the dealings carried the name Hassan Mohammed.

    He said he received multiple payments, sometimes in the presence of Ibrahim, and attended meetings where money was also shared among participants.

    He recounted a meeting at a location identified as “Tiger Bar”, where Ma’aji allegedly distributed between ₦100,000 and ₦120,000 to those present after social interactions.

    Alleged ₦8.8m cash delivery

    Umoru further claimed that on September 24, 2025, he received a “Ghana-Must-Go” bag containing cash, which he later deposited at a Zenith Bank branch and confirmed to be ₦8.8 million.

    He said another ₦2 million was allegedly handed over the next day, with Ibrahim expected to explain its purpose later.

    Claims of alleged plot discussion

    He told the court that Ibrahim later hinted that Ma’aji was unhappy with the state of the country and planned to “sanitise the government” with the support of unnamed associates.

    Umoru also alleged there was mention of using an ambulance driver to gain access into the Presidential Villa.

    Denial of coup involvement

    Despite the allegations, Umoru insisted he had no knowledge of any plan to overthrow the government, saying he only became suspicious later.

    He said he confronted Ibrahim after noticing repeated financial transactions and claimed he was misled throughout the process.

    Umoru also apologised to his employers and expressed support for President Tinubu’s administration.

    Case background

    The Federal Government is prosecuting six defendants in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026, including Umoru, Ibrahim, and several retired military officers.

    They were arraigned on 13 counts on April 22, 2026.

  • Supreme Court Voids PDP Ibadan Convention, Upholds Earlier Rulings

    The Supreme Court has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025, bringing an end to the prolonged legal battle over its legitimacy.

    Court faults convention process

    In a split judgment delivered on Thursday, three out of five justices ruled that the appeal filed by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction lacked merit.

    Justice Stephen Adah, who read the lead judgment, held that the appellants proceeded with the convention despite a subsisting order of the Federal High Court restraining them from doing so.

    Earlier rulings affirmed

    The apex court’s decision effectively upholds the earlier judgments of both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

    The lower courts had ruled that the convention violated due process, citing breaches of the party’s constitution and unresolved disputes from state congresses.

    They also noted that the exclusion of some aspirants undermined the credibility of the exercise.

    Legal battle over factional leadership

    Despite the court order, the Ibadan convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, producing a set of party executives that became the subject of litigation.

    The Turaki-led faction had approached the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the earlier rulings and validate both the convention and its outcome.

    However, the apex court dismissed the appeal, affirming that the exercise could not stand due to its violation of valid judicial pronouncements.

    Implications for PDP structure

    The ruling is expected to have significant implications for the internal structure and leadership of the PDP.

    It also brings closure to months of legal uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of the factional leadership that emerged from the disputed convention.