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Tag: Federal High Court

  • Court Bars INEC From ADC Congresses, Nullifies Mark-Led Caretaker Actions

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any congress organised by committees set up by the Senator David Mark-led caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The ruling also restrains the group from interfering with the functions of elected state executives.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the judgment on Wednesday, settling a dispute over the control of party structures ahead of planned congresses.

    Court Affirms State Executives’ Authority Over Congresses

    The court held that the responsibility for conducting state congresses rests solely with state executive committees, not the national leadership. It ruled that any attempt by the caretaker committee to organise such congresses falls outside its powers.

    Justice Abdulmalik stated that both the 1999 Constitution and the ADC constitution do not empower the caretaker body to appoint congress committees.

    Tenure of State Structures Declared Valid

    In its decision, the court affirmed that the tenure of ADC State Working Committees and State Executive Committees remains valid and subsisting. It said these structures must be allowed to complete their terms pending properly conducted congresses and a national convention.

    The ruling reinforces the position that only duly elected party organs can manage internal electoral processes.

    Suit Filed by Aggrieved Party Members

    The judgment followed a suit filed by several ADC members, including Don Norman Obinna and others, who challenged the legality of the caretaker committee’s actions. The plaintiffs argued that the planned congresses violated the party’s constitution.

    They maintained that only recognised party structures have the authority to organise congresses, urging the court to intervene.

    Court Cites Constitutional Breach, Rejects Jurisdiction Argument

    Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the plaintiffs, noting that the claims raised involved alleged breaches of constitutional and statutory provisions. She dismissed arguments that the court lacked jurisdiction, stressing that such matters warrant judicial review.

    “The law is settled that courts will not interfere. However, where there is an allegation of breach… the court has a duty to intervene,” she ruled.

    Caretaker Committee Actions Nullified

    The court subsequently nullified all processes initiated by the Mark-led caretaker leadership regarding the conduct of state congresses. It emphasised that such actions contravene both constitutional provisions and party guidelines.

    The ruling effectively halts any congress exercise linked to the caretaker committee.

    Ruling Reshapes ADC Internal Power Structure

    The decision is expected to have significant implications for the ADC’s internal leadership dynamics, particularly as political activities begin to intensify. Attention is now on how the party will navigate the ruling and organise its congresses within the framework outlined by the court.

  • Aisha Achimugu Denies $13m Found in Home, Speaks on Wealth Amid EFCC Case

    Lagos-based socialite and business executive, Aisha Achimugu, has denied reports that $13 million was discovered in her residence, describing the claim as misleading.

    She spoke amid ongoing scrutiny over her finances and legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    ‘I’m Not a Bank’

    In an interview on Monday, Achimugu said only $50,000 and ₦13 million, which she claimed belonged to her mother, were found during a raid on her home.

    “I don’t know where Nigerians got the impression that I had 13 million dollars in my house. I’m not a bank,” she said.

    She added that her house was searched, but the widely circulated figure is inaccurate.

    Distances Wealth from Political Ties

    Achimugu also dismissed claims linking her wealth to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    According to her, she has been running businesses since 2001 and built her fortune through legitimate ventures.

    She said her company successfully participated in oil block bidding rounds between 2022 and 2024 through a transparent process.

    Explains Foreign Currency Possession

    On the presence of foreign currency, she said it was kept for practical reasons, noting that her children study abroad.

    “It is important to have some foreign currency available for emergencies,” she said.

    She declined to speak extensively on the EFCC case, citing ongoing legal proceedings.

    Addresses Birthday Controversy, EFCC Invitation

    Achimugu also defended her high-profile birthday celebration in Grenada, saying it had been planned for years and was not funded with any disputed funds.

    She explained that her delayed response to EFCC’s invitation was due to her being out of the country, adding that her movements may have been misinterpreted.

    Court Ruling Adds Twist

    In March, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of $13 million linked to Achimugu and her company to the Federal Government.

    The court ruled that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities, while the EFCC maintained they were traced through suspicious transactions tied to oil block deals.

    Achimugu and her firm have, however, continued to deny any wrongdoing.

  • Court Strikes Out Contempt Suit Against INEC Chairman Over Service Failure

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a contempt suit filed against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the applicant failed to personally serve the required court documents.

    Why the court struck out the case

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik dismissed the suit on the basis that the defendant was not personally served, as mandated by law in contempt proceedings.

    She held that since contempt is quasi-criminal in nature, Form 48 must be served directly on the alleged contemnor.

    The judge added that failure to comply leaves the court with no option but to strike out the case.

    Background to the legal dispute

    The case stemmed from an earlier judgment delivered on March 5, 2025, where the court ordered INEC to recognise the Edozie Njoku-led faction as the leadership of the National Rescue Movement (NRM).

    Following INEC’s refusal to comply, the faction initiated contempt proceedings against the then INEC chairman by filing Forms 48 and 49.

    However, INEC challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the contempt did not occur in the face of the court.

    Case reassigned before final ruling

    The initial trial judge later recused himself and returned the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, who reassigned it to Justice Abdulmalik.

    At the resumed hearing, the court insisted on proper personal service and adjourned for compliance.

    But when the applicant failed to meet the requirement, the case was struck out.

    Reactions from NRM faction

    Reacting, factional NRM chairman Chinedu Obi welcomed the ruling, questioning the legitimacy of the Njoku-led leadership.

    He maintained that the party’s recognised structure remains the one reflected on INEC’s official platform.

    Obi added that the development clears the path for the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.

     

  • Court Bars Police, FRSC from Fining Motorists Over Third-Party Insurance Violations

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from imposing fines on motorists for violating the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Act.

    The ruling, delivered on Friday by Justice Hauwa Yilwa, followed a suit filed by activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju against the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the FRSC.

    Court draws line between enforcement and punishment

    In her judgment, the court held that while the police and FRSC have the authority to enforce compliance with motor insurance laws, they lack the power to impose fines without court backing.

    Counsel to the applicant, Marvin Omorogbe, said the ruling clearly limits the role of law enforcement agencies to checks and verification.

    “The police and the road safety may enforce compliance but outrightly lack the powers to impose fines,” he said.

    The court further restrained the agencies and their officers from issuing penalties to motorists over third-party insurance violations.

    Suit challenges police powers

    The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/291/2025, sought judicial clarification on whether law enforcement agencies could enforce and penalise non-compliance with motor vehicle insurance laws.

    Adeyanju, who initiated the suit, argued that such actions by authorities often lead to arbitrary fines and potential abuse.

    Reacting after the judgment, he said the ruling addressed the core concerns raised in the case.

    “The sole reason why we came to court is because we wanted a declaration that the police and FRSC do not have the right to impose fines on Nigerians. And we have succeeded,” he said.

    Defendants plan appeal

    Counsel to the defendants, Victor Okoye, described the ruling as partly favourable and indicated plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

    He argued that the suit was improperly filed and questioned the court’s jurisdiction, noting that the matter should not have been initiated through an originating summons.

    Despite the objections, the court proceeded to deliver its judgment, while also affirming that both the police and FRSC can stop motorists and verify compliance with insurance requirements.

    The ruling is expected to reshape enforcement practices and has already drawn attention in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

     

  • Court Grants Blord Bail Amid Allegations Of Police Misconduct, Video Leak Scandal

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejirika, popularly known as Blord, after days of uncertainty surrounding his detention.

    The decision, which has attracted widespread attention, comes amid allegations of misconduct by security operatives handling his case.

    Court grants bail with conditions

    Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore confirmed the development on Friday, stating that the court approved bail on self-recognisance.

    He added that the defendant is required to submit his international passport as part of the bail conditions.

    “Bail has been granted… on self-recognizance. The court, however, ordered that he deposit his international passport,” Sowore said.

    Earlier, Sowore had indicated he was present in court during the hearing, expressing cautious optimism about the outcome.

    Allegations trail detention process

    The case has been overshadowed by claims of misconduct involving officers of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly those attached to the National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.

    Some officers have been accused of abusing their authority and mishandling the detention process.

    Reports also alleged that a video recorded during Blord’s detention was leaked to social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan.

    Claims of leaked and staged footage

    Sources claimed the video was shared deliberately to humiliate the businessman, raising concerns about professionalism within the force.

    “One of the officers… leaked a detention video… for the sole purpose of humiliating him,” a police source alleged.

    There were also claims that parts of the footage may have been staged, with officers reportedly creating scenes inside the detention facility.

    Another source described the incident as “cruelty, intimidation, and collusion.”

    Transfer to Kuje prison

    The situation reportedly shifted after the court declined to remand Blord at the NCCC facility, instead ordering his transfer to Kuje Correctional Centre.

    Sources said this move disrupted alleged plans tied to the earlier handling of his detention.

    Eyewitness accounts also claimed that VeryDarkMan followed the prison van conveying Blord to Kuje while livestreaming the movement online.

    Public scrutiny grows

    The case continues to generate reactions, with growing calls for accountability and transparency in how high-profile detainees are treated.

     

     

     

  • Court Orders Arrest of Ex-Minister Sadiya Farouq, Permanent Secretary Over Alleged ₦2.4bn Fraud

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, and a Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, over alleged involvement in a ₦2.4 billion fraud case linked to public funds.

    What happened

    Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie issued the arrest order on Thursday, April 16, 2026, following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting the defendants on a 21-count charge bordering on alleged breach of trust, abuse of office, and diversion of funds.

    The third defendant in the case, Sani Nafiu Mohammed, was present in court when the proceedings took place.

    EFCC’s argument in court

    EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs told the court that the first and second defendants had repeatedly failed to appear in court despite being served.

    “They were served, my lord, but failed to appear. Only the third defendant reported when his surety was contacted,” he said.

    Jacobs also informed the court that Farouq had previously been granted permission to travel abroad for medical treatment but had not returned her passport or submitted any medical report.

    “Since that passport was released, she has not returned it. We do not have any medical report till date,” he added.

    Defence plea rejected

    Counsel to the former minister, Abdul Ibrahim, told the court that her absence was due to ill health and attempted to submit an affidavit in support of the claim.

    However, the court declined the application.

    The defence also requested a six-week extension to produce the defendants in court, but the prosecution opposed the request, insisting on stricter enforcement.

    Court’s ruling

    Ruling on the matter, Justice Onwuegbuzie granted the EFCC’s application and issued a bench warrant for the arrest of both Farouq and Alkali.

    The judge subsequently adjourned the case to May 18, 2026, for arraignment and trial.

    Allegations against defendants

    According to the charge sheet, the defendants are accused of diverting funds linked to the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office, including money meant for refunds from contractors.

    One of the counts alleges that excess payments meant for beneficiary validation were allegedly converted for personal use.

    The alleged offences are said to contravene provisions of Nigeria’s Penal Code.

    Background

    Sadiya Umar Farouq served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs from 2019 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, and has remained under investigation over financial activities linked to the ministry’s programmes.