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Tag: Court

Former OPEC President Diezani Alison-Madueke Appears In London Court Ahead Of Bribery Trial

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Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former oil minister and a past president of OPEC, appeared before a London court on Monday as proceedings began ahead of her bribery trial. The opening phase of the case is focused on preliminary and procedural issues, including jury selection, with Alison-Madueke present in court. The substantive trial is slated to start on Monday, January 26, and is expected to run for about 10 to 12 weeks. Alison-Madueke served as Nigeria’s minister of petroleum resources between 2010 and 2015, making history as the first woman to hold the position and later the first female president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Now 65, she has been on bail since her arrest in London in October 2015 and has pleaded not guilty to all six counts brought against her. In 2023, the UK’s National Crime Agency formally charged her over alleged bribery offences said to have taken place between 2011 and 2015, during her time in office. “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts.” Court documents allege that she received benefits worth at least £100,000, including cash payments, chauffeur-driven vehicles, private jet flights and access to several properties in London. Prosecutors also claim the rewards extended to luxury items and services such as designer goods from stores including Louis Vuitton, furniture, home renovations, household staff and the payment of private school fees. Two other defendants are facing related bribery charges in the case. Doye Agama joined Monday’s hearing by video link, while Olatimbo Ayinde was physically present in the dock.

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Rivers State High Court Stops Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara and Deputy

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A Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo on Friday issued an interim injunction halting all steps linked to the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. The court barred the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, the Clerk, and other officials from sending any documents or correspondence to the Chief Judge of Rivers State regarding the impeachment. It also prohibited Chief Judge Justice Simeon Amadi from receiving, considering, or acting on any request, resolution, or articles of impeachment aimed at setting up a panel to investigate the governor and deputy governor, pending further court proceedings. Justice F.A. Fiberesima granted the order following an ex parte motion filed in two separate suits by Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu. The court also allowed the claimants to serve the interim order and other court documents on the defendants via substituted service at the Rivers State House of Assembly and on the Chief Judge through any staff member at his chambers within the High Court premises. The matter has been adjourned to January 23, 2026, for hearing of the substantive motion. Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly reportedly resolved on Friday to proceed with the impeachment process. In a related development, four lawmakers who had earlier distanced themselves from the move reversed their position, citing dissatisfaction with the governor’s response to calls for dialogue.

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Abuja Court Strikes Out Criminal Case Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

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An Abuja High Court on Thursday struck out the criminal charges brought by the Federal Government against the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ending a high-profile case that sparked widespread national debate. The charges were withdrawn after the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a Notice of Discontinuance, leading the court to formally strike out the criminal defamation and related counts earlier filed against the lawmaker. The case stemmed from comments Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly made during a televised interview and had drawn significant public attention, with debates focusing on freedom of expression, political accountability, and the limits of prosecutorial powers in a democratic society. The Notice of Discontinuance, dated December 12, 2025, brought proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 to an end. Justice C. N. Oji, who presided over the matter, acknowledged the notice and struck out the case. In his remarks, the judge said the development highlighted the need for restraint in the use of prosecutorial authority, expressing hope that it would encourage respect for the rule of law and promote healing within the democratic process. Counsel to the Federal Government confirmed the withdrawal of the charges in court, explaining that the decision was taken in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and in the overall interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system. Reacting after the court session, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the ruling as a vindication of her position. She said the outcome reaffirmed her belief in the rule of law and pledged to remain committed to serving her constituents and defending democratic rights. The striking out of the charges follows months of legal controversy and sustained public discourse, with civil society groups and rights organisations previously condemning the case as an attempt to suppress free speech and political engagement.

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Court Fixes January 23 For Hearing On PDP Faction’s Stay Of Proceedings Application

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed January 23, 2026, to hear an application by the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking to stay proceedings in a suit filed by a rival faction aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to allow the plaintiffs’ counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, to respond to the motion for a stay filed by the Turaki-led faction. The Wike-aligned PDP, led by Acting National Chairman Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman and factional National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, filed the suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2501/2025) seeking to restrain the Turaki-led faction (5th to 25th defendants) from acting as representatives of the party or accessing the PDP national secretariat at Wadara Plaza, Abuja. The plaintiffs also asked the court to prevent the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any office address submitted by the Turaki-led faction, insisting that previous High Court judgments by Justices James Omotosho and Peter Lifu be fully enforced. The dispute escalated after Justice Abdulmalik granted an ex-parte order restricting action pending the suit’s determination. The Turaki-led faction challenged the ruling at the Court of Appeal and filed a motion to stay further proceedings in the High Court pending the appeal. Chief Chris Uche, SAN, representing the Turaki-led faction, also requested the judge recuse herself, citing a reasonable apprehension of bias and alleging that past rulings in similar PDP disputes favored the Wike-aligned faction. He urged that the case be reassigned to another judge. Ikpeazu, counsel for the plaintiffs, countered that filing an appeal does not automatically halt proceedings, and the High Court has the power to continue the case while the appeal is pending. He added that the Turaki-led faction had not moved to set aside the prior orders. Justice Abdulmalik directed the plaintiffs to formally respond to the stay application and adjourned the matter to January 23 for the hearing of the motion. In their recusal motion, the Turaki faction cited twelve grounds, arguing their constitutional right to a fair and impartial hearing under Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, and highlighted prior ex-parte orders they claim prejudiced them in favour of the Wike-aligned faction.

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Lagos Court Orders Meta To Pay $25,000 To Femi Falana Over False Facebook Health Claim

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A Lagos State High Court has ordered Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, to pay $25,000 in damages to Nigerian human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) after a video on the platform falsely suggested he was suffering from a terminal illness. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, rejected Meta’s claim that it was merely acting as a “hosting” or “intermediary” platform. The court noted that Meta monetizes content and that harm from misinformation is reasonably foreseeable, establishing a clear duty of care toward individuals affected by content on its platform. Olumide Babalola, convener of PrivCon Nigeria and co-author of the Casebook on Privacy and Data Protection Law in Nigeria, represented Falana and disclosed the verdict on LinkedIn. He said the case arose from a video published on Facebook in early 2025 that falsely portrayed Falana as suffering from a terminal illness. Babalola said, “The court affirmed that global technology companies hosting content for commercial gain owe a duty of care to those affected. The Court rejected the idea that platforms can avoid responsibility by claiming to be intermediaries, especially when harm from misinformation is foreseeable.” He added that being a public figure does not strip someone of their right to privacy. “The publication of false medical information was found to intrude into the claimant’s private life. This decision reinforces that health data is protected under Nigerian law, even for public figures.” Background On February 9, 2025, Falana filed a $5 million lawsuit against Meta in a Lagos High Court, claiming that a Facebook video titled “AfriCare Health Centre” violated his constitutional right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution and sections of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. The video falsely suggested that Falana suffered from prostatitis. In his filings, he said Meta published his name, image, and fabricated health information without verification, affecting millions of viewers, and allegedly aimed to drive traffic and advertising revenue. He also requested that the video be removed immediately. Falana argued that the publication intruded on his private life, portrayed him in a false light, and caused emotional and psychological distress. The court’s decision not only awarded damages but also affirmed the principle that digital platforms are responsible for harmful content disseminated on their sites, even involving public figures.

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Portable Arraigned, Remanded Over Assault, Theft Charges In Ogun

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Nigerian singer Portable has been arraigned and remanded at a federal high court in Ota, Ogun State, over multiple criminal charges. He appeared in court on Monday facing a nine-count charge that includes assault, theft, resisting arrest, and causing harm. The allegations relate to an incident on New Year’s Day at his Odogwu Bar in Iyana Ilogbo, where prosecutors claim he attacked his estranged partner, Ashabi Simple, several police officers, and other individuals. The police also allege that Portable stole a Mercedes‑Benz E300 worth around N12 million, registered to Ileyemi Damilola. Two of Ashabi Simple’s siblings testified in court, though she was absent. In addition, the singer is accused of obstructing and assaulting W/Inspector Ogungbe Olayemi while she was performing her official duties. Portable’s bail request was denied because the police officer allegedly assaulted was not present to testify. He has been remanded in custody and will return to court on January 19 for another bail hearing.

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Court Orders Interim Forfeiture Of 57 Properties Linked To Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to the Federal Government. The order was issued by Justice Emeka Nwite following an ex-parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the assets, valued at billions of naira, include luxury residential and commercial properties across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states. The Certified True Copy (CTC) of the order was obtained on Wednesday, a day after the ruling. In his judgment, Justice Nwite declared: “It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties described in Schedule One below, which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.” The judge directed that the order be published in a national newspaper to allow any interested party 14 days to contest the forfeiture before a final order is issued. The matter was adjourned to January 27 for a compliance report. The properties include high-value assets such as: Luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja, currently valued at nearly N6 billion. Two-winged large storey building at Onitsha Crescent, Garki, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels), purchased for N7 billion. Five-storey Meethaq Hotel in Jabi District, Abuja, valued at N8.4 billion after completion. Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Maitama, with 15 rooms, valued at N12.95 billion after rehabilitation. Various commercial shops, warehouses, bungalows, and plots of land in Abuja, Kano, and Birnin Kebbi acquired between 2016 and 2024, with individual values ranging from N40 million to over N12 billion. Residential estates and multiple housing units in Birnin Kebbi, Abuja, and Kaduna, purchased between 2018 and 2023. Justice Nwite emphasized that the properties are “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities” and placed them under interim forfeiture while investigations continue. The ruling represents a significant move by the EFCC to recover assets suspected to have been obtained through illegal means.

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Court Grants ₦500 Million Bail To Abubakar Malami, Wife, And Son With Strict Conditions

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Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday granted bail of ₦500 million each to former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, his wife, and their son, setting strict conditions for their release. The court ordered that the sureties must own landed property in Asokoro, Maitama, and Gwarinpa, with the property documents verified by the deputy chief registrar. In addition, the sureties are required to swear an affidavit of means. Malami was also directed to deposit his travel documents with the court and is barred from leaving the country without obtaining prior permission from the court.

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