Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti High Court Sentences Two to Death for Kidnapping NYSC Staff
Chief Judge Lekan Ogunmoye delivers judgment as third accused discharged over insufficient evidence in Ado-Ekiti case
Chief Judge Lekan Ogunmoye delivers judgment as third accused discharged over insufficient evidence in Ado-Ekiti case
An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday sentenced two men, Ibrahim Abubakar and Abdullahi Abubakar, to death by hanging after finding them guilty of kidnapping a staff member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in April 2022. The judgment was delivered at High Court I, Fajuyi, by the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye.
According to court proceedings, the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested the convicts following the abduction of Omoboade Adesina, a female NYSC staff member, on 22 April 2022 in Ekiti State. The suspects were arraigned under suit number HAD/124C/2022. After thorough trial and examination of evidence presented by prosecutors, the court found Ibrahim Abubakar and Abdullahi Abubakar culpable for kidnapping. However, a third defendant, Usman Abubakar, was discharged and acquitted after the court ruled there was not enough evidence linking him to the crime.
Kidnapping has become a pressing security concern across Nigeria, with rising incidents affecting both urban and rural communities. The conviction comes amid mounting pressure on security agencies and judicial authorities in Ekiti State and other parts of the South-West to address cases of abductions targeting public servants, students, and local residents. The prosecution relied on investigative work carried out by the DSS to secure the convictions.
Delivering his verdict, Justice Ogunmoye pronounced capital punishment on the two convicted men. He stated that “the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt,” leading to their sentencing by hanging while acquitting the third accused due to lack of sufficient evidence. No immediate comment was available from defence counsel following the ruling.
With this development, legal analysts say courts in Ekiti State are sending a strong signal that kidnapping cases will be met with severe penalties when proven. Security agencies have been urged to intensify operations and continue close collaboration with judicial authorities to ensure perpetrators face justice under Nigerian law.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/kidnappers-sentenced-to-death-in-ekiti/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Peter Obi Files ₦5bn Defamation Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo in Abuja Court
Labour Party presidential candidate seeks damages over alleged defamatory statements; Okonkwo yet to respond publicly
Labour Party presidential candidate seeks damages over alleged defamatory statements; Okonkwo yet to respond publicly
Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, has initiated a ₦5 billion lawsuit against Kenneth Okonkwo for alleged defamation. The legal action was filed on Thursday, 25 June, at a Federal High Court in Abuja, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the two prominent political figures.
According to court filings, Obi is seeking substantial damages over statements made by Okonkwo, which he claims have harmed his reputation and standing within Nigeria’s political landscape. Details of the specific comments or publications at issue were not immediately disclosed as at the time of filing this report.
The move comes amid heightened tensions within opposition circles following recent national events and the aftermath of the 2023 presidential elections. Political observers note that defamation suits among high-profile politicians are rare but can have far-reaching implications for party cohesion and public perception, especially when large financial sums are involved.
Neither Kenneth Okonkwo nor his representatives had issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit by Thursday afternoon. Efforts to reach Okonkwo for comment were unsuccessful. Legal experts say the case will likely test existing precedents on freedom of speech and political commentary in Nigeria’s courts.
The next hearing date is expected to be set in coming weeks. The outcome could influence how politicians engage with each other publicly and set new standards for accountability regarding public statements in Nigeria’s evolving democratic environment.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court of Appeal Postpones Hearing on ADC, Other Parties’ Deregistration Dispute
Fresh adjournment delays judgment as aggrieved political parties seek reversal of INEC deregistration ahead of 2027 elections
Fresh adjournment delays judgment as aggrieved political parties seek reversal of INEC deregistration ahead of 2027 elections
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has postponed the hearing on the deregistration appeal filed by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and several other political parties. The case, which was scheduled for Thursday, June 25, was shifted to a later date as the court did not sit. The affected parties are contesting their deregistration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Proceedings were expected to continue on Thursday, but the court’s decision to adjourn means that judgment on whether INEC acted lawfully in removing these parties from its register will be further delayed. No new date was immediately announced, leaving the fate of ADC and others in limbo as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather pace.
INEC had earlier deregistered dozens of parties following poor performance in previous national and state elections, citing provisions of the Electoral Act that empower it to delist parties that fail to win any seat or meet minimum requirements. The move triggered outcry from affected parties, who argue that their fundamental rights to political participation were violated. Many have insisted that INEC’s action undermines Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
With Thursday’s postponement, legal representatives for both INEC and the aggrieved parties are expected to present further arguments once a new date is fixed. Meanwhile, party leaders have urged their supporters to remain calm and await the outcome. The case is seen as a test of how electoral laws will be interpreted ahead of future polls.
The delay means uncertainty persists over which political parties will be eligible to field candidates in upcoming elections. Political observers say the court’s eventual ruling could set an important precedent for party registration and deregistration processes going forward.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Osun APC Ex-Lawmakers Urge IGP to Block Alleged Adeleke Push for Police Commissioner Redeployment
Forum raises alarm over suspected thugs in Osun ahead of August governorship poll; calls for security agency investigation
Forum raises alarm over suspected thugs in Osun ahead of August governorship poll; calls for security agency investigation
Former members of the Osun State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called on Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to resist reported efforts by Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking the redeployment of the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan. The ex-lawmakers issued this appeal during a press briefing held in Osogbo on Thursday, expressing concern over alleged political interference ahead of the 15 August governorship election.
Addressing journalists, Honourable Timothy Owoeye, immediate past Speaker and spokesperson for the forum, claimed that Governor Adeleke and unnamed state government officials were making backdoor moves to have Commissioner Gotan transferred out before the crucial poll. Owoeye asserted that these manoeuvres posed a threat to neutrality and security in Osun during the election period.
The forum also alleged that suspected thugs had started arriving in Osun State, purportedly sponsored by ruling party interests. Owoeye charged security agencies to investigate these claims, warning that such activities could lead to violence against APC members and supporters if not urgently addressed. “We are deeply concerned by reports suggesting Governor Adeleke and some individuals within government are dissatisfied with the activities of the Commissioner of Police because he refuses to do their bidding,” Owoeye said at the press conference.
The group urged the Inspector General and other heads of security agencies to maintain their current deployments and resist any pressure to transfer officers perceived as impartial. They further warned that any attempt to influence security arrangements before the poll could undermine public confidence in both the process and outcome.
As at press time, government officials from Osun could not be immediately reached for comment on these allegations. The development highlights growing political tension in Osun ahead of next month’s election, with both APC and PDP stakeholders closely monitoring moves around security agency deployments.
Peter Obi Files ₦5bn Defamation Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo in Abuja Court
Korea Republic Coach Explains World Cup Defeat to South Africa, Cites Missed Chances
Abuja Court of Appeal Postpones Hearing on ADC, Other Parties’ Deregistration Dispute
Osun APC Ex-Lawmakers Urge IGP to Block Alleged Adeleke Push for Police Commissioner Redeployment
Nyocha Wepụtara Na Akụ Ụmụ Ezinụlọ Nigeria Ka Na-adị N’ọrụ Na Ụlọ Ala
Lagos Investors Gain Access to 60 Global Brands as Luno Launches Tokenised Stocks
Lagos Deputy Governor, UNILAG VC Receive Honours at STEM Awards Ceremony
Federal Government Delisted From 2026 Maths Olympiad Over Funding Gaps, Excludes Nigerian Students
Katsina Government Denies Sponsoring Bandits’ Pilgrimage Amid Outcry
Abuja Stakeholders Urge Increased Government Funding for Smallholder Farmers Amidst Rising Input Costs
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Lagos Residents Spend Over ₦50bn on US Visa Applications Amid Tighter Entry Rules
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
