The Ogun State Government has condemned the actions and allegations of Hon. Ladi Adebutu, describing them as a desperate attempt to distract from his own role in orchestrating electoral violence during the recent local government elections.

Speaking through the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government, refuted Adebutu’s claims that Governor Dapo Abiodun used armed personnel to intimidate voters, labelling them as baseless fabrications.

Akinmade asserted that Adebutu’s statements were an attempt to shift blame and disguise his own culpability in a series of violent incidents.

Governor Abiodun, widely respected for his peaceful demeanour and commitment to law and order, conducted himself with the utmost integrity on election day, voting peacefully and returning home immediately afterwards.

The governor later travelled to Ondo State, leaving no room for the allegations of intimidation or violence levelled against him.

In stark contrast, Adebutu has been accused of importing 40 policemen from MOPOL 49 in Lagos, an act that blatantly violated electoral laws.

These officers, allegedly acting under Adebutu’s orders, collaborated with armed thugs to disrupt polling stations, snatch ballot boxes, and terrorize voters.

Among the victims of these violent tactics was Hon. Muhammed Olaitan Efuwape, Vice Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, who was shot alongside another voter at a polling unit.

Enraged voters reportedly chased the rogue officers, who sought refuge in Adebutu’s compound. Rather than cooperating with law enforcement, Adebutu allegedly aided their escape, obstructing justice and further implicating himself in the day’s chaos.

Akinmade did not mince words in his criticism of Adebutu, describing him as a “drowning man” whose political career is on a downward spiral.

“This individual is trying to assume the role of the Chief Security Officer of Ogun State, and that is impossible,” Akinmade said, urging Adebutu to turn himself in to law enforcement authorities.

He further lambasted Adebutu for spreading “wicked lies” and fostering division, accusing him of a history of falsehoods, including his failed legal challenges to Governor Abiodun’s election victory.

“As a professional clown whose own running mate said he would have been a disaster as governor, Adebutu has consistently spun tales to mask his political failings,” Akinmade stated.

The government’s stance highlights the stark contrast between Governor Abiodun’s leadership, characterized by peace and progress, and Adebutu’s tactics, which Akinmade described as dangerous and divisive.

Under Abiodun’s administration, Ogun State has enjoyed unprecedented political stability, making the violent disruptions allegedly orchestrated by Adebutu even more alarming.

Akinmade emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “It is in Adebutu’s best interest to cooperate with law enforcement officers by turning himself in, rather than trying to exonerate himself from the mayhem unleashed on the peace-loving residents of Iperu.”

The Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to upholding democracy and ensuring that those who attempt to undermine it face the full weight of the law.

Akinmade’s statements serve as a clear warning against any attempt to destabilize the state’s democratic processes for personal or political gain.

As Ogun State residents continue to witness development and unity under Governor Abiodun’s leadership, the government called on the public to reject divisive rhetoric and remain steadfast in their support for leaders who prioritize the collective good over selfish ambitions.

By Faith Adama

The National Judicial Council (NJC), chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has recommended the compulsory retirement of two senior judges for falsifying their ages and suspended two others for professional misconduct.

At its 107th meeting on November 13–14, 2024, the NJC found Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and Yobe State’s Grand Kadi, Kadi Babagana Mahdi, guilty of altering their birth records.

The council revealed that Kadi Mahdi listed three different birth dates in official documents—December 10, January 28, and July—all in 1959, while his true year of birth was 1952.

Justice Chikeka, on the other hand, swore an affidavit in 2006 to shift his birth year from 1956 to 1958.

Additionally, the NJC suspended Justice G. C. Aguma of the High Court of Rivers State and Justice A. O. Nwabunike of Anambra State High Court for one year without pay and placed them on a two-year “Watch-List.”

Justice Aguma was accused of improperly assisting a litigant by granting garnishee orders in his court in Bori, Rivers State, despite the original judgment being issued in Abuja.

The NJC highlighted his failure to address a stay of execution order issued by the Bwari High Court, indicating a potential conflict of interest.

Justice Nwabunike faced sanctions for granting ex parte orders without accompanying motions and for inconsistent interpretations of legal terms, which violated the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

The NJC also announced ongoing investigations into allegations against Osun State Chief Judge, Justice O. A. Ojo, and dismissed 22 petitions against other judges for lack of merit.

This decisive action underscores the NJC’s commitment to upholding judicial integrity and accountability in Nigeria.

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a suit filed by 16 states challenging the constitutionality of laws establishing three key anti-corruption agencies: the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

In a unanimous decision delivered by a seven-member panel, Justice Uwani Abba-Aji declared the suit unmeritorious, affirming the National Assembly’s legislative competence in enacting the laws.

The apex court resolved all six issues raised by the plaintiffs against their favor.

The states had argued that the EFCC Act, derived from the United Nations Convention on Corruption, required ratification by a majority of state houses of assembly to be valid.

However, the court dismissed this claim, emphasizing that the laws establishing the agencies align with constitutional provisions.

This ruling reaffirms the legal framework empowering Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to operate independently and underscores the National Assembly’s authority to legislate on matters of national importance.

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a suit filed by 16 states challenging the constitutionality of laws establishing three key anti-corruption agencies: the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

In a unanimous decision delivered by a seven-member panel, Justice Uwani Abba-Aji declared the suit unmeritorious, affirming the National Assembly’s legislative competence in enacting the laws.

The apex court resolved all six issues raised by the plaintiffs against their favor.

The states had argued that the EFCC Act, derived from the United Nations Convention on Corruption, required ratification by a majority of state houses of assembly to be valid.

However, the court dismissed this claim, emphasizing that the laws establishing the agencies align with constitutional provisions.

This ruling reaffirms the legal framework empowering Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to operate independently and underscores the National Assembly’s authority to legislate on matters of national importance.