Judiciary

Forgery Case Stalls as Defendant Lands in Hospital

Published

4 weeks ago

May 21, 2025

By Adenike Lawal

Drama unfolded at the Lagos State High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square yesterday as the much-anticipated arraignment of two lawyers and a property developer was abruptly postponed following a medical emergency involving one of the accused.

Adebayo Akeju of Adon Partners, Ademola Owolabi of Ademola Adetokunbo and Co., and real estate investor Alex Ochonogor are facing five criminal counts, including forgery and unlawful demolition.

The Lagos State Government alleges the trio forged key land documents to justify the illegal demolition of a property in the elite Lekki Peninsula Residential Scheme I.

Prosecutors claim the accused conspired as far back as 2015 to falsify an affidavit of loss and a demolition notice, allegedly from the Lagos State Lands Bureau, to target a property belonging to Nigerian diaspora resident Dr. Obidigwe Eze.

The forgery reportedly involved claims that a Certificate of Occupancy tied to one Hamza Al-Mustapha had gone missing.

However, proceedings were halted after Ochonogor’s lawyer told the court his client had been hospitalized at Lagoon Hospital earlier that day.

Prosecuting counsel, Dr. Babajide Martins, did not oppose the delay, stating, “The defendant needs to be alive to stand trial.”

Justice Serifat Sonaike adjourned the hearing, ordering that all filings be concluded before the next court date and mandating Ochonogor’s presence for arraignment.

Meanwhile, tempers flared outside the courtroom as a Guardian photojournalist, Ayodele Adeniran, was reportedly assaulted by one of the defendants while attempting to take photographs.

The altercation ended only after it was confirmed that no images had been captured.

As the case unfolds, public interest continues to build, fueled by the high-profile names and the explosive allegations at its center.

Judiciary

Court Rejects FG’s Arrest Bid Against Senator Natasha

Published

1 day ago

June 16, 2025

By Onyeanya Ebere

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday rejected the Federal Government’s request for an arrest warrant against suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Justice Muhammed Umar ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan could not be arrested as she had not been served the defamation charge or notified of her arraignment.

The prosecution had claimed her lawyer was served in court earlier that day, but the judge said personal service was required.

The court granted the prosecution’s request for substituted service through her lawyer and adjourned arraignment to June 30.

The Federal Government alleges that the senator made defamatory claims during an April 3 live TV interview, accusing former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello and Senate President Godswill Akpabio of plotting her assassination.

She is also accused of making damaging claims about Akpabio during a private phone call, suggesting links to organ trafficking.

The prosecution lists Bello, Akpabio, and others as witnesses.

The FG insists the remarks were reckless and intended to harm reputations.

Judiciary

BREAKING: Court Grants Emefiele Bail with N2bn Property Bond Condition

Published

2 days ago

June 16, 2025

By Adenike Lawal

A Federal High Court on Monday granted bail to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Governor, Godwin Emefiele, under stringent conditions reflecting the weight of the charges against him.

The court ruled that Emefiele must provide two sureties, each owning landed properties valued at no less than ₦2 billion.

Additionally, the sureties must sign a binding undertaking to be remanded in custody should Emefiele fail to appear for trial.

He was given 72 hours to meet the bail conditions or face immediate remand in prison pending the commencement of his trial.

Emefiele is facing multiple charges stemming from his tenure as head of Nigeria’s apex bank, with the court’s ruling underscoring the judiciary’s firm stance on accountability.

Judiciary

Court Dismisses Akpabio’s Motions, Slams ₦100,000 in Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Favour

Published

6 days ago

June 11, 2025

By Njoku Chijioke

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed two motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and awarded ₦100,000 in costs against him in favour of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The motions, dated March 3 and March 25, 2025, with suit numbers CV/395/M1/2025 and CV/395/M2/2025, were struck out on May 21, 2025, after Akpabio applied to withdraw them.

The legal dispute arose from a confrontation between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan during a plenary session of the Senate on February 20, 2025.

Following the incident, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions initiated disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

However, the proceedings were halted by a ruling of the Federal High Court on March 10, 2025, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu.

In response, Akpabio approached the Court of Appeal seeking an extension of time to seek leave to appeal the High Court’s ruling, leave to appeal the decision itself, an extension of time to file his notice of appeal, and a stay of further proceedings pending the hearing and determination of his appeal.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal granted Akpabio’s request to withdraw the motions, struck them out, and imposed a ₦100,000 cost in favour of the first respondent, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The court also directed that Appeal No. CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025 be deleted from its records.

The ruling marks a legal win for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan amid ongoing tensions with the Senate leadership.