JUDICIARY
2023: Kwara Retiring Chief Judge Harps on Neutrality Election Matters
From Alfred Babs, Ilorin
Less than 52days to the general elections, Retiring Chief Judge of Kwara state, Justice Suleiman Kawu has warned the nation’s judges and lawyers to remain neutral and impartial in their decision on matters brought to the Court on election matters so as to stem the tide of blanket condemnation of judiciary as corrupt.
Speaking at the special session of the High Court to mark commencement of the 2022/2023 legal year and his retirement as the Chief Judge of the state in Ilorin on Wednesday, Kawu said that the legal practitioners must send a clear and strong message to the public that judges are not for or against any political party or politician.
“Let us all remind ourselves that we are once again approaching an election year when serious legal gymnastics will start to play out in our various courts and Judges will be called upon to decide delicate issues couched by Advocates in flowery legal garbs, with far reaching political consequences.
“As Judges we must stay out of the fray, remain neutral and impartial. We must send a clear and strong message to the public that Judges are not for or against any political party or politician and that when cases are brought before us, parties must convince the court, not that they have deep pockets or contacts but that their cause is lawful and just.
“As members of the legal profession, we must prove ourselves to be men and women of honour, integrity and discipline by strictly adhering to our Code of Conduct and Rules of professional ethics. Because the administration of justice is too important to democracy and indeed to the very existence of the society, the time has come for us now more than ever before to apply the
needed disciplinary measures against erring members in our midst without any regard for social, ethnic or religious considerations. This, in my view, is the road to take in order to justify our claim as members of the Honourable and Noble Profession and stem the tide of the now common and dangerous
blanket and wholesale condemnation of Judges and the Judiciary as corrupt.
“The enormity of the responsibility which the constitution and indeed the society place on Judges and Lawyers requires that we stand on a very high moral pedestal, for, according to the Roman Slave, Publius Syrus, “The greater a man is in power above others, the more he ought to excel them in virtue. “Anything short of this will erode the confidence of the people in the ability of our judicial system to uphold the rule of law and protect lives and properties.
“We must therefore be conscious of what verdict history will deliver on how we discharge our assigned responsibilities.”
Kawu, who said that a total number of 2,648 criminal and civil cases were filed and brought forward before the state High Court in the 2021/2022 legal year, added that 281 criminal cases were disposed of out of 420 criminal cases in the last legal year.
He also said that a total number of 834 civil cases were disposed of out of 2,228 civil cases brought before the high court last year.
A total number of both criminal and civil cases pending in the High Court was given as 1,533.
The retiring Chief Judge, who said that a total sum of N86,977,191:20k was generated as fines and fees from January to November 2022 by the state judiciary, added that the figure was almost triple of the amount generated in the last legal year and the highest in the history of the state judiciary.
He attributed the feat to steps taken to curb activities of touts and fraudters in the procurement and processing of affidavits, oaths and other judicial forms and the automation of the oaths registry.
Kawu also disclosed that 233 members of staff of the High Court, Sharia Court of Appeal and the Judicial Service Commission were promoted in 2022 by the state judicial service commission.
Also speaking, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in the state, Barrister Ibrahim Sulyman, commended the bar and bench for being partners in progress with the state government.
The attorney general also called for improved unity among members of the bar, saying that lawyers and judges should always practice what they preach.
One Mrs Subomi Kalejaye, on Thursday, appeared before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly damaging a shop worth N2.5 million.
Kalejaye, whose address was not provided, is charged with malicious damage and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
She, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Sgt.
Samuel Owolabi, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Dec. 9, about 11.49 a.m. at Jericho area of Ibadan.Owolabi said that the defendant maliciously damaged a shop belonging to one Ajomale Ibrahim.
He added that the defendant conducted herself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by engaging in the act.
According to him, the offences contravene Sections 249(d) and 451 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The Magistrate, Mrs Gladys Oladele, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Oladele adjourned the case until Jan. 27, 2025, for hearing. (NAN)
A 41-year-old woman, who allegedly stole N6.8 million from a company, has appeared before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State.
Irene Onyechi appeared before the Magistrate, Mrs O. M. Ogun, on a count charge of stealing.
She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecutor, Insp Esther Adesulu, told the court that the defendant committed the offence from June to September.
Adesulu said that the defendant stole from the New Concept Pharmacy located at Ojo.
The alleged offence contravenes Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The court granted the defendant bail in the sum of one million Naira with two sureties in like sum
It adjourned the case until Jan.
16, 2025 for mention. (NAN)
A Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday, admitted former Governor of Kogi , Yahaya Bello to bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum.Justice Maryann Anenih had, on Dec. 10, refused the ex-governor’s bail application, saying it was filed prematurely.Delivering the initial ruling, she said, having been filed when Bello was neither in custody nor before the court, the application was incompetent.
There was, however room for the governor’s lawyers to file a fresh application for bail and apply for hearing date. The former governor is facing an alleged money laundering trial to the tune of N110bn, along with two others.He had pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.At the resumed hearing on Thursday , Counsel for the former governor, Joseph Daudu, SAN, informed the court that the defence counsel had filed a further affidavit in response to the counter affidavit filed and served by the prosecution counsel.He applied to withdraw the further affidavit, saying, “We do not want to make the matter contentious.”There was no objection from the prosecution counsel, Olukayode Enitan, SAN. The court, therefore, granted the application for withdrawal, striking out the further affidavit.Daudu, also informed the court that discussions had taken place with the leader of the prosecution counsels, resulting in an agreement to ensure a speedy trial.In light of this understanding, Daudu urged the court to grant the bail application.He further requested that if the court would graciously grant the Defendant bail, the court should kindly review the bail conditions for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants.He urged the court to broaden the scope of properties to be used as bail sureties to include locations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), rather than limiting the location solely to Maitama.The prosecution counsel, Enitan SAN, acknowledged that Daudu SAN had been in talks with the prosecution team.In accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), the EFCC Counsel gave assurance of their cooperation in expediting the trial.He said, “I confirm the evidence given by the distinguished member of the bar that is leading the Defence, J.B. Daudu, SAN, that he has been in conversation with the leader of the prosecuting team.“It is legal tradition that we should cooperate with members of the bar when it does not affect the course of justice.”We have decided not to make this contentious, bearing in mind that no matter how industrious the defence counsel might be in pushing forward the application for bail and no matter how vociferous the prosecution counsel can argue against the bail application, your lordship is bound by your discretion to grant or not to grant the application.“We are therefore leaving this to your lordship’s discretion.”Delivering her ruling, Justice Anenih acknowledged that the offence Bello was charged with was a bailable one and granted the ex-governor bail in the sum of N500 million, with three sureties in like sum.The sureties must be notable Nigerians with landed property in Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki and Asokoro.Bello was also asked to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.He is to remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are met.Daudu also prayed for the variation of the 2nd defendant ‘ bail condition.Z.E Abbas, counsel for the third defendant filed a motion on Dec. 17 for variation of bail conditions and urged the court to grant the application.This variation is based on landed property which earlier restricted them to only Maitama.The prosecution did not object.The judge granted their prayers and granted the property location as Yahaya Bello ‘s.The second and the third defendants were earlier admitted to bail in the sum of N300m each with two surgeries in.like sum with property at Maitama.The case was adjourned until Jan. 29. (NAN))
Abuja Stampede: CAN Mourns
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend, said it is...
Benue unveils Zeva Premium Lager Beer
Share The Benue Government on Sunday unveiled a new beverage, Zeva Premium Lager Beer, produced by Benue Investment and Property...
NAFDAC, Manufacturers Collaborate to Strengthen Food Safety Culture in Nigeria
Share The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has partnered with the Association of Food, Beverages,...
CHAN: Nigeria, Ghana Clash Ends in Goalless Draw
ShareThe Nigeria, Ghana final qualifying fixture in the race to next year’s African Nations Championship ends a goalless draw in...
FG Lifts Ban on Mining to Boost Zamfara IGR – Minister
Share Alhaji Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, says President Bola Tinubu has lifted the ban on mining in...
Kaduna’ll be Secure During Yuletide-CP
Share The Police Command in Kaduna State said it has enhanced security measures ahead of the yuletide festivities in the state....
IG Visits Family of Man Who Died in Police Custody in Ilorin
ShareThe Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday paid an unscheduled visit to Ilorin in view of the death...
2024 was Turbulent for us But God Strengthened us, Makinde Says
ShareGov. Seyi Makinde on Sunday in Ibadan said God’s intervention helped the government and people of Oyo State to go...
NPFL: Late Penalty Kick Helps Kwara United to Narrow Win
ShareA penalty kick awarded late in the game on Sunday helped hosts Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin to a...
Poverty, Behind Deadly Stampedes Across Nigeria, says Falana
ShareBy Mike Odiakose, Abuja Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, on Sunday attributed the deadly stampede that claimedmore than 105...