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CJN swears in 39 more judges for 2023 election petitions

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CJN swears in 39 more judges for 2023 election petitions

CJN swears in 39 more judges for 2023 election petitions

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Thursday swore in 39 more judges to man the election petition tribunals currently sitting across the federation.

The CJN, during the ceremony which took place at the Supreme Court, said the judges were found worthy to be appointed as additional members of tribunals that have been saddled with an “avalanche of petitions” trailing the 2023 general election.

Administering the oath on the newly appointed election petition tribunal judges, the CJN, instructed them to live above board and to submit to the sanctity of the rule of law in the discharge of their judicial functions.

Stressing that the country needs peace “at this crucial phase”, he admonished them not to allow sentiment and public opinion to betray their sense of judgment.

In his words, “You have just taken an oath that has not only imposed a course of upright moral undertaking on you but equally looped you with destiny.

“This is an enormous national assignment that will literally put the contents of your conscience to the test.

Read Also: President Buhari swears in Ariwoola as substantive CJN

“No amount of homily can convey the enormity of this task. But suffice it to say that you are already initiating an interaction with history. Whatever action or inaction you exhibit today will serve as your testament In the annals of the Nigerian judiciary.

“As judicial Officers, you may have, one way or the other, trodden this somewhat dreaded terrain, but you must, against all odds, rise above the murky waters of failure and infamy.

“The onus is on you to keep aloft the banner of honesty and integrity that the judiciary has painstakingly hoisted over the years. Your appointment to serve in these tribunals is well conceived, thus, you should do everything within your ability to justify this confidence.

“There is no doubt that you will be exposed to different forms of temptations and even blackmails but you should know that all are aimed at testing your strength of character, honesty and integrity.

“My candid advice is that, in whatever circumstance, you should always be mindful of this oath you have just taken because it now stands as an uncompromising witness between you and your creator.

“It behoves you to willingly submit yourselves to the sanctity of the rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution in the discharge of your judicial functions. It is the general belief that elections held when the rule of law is too fragile, seldom lead to lasting democratic governance.

“You are enjoined to always strike a balance between justice and the rule of law as you embark on this critical national assignment.

“As you all know, the rule of law delayed is lasting peace denied because justice is a handmaiden of true peace.

“We need this in Nigeria more than ever before. The trumpet must first sound from the temple of justice; hence we put you forward as champions of this noble cause.

“By the virtue of this oath, you are now armed with the power to adjudicate on electoral disputes and take decisions in accordance with your convictions, which must be deeply rooted in law and not sentiments or public opinion.

“I pray the Almighty God will grant you the courage and wisdom to carry out this responsibility without faltering or failing.”

It would be recalled that the CJN had earlier sworn in 307 judicial officers to preside over petitions from the 2023 general election.

The addition of the 39 judges has increased the number of the various tribunal members currently hearing petitions that arose from the conduct of the 2023 general elections to 346.

CJN swears in 39 more judges for 2023 election petitions
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Judiciary

Man in court for sexually harassing neighbour’s wife

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Security guard docked for allegedly stealing N10m cocoa beans

The police on Thursday arraigned a 42-year-old man, Ogundare Anuoluwapo in Ado-Ekiti for sexually harassing his neighbour’s wife.

Anuoluwapo, whose address was not provided, was charged with sexual harassment before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Alice Ojo, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Dec. 8, 2024 at 5.00p.m in Ado-Ekiti.

Ojo said that the defendant sexually harassed his neighbour’s wife, Mrs Esther Sikiru, by constantly requesting for sexual intercourse from her.

She said that the defendant also threatened the complainant during the sexual overtures.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 270(1)&(2) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

She urged the court to adjourn the case to enable her study the file and assemble witnesses.

The defence counsel, Mrs Adunni Olanipekun, urged the court to grant her client bail, promising that he would not jump bail.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Abayomi Adeosun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

Adeosun adjourned the case until Feb. 20 for mention.

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Court dissolves marriage after return of N20, 000 bride price

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An Area Court sitting at Centre-Igboro in Ilorin on Thursday dissolved the Islamic marriage between Wuraola Surajudeen and Surajudeen Omo Iya-Onitasi.

The Presiding Judge, Hammed Ajumonbi, pronounced the dissolution of the marriage after the now ex-wife refunded the N20, 000 bride price to the now ex-husband.

Ajumonbi held that both parties, who were residents of Abayawo in Ilorin, could go their separate ways since there was no child between them.

The court, however, asked the woman to file another case to claim her belongings still in the custody of the man, saying the application before it was only for divorce.

Earlier, Wuraola had on Nov. 27 filed for divorce and cited lack of love and affection as reasons.

Surajudeen, who did not oppose the application, had however insisted on the refund of the bride price he paid.

However, Wuraola while returning the bride price, had told the court that she did not pick anything before leaving their matrimonial home.

She had urged the court to grant her permission to pack her belongings, but the court refused and asked her to file an application to that effect.

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Africa

Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA

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Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has handed over illicit drugs worth N117.59 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Comptroller of the command, Mr James Ojo, disclosed this during the handing over of the drugs to Mr Olusegun Adeyeye, the Commander of NDLEA, Idiroko Special Area Command, in Abeokuta, Ogun, on Friday.

Ojo said the customs handed over the seized cannabis and tramadol tablets to the Idiroko Special Command for further investigation in line with the standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration.

He said the illicit drugs were seized  in various strategic locations between January and November 21, 2024, in Ogun State.

He added that the illicit drugs were abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, the Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and Imeko Afton axis.

Ojo said that the seizure of the cannabis sativa and tramaling tablets, another brand of tramadol, was made possible through credible intelligence and strategic operations of the customs personnel.

“The successful interception of these dangerous substances would not have been possible without the robust collaboration and support from our intelligence units, local informants and sister agencies.

“These landmark operations are testament to the unwavering dedication of the NCS to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

He said the seizures comprised 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing 7,217.7 kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each, with a total Duty Paid Value of N117,587,405,00.

He described the height of illicit drugs smuggling in the recent time as worrisome.

This, he said, underscores the severity of drug trafficking within the borders.

“Between Oct. 13 and Nov. 12 alone, operatives intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,337kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each,” he said.

Ojo said the seizures had  disrupted the supply chain of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating the risks those substances posed to the youth, families and communities.

He lauded the synergy between its command, security agencies and other stakeholders that led to the remarkable achievements.

Ojo also commended the Comptroller General of NCS for creating an enabling environment for the command to achieve the success.

Responding, Adeyeye, applauded the customs for achieving the feat.

Adeyeye pledged to continue to collaborate with the customs to fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking in the state.

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