₦airaland Forum

President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmed Lawan, has faulted federal government’s distribution of N20, 000 to some Nigerians as palliative against the economic bite of COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Lawan said “I think time has come for us to redefine the implementation of the Social Intervention Programme. Probably going out to communities to give them N20, 000 per person might not be the best way to go. It is still an effort, but I think we need a better approach that will be more efficient.”

He said this on Saturday when the federal government requested from the National Assembly the approval of the establishment of a N500 billion COVID-19 Crisis Intervention Fund.......

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https://judicialsketch.com/2020/04/05/covid-19-senate-faults-fgs-distribution-of-n20-000-as-govt-seeks-nass-consent-for-n500b-intervention-fund/

The leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association, Kano branch, Thursday appoints a committee to get palliative materials for its members as COVID-19 forces closure of courts.

Branch secretary, Mujtaba Adamu Ameen said in a statement made available to Judicial Sketch that the branch set up the committee “for the provision of palliative support materials for the branch’s young and vulnerable lawyers with the view to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 crises …”

Kano NBA, Appoints Committee, Palliative Materials
Chairman, Kano branch of the NBA, Abdul A. Fagge (second from right)
Mujtaba said “The committee is expected to report back to the branch within one week.”

The committee, to be headed by the branch’s assistant secretary, Ibrahim M .G. Sagagi, has the mandate to seek contribution from interested members for onward distribution to deserving members, especially those whose earnings are not significant and the young ones.

Sagagi told Judicial Sketch that some senior members have “began to respond. We have received contributions from some members, and the branch has taken some amounts from its account. The distribution would be made after we might have received all we can. Then, we will take stock of what we have, decide what to purchase with it and identify those who will benefit.”

He said a day would be appointed for the distribution soon, adding that anyone interested in helping members of the branch should come forward to do so as soon as possible because “in situations like this, the earlier assistance is given to the


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https://judicialsketch.com/2020/04/02/kano-nba-appoints-committee-to-help-members-with-palliative-materials/

Nigeria’s government appears to be finally trying to decide whether it should adopt the Chinese scientists or the World Health Organisation (WHO’s) prevention protocol regarding the wearing of face masks as a way to arrest the spread of COVID-19.

All along, the US and WHO’s position has been that face masks are only needed for people in contact with COVID-19 confirmed cases has been Nigeria’s adopted position. But while China has been cutting down on new cases, the US has been recording escalated figures.

Judicial Sketch reported earlier that the international politics of power supremacy has been at the core of this disagreement.

The federal government is therefore said to be considering compulsory use of face masks by all Nigerians to stop the spread of COVID-19, whose cases rose by eight Tuesday to hit 139. It’s also reviewing the protocols for implementing the 14-day lockdown of Lagos and Ogun states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

To step up the treatment of the infected, the government has recalled retired health workers who are now being trained to support the overall preparedness and treatment regimen.

Other measures to combat the pandemic include opening more testing centres so that Nigeria would be able to test 1,500 people daily in a bid to fast-track the detection rate.
Data from the Nigeria Centre of Disease Control (NCDC) showed that the country has so far tested over 2,000 people since the outbreak of the pandemic on February 27.

This also forms part of the Chinese scientists’ evidence-based decision to keep testing more and more people.

The federal government is also said to be considering a relief package, targeted at cushioning 11 million people from the difficulties occasioned by

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https://judicialsketch.com/2020/04/01/fg-considers-compulsory-use-of-masks-to-arrest-covid-19/

Nigeria’s race against the spread of COVID-19 appears to have been caught in the web of international economic warfare between world superpowers, as China and the US battle to exert their influence and control on a government that seems not to know its onions.

While the nation’s center for disease control (NCDC) strives daily to update Nigerians on the status of the virus’ spread, it was painfully aware that the number of cases it churns out does not in any way represent the actual cases that may already have infiltrated the country. This puts Nigeria at the risk of an explosion that would be difficult, if not impossible, to eventually control.

Africa’s most populous country and perhaps its largest economy, sits dangerously, on a keg of gunpowder. Africa, at large, is in danger.

Information at the disposal of Judicial Sketch showed clearly that Nigeria’s government is towing a line drawn out by foreign authorities, a path that was said to be contrary to the more scientifically assured protocol of prevention.

Medical personnel in Nigeria who spoke with Judicial Sketch said there was a clash between the superpowers that control the United Nation’s World Health Organisation (WHO) and China and its scientists on the best preventive measures to take. WHO’s protocol for instance says face masks are to be worn only when one is in contact with COVID-19 confirmed cases or at isolation centres, not always. But many Chinese scientists say all in places where the epidemic is raging should wear masks all times.

Also, medical supplies (mostly preventive and test kits) donated to Nigeria by the Chinese Jack Ma Foundation have not been released by the Nigerian authorities for...

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https://judicialsketch.com/2020/03/30/covid-19-nigeria-risks-explosion-as-china-us-lock-horns/

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), its resident electoral commissioner for Kano State and the attorney-general of federation have been dragged to the Federal High Court in Kano to face a lawsuit, owing to their inability to issue a Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to one Ambassador Michael Edikachi Nworisa.

Mr. Nworisa, a Nigerian youth who said he was very active in mobilising his fellow youths to register with INEC and get their PVCs prior to the 2019 general elections, said he was embarrassed by INEC’s refusal to issue him with one.

He claimed in his suit (No. FHC/KN/CS/125/2019) that INEC succeeded in disenfranchising him, since he was unable to vote during the elections, a situation he said offended the right conferred on him by the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.

He urged the court, through his lawyer, Kudofoke Oluwatosin Deyon, to determine if “by virtue of the provision of section 77(2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 199 (as amended) and the provision of section 1(2) of the Registration of Voters Act, and the provision of Article 21 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (which Nigeria as a nation ratified) which confers on claimant the right to vote and be voted for, the failure of the first anns 2nd Defendant to issue the claimant Permanent Voters Card before the election conducted on March 16, 2019 and various elections does not constitute......

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https://judicialsketch.com/2020/03/27/inec-kano-rec-agf-sued-over-failure-to-issue-voters-card-to-nigerian-youth/

As Sikh worshipers gathered for morning prayers on Thursday, Islamic State militants stormed the temple, killing a guard and leaving 25 dead, including a child, the UN News reports.

“Attacks against civilians are unacceptable and those who carry out such crimes must be held accountable”, the Secretary-General reiterated in a statement.

He expressed his “deepest sympathies” to the victims’ families and wished the injured “a speedy recovery”.

“The United Nations stands in solidarity with the people and the Government of Afghanistan and will continue supporting efforts to bring peace to their country”, concluded the statement.

Meanwhile, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), expressed his dismay at the “despicable” attack.

In a statement on his behalf, his spokesperson said that that the attack came “at a time when the world is facing a pandemic” that adversely......

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https://judicialsketch.com/2020/03/27/un-chief-calls-for-accountability-as-gunmen-kill-25-at-afghan-temple/

Twenty seven confirmed cases of Lassa Fever disease have been reported from nine local government areas of Kogi State, according to state epidemiologist.

A press statement issued on Thursday by the chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association of Nigeria, Kogi chapter, Dr Kabiru Zubair, a copy of which Judicial Sketch obtained, said no case of COVID-19 has been recorded in the state as at March 25, 2020.

“So far, 27 confirmed cases of Lassa Fever disease from nine local government areas have been reported by the state epidemiologist. However, no case of COVID-19 has been recorded in the State as at March 25, 2020.

“The NMA wishes to .....
https://judicialsketch.com/2020/03/27/lassa-fever-not-covid-19-ravages-kogi-as-27-cases-confirmed/

Nigeria’s anti graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a large scale investigation into alleged official corruption, diversion and theft of football sponsorship monies by the League Management Company (LMC), led by the 2nd Vice President, Nigeria Football Federation, Shehu Dikko.

EFCC, in a missive written to state football associations across the country, a copy of which was made available to Judicial Sketch, requested the state FAs to disclose if their states parade an NPFL side, and to further furnish it with detailed information on sponsorship monies they have received from LMC in the past 10 years.

The letter which emanated from EFCC headquarters in Abuja with reference no CR.300/EFCC/ABJ/CTGIPS.HQ 3/Vol.01/344 signed by head of AMCON desk, Ibrahim Musa, said the commission was investigating a case of diversion of funds, official co-option, and stealing, “in which the need for clarification from you has become imperative.”

The commission requested the state football governing bodies to hand over to it the certified true copies of responses containing the names of their NPFL club sides, and also confirm if they have received sponsorship monies paid to the club in the last 10 years and urging the clubs to disclose the amount and account number into which the monies were paid by the LMC.

The anti graft agency appealed .....

https://judicialsketch.com/2020/03/25/efcc-launches-fresh-investigations-on-lmc-npfl-clubs-for-alleged-stealing-of-sponsorship-monies/

*Commission says it is investigative, not judicial or quasi-judicial body

Former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Monday told the Federal High Court in Kano that the state Public Complaint and Anti-corruption Commission (PCACC) has a history of bias towards him, and that the commission is constituted in such a way that its impartiality could not be trusted.

Maliki Kuliya Umar, who led Sanusi’s team of lawyers, said PCACC’s refusal of the to give him a copy of the petition that led to his investigation was a breach of his fundamental human right to fair hearing.

He also asserted before the court that the commission’s refusal to give him the names of the companies allegedly

https://judicialsketch.com/2020/03/23/former-kano-emir-sanusi-accuses-pcacc-of-bias-breach-of-right/

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Referees Committee has opened investigations into the officiating conducted by some referees in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) suspected of indulging in misconduct.

According to the national publicity secretary of the NRA, Kelechi Mejuobi said the referees been probed have been stepped down from officiating NPFL league matches pending the outcome of the investigations been conducted by the committee.

He said the affected referees are, Gwautsa Jacob(FCT) Segun Omowaye(Lagos), Imam Malik(Kano) Yusuf Nta(Niger) and Abubakar Abba (Bauchi)

Mejuobi said the suspected referees would be summoned to....

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https://judicialsketch.com/2020/03/20/npfl-referees-under-investigations-risk-sanctions/

Former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, was reported by the BBC to have left Awe in Nassarawa State on his way to Lagos State en-route Abuja.

Sanusi was said to have led Friday prayers in Awe where he preached about accepting destiny and believing in Allah’s choice before leaving for Abuja from where he was expected to fly to Lagos.

Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai was with him at the Friday Mosque as well as on his way to Abuja. At the time this story was being published, it was not certain if.....

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https://judicialsketch.com/2020/03/13/former-emir-sanusi-exercises-freedom-on-way-to-lagos/

In the aftermath of the petition forwarded by Kano Concerned for Prudent Leadership to Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-corruption Commission (PCACC) on Wednesday, the commission said it has activated all machineries to commence its probe of the matter.

Chairman of the commission, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado however said the he needs the group that sent the petition to come forward with more information that would assist PCACC to do justice in its investigation.

He said the source of the video clips showing the governor receiving money needs to be ascertained, and lamented that the group’s letter carried no contact address nor phone number.

“This is a huge hindrance. We must trace the origin of the clips. We must.....
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https://judicialsketch.com/2020/03/13/pcacc-begins-probe-of-gov-gandujes-alleged-bribery-videos-want-petitioners-contact/

A body by name Kano Concerned for Prudent Leadership has petitioned the state Public Complaint and Anti-corruption Commission (PCACC) to investigate the state governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, over allegations of collecting kickbacks as seen in some video clips that have gone viral.

A letter signed by one Mukhtar Sani Mandawari purportedly on behalf of the chairman of the group, a copy of which Judicial Sketch obtained, said it implores PCACC’S chairman to invoke his “powers under the relevant provisions of your law and cause thorough investigation into the matter.”

The body said it is aware that the governor may not be amenable for prosecution because he enjoys constitutional immunity but insisted that
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https://judicialsketch.com/2020/03/11/group-petitions-pcacc-to-investigate-gov-ganduje/

Kano State attorney-general and commissioner of justice, Ibrahim Mukhtar has denied that the state government ordered the banishment of the former Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhmadu Sanusi.

Responding to queries on Channel TV Wednesday morning, the Kano chief law officer said when the emir was deposed, the statement confirming his deposition which was read by the secretary to the state government, Usman Alhaji did not utter the word “banished”.

The banishment of the deposed emir was a decision taken in the interest of safety, peace and avoidance of friction Mukthar argued.

Mukthar vehemently disassociated the state government from banishment of the emir, saying it was not neither initiated nor executed by the administration of Governor Ganduje

He hinted during a chat that the security operatives who whisked Sanusi away from the Kano palace to his current location in Nassarawa State were acting in tune with the prevailing security circumstances.

He dismissed that allegations by counsel to the former emir A. B. Mahmoud, SAN who had alleged that....

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https://judicialsketch.com/2020/03/11/kano-govt-did-not-banish-former-emir-sanusi-says-attorney-general/

Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-corruption Commission (PCACC) has hinted that the dethronement of former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II would not affect its probe into allegations of financial misappropriation against him.

Chairman of the commission, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado told Judicial Sketch Tuesday that PCACC only temporarily halted its investigation out of obedience to a Federal High Court order given on Friday which granted an interim injunction pending when the originating motion filed by the former emir’s lawyers would be heard and determined.

Muhyi said his commission has an obligation by law to investigate petitions and that it is immaterial that the person concerned is an emir or a private individual or group.

Read more:
https://judicialsketch.com/2020/03/11/dethronement-of-former-kano-emir-wont-stop-our-investigation-pcacc-chairman-says/

Lawyers representing former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II have clarified that their client only asked them to work towards attaining his constitutional rights to freedom of movement and personal liberty, not to challenge his dethronement.

A.B. Mahmoud, SAN who spoke on behalf of the former emir’s legal team told journalists on Tuesday that the their client was opposed to his banishment to an undesirable destination in Nassarawa, saying such an action was not backed by the laws of the land, as the basis of the denial of personal liberty set out clearly in Section 35 of the constitution did not apply to the case of the Emir.

Read more:
https://judicialsketch.com/2020/03/11/we-havent-received-instruction-to-challenge-former-emirs-dethronement-lawyers-say/

The news published on the site AB-TC City News on Thursday 6 February 2020 that China was seeking “for court’s approval to kill the over 20,000 coronavirus patients to avoid further spread of the virus,” appears to be false and unverified.

The site said “The highest level of court in China, Supreme People’s Court, is expected to give an approval on Friday for the mass killing of coronavirus patients in China as sure means of controlling the spread of the deadly virus.”

The claim has been reposted on Facebook in Malawi and Zimbabwe, and republished on some Nigerian blogs.

A fact check by judicialsketch revealed that AB-TC City News has all the trappings of a junk site that could not be a trustworthy news source.

It was revealed that in 2020 alone, the site published reports claiming the UK’s Prince Andrew committed suicide, South African celebrity couple Connie and Shona Ferguson drowned on a fishing trip and students at an African university developed a coronavirus vaccine, all of which turned out to be untrue.

The site was also said to have been repeatedly publishing a certain fake article about a club being “shut down for killing patrons and selling as meat”, while changing the name of the club and its location from Australia to Belize, Canada, Guyana, Pennsylvania, Thailand, the UK, Trinidad and Tobago.

It also reported on 30 January that five Singaporeans, who hadn’t....

https://judicialsketch.com/2020/02/08/fact-check-china-never-sought-courts-approval-to-kill-20-000-coronavirus-patients/

President Muhammadu Buhari was quoted on Friday to have distanced himself from all controversies surrounding the creation of new emirates in Kano state, saying the constitution does not give him the power to interfare.

A statement issued by the chief press secretary to Kano state governor, Abba Anway late Friday claimed that the president has stated “categorically clear that he has no constitutional right to interfere in the Kano Emirates discussions.”

The statement said Buhari made the “revelation when Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje took to the Presidential Villa the newly elected legislators, 3 members of the House of Representatives and 4 members of the State Assembly under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).”

Anwar quoted the president to have said, “I know my role as the President of Nigeria. By the constitution.....

https://judicialsketch.com/2020/02/08/buhari-distances-self-from-kanos-new-emirates-controversies/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commenced legal moves to challenge the victory of the ruling All progressive Congress (APC) and its candidate, Alhasan Ado Doguwa, in the January 25th Doguwa/Tudun Wada federal constituency rerun.

Judicialsketch.com can reveal that PDP’s candidate in the rerun, Air Commodore Salisu Yushau (rtd) has assembled a team of lawyers to file a petition challenging the election of Alhassan Doguwa as member representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada federal constituency.

The leader of the PDP legal team, Ibrahim Isah Wangida, who confirmed that a legal team has been mandated to commenced processes challenging the outcome of the rerun, disclosed that his team had already complied with requirements to trigger of the legal tussle to contest the return.

According to him, the PDP and its candidate have collated enough evidence to prove their case before Kano state election petition tribunal.

Wangida said the PDP candidate is contesting the outcome of the elections on the grounds of disenfranchisement of voters and collation of wards and local government results in the absence of PDP accredited ...
https://judicialsketch.com/2020/01/30/kano-re-run-pdp-in-court-to-challenge-doguwas-victory/

The case before a Kano high court in which the emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II was seeking an order for a review of a report by the state public complaint and anti-corruption commission (PCACC) recommending his temporary suspension pending the completion of investigations into the finances of the Kano Emirate Council has been adjourned to March 19, 2020 for ruling.

The emir had sought for the court’s leave to by ex-parte application through his lawyers to quash the report which he said was made without giving him fair hearing.

The rules of the court is that such an application to review an administrative report of that nature must be done first by getting the court’s leave by means of an ex-parte motion.

Recall that the plaintiff had filed a motion ex-parte before the state’ Chief Justice who, in an unusual manner, asked him to put the defendants on notice, and when the case was transferred to the Court 10, the irregularity in the way of initiating the matter became an issue of contention.

Today, counsel to the plaintiff contended that since the case has been transferred to Court 10, they have decided to .....

https://judicialsketch.com/2020/01/30/kano-high-court-adjourns-to-rule-if-emir-sanusi-can-challenge-anti-graft-commissions-report/

*FG Begins Recruitment for Community Policing

The establishment of zonal security outfit, Amotekun, by the South-Western states of Nigeria on Saturday gained the endorsement of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), which in turn said it would also float a security arrangement to be known as ‘Shege Ka Fasa’ to further cater for the peace and safety of the North.

Spokesperson to the group, Abdul-azeez Suleiman, said in a statement issued on Saturday that, “While we do not dispute the right of the south-west to initiate the Amotekun as a necessary alternative to secure their safety in the face of government’s control lapses, we nevertheless understand the need for such measures to abide by due processes that conform with relevant laws of the land.

“The acceptable position remains that only legally constituted outfits and lawfully sanctioned organisations under the direct control of the federal government, as recognised by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, can be so organised, armed and fitted.

He however warned that “Any extra judicial arrangement by which regions set up state-sponsored armed militia groups may therefore not be tolerated as it only confirms suspicions of a wider agenda similar to that of IPOB, to cajole other parts of the country to submit to their ambition for political ascendancy.

“If indeed the aim of the south–west leaders is to use Amotekun as weapon to coarse the nation into ceding the presidency to them in future, CNG finds it pedestrian and tactless as brigandage will only jeopardise their chances the way IPOB did to south-east politics.

“On the contrary, any section of the country that is able to present a credible alternative shall certainly gain the support of Nigerians without the need for resorting to bluffing.”

The group said the proposed Northern security outfit became necessary in the face of security threats that have defied solution in the country, adding that extra ....

https://judicialsketch.com/2020/01/26/northern-group-endorses-amotekun-proposes-operation-shege-ka-fasa/

*South-West to Enact Enabling Laws

*Others Zones Waiting to Join

*Tinubu in Limbo

President Muhammadu Buhari gave his consent and accord to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to meet with South-West governors on Thursday to resolve the controversies surrounding the security outfit called Amotekun.

Mr Osibanjo’s senior special assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande said in a press release he issued after the meeting that the governors had sort to meet with the president over the issue but due to the president’s foreign engagement, he had asked the vice president to host the meeting.

Thursday’s meeting had the governors of Ondo, Rotimi Akeredolu; Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi and Osun, Gboyega Oyetola. The governors of Oyo and Lagos were represented by their deputies.

The attorney-general of the federation, Abubakar Malami, who was initially quoted to have declared the initiative ‘illegal’, was also at the Thursday meeting.

Mr Malami had earlier on Thursday denied that he dismissed the Amotekun Initiative ‘illegal’, explaining that he only requested that the initiative be backed by proper legal framework. The attorney-general insisted that he was misquoted and misunderstood in the first place.

It would appear, surprisingly, that the South-West governors kick-started the operation without enabling laws by the states involved, making it susceptible to questions of legality and operational misplacement.

The Thursday meeting at the presidential villa came up with unanimous resolutions, including the agreement that ...

https://judicialsketch.com/2020/01/25/pmb-backs-amotekun-resolution/

Following the death of three persons from Lassa fever, Kano state government has line-listed 292 persons that may likely be quarantined.

The state commissioner for health, Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, Tuesday morning confirmed to journalists that three persons had lost their lives to Lassa fever in Kano.

He cautioned that the line-listed persons are those who had frontline contact with those who died from the ailment.

Tsayanwa disclosed that those line-listed are under close monitoring, adding that state health officials are keeping vigil over them.

Tsanyawa revealed that a medical facility located at Yar Gaya has been fully equipped to quarantine any of the line-listed persons who is discovered to have developed further symptoms.

He said the state ministry of health has intensified surveillance, noting that anyone found to have contracted the ailment would be denied freedom of movement to curtail further spread of the disease.

https://judicialsketch.com/2020/01/22/lassa-fever-292-persons-risk-losing-freedom-of-movement-in-kano/

Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai has been ordered to desist from demolishing or taking over Durbar Hotel Plc along the Muhammadu Buhari Way in Kaduna.

A High Court in the state on Tuesday gave a restraining order to the governor and all Kaduna state agencies not to do anything henceforth on the hotel, which was said to belong to the Abachas.

The restraining order was based on an ex-parte motion brought before the court by the hotel’s management and filed by counsel to the Abachas, Mr Reuben Atabor, who asked the court for an order of interim injunction restraining the Kaduna governor and agencies of the state government from demolishing, taking over, or tampering with the property.

Officials of Kaduna State Urban and Property Development Agency recently commenced the demolition of the hotel which has been under litigation between the Abachas and the federal government of Nigeria since 2001.

Justice Hanatu Balogun granted the order barring ....

https://judicialsketch.com/2020/01/22/dont-demolish-trespass-on-abachas-hotel-court-orders-el-rufai/

Retired Supreme Court of Nigeria Justice, A. B. WALI JSC died in Kano yesterday after a protracted illness, and has been buried the Islamic way.

Hon. Justice Abubakar Bashir Wali, CON was born in Kano city on 21st July, 1932. He attended Emir’s Palace School, Kano from 1942 to 1945; Kano Middle school, Kano from 1945 to 1950; School for Arabic Studies, Kano from 1950 to 1955; Khartoum Technical Institute of Education, Sudan from 1955 to 1956; Institute of Administration, Zaria from 1959 to 1960; School for Oriental and African Studies, University London, England from 1961 to 1962.

His Lordship was admitted to the Lincoln’s Inn, London, and was called to the English Bar on 4th February, 1964. He later attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos from October 1964 to Nov 1964, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1965.

Hon. Justice Wali served as a Scribe with the then Kano Native Authority from 1954 to 1955. Thereafter, he was employed by the Northern Regional Literacy Agency, Zaria, as an Arabist and Calligraphist. He also served as an interpreter and translator with the High Court of then Northern Nigeria in Kaduna.

In 1965, after being called to the Bar, he started his judicial career as a Magistrate in the Civil Service of Northern Nigeria in 1965. He remained in that position until 1968 when he was promoted to the post of Senior Magistrate in 1968. He later became Chief Magistrate in 1969, and acted as Chief Registrar, Kano State High Court in 1970. He was later appointed as Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal of Kano State.

In 1975, he became the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Kano State. In the same year, he was appointed a judge of the High Court of Kano State but was allowed to retain the post of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice until 1977 when he returned to the High Court. In 1979, he became a Justice of the then Federal Court of Appeal.

In 1987, he was appointed to the Supreme Court Bench. In 1999, he was appointed as the Justice of the Supreme Court of Republic of Gambia, a post which he combined with that of the Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Justice Wali was also appointed a member of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly, which between 1977 and 1978, drafted the 1979 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He has been a member of the Body of Benchers since 1987, and was made a life member. He was elected as Vice Chairman and later its chairman from 1998 to 1999, 1999 to 2000.

Hon Justice Wali was a quite essential jurist per excellent. His deep knowledge of the Islamic law and jurisprudence had been an asset to the Nigerian copus jurist. He also contributed immensely in other areas of law and politics cum fundamental rights.

Few instances of his cases is the classical 12 2/3 provision and the interpretation in 1979 Constitution in the case of Awolowo v. Shagari (1979)6-9 S.C. 51 where ....

https://judicialsketch.com/2020/01/22/tribute-to-hon-justice-a-b-wali-jsc-rtd/

*Abba Kabir, Ganduje Hopeful

*Supporters Offer Special Prayers

*Buba Galadima Aggravates Suspense

*Kano Calm

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has fixed today (Monday) for the final determination of the election petition filed by the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abba Kabir Yusuf challenging the declaration of All Progressive Congress’ candidate, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the elected governor of Kano State in the 2019 general elections.

The apex court’s inability to hear the adoption of parties’ written submissions last Monday due to an unusual infirmity on the part of one of the justices of the court really set all concerned personalities and their political supporters on the edge.

The court eventually sat on Tuesday and took all submissions, only for it to adjourn till today for its judgement. But the court, on the same day, gave judgement on the petition from Imo State, dislodging the serving governor, Emeka Ihedioha of PDP and declaring Hope Uzodinma of APC victorious.

The Imo upset has occasioned a deep discomfort in Kano’s political atmosphere, especially on the part of the governor’s group. The opposition, on the other hand, saw a glimmer of hope. Abba Kabir and PDP believe strongly that Kano’s scenario is akin to that of Imo, making it very likely to have similar judgement that would hand the mantle of power over to them.

The most outstanding voice to propagate this expectation of twist was that of controversial ....

https://judicialsketch.com/2020/01/20/kano-guber-supreme-court-decides-today/

US’ Chief Justice John Roberts and the nation’s senators were sworn in Thursday afternoon for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, but there have been questions on the true import of the oaths they have all taken.

After being sworn in himself as presiding judge for the trial a little after 2 p.m. ET, Roberts asked the senators to “solemnly swear” to “do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws.”

The senators said “I do” together, and the clerk called senators up to sign the impeachment oath in groups of four.

Every senator solemnly swore “that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of Donald John Trump, president of the United States, now pending, I will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws, so help me God.”

But dozens of senators, on both sides of the aisle but particularly in the GOP, have already promised to break that oath, Chief among them is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, according to Business Insider.

“Everything I do during this, I’m coordinating with White House counsel,” McConnell recently told Fox News’ Sean Hannity of the impeachment trial. “The case is so darn weak coming over from the House. We all know how it’s going to end. There is no chance the president is going to be removed from office.”

Rather than insisting they’ll keep their minds open to the evidence they’re presented with as a regular juror is required to do in a criminal trial many senators are clear that.....

https://judicialsketch.com/2020/01/17/questions-arise-on-sincerity-of-oaths-as-us-chief-justice-swears-in-senators-for-trump-impeachment-trial/

For the third time in his N2bn fraud trial, former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, has to contend with the testimony of another one of his brothers, Khalid Aliyu, who gave his testimony against him before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.

Khalid, a former banker, who testified as the fifth prosecution witness on Thursday, told Justice Okon Abang that he was the one who assisted Maina to open an account in their sister’s name without her knowledge.

Nasfisat, a sister of Maina appeared as the fourth prosecution witness on Wednesday and had told the court how her name was used to open a bank account which she knew nothing about for four years.

Maina was seen passing notes to his lawyers as his brother gave his testimony against him during the trial on Thursday.

Khalid told Justice Abang that he joined Fidelity Bank in 2008 and worked as an executive assistant, managing high net worth customers, until he left the bank in January 2012 and joined the civil service. He said he and one of his colleagues at the bank, Oluwatoyin Meseke, were contacted by Maina to open an account in the name of their sister, Nafisat, without her knowledge.

“We proceeded to her house at Wuse 2, Abuja, at the time, to collect the utility bill as part of the requirements to open an account…Toyin collected her utility bill but she was not aware that it was for account opening. Later, Toyin Meseke collected the copy of her passport .....

https://judicialsketch.com/2020/01/17/n2b-fraud-mainas-brother-sister-testify-say-he-runs-fake-bank-accounts/

Operation Amotekun appears to be set for a new lease of life, as the federal government of Nigeria is considering taking a more lenient disposition towards the scheme, Judicialsketch has learnt.

Amotekun was declared illegal by the attorney-general of the federation on Wednesday, sparking reactions especially from the south-western zone where the security scheme was birthed.

Prominent Nigerians from the zone have faulted the stance of the attorney-general, saying he lacks both power and competence to make a declaration they argued is the preserve of the judiciary.

There was however a move by the federal government to fill the gap and “correct the lacuna that was gaping in the way south-west governors floated the operation”, a source at the presidency told Judicialsketch.com.

“The federal government is apparently displeased with the backlash that followed the AG’s declaration, especially with all the cries about discrimination and ...


https://judicialsketch.com/2020/01/16/fg-set-to-reconsider-amotekun-revisits-legal-framework/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of one Francis Igo.
He was convicted by Hon. Justice J. K Daggard of Federal High Court sitting in Kano on five count charges of conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretense.
Trouble started for the convict following a petition received by the Kano zonal office of the commission from one Dr Aliero Shehu Usman claiming that the convict contacted him as a contractor and deceived him into paying the sum of three hundred thousand naira only (N300,000) as registration fee for the contract.
However, further investigations revealed that the convict had also obtained from two other unsuspecting individuals the total sum of five hundred and fifty thousand naira only (N550, 000) under the same guise.
Upon his arraignment on 18th February, 2016 the convict pleaded not guilty to the five counts charge against him which prompted full trial.
During the course of trial, the prosecution counsel, Salihu Sani presented four witnesses and tendered several exhibits to prove the case against the convict.
On conclusion of the matter, Justice Daggard found the defendant guilty as charged and convicted him on count one, two, three and four.

https://judicialsketch.com/2020/01/16/business-man-bags-7-years-in-prison-for-fraud/