Connect with us

News

SOWORE: Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu’s purported bias, unfounded – Umegboro

Published

on


A public affairs analyst, Carl Umegboro has faulted the claims that Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja exhibited bias in granting the bail application filed by Omoyele Sowore through his lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) on his arraignment by the federal government for treasonable felony, City News reports.


Umegboro, an associate, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators stated this in a statement to newsmen on Monday in Abuja in reaction to the allegations of bias against the trial judge, Hon. Justice Ojukwu.


He however maintained that Sowore remains innocent on the charges until the prosecution is able to prove him guilty by fair-hearing which is his fundamental human right as provided in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).


The analyst stated that the charges which Sowore was arraigned did not have the same weight with mere corrupt practices, stealing or diversion of public funds knowing that a threat of revolution tantamount to a treasonable felony.

Umegboro explained that the court wouldn’t have sensibly granted bail to an accused person who claimed to be mobilizing people to take over a constituted government forcefully without stringent conditions attached unlike suspects for other offences.


He added that the major factor the court is required to consider before granting bail to suspects on corrupt practices is jumping of bail while for sedition or other offences against the state like threats of revolution, the court will not only consider jumping of bail but also preventing the alleged threats from being carried out, hence stringent conditions may be unavoidable.


Umegboro lamented that the manner in which the judiciary is being criticized most times without justified reasons especially when some inane expectations are not met is dangerous to the judiciary and the society at large adding that unfair criticisms and blackmails to courts are equally a means of strategically pocketing the courts thereby destroying judicial independence.


“Pocketing of the judiciary is not only when the executive influences the mind of the court but also when unnecessary pressures are put on the court by people towards thwarting the course of justice in a particular direction”.
“Clearly, the offences of corrupt practices and treasonable felony don’t carry the same weight in law as in consideration of bail application on the former, jumping of bail is the major factor while for treasonable felony, prevention of the alleged threats or act will be paramount in addition of jumping bail.


Sadly, it is gradually becoming a norm that any moment a court verdict didn’t favour a party irrespective of the merit of the judgment, it would be tagged ‘judicial bias and perversion of justice’ but where it favoured the party, it is the ‘rule of law’ and victory for democracy”, Umegboro said.

Advertisement

News

UK-Based Blogger Maureen Badejo Set For Court Appearance

Published

on

By

Popular UK-based Nigerian blogger and social commentator, Maureen Badejo, is set to appear before the Federal High Court on Monday to answer to a multiple -count charge being proposed by the police legal team to find fault, her lawyer, Barrister George Ogunjimi, has disclosed.

 

 

Chief Ogunjimi, the Bamofin of Ojo, Lagos and a dual jurisdiction practitioner revealed that Badejo recently returned to Nigeria in connection with an appeal court matter scheduled to hold in Ibadan on the 16th of February 2026 prior to her encounter with law enforcement authorities.

 

 

According to him, Badejo was arrested and interrogated by operatives of the Cybercrime Unit at Adekunle Police Station, Yaba, Lagos, following a petition reportedly filed by Apostle Johnson Suleman.

 

 

He clarified that contrary to speculation, the blogger voluntarily honoured the police invitation herself, presenting at the station without resistance.

 

 

“She was not picked up or abducted. She went to the police station personally in response to the invitation,” Ogunjimi said.

The lawyer added that while she was still at the station, another petition allegedly emerged, this time from the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Pastor Daniel Olukoya, which subsequently led to her being held and later detained at the Alagbon detention facility.

 

 

Despite the development, Ogunjimi expressed confidence in her legal prospects, assuring supporters that his team is fully prepared to defend her.

 

 

“We are optimistic. The alleged offences are bailable, and by God’s grace, we will secure her bail on Monday,” he stated.

The case has since drawn public attention, particularly among Badejo’s followers both in Nigeria and the diaspora, as proceedings at the Federal High Court are expected to begin next week.

 

As of the time of reporting, the police had not issued an official statement explaining the legal basis for Badejo’s arrest or detention.

 

Badejo has previously been involved in legal disputes with Apostle Suleiman, including a 2022 UK High Court ruling that dismissed his defamation claim and ordered him to pay her £19,601 in costs.

 

She has also publicised allegations made by a former MFM pastor against Dr Olukoya.

 

The case has sparked renewed concerns over press freedom and the use of cybercrime laws in Nigeria.

Continue Reading

News

Photos: Dakore Akande And Timini Lay Father To Rest

Published

on

By

Nollywood siblings Dakore Akande and Timini Egbuson have finally laid their father to rest.

Earlier this year, actor, Timini Egbuson, had announced the passing of his father. He said he never thought he would start the year by saying RIP to his dad, and promised to continue to make him proud.

His sister, Dakore Akande, expressed how heartbroken she is, yet glad that he was free from pain. She expressed gratitude for the memories and laughter, the legacy of excellence that he instilled in them, and his love for music and looking stylish.

 

Timini father's burial

 

Taking to his Instagram page, Timini shared photos from his low-key burial ceremony, which was attended only by family.

In his caption, he revealed that they said their final goodbyes as he bade his father farewell. The popular actor said his father’s strength and love will always guide them.

“We said our final goodbyes. Rest well, Papa. Your strength and love will always guide me”.

 

Timini father's burial

SOURCE

Continue Reading

News

US Mission Decries Horrific Kwara Massacre, Pledges Support For Tinubu’s Security Strategy

Published

on

By

The United States Mission in Nigeria has condemned the horrific and senseless attacks in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State that reportedly claimed over 160 lives.

In a statement released on February 6, 2026, the U.S. expressed its condolences and backed President Bola Tinubu’s immediate security and humanitarian response.

JomogNews reports that while the Nigerian Police Force said 75 persons were confirmed killed in the assault on Woro and Nuku communities, local sources and international observers put the death toll significantly higher.

In a statement on X on Friday, the US Mission in Nigeria described the attack as “horrific,” saying more than 160 people were feared dead, with many still unaccounted for.

“The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara state in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for.

“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence,” the statement read.

It welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to deploy security forces to protect affected communities.

“We welcome President Tinubu’s order to deploy security forces to protect villages in the area and his directive to federal and state officials to provide aid to the community and bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice,” the statement added.

The reaction adds to international condemnation of the attack, which had earlier drawn rebukes from the United Nations and the Republic of Türkiye.

Tinubu had ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama and approved the creation of a new military command to lead the operation, following the assault on Woro and Nuku communities.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had also ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence teams to Kaiama and surrounding communities to restore calm and prevent further attacks.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the deployment of troops under Operation Savannah Shield would help deter further violence, adding that security forces were already on the ground.

 

 

Continue Reading

Trending