Events that will shape judiciary in 2014
Ehindero’s trial continuesThe trial of former Inspector General of Police Sunday Ehindero’s trial and former commissioner in charge of Budget John Olaniyi in an FCT High Court over alleged N557 million fraud will continue on January 14. The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) said the accused persons allegedly converted interests from fixed deposits in banks […]
Ehindero’s trial continues
The trial of former Inspector General of Police Sunday Ehindero’s trial and former commissioner in charge of Budget John Olaniyi in an FCT High Court over alleged N557 million fraud will continue on January 14.
The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) said the accused persons allegedly converted interests from fixed deposits in banks from the money meant for police equipment.
Akingbola to face trial
A Lagos High Court will continue hearing in the case of former Managing Director of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc Erastus Akingbola on January 14. Akingbola was accused of misappropriation valued at N47.1 billion.
The court had earlier refused the accused person’s application to quash the charges for lack of prima facie evidence.
Babalakin’s trial resumes Jan 17
The trial of Lagos lawyer and businessman Wale Babalakin in a Lagos High Court is slated to continue on January the 17 after his recovery from a Lagos hospital.
Babalakin and his two companies Bi-courtney and Stabilini vision were arraigned by the EFCC over alleged laundering of N2.5 billion on behalf of former governor of Delta State, James Ibori.
Supreme Court to rule on Okorocha, Ohakim suit
The Supreme Court will on January 24 deliver judgement in the suit by Governor Rochas Okorocha challenging the decision of the Appeal Court to allow Ikedi Ohakim to join in the suit by Ifeanyi Ararume.
Ararume, who contested as the candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the 2011 governorship election, had challenged the constitutionality of the May 6 supplementary election that produced Okorocha as governor.
Cynthia Osokogu’s murder case continues
The trial of persons accused of four persons over the murder of Cynthia Osokogu in a Lagos High Court has been adjourned to January 13 and February 27. The accused persons: Okwunmo Nwabufo, Olisaeloka Ezike, Osita Orji, and Nonso Ezike were alleged to have on July 22, 2012 strangled the deceased while at Cosmilla Hotel in FESTAC Town, Lagos.
Gbenga Daniel’s trial for Feb 6
An Abeokuta High Court on Thursday adjourned, till February 6, 2014, continuation of proceedings in a criminal case against former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel.
The former governor’s appeal before the Appeal Court challenging the dismissal of his application for quash of some counts in the 38 charges leveled against him will be determined on January 8. The governor was accused of fraudulent conversion of land and diversion of public funds.
Mahmud Tukur’s trial for Feb 24
The trial of Mahmud Tukur, son of the National Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur in a Federal High court, Lagos has been fixed for February 24.
Tukur is charged alongside Alex Ochonogor, Abdullahi Alao, and Eterna Oil Ltd for fuel subsidy fraud amounting to N1.2 billion.
Amaechi and Omehia battle in Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has fixed February 7, 2014 for judgement in the consolidated suit seeking to disqualify former governor of Rivers state Celestine Omehia of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the suit involving Governor Chibuike Amaechi over his election.
Amaechi, former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) now of the All Progressive Congress (APC), had told the apex court that the Appeal Court erred in law when it granted Omehia the right to appeal the Federal High Court judgement which held that Amaechi’s tenure ended on May 29, 2011.
Atuche, wife’s trial to be accelerated from March 10
The trial of former Managing Director of Bank PHB Francis Atuche, his wife Elizabeth and a financial officer Ugo Anyanwu who are facing trial in a Lagos Federal High Court since 2009 will be heard March 10.
Atuche is facing a 45-count charge bordering on alleged grant of questionable loans valued at N125 billion. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia, who has expressed concerns over the delays in the trial, said the case will receive speedy hearing after Atuche’s appeal before the Appeal Court which is challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case.
Appointment of Court of Appeal President
A new President of the Court of Appeal is expected to be appointed this year after three years of not having a substantive PCA. Justice Dalhatu Adamu and Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa have variously been appointed in acting capacity following the suspension of its former president, Justice Ayo Isa Salami who was suspended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and later retired due to a disagreement with former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Katsina-Alu in 2010.
N23 billion Police pension fraud continues
The trial of seven civil servants standing trial in an FCT High Court over alleged misappropriation of N23 billion Police pension funds continues February 26 and 27.
The accused persons include: Cyril Attang, former chief accountant Police Pension office; Esai Dangabar, a retired director Ministry of Aviation; Atiku Abubakar Kigo, a permanent secretary office of the Head of Service; Ahmed Wada, former deputy director of Police Pension office and presently attached to Ministry of Sports; and accountants Veronica Onyegbula, Sani Habila Zira and Christian Madubuike.
Apocase continues January 7 and 8
The public hearing and investigative process being conducted by the National Human Rights Commission, (NHRC) in Abuja into the September 20, 2013 killings of homeless artisans and petty traders and Okada riders in Abuja is likely to be concluded this year.
The public hearing is being chaired by Prof. Chidi Anslem Odinkalu, chairman of the NHRC governing board and Prof. Bem Angwe, the executive secretary NHRC.