Ilori, also known as Iya-Kerosine, pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of unlawful dealing in narcotic brought against her.

Consequent upon her plea, Justice Agomoh ordered the defendant to be remanded in Agodi correctional facility and adjourned the suit until June 26 for hearing on bail application.

The prosecuting counsel, Mrs A.A. Balogun had earlier informed the court that the defendant committed the crime on Dec. 11 2025, at Idioro-Elekuro area of Ibadan, Oyo state.

Balogun stated that the NDLEA operatives acted on a tip-off by informants that Ilori was allegely dealing in illicit drug trade.

She further said that the operatives arrested the woman in possession of Cannabis Sativa, a dried weed substance weighing 238.5kg.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravene the provision of section 11(C ) of the NDLEA Act Cap n30 law of the federation 2004.

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The suit, which is before Justice Salim Ibrahim, is seeking an order of the court compelling INEC to recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led interim National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP in its official website.

Our correspondent reports that the BoT and the PDP had filed the fresh suit.

The plaintiffs sought an order directing the electoral umpire to, forthwith, update its records and publish on its official website the interim NWC of the party as forwarded to it by the plaintiffs and its National Executive Committee (NEC).

They said the names of members of the Tanimu Turaki-led NWC was forwarded to the electoral umpire via their letters dated May 4.

Our correspondent reports that the originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1159/2026, was filed on June 4 by a team of lawyers led by Chief Chris Uche, SAN.

Listed as plaintiffs are ex-Senate President Adolphus Wabara; BoT Secretary, former Gov. Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger; ex-Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana and PDP chieftain, Olabode George as 1st to 4th plaintiffs.

Others are former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Maryam Ciroma; also an ex-Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina; member of BoT and NEC, Dame Esther Uduehi and PDP as 5th to 8th plaintiffs respectively.

The plaintiffs sued INEC as sole defendant in the suit.

Meanwhile, when the case was called on Friday, Chief Gordy Uche, SAN, announced appearance for all the eight plaintiffs, including PDP that is the 8th plaintiff.

But Mr Sunday Ameh, SAN, also stood up shortly after Uche made his appearance and also announced his appearance for the 8th defendant (PDP).

The development, however, generated some confusions in court.

Turaki, the factional national charman of PDP; Prof. Jerry Gana, among others, were in court for the proceedings.

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The court’s decision follows the non-availability of a bank statement expected to be tendered as evidence.

Our correspondent reports that Gabam was arraigned before the court in May in suit number DCC/10/2026 over alleged financial misappropriation of N35 million during his tenure as the party’s national chairman.

He was subsequently granted bail by the court, which adjourned the matter for hearing.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, the court fixed July 20 for continuation of hearing after taking note of the prosecution’s explanation regarding the pending bank statement expected to form part of the evidence in the case.

Speaking with journalists after Wednesday’s proceedings, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, the party’s National Chairman, said the adjournment became necessary because the party had yet to obtain the bank statement.

According to him, the party subsequently approached the court registry to issue a subpoena, compelling the bank to produce the document, after unsuccessful efforts to secure the document from the bank.

“The case has been adjourned to July 20 as a result of our inability to lay our hands on one of the key documents that are going to be tendered for the case, which is the bank statement.

“We applied to the bank, and the bank was not able to give us the document, which is the bank statement.

“So thereafter, we had to go through the registry of the court to subpoena the bank for the bank to bring the said document by itself.

“The bank said because it involves a lot of pages, the document is bulky, and they need time to process and stamp it after obtaining approval from the headquarters.

“They asked for one week before they would be able to make the document available.

“As a result of that, we informed the court, and the matter has now been adjourned to July 20 for continuation of hearing,” he said.

Gombe expressed confidence that the document would be available before the next adjourned date to enable the prosecution proceed with its case.

He also reiterated the party leadership’s commitment to pursuing the matter through legal means and expressed optimism that the court process would establish the facts surrounding the allegations.

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Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling on an oral application made by the lawyer to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN, also issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

Our correspondent reports that the DSSS is prosecuting Sowore for allegedly making false claims against the person of President Bola Tinubu by referring to him as “a criminal” in a post he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts.

Justice Umar had, on June 5, fixed Tuesday for ruling on application by Sowore, through his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, seeking the judge’s recusal ftom the case.

However, when the case was called, neither Sowore not his lawyer was in court.

The court was then informed that the defendant had sent a letter seeking an adjournment of the matter.

But responding, the DSS counsel opposed the application for adjournment sought.

Kehinde argued that there was no cogent reason adduced by the defendant for the application.

He, therefore, prayed the court to revoke his bail and issue a bench warrant for his arrest.

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Our correspondent reports that ADC and Aregbesola had, in separate motions, asked Justice Peter Lifu to recuse himself from the suit filed by an aggrieved party member, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, citing alleged bias.

Delivering a ruling on Tuesday, Justice Lifu held that the motions lacked merit and devoid of credible evidence aimed at frustrating the order of the Supreme Court for accelerated hearing of the case.

The judge held that the reasons advanced in the affidavits by the applicants were extraneous.

According to him, the court has painstakingly considered all three processes by parties and by affidavit evidence, there is no iota of bias found.

“There is no element of bias being painted by the applicants as alleged,” he said.

The judge recalled that the motions for recusal were filed, even when the court was yet to assumed jurisdictions on the case.

“Where then is the element of bias in the motions for recusal,’ he asked.

The judge, who described the applications as “an abuse of court process,” said the motions were fundamentally defective.

“The law is settled that allegations of bias are grave allegationds which are not made lightly.

‘Whoever alleges bias must provide clear evidence.

“It becomes apparent that the apolicants have failed completely to prove the allegations.

“It is a cheap attempt to blackmail and intimidate the court.

“As I said, nobody can intimidate the court,” he said.

Justice Lifu held that judges should becareful to “accede to such baseless allegations so that they don’t allow litigants choose judges that suit them.”

He further described the applications as “forum shopping.”

He said the applicants made the allegatiions so that the case could be assigned to another judge that would do their biddings.

“Parties cannot choose which court they should be heard.

“Matters are assigned to judges by the administrative head of the court and no applicant can choose who to hear and determine their matters.

“A judge must be firm in doing justice and not dance to the whims and caprices of counsel.

“No court worth its salt should allow this,” the judge said.

Justice Lifu, who said the entire application was based on speculation, said if allowed, lawyers could use this as a tool against the court when they know a case would not favour them

According to him, if this application is granted in the absence of credible evidence, it will set a dangerous precedent.

“On the whole, I found no merit in the application and it is hereby dismissed wiith N500, 000 cost each against the applicants and in favour of plaintiff,” the judge ruled.

Earlier when the case was called, a lawyer, Kalu-Kalu Agu, who appeared for Nkemakolam Ukandu, the National Welfare Secretary of ADC, challenged the judge from delivering the ruling, having ordered the deregistration of ADC in his judgement on Monday.

Our correspondent reports that Agu, on behalf of Ukandu, had filed a motion seeking to be joined in Gombe’s suit.

The lawyer reminded the judge of his previous day’s judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister ADC having failed to meet the constitutional threshold.

“My lord, the clerk of this court did mention the matter is slated for ruling today.

“In view of your lordship ruling and continuous existence of the 1st defendant (ADC) in this matter, and having been declared dead, I don’t see any reason why this ruling should continue.

“In your judgment, this court ordered INEC to deregister the 1st defendant. So in the eye of the law, the 1st defendant is not existing,” Agu submitted.

“Are you a party in thid suit?” Justice Lifu asked.

“Yes, I am my lord,” Agu responded.

“Who joined you, or you joined yourself in your chambers?” the judge asked.

In his reaction, Gombe’s lawyer, Robert Emukpoeruo, SAN, disagreed with Agu’s submission that he was a party in the suit.

Emukpoeruo said he was yet to read the judgement mentioned by Agu, hence, it had no relevance in the instance proceedings.

He said by Order 9 Rule 14(4)) of the court, until Ukandu is joined by the judge, he is yet to be a party.

When Agu attempted to respond to Emukpoeruo’s submission, the judge threatened to invoke the powers of the court on him.

Realwan Okpanachi, who appeared for Aregbesola; Suleiman Usman, SAN, lawyer to Sen. David Mark and Peter Oyewole, who represented Chief Ralph Nwosu, also made their respective submissions.

In his ruling, Justice Lifu said the instant case was distinct from the Monday’s matter where a judgement was delivered against ADC.

After the ruling, the case was adjourned until June 23 for hearing of all pending applications.

NAN reports that Gombe, in the suit, is seeking an order restraining Sen. Mark, the embattled National Chairman of ADC; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the National Secretary, and members of their interim National Working Committee (NWC) from parading themselves as the party’s leaders.

He had argued that the emergence of Mark, Aregbesola and other NWC members as party’s leaders breached the provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

Gombe had sued ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Ralph Nwosu as 1st to 5th defendants respectively in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025.

Nwosu was the former ADC National Chairman who stepped down for David Mark leadership of the party.

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Justice Peter Lifu, in a judgement, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the affected parties having failed to secure 25 per cent of the votes in the last general elections in compliance with the provisions of the law.

Our correspondent reports that the five political parties include ADC, Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Judtice Lifu, who earlier dismissed all the multiple preliminary objections filed by the defendants, ordered INEC not to allow the parties participate in the subsequent elections, including the 2027 general polls, having failed to meet the constitutional threshold.

Our correspondent reports that a group, the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators had filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026 against the five political parties.

The plaintiff, who also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) in the suit, named INEC as 1st defendant.

The forum argued that the affected political parties failed to meet constitutional requirements relating to electoral spread and performance.

It contended that political parties were required to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in prescribed elections to remain relevant under the law.

It, therefore, urged the court to order the deregistration of the parties, insisting that none of the defendants had effectively countered the arguments.

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Our correspondent reports that the trial, which usually takes place at Kainji in Niger, was moved to the the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja.

The prosecution of the defendants is being led by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, while the Director-General, Legal Aid Council, Mr Aliyu Abubakar, led the team of lawyers for the defence.

The trial, which is taking place in all the courtrooms in the FHC, is expected to last for one week.

Some of the trial judges are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu, Ekerete Akpan, among others.

No fewer than 58 suspected terrorists were listed for trial on Monday before Justice Nwite.

They are Abba Bukar, Abba Manye, Gujja Mala Bukar, Brem Gonimi, Isa Mohammed, Lawali Dashiri Danke, Yau Tukur (Mai-Auduga), Bello Liman, aka Alhaji Bell Doctor, among others.

Meanwhile, almost all other matters scheduled for today at the court had been rescheduled for the mass trial.

Our correspondent reports that there security has been beefed up in and around the Central Business District and the Abuja Federal High Court.

All roads leading to the court were blocked by armed security personnel.

NAN reports that 500 suspected terrorists were also tried between April 7 and April 10 at the FHC in Abuja.

Speaking to newsmen, Fagbemi, said the 500 suspects were being prosecuted the Phase 9 of the mass trial of suspected terrorists in Abuja.

The AGF cited logistics reasons for the transfer of the cases to Abuja from Kainji.

“Whether the cases are tried in Kainji or Maiduguri, those to try terrorism suspects are judges of the Federal High Court.

“It is more convenient here; we have more courtrooms and facilities. We have 10 judges at a time, you know what it means. It means a lot,” Fagbemi said.

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Tijani gave the warning on Thursday during a strategic security meeting with senior officers of the command at the Officers’ Mess, Ikeja.

He expressed concern over unverified security reports and misleading videos on social media, noting that such content caused panic among residents.

According to him, false information creates unnecessary fear, undermines confidence in security agencies, and disrupts public order.

The commissioner urged content creators to verify information before publishing or sharing it online.

He stressed that freedom of expression must not be used to spread content capable of inciting fear, panic, or tension.

Tijani warned that anyone deliberately disseminating false information threatening public peace would be investigated and prosecuted.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property across the state.

The commissioner assured residents that adequate measures were in place, adding that officers were on alert for swift responses.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible, timely information for effective policing.

Tijani appreciated members of the public assisting the police with useful information, encouraging them to sustain the cooperation.

According to him, the command will continually review operational strategies to ensure Lagos remains safe for residents and businesses.

He directed senior officers to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing, and deepen inter-agency collaboration.

The commissioner also warned against using covered number plates, adding that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.

He emphasised stronger collaboration with other security agencies, especially in border communities, to prevent criminal infiltration.

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The I-G had, in the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/300/2026, accused the defendants of allegations bordering on cybercrime, examination malpractices and cheating.

The I-G is the complainant in the charge dated and filed on May 22 by the Prosecution Counsel, Faith Dimka, before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The police boss named Ojiyovwi Miracle, Goodluck Ovuijeddo, Dennis Uvietesivwi, Ransome Monday and Hilda Ejohwemu as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

In count one the suspects , who reside in Delta, were alleged to have conspired among themselves to commit the offence bordering on unlawful access to a computer and computer related fraud.

In count two, they were alleged to have, “on April, without authorisation, intentionally accessed the JAMB server remotely by installing a software by name, RADMI software in over 200 systems used for UTME CBT.”

The police alleged that “after it was installed, the system was operated remotely on its own, for fraudulent purposes and obtain data that are vital to national security within the jurisdiction of this honourable court.”

In count three, the suspects were alleged to have knowingly and without authority on April 20, caused loss of property by altering, erasing, imputing and suppressing data for the purpose of conferring economic benefit to themselves against JAMB during the UTME CBT.

In count four, the suspects were alleged to have conspired among themselves “to commit offence to wit cheating at examination and aiding and abetting examination malpractice within the jurisdiction of this honourable court.”

They were also accused to have, on April 20, “by any fraudulent trick or device, by false pretence and with intent to cheat or secure undue advantage procure any question paper produced or intended to be used at JAMB during the UTME CBT.”

The suspects were alleged in count six to have, on April 20, conspired, aided, abetted, counseled, incited, procured and induced persons to commit examination malpractice during the UTME CBT.

While counts one, two and three are offences punishable under sections of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024); counts four, five and six are punishable under provisions of Examination Malpractice Act, 1999 (LFN 2004).

Although the suspects were scheduled for arraignment before Justice Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, the hearing could not proceed.

When the case was called, the judge raised observation that since all the suspects reside in Delta, it would be better for the case to be heard at the court’s division in the state in order to ensure expeditious prosecution.

Counsel to the I-G, Faith Dimka, and lawyers to the suspects did not oppose the judge’s advice.

Justice Liman subsequently ordered that the case file should be returned to the central registry for onward transfer to Delta.

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Mr Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, made this known in an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday in Abuja.

Babafemi said the agency has consistently targeted not only drug couriers and traffickers but also the masterminds behind criminal networks that prey on women and other vulnerable groups.

According to him, the agency’s strategy goes beyond arresting individuals caught transporting illicit substances to tracing and apprehending those coordinating the operations.

“We don’t just stop at the level of the traffickers or the mules.

“We follow the chain to the top of the ladder to ensure that the big masterminds hiding behind various fronts to recruit women and vulnerable groups into these activities are brought to book.

“We have been very successful in doing that,” he said.

Babafemi noted that several investigations involving women recruited into drug trafficking had led to the arrest and prosecution of those behind the syndicates.

He, however, identified cultural and religious barriers as some of the challenges confronting the agency’s efforts to prevent women from being drawn into drug-related crimes.

According to him, such barriers sometimes limit direct access to certain groups of women during advocacy and sensitisation campaigns.

The NDLEA spokesman said the agency adopted community-based approaches to overcome the challenge by working closely with local stakeholders and influencers.

He explained that collaboration with community leaders and other relevant groups had enabled the agency to reach women who might otherwise be inaccessible through conventional awareness programmes.

“Because the first thing is prevention, there are some parts of the country where you cannot just go directly to address women.

“We have to work with local people and those already involved in such communities to be able to get through to them because of certain religious and cultural barriers,” he said.

Babafemi said inspite of the challenges, the agency has made progress through strategic partnerships and sustained advocacy.

He urged women to resist attempts by drug trafficking cartels to lure them into criminal activities.

Describing women as builders and stabilisers of families, communities and nations, Babafemi encouraged them to uphold positive values and reject influences capable of undermining their roles in society.

“Women are expected to counter such negative influences within their circles and build resilience against temptations that may push them into activities that destroy social values.

“They should remain builders of families, homes and communities rather than yield to the tricks of drug trafficking syndicates,” he said.

Babafemi reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to intensifying prevention, enforcement and public awareness efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable groups from exploitation by drug trafficking networks.

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