Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling, also ordered Sowore, the sole defendant in the case, to enter his defence.

Our correspondents reports that Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly making false claims against the person of President Bola Tinubu.

The defendant, in a post he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts, had allegedly referred to the president as “a criminal.”

At the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, rather than proceeding to conduct his defence, Sowore opted to make a no-case submission.

Sowore, through his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, argued among others, that no prima facie case was made against him to warrant his being called upon to enter a defence.

Delivering the ruling on Friday, Justice Umar dismissed Sowore’s no-case submission and upheld the argument by lawyer to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, that a prima facie case had been established against him to warrant his being called upon to enter a defence.

The judge, therefore, ordered him to enter his defence against the case already made out against him by the prosecution.

Shortly after the ruling, and following an oral application by Sowore’s lawyer, Abubakar, the judge granted audience to the defendant.

While addressing the court, Sowore accused the judge of being bias, alleged that the judge humiliated his lawyer by ordering him to kneel down during one of the court’s sittings.

Sowore said he was not sure he would get justice in the court and asked the judge to recuse himself from the case.

Marshall, who spoke afterwards, re-echoed what his client said and asked the judge to recuse himself.

Responding, the prosecuting lawyer, Kehinde, disagreed with the defence oral application, arguing that such plea could only be made via a formal written application.

Ruling, Justice Umar ordered Abubakar to file a formal application, which he must serve on the prosecution, stating reasons why the judge should recuse himself from the case.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter untill May 19 for hearing.

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Jonathan, through his lawyer, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, told Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja shortly after the matter was called for hearing.

Uche informed the court that a letter of conditional appearance, a notice of preliminary objection, a counter affidavit and a written address had been filed on May 5 ,praying the court to dismiss the case.

He said they got information about the case through the media and hence, the need to file their processes urgently going by the importance of the matter which boiled down on the eligibility of the forner president to contest in the next election.

The senior lawyer said it was unfortunate that such a suit is filed by a lawyer who should know more that this same matter had been decided by the Federal High Court up to Court of Appeal.

Earlier, counsel to the plaintiff, Ndubuisi Ukpai, informed the court that the matter was for mention but he was just being served with Jonathan’s processes.

He said he would need more time to respond

Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until May 11 by 2pm for hearing of the ex-president’s objection and the substantive suit.

The judge also ordered that hearing notices be issued and served on INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the 2nd and 3rd defendants in the matter.

Our correspondent reports that a lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, had filed the case, praying the court to bar Jonathan from contesting in the 2027 poll.

Citing constitutional grounds, Jideobi urged the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction, restraining Jonathan from presenting himself to any political party in the country for the purpose of contesting in the poll.

He also urged the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting from any political party, Jonathan’s name or publishing same as a duly nominated candidate for the election.

Jideobi, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, sued the former president as 1st defendant.

In the suit dated and filed on Oct. 6, 2025, the lawyer joined INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.

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Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after counsel for the EFCC, Kayode Enitan, SAN, and lawyer to the ex-governor, Adebayo Adedeji, SAN, made their submissions on the propriety of the application.

The development occured when Enitan had sought to tender the statement made by the 14th prosecution witness (PW-14), Shehu Bello, in continuation of the evidence-in-chief.

Earlier, when the matter was called, the EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro SAN, told the court that the matter was scheduled for continuation of the examination-in-chief of PW-14.

He said he would allow his colleague, Enitan, to lead the witness in evidence.

While being led in evidence, the witness told the court his involvement in the property located at Plot 1891, Dalla Hills, Maitama in Abuja.

“My friend, Ali Bello, approached me if I know any good construction company that can build a house for him.

“So I recommended a company, Metro Deck Construction Company limited. I brought them and he gave them the job to build the house for him.”

Asked on how the company was paid, the witness said that Ali Bello made transfers to them, and on some occasions, he paid them in cash.

When he was asked the currency in which the money was paid in cash, the witness said it was in naira.

The PW-14 also told the court that he knew the property located at Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse II, Abuja.

He explained what he knew about the property.

“My friend, Ali Bello, asked me if I could get him a property around Wuse II, where he can build shops.

“After we spoke, I went out and got some people and spoke with some colleagues of mine.

“We got a plot of land in that location, Durban street, Plot 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse II, Abuja,” he said.

He said the property was purchased from SFC Foods Limited.

When Enitan Asked him whether he could remember when he made a statement in the EFCC, the witness responded in affirmative.

He also confirmed his statement when he was asked to do so.

‘It’s my statement, it carries my signatures on all pages,” he said.

But when Enitan sought to tender the statement in evidence, Adedeji raised an objection.

Adedeji argued that the statement was inadmissible for a purpose the prosecution sought to tender the extra-judicial statement.

“Before I give my reasons as to why it is inadmissible at this stage, the same having been sought to be tendered by the prosecution, it is important for us to put it in context.

“Why do I say so, I’m referring my lord to the proceedings of yesterday.

“My lord, we submit with respect of the statement sought to be tendered this morning by the prosecution as though it constitute substantive evidence in support of the prosecution’s case is a misconception of the law and inadmissible at this stage.

“We submit that the same extra-judicial statement, my lord, is for the use of the defence under Section 223, 224, 225, 230, 232, 237 and 38 of the Evidence Act.”

According to him, my lord this category of statement is generally inadmissible except for the narrow purposes for the defence to impeach the credibility of the witness.

“My lord, this position was not made by me but by the Supreme Court in 1989,” he said.

Adedeji argued that what was sought to be tendered by the prosecution was not a confessional statement, hence, it was inadmissible against the defendant.

“So my lord, the situation is diffrent from what your lordship ruled on earlier that the prosecution could refresh the memory of the witness,” he said.

Responding, Enitan disagreed with Adedeji.

He said the submission of the defence was an extreme exercise of confidence in the absence of cogent legal authorities in the missapplication of the law and case law cited.

After taking their arguments, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until June 15 and June 18 for ruling and continuation of trial.

It would be recalled that on Wednesday, the PW-13, Baba Bappa, told the court that he did not transact any property business with the ex-governor.

Bappa told Justice Nwite while being cross examined by the lead counsel for the defence, Joseph Daudu, SAN.

The witness, who said he is an estate surveyor and facility manager, admitted that he only knew the former governor as a public figure, not in relation to the property transaction before the court.

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The operation was in close coordination with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Lagos Country Office, and law enforcement partners from Switzerland, France, and Greece.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi on Thursday in Abuja.

Babafemi said that the multi-country investigation into the drug money laundering operations culminated in the well-coordinated simultaneous arrest of a billionaire drug baron in Switzerland.

He said that his co-conspirators were also arrested in Delta state on Tuesday, April 28.

“This followed months of intelligence and investigations across multiple jurisdictions linking the suspect to the laundering of hundreds of billions of Naira in proceeds of drug and financial crimes.

“In addition to the arrest of the suspects, the NDLEA, in collaboration with its international law enforcement partners, has also traced multi-billion assets linked to suspect transnational criminal network in Nigeria and abroad.

“His operations in Nigeria included a complex scheme of front and shell companies; pass-throughs and delegates; and the use of numerous traditional and cryptocurrency accounts to conceal and launder illicit funds.

“Properties already identified and linked to drug baron as proceeds of illicit drug funds include: Jovi Hotel at 1 Isiayei Street GRA Phase1, Asaba, Delta State; Jovi Hotel and Suites at 4 Orikeze by Deeper Life Road, Agbor, Delta State; as well as Jovi Apartment at Jamieson Court Mabushi, Abuja.

“Several bank accounts and crypto currency addresses used by the cartel to conceal hundreds of billions of illicit funds have also been identified and blocked,” he said.

Speaking on the coordinated efforts of the NDLEA, the United States DEA, and other international partners, the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, said the success of the multi-country and multi-year operations has sent a clear message.

“This means, the NDLEA maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward crimes that jeopardise the safety of the Nigerian people, the integrity of our national reputation, and the stability of our economy,” he said.

Marwa expressed gratitude for the support received from the US-DEA to crack and dismantle the transnational criminal network.

He added that the U.S. Mission to Nigeria had continued to partner with the agency to combat narcotics trafficking through training in intelligence, evidence collection, case management, and tactical operations as well as the provision of critical equipment.

He assured that NDLEA would continue to expand its cooperation with the United States and other international partners.

“The NDLEA remains relentless in its pursuit of those involved in narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where they attempt to hide.

“Built upon a foundation of strategic partnership, unwavering integrity, and dedicated professionalism, the NDLEA is committed to ensuring that Nigeria is neither a haven for drug traffickers who profit from illicit substances nor a sanctuary for their criminal proceeds,” Marwa said.

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Justice James Omotosho had rescheduled the judgment for today after parties in the case were duly served with hearing notices.

However, when the matter was called, the ex-minister was not in court.

Lawyer who appeared for Mamman, Mohammed Ahmed, informed the court that though the defence received the hearing notice that the matter would be coming up for judgment, they had been unable to get in touch with him.

“My Lord, the defendant is not in court. We received a message that the matter is for judgment and it was delivered on Tuesday.

“And since then, we have been tying to reach him (Mamman) but all efforts made have not been successful.

“But yesterday, one of his associates informed us that he is indisposed,” Ahmed said.

When the judge asked if there was any medical report about Mamman’s ill-health, the lawyer responded in the negative.

Responding, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, counsel for the EFCC, told the court that the hearing notice was also received by the prosecution that the judgment would be delivered today.

He said equally, the defence lawyer confirmed that they were aware of the proceeding.

Oyedepo, who is also the Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation, however, said that there was no evidence to back Ahmed’s submission that Mamman was indisposed, and that no strong reason was given by the lawyer.

The prosecution lawyer said that under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the court has the discretionary power to proceed with the judgment.

“And we are aware that the defendant has been on bail,” he said.

He, however, suggested that the court could stand down the matter to get Mamman’s whereabouts and reconvene for the judgment later.

But Ahmed insisted that they had been unable to know the whereabouts of their client.

“All efforts to get in contact with him have proved abortive,” he said.

The lawyer, who prayed the court for an adjournment, said Mamman, since the beginning of the trial, had been diligent in attendance.

“But today, we were informed by one of his associates that he is sick.

” My Lord, the defendant has never missed court for the past two years,” he added.

Responding, Oyedepo said since there was no indication as to when Mamman might be seen, he applied that the court should proceed with the judgment.

Ahmed equally aligned with Oyedepo’s submission.

“My lord can proceed to give judgment and if it is in his favour, bye bye to the court but if convicted, my lord can proceed with sentence in another date,” Ahmed said.

Justice Omotosho then asked if the defence could be given a day adjournment to allow the defendant be in court but Ahmed prayed for a fairly long adjournment.

The judge, who said a notice was duly issued to parties about the date, said the court would not go to social media to announce hearing date.

The judge frowned at Ahmed’s response, saying lawyers should be careful in order not to paint the judiciary in bad light.

“The defendant is not here and there is no medical report to back this.

“We are all ministers in the temple of justice counsel,” the judge said.

Oyedepo then urged the court to oroceed with the judgment.

“We are saying that the court can proceed with the judgment and if convicted, we will apply for a date for sentencing and if he is discahrged, fine,” he said.

Justice Omotosho therefore resolved to proceed with the judgment.

As at the time of filing this report, the judgment is still being read.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Mamman, who recently Indicated his intention to vie for the 2027 governorship race in Taraba, obtained the nomination form on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

The EFCC, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024, had preferred a 12-count amended charge against the ex-minister as sole defendant.

The commission, in July 2024, arraigned Mamman on alleged money laundering and conspiracy with officials at the ministry and some private companies to “indirectly convert” the sum of N33.8 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.

The former minister, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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Justice Obiora Egwuatu made the order after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, moved an ex-parte motion to the effect.

Our correspondent reports that though Justice Egwuatu delivered the ruling on April 24, the enrolled order was sighted on Wednesday.

The judge said: “It is hereby ordered as follows:

“An interim order of this honourable court is made forfeiting the properties listed in the schedule attached herein being properties suspected to be proceeds of some unlawful activities pending the publication and hearing of the motion on notice for final forfeiture order of the said properties.

“An order of this honourable court is made directing the publication of the interim order under order (1) above for anyone who is interested in the property to appear before this honourable court to show cause within 14 days why the final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

Justice Egwuatu also granted the EFCC’s request that the publication of the order shall be made in any two of the following newspapers: Thisday, Guardian, Punch, Vanguard, Tribune or Independent Newspapers within 7 days from the receipt of the certified true copy of the order.

The judge then adjourned the matter until May 25 for a report of compliance.

The commission had, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026, filed the application under provisions of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

Moving the motion, Atolagbe sought an interim order, forfeiting the properties to the Federal Government pending the publication and hearing of the motion on notice for final forfeiture order of the said properties.

He said the properties were suspected to be proceeds of some unlawful activities.

The lawyer urged the court to direct the anti-graft agency to make the publication of the order in any national newspaper for anyone who is interested in the properties to show cause within 14 days why the final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government.

The affected assets are located across high-value areas in Abuja.

They include four blocks of terraces at Dakibiyu; a duplex with penthouse and office complex at No. 3, Niger Street, MStreet; one standalone duplone at Villa 1, Unit 1, Palm Springs Estate, Mpape; and block of flats with 10 unit of flats at No. 8, Sefadu Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

Others are block of flats with six units of flats at No. 1, Mubi Close, Garki, Abuja; two blocks with 12 units of flats at Plot 1181, Thaba Tseka Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja; one standalone duplex at No. 18, Nile Lake, Plot 1271, Maitama Abuja,

The ninth property is two blocks building, which is currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency, and located at No. 5, Aguta Street, Garki, Abuja.

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The child, Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of Chimamanda and Dr Ivara Esege, died in January in Lagos.

He was admitted at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Lagos, on Jan. 6, following referral from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.
He died in the early hours of Jan. 7 after medical procedures.

The Coroner, Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji,
said that proceedings in the inquest would be suspended pending directives from the chief coroner of the state.

Adetunji ordered the suspension following a directive from the Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN).

She raised concerns over steps taken to initiate a restorative justice meeting without prior notice to the court.

She noted that under the principle of separation of powers, the attorney-general did not have the power to direct court proceedings.

Adetunji said she would refer the development to the chief coroner and await his guidance before giving a new date for proceedings in the inquest.

She expressed dissatisfaction that the Office of Lagos State Attorney-General communicated with parties in the inquest without informing the court.

Earlier, counsel from the Office of Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr Adebola Araba, informed the court of a scheduled meeting involving parties in the matter.

Araba said the meeting, convened by the attorney-general, was scheduled for May 12.

He urged the court to suspend proceedings in the inquest until after the meeting.

Counsel to the bereaved family, Mr Adeyinka Aderemi (SAN), confirmed receiving a letter dated April 23 from the Office of Lagos State Attorney-General.

He said the meeting was initially scheduled for May 5 but was later rescheduled to May 12.

Aderemi said the parents of the child were present in court and expected proceedings in the inquest before attending the meeting as earlier scheduled.

He added that the change in the meeting date affected their plans and limited the court’s opportunity to hear the father’s statement on oath.

Counsel to Atlantis Hospital, Mr Abiodun Layanu (SAN), confirmed receiving letters dated April 23 and May 4 regarding the meeting.

He said his team would comply with the court’s directive.

Counsel to Euracare, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), also confirmed receiving a letter on the rescheduled meeting.

Our correspondent reports that the inquest began on Feb. 25.

Nkanu was admitted at Atlantis Hospital following an illness, and was referred to Euracare for further procedures.

He was being prepared for transfer to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the U.S. for advanced care when he died.

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Disu gave the order on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of an emergency conference with CPs in charge of state commands.

He said the audit must be thorough, transparent and properly documented, with detailed reports forwarded to the Force Headquarters.

According to him, the objective is to strengthen accountability, identify existing gaps and provide accurate assessment of the operational needs of the force.

He said the exercise was not a routine administrative task, but a critical measure to enhance the force readiness and prevent misuse.

Disu said it was also to ensure that all assets entrusted to the force were properly accounted for and optimally deployed.

The I-G said the force had recorded landmark achievements in the reform of its operational structure with the reconstitution and remodelling of the force state-level anti-crime capacity.

He added that “the Special Weapons and Tactics Units have been reorganised and elevated into new formation — the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

“This is not a rebranding exercise. The VCRU represents a fundamental shift in how we approach serious crime in Nigeria.

“Every officer assigned to the VCRU has undergone intensive, specialised training in tactical operations, human rights compliance, intelligence analysis and rules of engagement.

“These are professional officers trained to modern standards.”

Disu said civilian oversight had been built into the operational framework of the VCRU from the very beginning, adding that the unit would operate strictly on the basis of credible intelligence.

The I-G added that personnel of the unit would not be deployed on speculation or arbitrary command, but by intelligence.

He said the operations of the officers would be subject to structured review.

He explained that CPs would be responsible for the discipline, conduct and results of VCRU in the various commands, adding that “the unit carries the authority of the CPs.

“I am directing all CPs to formally launch their state VCRU with full visibility, with community stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders and the press in attendance.

“Nigerians should know that this unit exists, what it stands for and how to hold it accountable.”

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Sowore is standing trial for allegedly making a false claim against President Bola Tinubu.

The DSS’ counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, told Justice Mohammed Umar that the prosecution, through its witnesses, had been able to establish a prima facie case against the defendant.

Kehinde said, in advancing their argument, the DSS filed its response to Sowore’s application on April 23.

He urged the court to refuse Sowore’s request and order him to enter his defence.

Earlier, Abubakar, while adopting the processes, told the court that the prosecution failed to link his client with the alleged offences.

He applied that the court should dismiss the charge against Sowore, discharge and acquit him from the two-count cyberbullying charge on the ground that a prima facie case was not made against him.

He argued that upon the review of the evidence led by the prosecution so far, the complainant failed to link him with the charges filed against him for allegedly calling the president a “criminal.’

According to Abubakar, the prosecution failed to call vital witnesses.

He said this was fatal to the case of the prosecution.

After the adoption of the processes filed in the matter, the judge adjourned the case until May 8 for ruling on the no-case submission.

Our correspondent reports that Sowore is being prosecuted by DSS for allegedly making false claim against the person of Present Tinubu by referring to him as “a criminal” in a post he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts.

DSS had filed a two-count amended charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, against Sowore, also a politician.

He, however, pleaded not guilty after his re-arraignment.

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The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja, said the force had also, put a coordinated investigative measures in place.

Placid said the fleeing suspects include the driver who delivered the parcel from Yenagoa and the two members of the vigilante group involved in the case.
He said that the late Mene Ogidi, 28, was shot on April 26 in Effurun area of Delta.

The police spokesman said Ogidi had received a parcel from a friend in Yenagoa, Bayelsa delivered to him by a driver.

He said the deceased had proceeded to a motor park to waybill the parcel to Sapele, with the name, address, and phone number of the intended receiver written on it after collection.

He added that when the parcel was searched, it was found to contain a fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm live ammunition.

According to him, citizens who witnessed, this effected a citizen’s arrest of the deceased and subsequently contacted the police.

“ASP Nuhu Usman, an Assistant Superintendents of Police and members of his team responded and arrived at the scene and the suspect was formally handed over to the team.

“At that point, rather than follow established police rules of engagement and standard operational procedures, Usman shot and killed the unarmed, already-apprehended suspect.”

He said that investigation by the Nigeria Police Force had established that the actions of Usman and members of his team constituted professional misconduct and abuse of office.

Placid said the team had exhibited conduct, likely to cause a breach of public peace by unlawfully killing Ogidi.

“Following the conclusion of investigations, Usman and three other members of his team have been arrested and are currently in custody,” he said.

He said that internal disciplinary procedures had been concluded against all officers found culpable.

“The force wishes to state clearly and without ambiguity that all indicted officers have been recommended for dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has reviewed and ratified this recommendation.

“Their dismissal is therefore confirmed and takes immediate effect,” he added.

He revealed that the case file had been formally forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for vetting and prosecution.

Placid said the force would cooperate fully with the AGF’s office to ensure that the matter was prosecuted to its logical conclusion before a court of competent jurisdiction.

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