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Enugu High Court Judge, Oluedo, faces NJC probe over alleged judicial misconduct
A Judge of the Enugu State High Court, Justice E. N Oluedo has been dragged to the National Judicial Council, NJC, for probe over alleged judicial misconduct said to have been committed in the course of his judicial duties.
NJC which has commenced action in a petition against the Judge is to determine whether he actually violated the Code of Conduct for public officers, contained in the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as alleged by the petitioner.
The petitioner, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, filed the complaint against Justice Oluedo accusing him of misconducting himself while conducting a proceeding in a suit with No. E/298C/2019, between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and himself.
Okonkwo who claimed to be validly appointed Liquidator of Ifemelunma and Company Nigeria Enterprises Limited, complained that Justice Oluedo assumed jurisdiction in a charge against him despite becoming aware of Appeal No. CA/E/4C/2025 at the Court of Appeal, between him and the Federal Government in respect of the same subject matter and parties.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on February 26, 2025
arraigned Okonkwo before Justice Oluedo on a one-count charge, bordering on alleged fraud.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was allowed to enjoy the bail conditions earlier granted him by another judge.
He, however, later issued a press statement, lambasting EFCC and challenging the competence of the charge against him especially the connection between Section 6(b) of the EFCC Act, 2004 and the one-count charge filed against him by the commission, to wit:
“That you, Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo on or about the 23rd day of November 2015 in Enugu within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently converted to your own use the sum of N41 million, being money received by you from one Onyishi Maduka Samuel for the family of Late Joel Ifemelunma Okoye.”
Citing Section 211 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution and five Supreme Court decisions, he challenged the competence of the EFCC and the Jurisdiction of the High Court of Enugu State to try the case.
Prior to his arraignment on February 26, 2025, Okonkwo claimed that he had informed the court of a pending appeal against the decision of the court and a motion for stay of proceedings on the matter entered at the Court of Appeal as CA/E/4C/2025, which had been duly served on EFCC and the court registrar, but the court declined and ruled that he must take his plea.
Angered by his arraignment by the Judge, Okonkwo in his petition to the NJC requested that the Judge be investigated on ground of misconduct by assuming jurisdiction despite pending appeal at the Court of Appeal on the same subject matter.
His petition dated April 10, 2025 and filed through the Office of the Secretary of the NJC, was titled, “Petition against His Lordship Hon. Justice E.N. Oluedo-Judicial Officer under The High Court of Enugu State of Nigeria, for an Act, which borders on Judicial Impertinence, an affront to the authority of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. E/298C/2019, now pending and duly entered as Appeal No.CA/E/4C/2025.”
In a reply to the petitioner dated April 17, 2025, with Reference No. NJC/S.14/HC.EN/25/III/112, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman of NJC, Hon. Justice Kudirat M.O. Kekere-Ekun acknowledged the receipt of the petition and informed him that action was being taken.
Meanwhile, a copy of the petition sighted by our reporter highlighted the facts upon which the allegation of misconduct against Hon. Justice Oluedo by the petitioner was made.
Among others, Okonkwo fumed that the Judge conducted his arraignment on the EFCC fraud charge despite becoming aware of appeal at the Court of Appeal, between him and the Federal Government.
Okonkwo claimed he made the pending appeal known to Justice Oluedo when the matter was called up in her court on February 26, 2025 and prayed the high court in line with the hierarchy of courts, to stay the matter pending the outcome of proceedings at the Court of Appeal, Enugu.
The aggrieved petitioner claimed that the Judge after considering the submissions for and against the request to stay proceedings in the EFCC charge overruled him and ordered him to take his plea which he did.
Okonkwo therefore maintained in his petition to the NJC that the Enugu State High Court has no jurisdiction to continue with the proceeding in the charge brought against him by the EFCC, having become aware of appeal No. CA/E/4C/2025 and a motion for stay of prosecution at the Court below.
“It is a highly esteemed principle of Law that as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, that in the administration of criminal justice, parties to a legal duel must each be accorded every opportunity of canvassing its case to the best of its ability, within the rules regulating the procedure to achieve the end of justice.
“In the present case, the trial court failed in its duty when despite its being notified of the pendency of a stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal, it refused the application for adjournment and proceeded to arraign the complainant, painting a picture of the judge descending into the arena of litigation.”
He described the ruling by Justice Oluedo dated 26/2/2025, marked as Exhibit CP4 as a flagrant disobedience of the Supreme Court decision in the case of Western Steel Works Limited versus Iron and Steel Workers Union (1986).
At the time of this report, it could not be ascertained whether Justice Oluedo had filed defense to the petition as he could not be reached but the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) as NJC Chairman confirmed receipt of the petition and commencement of action on it.
News
Man whose marriage ended after 2 days speaks after his ex-wife claimed he caused it by asking for thr££some.
Bobby denied the allegations made by Uchechi Sandra Nnenne that her family sponsored their wedding which took place on Jan. 4, 2025.
According to Bobby, whom Sandra called Mr B in her story, he spent over N25million on their wedding.
He also denied Sandra’s claims that he kept borrowing money from her.
He sent LIB receipts of some credit alerts he made to Sandra’s account and others made to the accounts of vendors they employed for their wedding.
He also denied requesting thr££some from her. He said he called off the wedding on Jan. 15. He alleged he did this after finding out she was pregnant for another man. He accused her of getting pregnant for her boss. He did not provide evidence to back this allegation.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DSShW11DMnq/?img_index=8&igsh=bDRkNzBsZXV4YXJq
Sandra also didn’t provide evidence to back her allegations. (Check her claims in previous post).
News
58-year-old man be@ts wife to de@th in Imo
Operatives of the Ahiazu Mbaise Divisional Headquarters have arrested one Vitalis Nwoko (58), of Umuagba, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, for the alleged murder of his wife, Uloma.
The arrest followed a report lodged at the Division by the deceased’s sister, who alleged that the suspect violently ass@ulted his wife during a domestic dispute. Acting promptly on the report, operatives of the Division arrested the suspect.
Confirming the arrest, the command’s spokesperson, SP Henry Okoye, said during preliminary investigation, the suspect stated that a misunderstanding between him and his wife on December 11th, 2025 escalated into a physical altercation, during which the victim collapsed. She was rushed to Cecilia Hospital, Ogbe, where she was confirmed de@d by a medical doctor.
Okoye said the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, for thorough investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, while reacting to the incident, urged residents to promptly report cases of domestic v!olence, assuring the public of the Command’s resolve to deal decisively with perpetrators.
News
Afenifere, Ohanaeze, Arewa youths take stand on state police
The call for the establishment of state police received a major boost at the weekend with the backing of major socio-cultural organizations in Nigeria- Afenifere, Ohanaeze and Arewa youths.
Ekwutosblog reports that for decades, there has been an intense debate on the necessity of establishing state police in Nigeria and the fear of politicization by state governors.
On February 15, 2024, President Bola Tinubu met with state governors in Abuja, where the possibility of setting up the state police was extensively discussed.
While the discussion brought a sigh of relief to some Nigerians, some stakeholders raised concerns that the country is not fit to have state police yet, expressing fear of abuse by state governors.
While some argued that the centralized Nigeria Police remains overstretched and ill-equipped to effectively police 230 million people across complex terrains, others said the governors may misuse the local police forces especially for political intimidation.
Ekwutosblog reports that the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill currently on the floor of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is among the 44 harmonized bills now ready for consideration and voting by the two chambers.
Reports indicated that the red and green chambers may vote on the bills this week before it is further sent to state Houses of Assembly.
In separate interviews with Ekwutosblog, Afenifere, Ohanaeze and Arewa youths backed the creation of state police, expressing optimism that local police may help in quelling the decade-long security challenges.
DAILY POST reports that the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill currently on the floor of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is among the 44 harmonised bills now ready for consideration and voting by the two chambers.
Reports indicated that the red and green chambers may vote on the bills this week before it is further sent to state Houses of Assembly.
In separate interviews with Ekwutosblog , Afenifere, Ohanaeze and Arewa youths backed the creation of state police, expressing optimism that local police may help in quelling the decade-long security challenges.
He argued that if governors don’t have the “apparatus of security at their command”, they would be unable to effectively discharge their duties as chief security officers of their respective states.
Ajayi advised that clauses should be inserted in the state police law that would restrain the governors from outright abuse or politicization of the local police.
Afenifere also called on the Federal Government to identify financiers of terrorism and prosecute them.
According to Ajayi, the menace of terrorism has reached an unacceptable level such that “no-one can predict where next the monster is going to rear its ugly head.
“The situation could not have been this bad were those perpetrating it not having the backing of people in high places.
“Concentrating only on kidnappers arrested in the bush would not bring an end to the scourge.
“Without the financing, endorsement, sponsorship and protection of people of means and people in high places, bandits would not be able to sustain their dastardly act for this long.”
He gave kudos to the National Assembly for the call on the Executive Arm of the government not only to name financiers of banditry but to also prosecute them.
“The step being taken by the lawmakers to also strengthen the law on terrorism is very welcomed.
“In view of the devastating nature banditry and terrorism have reached in Nigeria today, prescribing capital punishment for the perpetrators without the option of fine is in order.
“Innocent lives of thousands have been lost, some families have been wiped out just as properties running into billions, if not trillions, have been destroyed.
“So, those perpetrating such evil acts deserve no mercy when proven guilty as they themselves show no mercy on their victims,” he stated.
Northern govs may use state police to unseat President Tinubu in 2027 – Ohanaeze
On his part, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, factional Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide said though the establishment of state police is the only way to go due to the surge in killings and other activities of the bloodthirsty assailants, some Northern governors may use the local police against President Tinubu in 2027.
Isiguzoro noted that without substantive police reforms instituted by the National Assembly, which would establish frameworks to preclude the abuse of power by the 36 state governors, the creation of state police “might become a vehicle for electoral manipulation.”
According to him, “The ongoing attempts by Nigerian governors to circumvent the Supreme Court verdict regarding the autonomy of the 774 local government areas, in collusion with various State Houses of Assembly, epitomizes a disconcerting pattern of governance characterized by corruption and a flagrant disregard for constitutional rights.
“It is imperative to recognize that should appropriate police reforms not be enacted and implemented forthwith, there exists a tangible risk that certain state governors will exploit state police mechanisms to perpetrate electoral malfeasance, potentially allowing them to unseat President Tinubu in 2027—particularly given the Northern Governors’ proclivity towards such stratagems.”
Isiguzoro lamented that insecurity in Nigeria has “rapidly deteriorated, inflicting irrevocable damage to Nigeria’s international reputation”.
He reiterated the urgent necessity for comprehensive police reforms, accompanied by unwavering vigilance from the National Assembly, to ensure that the establishment of state police serves the interests of law and order, rather than becoming an instrument of political subversion.
Arewa youths back state police, call for oversight framework to stop abuse by govs
In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, Alhaji Shettima Yerima said the insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and communal clashes in the middle-belt regions required tailored responses that a centralized police force often “struggles to provide”.
According to Shettima, establishing state police would allow for localized security measures, which according to him, would enable law enforcement to respond more effectively to the unique security needs of each region.
“State police officers, being residents of the communities they serve, would possess intimate knowledge of local dynamics, enabling them to address issues with greater sensitivity and effectiveness.
“Moreover, a localized approach to policing could significantly enhance trust and cooperation between law enforcement and citizens.
“When community members see familiar faces in their police force, individuals who understand their concerns and cultural nuances—they are more likely to engage positively with law enforcement.
“This trust is crucial in fostering a collaborative environment where citizens feel empowered to report crimes and cooperate with police investigations, ultimately leading to a more secure society”.
He further stated that the establishment of state police in Nigeria aligns with global trends in decentralizing law enforcement, citing some countries like the United States, Canada, and Germany, where regional policing structures were established to cater for local security needs.
Shettima said: “These models demonstrate that localized policing can lead to more effective crime prevention and community engagement. Nigeria, with its diverse regions and unique security challenges, stands to benefit significantly from a policing system that is tailored to its specific contexts.
“By adopting a decentralized approach, Nigeria can create a policing framework that not only addresses the immediate security concerns but also promotes regional autonomy and empowerment.
“This shift would reflect a commitment to democratic governance, where local governments play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and security of their constituents.
“Despite the potential benefits, concerns regarding the potential abuse of power by state governors loom large, particularly given the historical context of political manipulation of state resources to suppress dissent.
“Critics argue that the politicization of law enforcement under state governors’ control could lead to the misuse of state police for personal or political gain, undermining the very essence of justice and accountability.”
However, on the fear of politicization of the local police by state governors, Shettima advised that the “establishment of state police is accompanied by a robust accountability and oversight framework.
“Regulations must govern recruitment, training, and operational protocols to ensure that state police operate with integrity and professionalism.
“An independent oversight body should be established to monitor the activities of state police, providing a check against potential abuses of power and ensuring that law enforcement remains accountable to the communities it serves.
“The federal government plays a crucial role in ensuring that state police operate within a defined legal framework. Clear guidelines outlining the powers and limitations of state police are essential to prevent overreach and ensure adherence to democratic principles.
“Protocols regarding the use of force, community engagement, and the protection of citizens’ rights must be explicitly articulated to safeguard against potential abuses”.
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