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Kano judiciary sanctions judges, court staff for misconduct

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The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has taken disciplinary action against several judicial officers and court staff found guilty of misconduct and other unethical practices.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the judiciary’s spokesperson, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, the Commission said the decisions were reached during its 86th meeting held on October 30, 2025. The actions followed recommendations by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee (JPCC), which investigated various petitions against the affected officials.

According to the statement, Isa Yuguda Wudilawa, a Principal Registrar at the Magistrate Court, Zungeru Complex, was found guilty of collecting official funds into his personal account,  a clear breach of financial rules and public service ethics. He was demoted from Grade Level 12 to 10 in line with civil service regulations.

Similarly, Alkali Ibrahim Isah Usman, Presiding Judge of Bebeji Shari’a Court, was punished for executing a judgment before the 30-day appeal period had elapsed. He received a strong warning and had his promotion deferred for one year.

Alkali Shamsu Maul’ainaini of the Upper Shari’a Court, Durbunde, was found guilty of financial misconduct and other infractions, including removing court records and violating jurisdictional circulars. He was demoted to the registrar cadre, suspended from judicial duties, and issued a strong warning.

The Commission also dismissed Ibrahim Salim, Clerk of the Upper Shari’a Court, Rijiyar Lemo, after finding him guilty of forgery, falsifying court documents, and soliciting bribes from litigants.

However, Alkali Ali Jibrin Danzaki, Presiding Judge of the same court, was commended for his integrity and courage in reporting the misconduct of his clerk. The Commission described his actions as exemplary and presented him with a letter of commendation.

In another case, Alkali Munzali Tanko (Rtd.), formerly of Upper Shari’a Court Post Office, was found to have conducted judicial proceedings nine days after his retirement. The Commission condemned his actions as “shameful” and “damaging to the judiciary’s image,” directing that his misconduct be made public as a deterrent to others.

The statement also revealed that Magistrate Halima A. B. Wali was issued a strong warning for failing to follow due process in a criminal case, while His lordship Abdul’aziz M. Habib was sanctioned for disregarding official circulars. He will forfeit half of his salary for three months and received a stern warning.

The Judicial Service Commission reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining discipline, transparency, and ethical standards within the judiciary, warning that any form of misconduct would attract appropriate sanctions.

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Boris Johnson Says He Feels “Perfectly Safe” in Nigeria, Praises Imo State’s Progress

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Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s security, saying he feels perfectly safe during his visit to the country. His remarks come amid ongoing reports of insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, making his statement a notable endorsement of the nation’s stability in certain regions.

Johnson made the declaration on Thursday, December 4, 2025, while addressing participants at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, the state capital. He acknowledged having read travel advisories and news reports highlighting security concerns prior to his trip but said his experience has been reassuring.

He said he feels perfectly safe in the country and emphasized that the summit environment and local hospitality contributed to his sense of security. He also asked the audience if they felt safe, receiving an enthusiastic affirmation.

During his visit, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their development initiatives, particularly efforts to provide 24-hour electricity. He highlighted the potential of Nigeria as a hub for innovation and economic growth, noting the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

While his statements have been welcomed by some as a boost to international confidence in Nigeria, analysts caution that the former prime minister’s experience reflects only a controlled and secure environment within Imo State. Several parts of the country continue to face challenges, including banditry, communal conflicts, and kidnappings.

Nonetheless, Johnson’s visit and remarks are significant, sending a positive message to investors and global observers about Nigeria’s potential for stability and progress. They also underscore the contrast between localized experiences of safety and broader security challenges across the country.

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Dangote to Uzodimma: Just show me where to invest

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Dangote

By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI

The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his group will be one of the biggest investors in the state.

Dangote gave the assurance at the opening session of the Imo Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri on Thursday.

The renowned Africa’s industrialist urged Uzodimma to indicate his preferred area of investment and forget the rest.

Dangote described the Imo governor as a personal friend of decades and commended him for providing enabling environment for investment.

“We will be one of your biggest investors in Imo. So, please tell me the area to invest and we will invest”, Dangote declared.

He called on entrepreneurs to always invest at home, adding that foreigners cannot drive the economy of any nation more than the nationals.

“What attracts foreign investors is a domestic investor. Africa has about 30 percent of the world’s minerals. We are blessed,” he submitted.

Dangote reiterated that his refinery was set to launch 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, the highest for any single refinery in the world.

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Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s brother court appearance

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to accept Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was recently convicted and handed a life sentence, had filed a new motion asking to be transferred to Sokoto prison.

The application was brought before the court by Emmanuel Kanu.

He informed the court that since it was impossible for Nnamdi Kanu to appear personally to move the motion, the judge should go ahead and hear the matter in his absence.

Kanu argued that it would serve the interest of justice for him to be moved to a correctional facility closer to Abuja so he can properly pursue his appeal.

However, when the case was called, Justice Omotosho refused to recognise the appearance of Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel, who had attempted to stand in for the IPOB leader.

The judge informed Emmanuel that he was not permitted to move the application since he is not a qualified lawyer.

“This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” the trial judge insisted.

He advised the applicant to hire a qualified lawyer or seek assistance from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria for proper legal representation, as provided by law.

“When I said representation, it is not his (Kanu’s) father, brother, sister or relations I meant. I mean his counsel.

“I am not going to the merit of this application now in the interest of justice.

“But you cannot represent a human being when you are not a lawyer; you can only represent a corporate body.

“Therefore, you cannot move the application because you are not a solicitor or advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“For you to be qualified as a lawyer, it will take you another six years or thereabout. So get a counsel to move the application,” the judge added.

Understanding the court’s position, Emmanuel then asked for a new hearing date.

Justice James Omotosho subsequently adjourned the motion to December 8.

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