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JUST IN: Court strikes out suit against Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road

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The Federal High Court in Lagos has declined jurisdiction in a suit challenging the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, striking out the case brought by residents and property owners in the Okun-Ajah community of Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State.

Justice Akintayo Aluko, in a consolidated ruling on multiple preliminary objections raised by the defendants, held that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

Consequently, the case, marked FHC/L/CS/1488/2024, was struck out.

However, the Judge directed that the suit be transferred to the Lagos State High Court, which he deemed the appropriate forum to adjudicate on the issues raised.

The Plaintiffs, Chief Saheed Olukosi (Akogun of Okun-Ajah Community), Noibi Issa Afolayan, Yussuf Odunuga Sulaiman, Olufemi Fasehun, and Adeola Tokunbo filed the suit on behalf of Okun-Ajah residents and affected property owners, seeking to halt the coastal road project over alleged encroachment on their lands.

They asked the court to nullify any construction or planning activity on their properties, alleging unlawful encroachment and trespass.

Among the reliefs sought were orders to invalidate the road designs affecting their land, to restrain the authorities and contractor from continuing construction on the disputed area, and to award damages for the alleged trespass.

The defendants named in the suit include the Honourable Minister of Works, Dr. Dave Umahi; Engineer Olukorede Keisha; the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing; Lagos State Attorney-General; the Lagos Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development; Surveyor-General of Lagos State; General Manager of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority; General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency; and Hitech Construction Limited.

In response, the 1st to 3rd and 9th Defendants filed separate preliminary objections challenging the jurisdiction of the court.

Represented by Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Prof. J.O. Olatoke, SAN; Y.A.H. Ruba, SAN; Roy U. Nwaeze, SAN; and Ibukun Fasoro, they argued that the matter fell outside the purview of the Federal High Court.

The preliminary objections were supported by affidavits, to which the plaintiffs responded with a counter-affidavit.

In his ruling, Justice Aluko upheld the objections, stating that the legal questions raised and the reliefs sought were more appropriately handled by the Lagos State High Court. He ruled in favour of the Defendants, bringing proceedings at the Federal High Court to a close.

“Counsel to the Plaintiffs made an alternative submission in his written address, urging the court not to strike out this suit if the court finds that it lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate over the case.

“Counsel urged the court to transfer this suit to the State High Court, instead of striking out same.

“I agree with Counsel on this request, as this court possesses the needed power and jurisdiction to accede to such prayer.

“This court is fortified under Section 22(2) of the Federal High Court Act, which provides thus: ‘No cause or matter shall be struck out by the court merely on the ground that such cause or matter was taken in the court instead of the High Court of a State or of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in which it ought to have been brought, and the Judge of the court before whom such cause or matter is brought may cause such cause or matter to be transferred to the appropriate High Court of a State or at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in accordance with Rules of Court to be made under Section 44 of this Act.

“The Objections of the 1st-3rd and 9th Defendant/Objectors are therefore, sustained. This court has no jurisdiction to adjudicate over the subject-matter in this case.

“Pursuant to Section 22(2) of the Federal High Court Act, this suit is accordingly transferred to the Lagos State High Court as the appropriate court for adjudication”, Justice Aluko held.

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JUST IN: Wike, Govs Makinde, Bala Clash at PDP Secretariat (Images / Video)

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….. As PDP Leaders Accuse Police of Not Showing Neutrality in Crisis

There was a showdown at the PDP National Secretariat on Tuesday as governors of Bauchi and Oyo states have clashed with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike with both parties attempting to take over the National secretariat of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the Wuse Zone 5 District of Abuja.

It was discovered that security operatives loyal to the FCT Minister and Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed embarked in a free for all or who would take possession of the PDP National Secretariat with a rainfall of teargas pumped around the vicinity by both parties.

While Governor Seyo stormed the venue with the newly elected National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, Nyesom Wike stayed put with Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary of the party who insists his tenure is still in place till December 8, 2025.

Party leaders are now expressing worry over the development accusing the Police of not being neutral in the leadership crisis facing the Peoples Democratic Party.

Watch video below:

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Lagos N200b bond oversubscribed by 55% at N310Billion

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In a resounding vote of confidence from the investment community, Lagos State has concluded its bookbuild for a groundbreaking bond issuance, exceeding all expectations and demonstrating strong investor appetite.

The State’s offering, comprised of a ₦200 Billion Conventional Bond and a ₦14.8 Billion Green Bond, has been met with extraordinary enthusiasm, paving the way for crucial infrastructure projects across the bustling metropolis.

The conventional bond, originally slated for ₦200 billion, received an astounding 55% oversubscription, attracting a remarkable ₦310 billion in investment commitments.

This signifies the robust trust investors have in Lagos State’s economic prospects and its commitment to sustainable growth.

Adding to the success, the ₦14.8 billion Green Bond, designed to finance environmentally friendly projects, was met with an even greater level of enthusiasm.

It attracted a phenomenal ₦29.29 billion in subscriptions, representing a staggering 97.7% oversubscription.

This underscores the growing global interest in sustainable investments and Lagos State’s commitment to a greener future.

This historic achievement highlights Lagos State’s financial strength and its ability to attract significant investment to drive its ambitious development agenda.

The proceeds from these bonds will be instrumental in funding vital infrastructure projects, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and fostering economic prosperity across the state.

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JUST IN: FG Vows Swift Rescue of Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls, Reaffirms Duty to Protect Citizens

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The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the abduction of female students from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, assuring families of its unwavering commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.

In a statement on Monday, the government conveyed solidarity with the affected families, noting that it “shares in their pain” and is working urgently to bring the girls home.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed that the protection of every Nigerian—especially schoolchildren—remains a paramount responsibility of the State. He condemned the attack, describing it as a “reprehensible assault on innocent students,” and mourned the school officials who were killed while performing their duties.

According to the statement, security and intelligence agencies have been issued strict directives to locate and rescue the abducted students and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The government pledged that it will not relent until the mission is accomplished.

The Federal Government also assured citizens that strengthening internal security remains a top priority, noting that efforts are underway to recalibrate the country’s military, policing, and intelligence architecture to better prevent and respond to threats.

Additionally, Nigeria is intensifying regional cooperation with ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to secure borders and disrupt terrorist and criminal networks.

The government urged the public to remain calm and confident as efforts to rescue the abducted students continue.

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