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Thirty-Nine Judges Sworn-In by CJN for 2023 election petitions
At least thirty-nine judges have been sworn-in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria on Thursday to man the election petition tribunals currently sitting across the federation.
During the ceremony which took place at the Supreme Court, the CJN said the judges were found worthy to be appointed as additional members of tribunals that have been saddled with an “avalanche of petitions” trailing the 2023 general election.
Administering the oath on the newly appointed election petition tribunal judges, the CJN, instructed them to live above board and to submit to the sanctity of the rule of law in the discharge of their judicial functions, noting that the country needs peace “at this crucial phase”, he admonished them not to allow sentiment and public opinion to betray their sense of judgment.
His statement reads: “You have just taken an oath that has not only imposed a course of upright moral undertaking on you but equally looped you with destiny.”
“This is an enormous national assignment that will literally put the contents of your conscience to the test.”
“No amount of homily can convey the enormity of this task. But suffice it to say that you are already initiating an interaction with history. Whatever action or inaction you exhibit today will serve as your testament In the annals of the Nigerian judiciary.
“As judicial Officers, you may have, one way or the other, trodden this somewhat dreaded terrain, but you must, against all odds, rise above the murky waters of failure and infamy.
“The onus is on you to keep aloft the banner of honesty and integrity that the judiciary has painstakingly hoisted over the years. Your appointment to serve in these tribunals is well conceived, thus, you should do everything within your ability to justify this confidence.
“There is no doubt that you will be exposed to different forms of temptations and even blackmails but you should know that all are aimed at testing your strength of character, honesty and integrity.
“My candid advice is that, in whatever circumstance, you should always be mindful of this oath you have just taken because it now stands as an uncompromising witness between you and your creator.
“It behoves you to willingly submit yourselves to the sanctity of the rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution in the discharge of your judicial functions. It is the general belief that elections held when the rule of law is too fragile, seldom lead to lasting democratic governance.
“You are enjoined to always strike a balance between justice and the rule of law as you embark on this critical national assignment.”
“As you all know, the rule of law delayed is lasting peace denied because justice is a handmaiden of true peace.”
“We need this in Nigeria more than ever before. The trumpet must first sound from the temple of justice; hence we put you forward as champions of this noble cause.”
“By the virtue of this oath, you are now armed with the power to adjudicate on electoral disputes and take decisions in accordance with your convictions, which must be deeply rooted in law and not sentiments or public opinion.”
“I pray the Almighty God will grant you the courage and wisdom to carry out this responsibility without faltering or failing.”
It would be recalled that the CJN had earlier sworn in 307 judicial officers to preside over petitions from the 2023 general election.
The addition of the 39 judges has increased the number of the various tribunal members currently hearing petitions that arose from the conduct of the 2023 general elections to 346.
News
Miscreants Attack Lekki Palm Estate
Residents have called on relevant authorities to swiftly address the matter and ensure the continued safety of lives and property within the estate.
Tension gripped Lekki Palm Estate on Thursday morning following an attack by a group of suspected miscreants who claimed they were acting on the directives of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and Oba Olumegbo.
Eyewitnesses said that the individuals stormed the estate and invoked the monarchs name while carrying out their actions, a development that immediately caused panic and concern among residents.
As at the time of filing this report, the claim that the group was sent by the Oba’s could not be independently verified.
Efforts to obtain clarification from official palace sources were still ongoing.
The situation attracted the prompt response of security operatives, with officers of the Lagos State Police Command arrested some of the suspects.
Police authorities have since launched investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and the authenticity of the claims made by those involved.
Residents have called on relevant authorities to swiftly address the matter and ensure the continued safety of lives and property within the estate.
News
Rivers Chief Judge : “Why I Can’t set up Fubara ‘s probe panel”
The Rivers State House of Assembly had requested that Amadi set up a seven-member panel to probe Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, has declined to set up a judicial panel to investigate Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing a court order.
The Rivers State House of Assembly had requested that Amadi set up a seven-member panel to probe Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
However, in a letter dated January 20, and addressed to the Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, the chief judge cited two court orders barring him from receiving, forwarding, or considering any requests to form such a panel.
The judge stated that the orders were served on his office on January 16, 2026 and remain in force.
The chief judge emphasised that constitutionalism and the rule of law require all authorities to obey subsisting court orders, irrespective of their perception of the orders’ validity.
He referenced legal precedents, noting that in a similar case in 2007, the Chief Judge of Kwara State was condemned for ignoring a restraining court order when setting up an investigative panel, a decision later voided by the Court of Appeal
News
Kudirat Abiola’s Murder: Supreme Court Dismisses Lagos State Appeal for Retrial of Al-Mustapha
Justice Aba-Aji, delivering the ruling, emphasized that nine years was more than sufficient for Lagos to act.
• Kudirat Abiola in 1994.
The Supreme Court has dismissed the long-standing attempt by the Lagos State Government to reopen the trial of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd), former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, over the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.
Kudirat Abiola, wife of Chief MKO Abiola—the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election—was assassinated in Lagos on June 4, 1996, during the nationwide unrest that followed the annulment.
On Thursday, 22 January 2026, a five-member panel of Justices led by Justice Uwani Aba-Aji ruled that Lagos had abandoned its appeal.
The Court noted that since 2014, when permission was granted to reopen the case, the state had failed to file any process or provide legal representation despite repeated hearing notices.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Paul Daudu, representing Al-Mustapha, informed the Court that Lagos had ignored the 30-day ultimatum issued in 2014 to file its notice of appeal.
He urged the Court to dismiss the matter entirely, a position the Justices unanimously upheld.
Justice Aba-Aji, delivering the ruling, emphasized that nine years was more than sufficient for Lagos to act.
The Court expressed dismay that no steps were taken, describing the state’s conduct as a clear abandonment of the case.
Accordingly, the matter marked SC/CR/45/2014 was dismissed, along with another related appeal, SC/CR/6/2014, filed by the Lagos State Government.
In 2014, the Supreme Court had granted Lagos permission to challenge the Court of Appeal’s July 12, 2013 judgment, which discharged and acquitted Al-Mustapha.
The then Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, extended the time for Lagos to file its appeal, but the state failed to comply.
The Lagos Government had sought to overturn the appellate court’s decision and reinstate the January 30, 2012 death sentence handed down by Justice Moji Dada of the Lagos High Court, which convicted Al-Mustapha, Mohammed Abacha, and Lateef Shofolahan of conspiracy and murder.
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