12 things to know about new INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan - Newstrends
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12 things to know about new INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan

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Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)

12 things to know about new INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

His appointment, confirmed by the National Council of State on Thursday, marks a historic first — he becomes the first person from Kogi State to head Nigeria’s electoral umpire, following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

Professor Amupitan’s journey is a blend of scholarship, public service, and legal distinction that spans more than three decades. Born in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, the erudite scholar has long been a familiar name in Nigeria’s legal and academic circles.

Currently serving as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, Amupitan began his career there in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer. Over the years, he climbed the academic ladder — becoming a Reader in 2003 and a Professor of Law in 2008. His academic path has been remarkably consistent: he earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Jos, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to the institution.

After completing his training at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, he was called to the Bar in 1988, setting the stage for a career marked by excellence in both theory and practice. His expertise covers several key areas of law — including Law of Evidence, Corporate Law, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law — all fields in which he has made significant scholarly contributions.

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In 2014, Amupitan was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a recognition of his outstanding contributions to legal education and practice. Beyond his achievements in the classroom, he has been instrumental in shaping institutional leadership at the University of Jos, where he has served as Dean of the Faculty of Law, Head of the Department of Public Law, and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors.

His influence extends well beyond campus walls. He has represented the University on the Council of Legal Education and the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. Until his latest nomination, he was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State, adding another layer to his portfolio of national service.

An accomplished researcher, Professor Amupitan has authored and co-authored more than 50 publications in local and international journals. His works have explored themes such as corporate governance, electoral law reform, and petroleum industry regulation. He has also supervised numerous doctoral and master’s theses, mentoring a new generation of legal scholars.

A member of several professional bodies — including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and the National Association of Law Teachers — he embodies the intersection of academia, administration, and policy.

Outside the lecture hall and courtroom, Amupitan has lent his expertise to corporate governance, serving on the boards of organizations such as Integrated Dairies Limited, Riss Oil Limited, and the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council.

Away from work, he is a family man. Professor Amupitan is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Amupitan, and together they have four children.

As he steps into his new role as INEC Chairman, observers will be watching how his legal acumen, academic discipline, and administrative experience shape the future of Nigeria’s electoral system.

12 things to know about new INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan

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Four-Storey Building Collapses in Enugu, Workers Trapped Inside

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An early-morning building collapse in Enugu has left one person dead and four others injured after a four-storey structure under construction suddenly gave way in the Independence Layout area of the state.

 

The incident occurred around 6 a.m. on Sunday on Ogbalu Street, where workers were reportedly sleeping inside the construction site when the building collapsed.

Four workers were pulled from the debris alive and taken to the Enugu State Teaching Hospital for medical treatment.

Enugu collapsed building

Authorities said six people had been sleeping at the site before the incident, but one of them had reportedly stepped out shortly before the structure came down. The body of another victim was recovered from the rubble.

 

The rescue operation has drawn the involvement of several emergency and security agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency, Nigerian Red Cross Society, State Emergency Management Agency, Enugu State Capital Territory Development Authority and the Police.

Officials are still working at the scene to determine whether anyone else may be trapped beneath the debris.

The cause of the collapse remains unknown as of the time of reporting.

The incident has also renewed questions about compliance with construction standards, site safety and the effectiveness of regulatory monitoring in Enugu.

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Adeleke Orders Arrests After Associate Ajagungbade Is Reportedly Killed in Ife

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Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed security agencies to arrest anyone found to have been involved in the reported killing of his associate, Olamilekan Ajagungbade, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade.

Ajagungbade was reportedly shot dead in Ile-Ife on Sunday amid a dispute connected to the leadership of a motor park.

Reacting to the incident, Adeleke ordered Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura to take immediate action against those responsible. The directive was disclosed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

The governor also ordered rival groups involved in the park dispute to leave the motor parks while security agencies work to restore calm.

There will be no sacred cows as all culprits will be brought to book” Adeleke said, while urging residents to remain calm.

As part of his response, the governor announced plans to bring back the Park Management System across the state, saying an Executive Order would soon be issued to provide the legal backing for the arrangement.

The renewed system is expected to regulate the operation of motor parks and garages and address disputes over their management.

Ajagungbade was described in the report as a close associate of the governor and a member of the Accord Party.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identities of those responsible had not been fully disclosed at the time of reporting.

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Police Arrest Two in Delta, Recover Guns, Daggers and Battle Axe

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Two suspects are in police custody in Delta State following separate raids that resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other items, the state police command has said.

The latest operation involved the arrest of Chukwuka Nzete, also known as “Ododo”, in Isupe Community, Ndokwa West Local Government Area.

Police said Nzete was suspected of dealing in illegal firearms and alleged that he ran a shrine used to fortify suspected criminal elements.

Items recovered during a search of his residence included a pump-action gun, four dagger knives, a battle axe and pots containing substances suspected to be charms.

The command said detectives were investigating to establish the extent of Nzete’s activities and whether he had links with other criminal groups.

A separate operation also led to the arrest of Joel Iwomi, 36, in Umuebu, Obiaruku.

According to the police, Iwomi resisted attempts by operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit to enter his residence before officers eventually gained access and conducted a search.

The search allegedly produced a pump-action gun and 18 live cartridges.

Both suspects have been taken into custody while investigations continue.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel E. Erale, said the command would continue efforts to keep illicit firearms away from criminal elements and prevent weapons capable of threatening public safety from circulating in the state.

He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements, illegal firearms and other criminal activities.

The police said information supplied by members of the public would be handled confidentially.

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