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Court of Appeal reserves judgment in Natasha, Akpabio appeals over Senate suspension
Court of Appeal reserves judgment in Natasha, Akpabio appeals over Senate suspension
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Friday reserved judgment in the appeal and cross-appeal filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in a matter concerning her suspension and contempt fine.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is challenging a lower court ruling that allowed the Senate to investigate alleged misconduct against her. Meanwhile, Akpabio approached the appellate court to challenge the Federal High Court judgment that invalidated the suspension of the Kogi Central Senator.
A three-member panel of justices reserved the judgment after hearing arguments from both parties. Akpabio’s legal team had argued that the lower court lacked jurisdiction, noting that Senate internal affairs are protected under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.
The lower court had earlier declared Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension unconstitutional, excessive, and a violation of her constituents’ right to representation. Akpabio’s cross-appeal sought to nullify the judgment, describing it as a gross miscarriage of justice and arguing that matters related to suspensions, plenary utterances, and Senate resolutions are shielded by the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
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The cross-appeal followed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appeal challenging a N5 million contempt fine imposed by the trial court. The fine stemmed from a civil contempt ruling against the senator for a satirical Facebook post made during her ongoing case against the Senate. In her appeal, Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that the contempt ruling violated her fundamental rights and the fine was legally unfounded.
The appeals, marked CA/ABJ/CJ/739/2025, CA/ABJ/CJ/1208/2025, arise from her rights suit FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 seeking to halt the Senate investigation.
During Friday’s hearing, Akpabio, through Eko Ejembi Eko, SAN, withdrew one of his cross-appeals, as it had been overtaken by events following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption of Senate duties, leading to its dismissal.
The court’s final decision on the remaining appeals is highly anticipated, as it will clarify the legal boundaries of Senate authority and senators’ rights in ongoing investigations and contempt matters.
Court of Appeal reserves judgment in Natasha, Akpabio appeals over Senate suspension
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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism
Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism
Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”
In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”
He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”
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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.
“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.
Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.
Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism
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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel
Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.
According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.
Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.
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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.
Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.
The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.
“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.
Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel
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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts
Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).
The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.
Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.
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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”
Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.
President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.
Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts
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