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Court voids Ondo’s probe of Chief Judge
A Federal High Court in Abuja has set aside all steps taken by the Ondo State Governor, the state’s Attorney General and the House of Assembly in relation to the probe of allegations of official misconduct raised against the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Oluwatoyin Akeredolu in a viral video made by one of her relatives, Olupelumi Fagboyegun.
Fagboyegun had, in the video that was made public on social media, accused Justice Akeredolu of among others, abusing her office and influencing his prolonged detention.
In a judgment on Thursday, Justice Inyang Ekwo upheld Justice Akeredolu case, to the effect that the governor, the AG and the House of Assembly lacked the constitutional powers to engage in the probe of the allegations of official misconduct made against the state’s Chief Judge by Fagboyegun in his video.
The judgment was in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2016/2021 filed by Justice Akeredolu against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Governor of Ondo State, Ondo AG, the state House of Assembly and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), alleging that the Ondo governor, AG and House of Assembly were plotting to remove her from office.
Justice Ekwo held that there is no law that empowers the Ondo AG or the state governor to conduct any investigation in relation to allegations of official misconduct against the State’s Chief Judge and recommend such investigation to the House of Assembly.
He further held that it is only the NJC that is empowered under the Constitution to probe allegations of official misconduct against any judge.
Justice Ekwo, who earlier dismissed the notices preliminary objection raised by the AGF and NJC, frowned at the publication of the purported probe of the plaintiff on the social media.
“It is apparent from Exhibits JSO and JSO 3 that the fourth defendant (Ondo AG), without any constitutional backing, was embarking on a charade meant to attract negative public attention to the office of the plaintiff by purporting to be conducting investigation on the allegations against the plaintiff.
“The process of dealing with allegations of misconduct of judicial officers generally, is well stated in the JDR (Judiciary Disciplinary Regulation) of the second defendant (the NJC) and ought to be adhered to.
“The purported investigation into any allegation of misconduct by a judicial officer, like the plaintiff, is a solemn constitutional matter that must be kept out of social frenzy. The supremacy of the Constitution and the sanctity of the office must be preserved.
“I believe the fourth defendant, being the Chief Law Officer of Ondo State, is aware that where the law provides a procedure for doing a thing, any other method employed to do such a thing is excluded.
“Any officer of the law who breaches the provision of the very Constitution that creates his office is not worthy of the office. He is a terror to all conscientious beings.
“Upon perusing the processes in this case and the exhibits tendered, I am unable to see where the fourth defendant (Ondo AG), or the third and fifth defendants (Ondo governor and the House of Assembly) complied with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) or JDR 2017 with respect to the act of investigating the office of the plaintiff.
“They ought to be stopped forthwith. In conclusion, I find that the case of the plaintiff has not been effectively challenged by the first and second defendants, and, has not been challenged at all by the third, fourth, fifth and sixth defendants.
“The judge proceeded to grant all the reliefs sought by the plaintiff including an order of perpetual injunction, restraining all the defendants from further taking any steps in relation to the case.
“An order is hereby made setting aside, nullifying and putting away any decision of the third, fourth and fifth defendants (Ondo governor, Ondo AG and House of. Assembly) and or any other steps taken thereon and in particular, the purported investigation report of the 3 and 4″ Defendants released on social media on 18″ February 2021 by the third and fourth defendants in so far as it relates to the office of the plaintiff as the Chief Judge of Ondo State, the same being inconsistent with sections 36(1), 153 of the 1999 Constitution and Item 2i(d) of the Third Schedule (Part 1), thereto read together with sections 271 and 292 of the same constitution,” Justice Ekwo said.
Justice Akeredolu had stated in a supporting affidavit that after the video by Fagboyegun was allegedly published online by Dele Momodu and Femi Fani-Kayode, the then AG of Ondo State, Charles Titiloye said he investigated the claim by Fagboyegun that the CJ instigated his detention for three years and found the claim to be false.
The plaintiff added that despite the AG’s finding that Fagboyegun’s claims were false, “the same Hon. Attorney General of Ondo State, in further demonstration of the script he acted, said in the report that: This matter is further referred to Ondo State House of Assembly for investigation.”
Justice Akeredolu stated that the Ondo State governor, the AG and House of Assembly “have vowed to remove her from her office as Chief Judge of Ondo State on the trumped up allegations being sponsored on social media as aforesaid.
“That the third to fifth defendants (Ondo State governor, the AG and House of Assembly) have elicited the political support of the first and sixth defendants (the AGF and IGP) to illegally remove her from office when she has not been investigated by the second defendant (NJC), which has the constitutional duty to do so.”
She added that all the defendants, except the NJC “are planning to and will use unlawful means to remove her from office as Chief Judge of Ondo State and interfere with the performance of her judicial functions unless this court intervenes.”
News
Mother of Three Dies by Suicide After Fiance’s Family Rejects Marriage in Ijebu-Ode
Mother of Three Dies by Suicide After Fiance’s Family Rejects Marriage in Ijebu-Ode
A 30-year-old woman, Abigail Adebayo, has died by suicide in Ijebu-Ode, following the reported rejection of her marriage by her fiancé’s family, authorities and community sources confirmed.
Abigail had been in a relationship with Oniga Abiola since September 2025, with plans to marry. About two weeks ago, Abiola introduced her to his relatives, but his mother reportedly disapproved upon learning that Abigail had three children from a previous relationship. The objection was later reinforced by Abiola himself, leading to heightened emotional distress for Abigail.
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Family sources say Abigail was later found motionless in her room and rushed to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, where she was confirmed dead on arrival. The circumstances reportedly indicate that she ingested a toxic substance.
Her fiancé reported the incident to the Atan Ijebu Division, Ogun State Police Command, and police sources confirmed that detectives inspected the scene and examined her body, noting no visible marks of violence. The matter remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the full circumstances of her death.
The tragic incident has reignited discussions on the importance of mental health awareness, emotional support for women in relationships, and community interventions to prevent similar tragedies. Experts stress the need for counseling services and support networks for individuals facing familial and relational pressures.
Mother of Three Dies by Suicide After Fiance’s Family Rejects Marriage in Ijebu-Ode
News
RCCG Pastor Peter Akpe Confirmed as Bayelsa Deputy Governor
RCCG Pastor Peter Akpe Confirmed as Bayelsa Deputy Governor
Mr. Peter Akpe, a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has been officially confirmed as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State following approval by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
The confirmation comes after a thorough vetting process by the state assembly, which assessed Akpe’s qualifications, leadership experience, and eligibility to hold the office of Deputy Governor under the Nigerian Constitution. Lawmakers expressed confidence in his ability to support the Governor and contribute to the state’s developmental agenda.
Peter Akpe’s appointment fills the longstanding deputy governorship vacancy and positions him to play a critical role in policy implementation, governance oversight, and coordination across state ministries and agencies.
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The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly praised the smooth confirmation process, describing it as a demonstration of the legislature’s commitment to transparency, political stability, and due process.
Akpe is expected to be sworn in shortly, marking the formal commencement of his duties as the state’s second-in-command. Sources indicate that his priorities will include enhancing governance efficiency, supporting development projects, and strengthening collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As an RCCG pastor, Peter Akpe is also expected to bring his experience in community engagement, mentorship, and faith-based leadership to the office.
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BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu as New Police Chief
BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu New Police Chief
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has stepped down from office following a directive from President Bola Tinubu, marking a significant shift in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
Senior government and security officials confirmed that the decision was reached after a closed-door meeting between the president and the outgoing police chief at the Presidential Villa on Monday.
Following the meeting, President Tinubu nominated Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, as Egbetokun’s replacement. Preparations are already underway for a formal handover ceremony at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, although an official announcement by the presidency is still pending.
Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd Inspector General of Police in June 2023, with his appointment later ratified by the Nigeria Police Council in October of the same year.
His tenure placed the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force under intense public scrutiny, particularly over issues of tenure elongation, succession planning, and compliance with statutory retirement provisions. At the time of his appointment, Egbetokun was close to the mandatory retirement age of 60, a development that triggered legal debates and criticism from civil society groups and constitutional lawyers.
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In response to the controversy, the National Assembly amended the Police Act in 2024, allowing an Inspector General of Police to complete a single four-year tenure irrespective of age or prior years in service. Based on the amendment, Egbetokun was expected to remain in office until October 2027.
Despite the legislative backing, his continued stay in office attracted mixed reactions, with critics questioning the broader implications for institutional norms and seniority within the police hierarchy.
Tunji Disu’s emergence as the new police chief places him at the helm of one of Africa’s largest law enforcement institutions, with the responsibility of stabilising internal morale, strengthening operational capacity, and restoring public confidence in policing amid persistent security challenges across the country.
Security analysts say the leadership change reflects President Tinubu’s growing willingness to recalibrate key security appointments as his administration confronts complex national security realities, including violent crime, insurgency, and public distrust in law enforcement.
As of the time of filing this report, the presidency has yet to issue a formal statement confirming Egbetokun’s resignation or announcing Disu’s appointment. However, sources within the presidency said an official announcement is expected later on Tuesday.
BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu New Police Chief
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