Falana faults FG over plan to transfer Ekweremadu’s prison sentence to Nigeria

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has criticised the Federal Government’s plan to facilitate the transfer of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu to Nigeria to serve the remainder of his organ harvesting sentence currently being served in the United Kingdom.

Speaking on Thursday at the opening of the Legal Year of the Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, Falana questioned why the Federal Government was prioritising Ekweremadu while 232 other Nigerians are still in British prisons without intervention.

Falana, who vowed to take up the matter, argued that the prisoner exchange programme lacks justification, especially when no British citizen is serving a jail term in Nigeria.

Addressing students at the event organised by the Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), UNIABUJA Chapter, Falana also weighed in on the recent clash between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a naval officer, A.M. Yerima, over a disputed property.

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He condemned both parties for acting outside the law, warning that the Minister was “lucky not to have been shot” and insisting that no public official has the right to call any Nigerian a fool, including a minister.

While acknowledging that Wike acted under the Land Use Act, Falana faulted his lack of restraint and derogatory language. He also stated that the officer acted illegally by guarding private land and hiding under “superior orders.”

“Even the President cannot call any Nigerian a fool,” Falana declared, demanding that President Tinubu compel Wike to apologise.

On the theme “Litigation as the Bloodline of Justice”, Falana encouraged law students to embrace digital tools, noting that more West African courts are adopting virtual hearings and e-filing.

He was later honoured with the title Senior Advocate of the Masses, which he dedicated to the poor.

Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, commended the forum for bridging the gap between legal theory and practice, while urging students to uphold discipline, integrity and lifelong learning.

Falana faults FG over plan to transfer Ekweremadu’s prison sentence to Nigeria

Kano JSC Appoints New Acting Chief Registrar, Sanctions Judiciary Staff Over Misconduct

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has approved the appointment of Hussein Hassan-Suleiman as the new acting Chief Registrar of the Kano State High Court of Justice, following the retirement of Hajara Garba Ahmed on November 11, 2025.

The announcement was contained in a statement released on Friday by the judiciary’s spokesperson, Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, who said the decision was reached during the Commission’s 87th meeting presided over by the Chief Judge, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki.

According to the Commission’s Secretary, Amina Albasu, Suleiman—former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Ministry of Justice—was selected based on his “hard work, integrity, humility and dedication to duty.”

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The JSC expressed confidence that the new acting registrar would uphold judicial ethics and carry out his responsibilities diligently.

In the same sitting, the Commission confirmed the appointment of 30 new Shari’a Court Judges who passed the required examinations and interviews.

The transfer and swearing-in of Magistrate Dayyabu Haruna from Kaduna State was also approved and carried out in line with constitutional procedures.

Meanwhile, the Commission disciplined a judiciary staff member, Ado Koki, over allegations of criminal conspiracy, perjury and gratification. He was accused of collecting ₦39,000 in exchange for issuing three plain affidavits used for land document processing.

Koki admitted receiving the money but claimed it was meant for newspaper publication and a Police report. Although not previously found negligent in his duties, the JSC ruled his conduct inappropriate and placed him on half salary for three months, issuing a stern warning against future misconduct.

The JSC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and indiscipline, stressing its commitment to upholding integrity, accountability and professionalism within the judiciary.

Kano JSC appoints new acting Chief Registrar, sanctions judiciary staff over misconduct

Bandits Kill 16 Vigilantes, Abduct 42 Villagers in Fresh Niger State Attacks

At least 16 vigilante operatives have been killed and 42 residents abducted following multiple bandit raids across communities in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The coordinated attacks, which occurred between Sunday, November 9, and Thursday, November 13, 2025, forced hundreds of villagers to flee their homes, leaving entire settlements deserted.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the first attack happened on Sunday when bandits stormed Dutsen Magaji village, abducting 22 people.

“Vigilantes went after them and engaged them in a gun battle. In the process, three vigilantes were killed and five people are in the hospital,” he said.

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The gunmen reportedly returned before dawn on Thursday, targeting Magama village during early morning prayers.

“They surrounded the mosque while people were praying and kidnapped more than 20 people. Vigilantes followed them, unaware of an ambush. Thirteen vigilantes were killed,” the source added.

The Press Secretary to the Mashegu LGA chairman, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, confirmed the killings, describing the slain operatives as heroes who died protecting their communities.

When contacted, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would verify the attacks and provide updates.

Residents said that since Monday, several communities had been abandoned, including Dutsen Magaji, Borin-Aiki, Gidan Ruwa, and Magama, as families fled to Mashegu town, Kawo-Mashegu, and Manigi. Many displaced persons are currently staying with relatives in safer locations.

Meanwhile, the abductors of former chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo, have yet to release him despite reports that his family paid ₦70 million ransom.

He was kidnapped alongside NSIEC Commissioner Barrister Ahmad Mohammed and others on September 29, 2025, along the Mokwa–New Bussa road in Borgu LGA.

Bandits Kill 16 Vigilantes, Abduct 42 Villagers in Fresh Niger State Attacks