EFCC Pushes for Sule Lamido Retrial Before Former Judge

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated its demand for the retrial of former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, insisting that the case be concluded by the original trial judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu.

At the resumed proceedings before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, EFCC counsel, Chile Okoroma (SAN), informed the court that the commission had formally written to the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, seeking a fiat to enable Justice Ojukwu—now serving in the Calabar division—to return and conclude the long-running trial.

Okoroma explained that the request was in compliance with the directive of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which had earlier ordered a retrial of the defendants. He emphasised that the prosecution had already made substantial progress in the case, having called at least 17 witnesses, and argued that justice would be best served if the same judge continues the matter.

According to him, the EFCC is currently awaiting an official response from the Chief Judge regarding the request.

Counsel to the defendants, Joe Agi (SAN), did not oppose the application for adjournment, paving the way for the court to defer proceedings.

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Justice Lifu subsequently adjourned the case to April 30, 2026, for re-arraignment or further proceedings, stating that the decision was made in the interest of justice.

The planned re-arraignment had earlier been stalled on March 13 due to the absence of Lamido and his co-defendants in court.

The development follows a major ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on January 16, 2026, which ordered a fresh trial after overturning earlier decisions of the Court of Appeal.

A five-member panel of the apex court, in unanimous judgments, set aside the July 25, 2023 rulings of the appellate court, which had upheld a no-case submission by Lamido and others and struck out the 37-count charge on jurisdictional grounds.

In its lead judgment delivered by Justice Abubakar Umar, the Supreme Court reinstated the earlier decision of Justice Ojukwu, which dismissed the defendants’ no-case submission and directed them to enter their defence.

The EFCC’s case centres on allegations that Lamido, during his tenure as governor of Jigawa State between 2007 and 2015, abused his office and laundered funds obtained as kickbacks from contractors awarded state projects.

Other defendants in the case include his sons, Aminu and Mustapha Lamido, as well as Aminu Wada Abubakar and two companies—Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd.

Legal analysts note that the EFCC’s push for the original trial judge to continue the case is aimed at avoiding a fresh start (trial de novo), which could prolong the already protracted proceedings and require recalling witnesses.

The outcome of the Chief Judge’s decision on granting the fiat will determine whether the case proceeds seamlessly or restarts entirely before a new judge.

EFCC Pushes for Sule Lamido Retrial Before Former Judge

Fresh Killings, Panic as Curfew Relaxation Backfires in Jos

Heightened tension has returned to parts of Jos on Wednesday following the relaxation of the 48-hour curfew earlier imposed by the Plateau State Government after the deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba.

The curfew was initially enforced in Jos North Local Government Area after gunmen stormed Angwan Rukuba on Sunday, killing no fewer than 28 residents in one of the latest outbreaks of violence in the state.

In a bid to restore normalcy, the state government announced a partial relaxation of the restriction. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, disclosed that residents would now be allowed to move freely between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily, beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

However, rather than easing tension, the development appears to have triggered fresh unrest.

Reports from multiple areas indicate that hoodlums and irate mobs took advantage of the relaxed curfew to unleash attacks on motorists, commuters, and passers-by, leading to widespread panic across the city.

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A particularly disturbing incident occurred along the road leading to the Permanent Site of the University of Jos, where a young man was reportedly hacked to death by suspected hoodlums.

Eyewitnesses also reported that several vehicles were vandalised, with windscreens smashed in areas including Terminus, Bauchi Road, and Gangare. Other flashpoints identified include Farin Gada, Tina Junction, Chobe, and parts of the University of Jos axis.

The renewed violence paralysed commercial activities in affected areas, forcing banks, shops, and other businesses to shut down abruptly amid fears of escalation.

“We are scared to open our shops. We don’t know what might happen,” said Joy Bature, a trader at Terminus Market, reflecting the anxiety gripping residents.

Many residents have expressed frustration that the curfew relaxation, which was intended to provide relief and allow people to attend to daily needs, instead created a security vacuum exploited by criminal elements.

Meanwhile, the University of Jos Alumni Association has raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation, warning that students and staff are increasingly at risk.

In a statement signed by its Global President, Gad Peter Shamaki, the association called on the state government and security agencies to urgently strengthen security deployment across all university campuses, student hostels, surrounding residential areas, and major access roads.

The group emphasised the need for proactive measures to prevent further loss of lives and ensure the safety of the academic community.

Security agencies have reportedly intensified patrols in some affected areas, while residents continue to call for a review of the curfew framework to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Government had not announced any further adjustments to the curfew, despite mounting concerns from residents and stakeholders.

Fresh Killings, Panic as Curfew Relaxation Backfires in Jos

Power Crisis Looms as NLC Shuts AEDC, Protests Sack of 900 Workers

The Nigeria Labour Congress on Wednesday shut down offices of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company across Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states in protest against the disengagement of over 900 workers.

Findings showed that the company’s headquarters in Abuja, as well as several offices within the Federal Capital Territory and branches in Kogi, Minna and Nasarawa, were under lock and key as of Wednesday morning.

The action represents an escalation in the ongoing dispute between organised labour and the management of the electricity distribution firm.

The shutdown came barely 24 hours after the NLC, led by its President, Joe Ajaero, picketed the company’s headquarters over what it described as an unjust and controversial mass dismissal of workers.

The union had earlier condemned the development, insisting that due process was not followed and alleging that the exercise violated prior agreements reached with the company’s management.

Addressing the crisis, Ajaero explained that the dispute began about six months ago when the firm reportedly assured labour leaders that only employees who had attained or were nearing retirement age would be affected by any disengagement.

“At that time, the union intervened based on that understanding. No responsible labour leader would oppose the exit of workers who have legitimately reached retirement age,” he said.

However, he expressed disappointment over what he described as a breach of trust by the company, alleging that many of those affected were far from retirement.

“The majority of those affected were not at retirement age. Some had not even spent up to five or six years in service. In fact, many had only worked for two to three years. That is the height of deceit,” he added.

Amid the standoff, the NLC had on Tuesday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the management of the company to resolve the dispute or face intensified industrial action.

The union warned that failure to meet its demands could lead to a disruption of electricity supply across the Federal Capital Territory and the affected states.

“If nothing is done within that time, we cannot guarantee power supply. The workers who keep the system running will stay at home, and if they are not at work, the system will naturally be affected,” Ajaero warned.

The development has heightened concerns among residents and businesses in Abuja and neighbouring states over the possibility of a blackout if the dispute is not urgently resolved.

As of the time of filing this report, the management of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company had yet to issue an official response to the latest action by the labour union.

Power Crisis Looms as NLC Shuts AEDC, Protests Sack of 900 Workers