Supreme Court dismisses governors’ suit over N1.8tn looted funds – Newstrends
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Supreme Court dismisses governors’ suit over N1.8tn looted funds

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Supreme Court dismisses governors’ suit over N1.8tn looted funds

The Supreme Court has thrown out a lawsuit filed by all 36 Nigerian state governments and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) challenging the federal government’s management of recovered looted funds.

In a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Mohammed Idris, the seven-member panel ruled that it lacked the jurisdiction to hear the matter, as such disputes should be brought before the Federal High Court.

The suit, marked SC/CV/395/2021, was dismissed on technical grounds, leaving the governors without legal recourse at the apex court.

At the heart of the legal battle was the allegation that the federal government, between 2015 and 2021, recovered over ₦1.8 trillion in stolen assets—including 167 properties, 450 cars, 300 trucks, and 20 million barrels of crude oil—but failed to remit them into the Federation Account, as constitutionally required.

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Instead, the states accused the federal government of diverting the funds into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) and other unauthorised accounts. They argued that this violated constitutional provisions which mandate that all revenues—especially recovered loot—must be shared among the three tiers of government via the Federation Account.

Relying on sections 80 and 162 of the Constitution, and the Finance (Control and Management) Act, 1958, the states claimed the creation of asset recovery accounts such as the Interim Forfeiture Recovery Account by federal agencies was illegal.

The plaintiffs listed recoveries made by the EFCC, ICPC, Nigerian Police, and the Attorney-General’s office, alleging they bypassed constitutional processes. They had asked the court to compel the federal government to remit ₦1.8 trillion in cash and ₦450 billion in non-cash assets, and to order the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to design a framework for equitable sharing.

They also sought a full account of unremitted or unrecovered assets—calls that now remain unresolved, as the Supreme Court struck out the case on Friday due to jurisdictional constraints.

Supreme Court dismisses governors’ suit over N1.8tn looted funds

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Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

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Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.

Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.

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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.

The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.

Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

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Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

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Commissioner of Police, Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda

Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.

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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.

The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.

Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

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Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

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Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.

The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.

An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.

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The suspension affects officers who have:

  • Failed promotion examinations three times
  • Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
  • Reached rank age limits
  • Failed conversion boards thrice
  • Completed 35 years of service

Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.

Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.

Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

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