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UPDATED: Appeal Court sets aside N20b damages awarded Igboho

Published

3 years ago

August 31, 2022

Chief Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has set aside the judgement of an Oyo State High Court, which awarded N20 billion damages to Yoruba self-determination activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho.

Delivering judgement in the appeal filed by the Attorney General of the Federation, Department of State Services and Director, Department of State Services in Oyo State, against the judgement of the Oyo State High Court, Justice Muslim Hassan held that Justice Ladiran Akintola, acted on the wrong principles of law in awarding the cost to Igboho.

The Nation reports that Justice Akintola on September 17, 2021, awarded N20billion as damages against the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the Department of State Services (DSS) over the invasion of Igboho’s Soka Ibadan residence, on July 1.

But Justice Hassan held that the judgement of the lower court was not supported by any evidence, but by two affidavits.

He said Justice Akintola cannot assess damages using his own conceived parameters, adding that there was no evidence that quoted the value of damages at Igboho’s residence.

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Justice Hassan also held that there was no evidence including autopsy to support the claim that two people were killed at the activist’s residence during the invasion.

According to the judge, the lower court assumed jurisdiction of the case to look at the enforcement of fundamental human rights suit filed by Igboho without looking at the merit of the case.

He said the court should not have assumed jurisdiction of the case without looking at its merit.

The judge added that the case did not qualify under the enforcement of human rights because there is a threat to national security.

“When there is a threat to national security, the enforcement of fundamental right is secondary. I have read the judgement of the lower court and the Article 20:1 of the African Charter on self determination and Article 3 and 4 of the United Nations Charter on rights of the indigenous people which the judgement was based upon. A statute cannot be treated in isolation.

“When considering a statute, entire provision should be considered and not a section. The same charter talks about the sovereignty of a nation. Neglecting Article 27, 28, 29 of the African charter will not give proper interpretation to it.

“Article 3 and 4 of the United Nations charter have not been domesticated in Nigeria. No international treaty shall have a force of law without being treated by the National Assembly; and international treaty does not become binding unless enacted into law by the National Assembly.

“Therefore, the United Nations declaration is not enforceable in Nigeria. The judge acted on wrong principles of law and the action of the respondent constitute a threat to unity of Nigeria. The respondent has no right to take up arms against Nigeria,” Justice Hassan held.

The appellants filed six grounds of appeal.

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They want the court to determine “if the trial judge was right to determine the issue of fundamental human right;

“If the trial judge was right to assume jurisdiction of the case against a Federal Government agency;

“If the originating motion of the respondent was competent;

“If the respondent was right to take up arms against the government in his quest for self determination;

“If the trial judge was right to enter judgement in favour of the respondent;

“And if the trial judge was right to award damages to the respondent.”

Justice Hassan resolved issues 1,4,5 and 6 in the applicants favour and resolved issues 2 and 3 in favour of the respondent.

The judge subsequently held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit and set the judgement aside.

He also said respective parties in the case should bear their costs.

Reacting to the judgment, the legal head of DSS in Oyo State, Barr. Nurudeen Abdulrahman, said the judgement affirmed the position of 1999 constitution.

Counsel to Igboho, Chief Yomi Alliyu (SAN) also commended the judge for a well considered judgement.

Efforts to react the Spokesman of the Yoruba Activist for his reaction on the judgement was futile as at the time of this report.

The Nation

Related Topics:Appeal Court damages Featured Igboho

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Kano Closes Entertainment Centres Ahead of Ramadan

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February 18, 2026

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Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf

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The Kano State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all entertainment centres across the state as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and spiritually focused observance of Ramadan. The directive, issued by the Kano State Censorship Board, affects entertainment venues popularly known as gala houses, as well as disc jockey (DJ) operators and related entertainment outlets under the board’s regulatory jurisdiction.

Abdullahi Sulaiman, the board’s Public Relations Officer, announced that the closure will take effect from 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, and will remain in force throughout the holy month. He explained that the action aims to create a calm and morally conducive environment for Muslim residents to observe fasting, prayers, and other religious activities without distractions.

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The board emphasised that reopening dates, particularly for Eid‑el‑Fitr celebrations, will be communicated at the appropriate time. Enforcement teams have been mobilised to ensure compliance, with sanctions for violations under the board’s regulatory mandate.

Officials clarified that the closure does not apply to event centres used for weddings, conferences, or political gatherings, which fall outside the board’s jurisdiction. Board director Usman Dankwano reiterated that only entertainment outlets such as gala houses are affected by the directive.

The government said the decision aligns with efforts to promote social harmony, maintain public order, and respect religious observances during Ramadan. Residents and business operators are urged to comply fully to avoid penalties.

The move reflects a broader pattern in northern Nigeria, where authorities adjust entertainment and public activities during Ramadan to respect cultural and religious practices while maintaining community peace.

Kano Closes Entertainment Centres Ahead of Ramadan

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Asari Dokubo Warns Igbo Groups Against Sparking Religious Conflict in Rivers

Published

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February 18, 2026

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Asari Dokubo

Asari Dokubo Warns Igbo Groups Against Sparking Religious Conflict in Rivers

Port Harcourt — Former Niger Delta militant leader and activist, Asari Dokubo, has cautioned Igbo residents and groups against any attempts to instigate a religious crisis in Rivers State, warning that such actions could destabilise the state.

In a video widely shared on social media, Dokubo urged individuals and organisations to refrain from acts capable of triggering violence, emphasising that Rivers State must not become a theatre of religious conflict. He reportedly warned of serious consequences for anyone attempting to foment unrest in the oil-rich region.

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Security authorities in the state are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, amid concerns that inflammatory rhetoric could heighten tensions in a region with a diverse ethnic and religious composition.

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Asari Dokubo Warns Igbo Groups Against Sparking Religious Conflict in Rivers

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Bauchi Reduces Working Hours for Civil Servants During Ramadan

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3 hours ago

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Bauch State Governor, Bala Mohammed

Bauchi Reduces Working Hours for Civil Servants During Ramadan

The Bauchi State Government has announced a reduction in working hours for civil servants during the holy month of Ramadan, aimed at accommodating fasting schedules and religious observances.

A statement issued by the State Head of Service, Dr. Yusuf Gidado, directed all civil service offices to adjust their working hours from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm throughout the month. The adjustment applies to both permanent and contract staff across all ministries, departments, and agencies.

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The government noted that the decision was part of its commitment to supporting employees during religious observances, ensuring they can fulfill both spiritual and professional duties without undue strain.

Officials also reminded staff to adhere to workplace regulations and maintain discipline despite the adjusted schedule, emphasizing that public service continuity remains a priority.

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