Metro

APGA Dispute: Court Okays Contempt Charge Against INEC Chairman

Published

2 years ago

November 12, 2023

Editor

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, sitting at Bwari, has okayed a contempt proceeding that was initiated against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, over his alleged disobedience to a subsisting court judgement.

Justice Mohammed Madugu gave the INEC boss 14 days to comply with the judgement that recognised Chief Edozie Njoku as the authentic National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, or risk jail.

Equally cited as a Respondent in the committal proceeding (Form 49) marked FCT/HC/CV/4068/2023, is a factional Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Oye.

It was two aggrieved chieftains of the party, Otunba Camaru Lateef Ogidan (the National Vice Chairman, South West Geopolitical Zone of APGA) and Alhaji Rabiu Mustapha (the National Welfare Officer of APGA), who initiated the court action.

The Applicants told the court that they are members of the National Working Committee of APGA who emerged at a convention the party held on May 31, 2019, under the leadership of Chief Njoku.

Justice Madugu, in his judgement, held that from the totality of affidavit evidence that was adduced before him, both the INEC Chairman and Chief Oye were found to have disobeyed a valid court order concerning APGA leadership, saying he was however minded to grant them a 14-day grace period to purge themselves of the said contempt of court.

Specifically, the Applicants had in the committal charge, sought an order of the court to commit Prof. Yakubu to prison for spurning a valid order the court made on May 10, which had restrained Oye and APGA from conducting Ward, Local Government, State Congresses and Convention.

The court had directed the INEC Chairman and Chief Oye, who were joined as parties in the case, “to maintain status quo ante bellum,” pending the hearing of a notice of preliminary objection that was filed before it.

“For the avoidance of doubt and the purpose of clarity, parties herein whether by themselves, agents, privies, assigns, authorized representatives or whosoever acting on their behalf are restrained from holding the planned Congresses, National Convention or any other meetings or gatherings in whatever name called of APGA, pending the hearing of notice of preliminary objection filed on May 9, 2023 by the 1st Defendant/Applicant, Chief Oye,” Justice Madugu added.

However, despite the order, the Chief Oye-led faction of the party went ahead and conducted the Congresses under the supervision of INEC.

They subsequently submitted names of candidates for various elective positions, which were accepted by INEC.

Dissatisfied with the development, the Applicants initiated the contempt charge.

In his judgement last Thursday, a copy of which Vanguard obtained on Sunday, Justice Madugu held that because the order the court made on May 10 was not appealed, the INEC Chairman and Oye, “were in contempt of court”.

“A court does not make an order in vain; a court order must be disobeyed. Disobedience to a valid court order undermines the integrity and sanctity of the court.

“This insanity of flouting court order must stop, and it cannot continue. The disobedience to the order made by this court on May 10, is undoubtedly an affront to the sanctity of the court” Justice Madugu stated.

Consequently, he ordered the 1st Respondent (Oye) and 2nd Respondent (INEC Chairman) to purge themselves of contempt of court within 14 days or face the full wrath of the court.

The court held that Oye’s submission that APGA conducted the Congresses based on the May 12 order of an Anambra State High Court at Otuocha, was not tenable.

Justice Madugu queried if the order of the Anambra State High Court was capable of overriding that of an Abuja High Court made on May 10, noting that both courts are of the same coordinate jurisdiction.

The judge noted that the Respondents had the opportunity to appeal against the court order, but failed to do so.

“Placing reliance on the order of an Anambra High Court, made on May 12, does not absolve the Respondents from the dire consequences of the commital charge,” Justice Madugu held.

Metro

ARISE News Broadcaster Killed In Abuja

Published

14 hours ago

September 29, 2025

Editor

The management and staff of ARISE News Channel have announced the untimely death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, one of their brightest talents, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, and is now under investigation by the Nigeria Police Force.

Born on December 26, 1995, Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, at just 29 years old, had already established herself as a dynamic news anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News.

Known for her professionalism and captivating on-screen presence, she was a rising star in Nigerian journalism whose voice connected deeply with audiences across the country.

Beyond journalism, Sommie was a trained lawyer who brought sharp analytical skills and a passion for justice into her reporting. Colleagues describe her as a dedicated professional, a supportive teammate, and a cherished friend whose warmth left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

In a statement, ARISE News expressed profound sorrow, describing her passing as a devastating loss: “Somtochukwu was not only a cherished member of our ARISE family but also a vibrant voice who inspired, informed, and connected with viewers. Her voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure in our collective memory.”

The channel extended heartfelt condolences to her parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones while calling for justice.

“We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of the culprits,” the statement read.

The late Somtochukwu’s death has sent waves of grief across Nigeria’s media industry, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and viewers who admired her fearless storytelling and commitment to truth.

Her legacy as both a journalist and lawyer will be remembered as one that blended intellect, courage, and humanity.

Metro

Motorists, Commuters Lament Slow Pace Of Repairs On Benin-Sapele Road

Published

16 hours ago

September 29, 2025

Editor

Residents living on the Benin-Sapele Road axis of the ancient city on Monday decried the slow pace of the ongoing repairs on the highway.

Signs of the failed road stretching from the By-pass axis to the Ologbo-koko Junction began in 2018 due to poor drainage design or failure to maintain drains.

At a stage, the road became near impassable due to political differences between the state government who ought to have done some palliative work, and the Federal Government whose duty it is to rehabilitate the road that linked the west to the South-south corridors.

Signs of relief however set in when the current Edo State Government took over a portion of rehabilitation the road earlier embarked upon by Levant Construction Firm.

However, despite the take over of the portion of the ongoing repairs, there seems to be no tangible improvement.

Lamenting the slow pace of the ongoing repairs, a resident of Ogheghe by the by-pass who identified himself as Igbinovia Lucky, said since he moved into his apartment in 2022, it has been a nightmare coming to the city and going back home at close of work.

According to him, more times are spent on the road especially in the evenings when workers are going back home.

He said most times, a journey which ordinarily should take an average of 30 – 45 minutes, lasts up to 5 or 6 hours.

Also, a transporter, Sunday Ochuko, who ply the road said the bad state of the road has drastically reduced the number of hours and trips per day for drivers.

“The bad state of the road has increased accident risks occasioned by trucks that often get stuck, tip over, or delay for days. The end results is incidents of theft, livestock being abandoned or offloaded from trucks, and security concerns including kidnappings along certain stretches.”

According to him, vehicles suffer greater wear and tear with motorists spending more on fuel (due to inefficiencies, slow speeds, detours) and repairs.

“Apart from businesses, individuals are affected. What might be a 1‑hour trip becomes 5‑6 hours. This reduces the number of trips, lowers work hours, and increases delays in supply chains.

“The corridor is vital for trade between Edo and Delta states, but poor road quality makes it harder to move goods efficiently to market, possibly reducing competitiveness”, Ochuko said.

He continued: “Farmers face similar difficulties transporting produce; some goods spoilt or get damaged before reaching markets, thus reducing their incomes, reduced food supply and raising costs.

“Fares for passengers have nearly doubled on the Benin to Sapele route. Transport operators are making fewer trips per day.”

On her part, a fruit seller who buys fruits from Benin to sell in Sapele lamented the delays and losses of goods due to damage, spoilage, or pilferage.

She said due to the bad road, sellers many times have to raise prices because transporters who pass along the road Increased fares.

Metro

Gunmen Kill 12 Forest Guards In Kwara

Published

16 hours ago

September 29, 2025

Editor

Gunmen in central Nigeria have killed at least a dozen guards who protect forests and flush out criminal gangs and jihadists, police said.

The attack occurred on Sunday when the attackers raided Oke-Ode, a small town around 70 kilometres (45 miles) from the Kwara state capital, Ilorin.

Police said the armed men “invaded” the area, “shooting sporadically”.

Police and forest security services responded and “discovered 12 lifeless bodies” of the guards. Four others were wounded.

It was not immediately clear who the gunmen were.

But gangs known locally as bandits and jihadists operate out of bases hidden in forests across the northern and central states.

The criminal gangs loot and burn down villages as well as carry out kidnapping for ransom.

The state has witnessed a series of deadly attacks in recent months, with locals blaming the Mahmuda group, a gang loyal to Mahmud al-Nigeri, a senior leader of the Ansaru terror group.

Ansaru grew out of a 2021 split within the Boko Haram group and the group then allied itself with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

Nigeria’s national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu said last month that Ansaru has “urban sleeper cells” and “remote forest bases” in Niger and Kwara states in central Nigeria.

In mid-August, Nigerian authorities announced the capture of al-Nigeri along with fellow Ansaru figure Mahmud Muhammad Usman.

Kwara state governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq called for “increased security deployments” to help “roll back the activities of criminals.”