News
Natasha’s Lawyer Warns Senate Against Defying Court Order
Published
2 months agoon
By
Editor
Michael Numa (SAN), legal counsel to the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called on the National Assembly to comply fully with a recent Federal High Court judgment ordering her reinstatement to the Senate.
The PUNCH reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja, on July 4, 2025, ordered the Senate to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended on March 6, 2025, by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
In the judgment, Justice Binta Nyako described the six-month suspension handed to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—reportedly for addressing the Senate while not seated in her assigned seat—as excessive.
The judge observed that the suspension was unduly harsh, depriving her constituents of representation and the benefits of her legislative service. She, therefore, urged the Senate to recall her to duty.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: Court Orders Senate To Recall Suspended Natasha
However, the Senate President has appealed the trial court’s decision, and the Senate has denied Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the opportunity to resume.
In a rejoinder dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the Director of Litigation and Counselling, Legal Services Directorate of the National Assembly, Mr Charles Yoila, Numa clarified the court’s ruling in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & 3 Ors.
The senior lawyer referenced the court’s enrolled order, which begins with “IT IS HEREBY ORDERED” and sets out twelve directives.
He specifically noted that Order 12, which states that “the Senate should recall the Plaintiff” — although phrased with the word “should”, must be read within the context of a binding judgment when considered as a whole.
READ ALSO:Senate Replaces Natasha As Committee Chairman
Numa explained that the court’s ruling addressed both the substantive issue and a request for a mandatory injunction, ultimately nullifying the recommendations and findings of the Senate Committee that led to the suspension. The judgment, he argued, found the suspension inconsistent with both constitutional provisions and the Senate’s Standing Orders.
He cited Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates that all persons and authorities must give effect to the decisions of competent courts. He also referenced Section 318 of the Constitution, which defines a court decision to include a “judgment, decree, order, conviction, sentence or recommendation”.
In further support, the legal team cited the Supreme Court’s decision in Ecobank (Nig.) Ltd v. Tempo Energy (Nig.) Ltd (2025), which held that certain judicial recommendations may carry binding force.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: Court Grants Natasha Bail On Self-recognition
Numa urged the Legal Directorate of the National Assembly to carefully review the judgment and guide the Senate appropriately, emphasising that compliance with court orders was a constitutional duty.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has announced her intention to resume her legislative duties on July 22, 2025.
The rejoinder disclosed that the senator may pursue further legal action if necessary to enforce the judgment.
(PUNCH)
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News
Police Disown Viral Recruitment Notice, Warn Against Fraud
Published
53 minutes agoon
September 18, 2025By
Editor
The Nigeria Police Force has disowned a recruitment notice circulating on social media, describing it as fake and warning Nigerians not to fall victim to fraudulent schemes.
The document, titled “Nigeria Police Force Recruitment Exercise 2025”, had invited applications from SSCE, OND, HND, and B.Sc. holders, listing requirements such as age limits, fitness standards, and academic qualifications. It also outlined an alleged application process through a supposed police recruitment portal scheduled to open on September 23, 2025.
The notice claimed that candidates were expected to be Nigerian citizens by birth, hold a valid National Identification Number, and meet minimum height and academic criteria. It also warned against membership of secret societies and directed applicants to submit various documents, including birth certificates and guarantor declarations.
READ ALSO:Police Vows To Arrest Killers of NSCDC Officers In Edo
In a post on its verified X handle on Thursday, the Nigeria Police Force dismissed the claims and stamped the document “FAKE” to alert the public.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) had earlier issued a similar warning. On August 30, PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani clarified that no recruitment exercise had been announced for 2025.
“The advertorial currently in circulation is fictitious and diversionary,” Ani said. “The Commission has repeatedly urged young Nigerians eager to join the police to be patient and await the official process.”
READ ALSO:Police Vows To Arrest Killers of NSCDC Officers In Edo
He added that the forged documents being circulated bear no resemblance to the Commission’s official communication.
The police authorities reiterated that any official recruitment exercise would be publicly announced through verified government platforms.
News
Okpebholo Warns Companies Against Fuelling Edo–Delta Boundary Dispute
Published
2 hours agoon
September 18, 2025By
Editor
Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to companies attempting to exploit the lingering boundary dispute between Edo and Delta states.
Okpebholo cautioned the companies to desist from encroaching on Edo territory while the matter remains before the National Boundary Commission (NBC), for adjudication and adjustment.
The governor’s stance follows a recent reports of encroachment on Edo territory by the Delta State Government and companies allegedly attempting to establish operations on disputed lands.
Okpehbolo, accompanied by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 5, Salman-Dogo Garba, and other top security officials, spoke when he paid a fact-finding visit to the disputed areas.
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The disputed territory lies between Urhonigbe Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, and Umutu community in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.
Represented by his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Okpebholo, while addressing residents of Urhonigbe community, assured them of his administration’s commitment to safeguarding their interests, but urged restraint.
He further urged the affected communities to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that the dispute was being handled at the highest level of national authority.
“We are here at the boundary to see the disputed area and the actual demarcation. We are appealing to the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the NBC steps in and expedites action so that this dispute is resolved once and for all.
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“This River Ethiope is a natural boundary. We don’t want any crisis in the South-South or between Edo and Delta states. We are brothers, having once been Bendel State before Delta was created. We want peace, and we want the right thing done quickly.”
“Please don’t take laws into your hands. As a government, we will protect the territorial integrity of Edo State. But we must maintain peace and harmony with our neighbors while this matter is before the NBC,” he pleaded.
Okpebholo emphasised that while his administration was committed to defending Edo territorial claims, it would do so with fairness, peace, and respect for due process.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure justice, preserve harmony, and protect the integrity of our people and our State,” he affirmed.
In his remarks, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba urged restraint, describing both Edo and Delta as inseparable partners in peace and development despite the dispute.
“I appeal to the communities, Edo and Delta are still brothers despite this land dispute. Be peaceful, avoid violence, don’t take up arms over this matter as it is already before the NBC,” he advised.
News
Release Nnamdi Kanu For Medical Treatment, Ohanaeze President Begs FG
Published
2 hours agoon
September 18, 2025By
Editor
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, has called on the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to enable him to seek proper medical attention.
This is as Azuta-Mbata called on Igbos across the country to ensure they register in the ongoing voters’ registration exercise and obtain their voter cards.
Azuta-Mbata said this in a short video message of himself speaking, which he sent to The PUNCH on Thursday.
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Kanu’s detention has remained one of Nigeria’s most contentious political and security issues in recent years. Kanu, who was first arrested in 2015 on charges bordering on treasonable felony, jumped bail in 2017 and fled the country.
He was rearrested in Kenya in June 2021 in a controversial operation by Nigerian security operatives and has since been held in the custody of the Department of State Services.
He also urged the government to explore a political solution in handling the issue of the detained IPOB leader, saying the apex government does not have any advantage in the continuous detention of the IPOB leader.
READ ALSO:IPOB Faults Soludo For Linking Igbo Youths To Kidnapping
Azuta-Mbata stated, “I’m calling upon Ndigbo-nine (Igbos in general) wherever you are in Nigeria to quickly go and take advantage of the voter registration exercise that is going on right now. Go and get your cards as quickly as possible.
“Secondly, I would like to call upon the federal government of Nigeria to quickly release Nnamdi Kanu. The Government has no serious advantage in keeping him. It is important that the government ensures his safety and his welfare, and that the Government must allow him to go and get medical treatment as quickly as possible.
“The Government must adopt a political solution to this situation. I do not believe that the Government has any serious advantage in keeping him any further.”
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