Politics
Breaking: Supreme Court Not Meant To Serve As A Training Ground for Lawyers-Says Retired Judge
Justice Sherifat Solebo concluded her distinguished career on November 25, 2022, retiring after serving as a magistrate and high court judge in the Lagos State judiciary from 1999 to 2022. In a conversation with NAOMI CHIMA, she shares insights into her experiences and emphasizes the imperative for reforms in the country’s justice system….CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Was the aspiration to become a judge part of your childhood ambitions?
Becoming a judge wasn’t a childhood dream for me, although I humorously admit to harboring a desire to be a lawyer. It was a fortuitous encounter with a classmate that led me to join the Lagos State Judiciary as a magistrate. Over time, I climbed the ranks until I reached the esteemed position of a High Court judge.
Did your role as a judge impact your relationships with friends and family?
My appointments as a magistrate and subsequently as a judge didn’t adversely affect my relationships with family and friends. Fortunately, most of them have excelled in their chosen fields, allowing for a harmonious coexistence.
The demanding nature of a judge’s work in Lagos, involving daily court sessions and extensive legal documentation, raises questions about leisure time. How do judges unwind?
While the role of a judge is undeniably challenging, judges do find opportunities to relax. In Lagos State, we have designated recreation centers equipped with facilities such as swimming pools and gyms, akin to elite clubs. These spaces provide judges with a chance to enjoy much-needed leisure and unwind.
The debate surrounding judges’ salaries has been ongoing. Can you shed light on the disparities in pay scales?
Judges’ salaries are determined by the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, and the last revision occurred in 2007. Despite inflation, currency devaluation, and adjustments for civil servants, judges’ salaries remain unchanged. The discrepancy in pay between judges and some civil servants may stem from these long-standing salary structures.
Critics often claim that Nigerian court judgments lean towards technicalities rather than substantive justice. What’s your perspective on this?
Court procedures are governed by rules and laws, with judges adhering to precedents. Penalties for noncompliance are prescribed by legislation, and the court cannot overlook violations. Understanding the rationale behind judgments requires careful consideration, and counsels must be meticulous to ensure compliance with rules and laws.
There’s a prevailing lack of trust in the Nigerian judiciary. How can the judiciary rebuild public confidence?
The integrity of judges, magistrates, and support staff is paramount. Transparency and the consistent delivery of justice through court judgments are essential. Citizens need education to form objective and rational perceptions, acknowledging the inevitability of winners and losers in legal disputes.
Some suggest that judges should not determine election winners but only order reruns. What is your stance on this?
Court decisions, including electoral judgments, adhere to legal prescriptions rather than popular sentiments. The law and precedents guide these decisions until amendments are made.
The judiciary is facing scrutiny over discrepancies in the Certified True Copy of the Court of Appeal’s judgment on the Kano State governorship election. What are your thoughts on this?
After a court pronouncement, it is typically considered final, but typographical errors can be corrected within a specified timeframe. Without reviewing the Kano State Election Tribunal judgment, I cannot provide a definitive opinion. The Appellate Court will address any appeals filed and make decisions accordingly.
Should lawyers be appointed directly to the Supreme Court, or should appeal court justices be elevated?
While my perspective might be biased as a judicial officer, judging demands expertise acquired through learning and practice over time. The Supreme Court, as the highest court, cannot serve as a learning platform, making experience a crucial factor.
How has retirement been for you?
Originally anticipating retirement at 60 as a magistrate, I embraced the opportunity when destiny smiled on me earlier. Conscious of my exit date from the moment of swearing in, I seamlessly reintegrated into society, enjoying a relaxed yet actively engaged post-retirement life.
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‘We Don’t Want Another Mohbad Case’ – Laolu Gbenjo Speaks On Toluwanisings.
Nigerian gospel singer Laolu Gbenjo has cautioned the public against spreading unverified information about the circumstances surrounding the death of his colleague, Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbenjo’s warning comes amid growing controversy surrounding the late singer’s death and burial arrangements, with reports of disagreements among members of his family.
The gospel singer spoke on Tuesday during a night of tributes held in honour of Toluwanisings in Ibadan, Oyo State. He warned against allowing the situation to degenerate into a controversy similar to the one that followed the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad.
Describing the deceased as a devoted Christian and a genuine servant of God, Gbenjo said Toluwanisings was passionate about his faith and had a good relationship with people.
He urged the public to stop fuelling unnecessary controversy over the late singer’s death, particularly through social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
“You can never see Toluwani in the midst of jobless people. He had a good heart. He was a friend to everybody. He served the Lord with all his heart. Don’t turn Toluwani into Mohbad. That madness on TikTok and Instagram must stop. If you are jobless, go and look for a job,” Gbenjo said.
Meanwhile, comedians Ayobami Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, and Olamide Oladimeji, also known as Dele Omo Woli, have threatened legal action against individuals allegedly linking them to Toluwanisings’ death.
Woli Agba disclosed this in a public notice shared on his Instagram page on Sunday.
In the notice issued by their solicitors, Gemgold, the comedians warned members of the public against publishing or circulating allegations they described as false and defamatory against them.
The legal notice maintained that the allegations were baseless and intended to damage the reputations of the two entertainers.
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El-Rufai’s ₦1bn Legal Battle Takes New Turn As Court Fixes Judgment Date.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed December 2, 2026, for judgment in the ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other respondents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set the date after lawyers representing the parties adopted their respective court processes.
However, El-Rufai’s lawyer was absent when the case was initially called. The judge subsequently deemed the former governor’s filed processes adopted.
Counsel to the ICPC, Abdul Mohammed (SAN), adopted the commission’s court processes and urged the judge to dismiss the suit in its entirety.
Similarly, the lawyer representing the Inspector-General of Police, ACP Ezekiel Rimamsomte, and Maimuna Lami-Shiru, Director of Civil Litigation and Public Law, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), adopted their respective processes and asked the court to dismiss the case.
During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, arrived in court and apologised for his lateness.
When Akpan sought the court’s permission to adopt his client’s processes, Justice Abdulmalik informed him that the documents had already been deemed adopted.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until December 2, 2026, when judgment is expected to be delivered.
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Breaking: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Picks For Two Federal Commissions.
The Senate has confirmed Dr Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman as Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Dr Abdullahi Maikano Saidu as Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Suleiman’s confirmation was approved alongside that of 10 other members of the NHRC, while Saidu was confirmed together with six other members representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
President Bola Tinubu nominated the appointees, Naija News reports.
The Senate’s approval clears the way for the nominees to assume their respective positions in the two federal commissions.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has forwarded a bill to the Senate seeking to expand Nigeria’s legal framework for transferring convicted offenders to and from countries outside the Commonwealth.
The proposed legislation, known as the Transfer of Convicted Offenders (Enactment and Enforcement) Amendment Bill, 2026, was presented in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday.
The bill seeks to amend the Transfer of Convicted Offenders (Enactment and Enforcement) Act, Cap. T16, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Under the proposed amendment, the President would be empowered to extend the provisions of the Act to any country with which Nigeria has entered into a prisoner-transfer agreement. Such an extension would be made through an order published in the Federal Gazette.
Tinubu explained that the amendment would provide the legal backing required to implement agreements reached between Nigeria and foreign governments on the transfer of convicted persons.
According to the President, the proposed law would establish a framework for enforcing such arrangements with countries outside the Commonwealth, giving the Federal Government greater flexibility in negotiating and implementing prisoner-transfer agreements.
Such agreements generally allow inmates to serve their sentences in another country under mutually agreed conditions while addressing the legal and administrative challenges associated with transferring prisoners across borders.
In his letter to the Senate, Tinubu urged lawmakers to give the bill urgent consideration.
“While it is my hope that the Senate will consider this submission expeditiously, please accept, Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration,” he stated.
The bill was transmitted to the National Assembly pursuant to Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. It must undergo the required legislative process before it can become law.
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