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Court Strikes Out Suit Seeking Diri’s Disqualification, Awards N500,000 Fine

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Court Strikes Out Suit Seeking Diri’s Disqualification, Awards N500,000 Fine....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking the disqualification of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. Justice Emeka Nwite, in a judgment, held that the suit lacked merit as the plaintiff failed to prove the allegations of certificate forgery leveled against Ewhrudjakpo beyond a reasonable doubt. Nwite also awarded a cost of N500,000 against the plaintiff and in favor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the 3rd defendant in the suit.

Background:

In 2023, less than nine days before the November 11, 2023, Bayelsa governorship election, a fresh suit seeking Diri and Ewhrudjakpo’s disqualification commenced before Justice Nwite. The plaintiff, a Bayelsa woman, Mrs. Blessing Clement Azibanagbal, through her lawyer, Ifeanyi Nsowu, filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1448/23.

Details of the Suit:

In the affidavit in support of the originating summons deposed to by Yenle Istifanus, a litigation secretary with Compendium Chambers, the lawyer said she knew as a fact that Azibanagbal, who hails from Bayelsa and as a good citizen of Nigeria, had the locus standi (legal right) to institute the action. The originating summons was dated October 26, 2023, and filed on October 30, 2023.

She listed Diri, Ewhrudjakpo, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the 1st to 4th defendants, respectively. The suit sought an order of mandatory injunction, directing INEC to remove the names of Diri and Ewhrudjakpo as PDP’s candidates in the November poll. It also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining INEC, its agents, privies, or whosoever called, from further publishing their names as standard bearers for the party in the forthcoming election in Bayelsa.

Diri and his deputy also filed their counter affidavit to oppose the application.

Court Judgment:

Delivering the judgment on Monday, Justice Nwite observed that Exhibits I attached to the affidavit of the plaintiff’s amended originating summons contained, among others, documents which included a deed poll for proper arrangement of Ewhrudjakpo’s name.

“Fair enough, it is the documents exhibited by the plaintiff to prove her case that the 2nd defendant (Ewhrudjakpo)’s certificates have different names, hence he is not qualified on the ground of presentation of false information,” the judge said.

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“YOU SHALL FALL INTO THE PIT!” Natasha Blasts Akpabio With Fire And Fury Over Explosive Leaked Audio!

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (representing Kogi Central) has publicly responded to the controversy surrounding Senate President Godswill Akpabio following the emergence of a leaked audio recording.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, Akpoti-Uduaghan shared her stance via a Facebook post on Monday, September 21, 2026, where she alleged that Akpabio’s office has been distributing materials to media outlets for publication. Addressing the Senate President directly, she issued a stern warning that actions taken against her will ultimately backfire, writing:

“Dear Godswill Akpabio, Senate President of the Nigerian 10th Assembly… continue. Dear Punch Newspapers, Guardian Nigeria, and others… you may take the envelope and publish whatever Akpabio’s office sends to you. S.P. Akpabio, know that the pits you dig for me, you shall very well fall into.”

Context of the Leaked Audio

  • The Allegations: Her reaction follows fresh claims by U.S.-based activist Sandra Duru (also known as Prof Mgbeke), who published a nine-minute audio clip on social media.

  • The Recording: Duru claimed the audio features a male voice belonging to Akpabio and that he allegedly hired her to campaign against Akpoti-Uduaghan. This marks a shift from her 2025 claims, where she previously alleged that the Kogi senator tried to recruit her against the Senate President.

  • Further Disclosures: Duru indicated that this audio serves as a preview of more upcoming revelations regarding her purported dealings with Akpabio.

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BLOCKBUSTER RULING: Appeal Court Flips Script On Magu’s EFCC Tenure In Stunning Legal Reversal!.

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside a previous Federal High Court ruling that validated Ibrahim Magu’s extended service as the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The appellate court’s decision follows an appeal by Abuja-based lawyer and activist Johnmary Jideobi. He challenged Magu’s prolonged acting tenure after the Senate twice rejected his nomination for a substantive appointment.

Background of the Case

  • The Origin: Jideobi filed the initial suit in March 2017, arguing that Magu could not occupy the acting role indefinitely following his rejection by the Senate.

  • The 2019 High Court Ruling: Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu dismissed the suit, ruling that the EFCC Establishment Act contained a gap regarding the time limit for an acting chairperson, leaving the duration to presidential discretion.

  • The Appeal: Dissatisfied, Jideobi argued that keeping Magu in office violated statutory limits and that the acting appointment legally terminated once the Senate rejected his nomination.

Subsequent Developments

Magu’s tenure as acting chairman ultimately concluded in July 2020 following his suspension by former President Muhammadu Buhari over misconduct allegations, which Magu denied before an investigative panel.

Following his exit, Mohammed Umar Abba temporarily took over before Abdulrasheed Bawa was appointed as substantive chairman in February 2021. Bawa was later suspended in June 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, leading to the appointment of the current substantive chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

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SCANDAL AT THE TOP: JAMB Fires Corrupt Staff Exposed In Shaking Extortion Ring!.

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the dismissal of an employee found guilty of extorting candidates.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a bulletin released on Monday, September 21, 2026, the examination body stated that the staff member was sanctioned for exploiting unsuspecting candidates. JAMB emphasized that this action is part of broader measures to prevent officials from using their positions for personal gain and to protect the public from exploitation.

The board issued a strong warning to its entire workforce, stating that no employee, regardless of their status, would be shielded from disciplinary action for misconduct that compromises the integrity of the admission and examination process. JAMB reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for fraud, making it clear that both internal and external offenders will face the full consequences of their actions.

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