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“Big Moves In Judiciary!” – NJC Promotes 12 Judges, Suspends Two In Major Decision.

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The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the appointment of 12 new Justices of the Court of Appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that the decision was reached at the Council’s 111th meeting held on May 13, 2026, under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

In a statement released on Thursday by the NJC Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the Council explained that the recommendations were made to fill existing vacancies caused by retirements and elevations within the judiciary.

Those recommended for elevation include Justices Abdulhammeed Mohammed Yakubu, Monisola Oluwatoyin Abodunde, Raphael Ajuwa, Elias Ojie Abua, Mbalamen Jennifer Ijohor, Sabiu Bala Shuaibu, James Kolawole Omotosho, Emeka Nwite, Dauda Njane Buba, Sanusi Kado, Ademola Enikuomehin, and Julcit Veronica Dadom.

The NJC also recommended Christine T. Clement Ende for appointment as a Judge of the Benue State High Court, while Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were recommended as Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal in Katsina State.

In addition, the Council approved a new policy clarifying that retired public servants are not constitutionally barred from being appointed to the Bench.

Citing judicial precedent, particularly the case of Ayoola v. Baruwa, the NJC stated that there is no constitutional restriction preventing qualified retired legal practitioners from judicial appointment.

However, it stipulated that such candidates must have at least 10 years remaining before reaching the mandatory retirement age and must fully disclose their employment history, financial status, criminal record (if any), and reasons for leaving previous jobs.

The Council also extended the tenure of Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for an additional three months, from March 26 to June 26, 2026, to allow time for the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge.

It further commended Justice Ononeze-Madu for declining to take an improper oath outside established constitutional procedures.

On disciplinary matters, the NJC upheld the compulsory retirement of eight Imo State judges over allegations of age falsification, rejecting their appeals.

However, it reinstated Justice T.I. Nze of the Customary Court of Appeal after fresh evidence was reviewed and found to be credible.

The Council also suspended Justice Ibrahim D. Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court for one year without pay over misconduct relating to the improper granting of an ex parte order, citing breaches of judicial conduct rules.

Similarly, Justice Edward A.E. Okpe of the FCT High Court was also suspended for one year without pay for violating fair hearing principles in a matrimonial case.

The NJC said it considered multiple investigation reports on petitions against judges, dismissing several due to lack of merit, poor prosecution, or statutory limitations.

It also reviewed numerous complaints, cautioning some judges, issuing warnings, and directing further investigations in select cases, while referring some petitioners and lawyers for disciplinary action over frivolous allegations.

In its commendation segment, the Council praised nine judges for outstanding performance during the 2024 and 2025 legal years, issuing formal recognition to those who delivered a high number of judgments within the period.

The NJC also approved retirement notices for some judicial officers and expressed condolences over the deaths of three judges between December 2025 and April 2026.

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“Police Shake-Up!” – IGP Disu Redeploys Ondo Commissioner In Major Security Move.

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Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has reportedly redeployed Adebowale Lawal from his position as Commissioner of Police in Ondo State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Lawal has reportedly been replaced by senior police officer, Ohagwu Felix Ndukwe, who is expected to take over as the new Commissioner of Police in the state.

According to police sources at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Lawal’s removal was allegedly connected to multiple controversies surrounding his tenure, including his reported decision to receive human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and other protesters who visited the Ondo State Police Headquarters to lodge complaints over the alleged assault on June 12 demonstrators in Akure.

Sources also claimed that allegations of financial misconduct within the command may have significantly influenced the decision. Reports alleged that some of Lawal’s subordinates accused him of imposing compulsory monthly levies of up to ₦2 million on officers under his command.

Multiple insiders within the Ondo State Police Command reportedly described a system of mandatory financial remittances running into millions of naira, which they said placed severe financial and psychological pressure on personnel.

According to the allegations, the burden of meeting these financial demands had serious consequences for officers, with some sources claiming it contributed to the death of CSP Nimrod Anaka, the Divisional Police Officer of Kajola Police Station in Odigbo Local Government Area. He was reportedly said to have died from high blood pressure allegedly worsened by the pressure associated with the demands.

The incident was said to have generated internal outrage within the command, although many officers reportedly avoided speaking publicly for fear of retaliation.

Lawal had previously faced criticism over similar allegations in 2025, when reports emerged accusing him of creating a financially oppressive environment for subordinates.

In a separate controversy, some clerics in Ondo State also accused the police command under Lawal of extorting ₦2 million from them following their arrest in February 2026 at Saint Paul Anglican Church in Odode-Idanre.

The affected clerics, including Olarewaju Fadahunsi, Gbadura Marvellous, Arijesulola Kayode, Tijani, and Kolade, alleged that they were treated harshly during detention. One of them further claimed they were threatened while under police supervision.

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“Marriage Not My Priority” – Chike Reveals Why He’s Focused On His Career.

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Nigerian singer Chike Ezekpeazu has revealed that he is not currently interested in getting married, although he already envisions having a daughter in the future.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that he made the disclosure during an interview with Chude, where he spoke about his views on relationships and his approach to meeting and understanding women.

The singer explained that he often pays attention to a woman’s upbringing, particularly whether she grew up with her father present in the home, saying it is one of the factors he considers when getting to know someone.

According to him, the presence of a father during childhood can significantly influence how relationships develop later in life, and this belief shapes some of the questions he asks women he meets.

Chike added that one of his early questions in conversations with women often relates to their relationship with their father.

In his words, he said he is not planning to walk down the aisle anytime soon but already knows he wants a daughter. He also explained that he believes women who grow up without a father figure may sometimes experience challenges in their romantic relationships, which is why he tends to ask about it early on.

His comments come amid ongoing online discussions linking him to rumours involving media personality Frank Edoho and his former wife, Sandra Onyenucheya.

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“Emotional Scene!” – Uche Jombo Storms Alexx Ekubo’s Home To Comfort His Wife After His Passing.

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Nollywood actress Uche Jombo has assured the wife of late actor Alexx Ekubo that she will not be left alone following his passing.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that the actress shared the update on Instagram, revealing that she joined close friends and colleagues in visiting Alexx’s home, where they spent time with his wife and reflected on memories of the late actor.

She noted that the gathering was deeply emotional, with moments of grief mixed with laughter as those present recounted Alexx’s personality, his impact, and the memories they shared with him while he was alive.

According to Uche Jombo, Alexx Ekubo lived a very intentional life and was known for careful planning and meaningful relationships. She said attendees spoke about the lessons, conversations, and love he shared with them over the years.

She added that she believes the late actor is now at peace and free from suffering, while reassuring his wife that she would continue to receive support from his close friends and colleagues.

In her words, she described the moment as both painful and comforting, noting that even in grief, there was a sense of celebration of the life he lived.

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