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Abacha Family Appeals Judgement Over Revoked Abuja Property
In a high-profile legal battle, Nigeria’s former first lady, Hajia Mariam Sani Abacha, and her eldest son, Mohammed, have taken their case to the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
The Abacha family is seeking the recovery of a valuable property in the Maitama District of Abuja, which they claim was unlawfully revoked by the federal government and sold without their knowledge or compensation.
Elanza News reports that the case has attracted significant attention and generated a wave of interest online due to its historical and political significance.
The Abacha family has appealed the earlier dismissal of their suit by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja. They argue that the judge erred in his findings and conclusions, and are seeking a reversal of the judgment.
The appeal, Elanza News gathered, was filed by renowned lawyer Reuben Atabo, SAN, highlights several grounds for challenging the lower court’s decision.
The Abacha family contends that Justice Lifu misunderstood the jurisdictional issues and failed to recognize their legal standing in the case.
They assert that they have the right to pursue the matter as the widow and eldest surviving son of the late General Sani Abacha.
One of the key arguments put forth by the Abacha family is that the judge incorrectly relied on the Land Use Act to conclude that the Federal High Court had no jurisdiction to handle the case.
They point to a previous decision by the Court of Appeal, which held that the proper court to handle such a case is indeed the Federal High Court.
This discrepancy forms a crucial part of their appeal.
The Abacha family also contests the judge’s ruling that their case was statute barred, emphasizing exceptions to the applicability of the Public Officers Protection Act.
They argue that their originating summons was filed within the appropriate timeframe and that the judge failed to address the lapse of their cause of action.
Furthermore, the family disputes the recognition of Salamed Ventures Limited as a party in the proceedings. They assert that the transfer of title to a third party during ongoing litigation is a violation of the authority of the courts. The Abacha family claims that the 1st-3rd respondents sold the disputed property to the 4th respondent during the pendency of their suit, which they argue is unacceptable.
The appeal highlights several legal shortcomings in the lower court’s judgment, including the failure to consider the validity of the property revocation and the payment of compensation. The Abacha family asserts that their action seeks to question the actions of the respondents and ensure justice is served.
The case has sparked intense public interest due to its connection to the late General Sani Abacha and the historical significance of the property in question. As the legal battle unfolds, it continues to attract attention and generate discussions online.
The Court of Appeal is yet to schedule a date for the hearing of the appeal.
As the case progresses, it is expected to draw further attention and scrutiny, both in legal circles and among the general public.
In a startling turn of events, a video has surfaced online showing a group of armed bandits conducting Eid prayers deep within the forests of Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The footage, which has sparked widespread alarm, was shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on his account on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
According to reports, the armed groups gathered in at least two distinct locations Maidaro, Sabon Birni, and East Kaduna, within the Dogon Dawa Forest.
The bandits armed with a variety of sophisticated weapons. In addition to carrying automatic rifles, the bandits were seen equipped with drones and mobile phones, suggesting an alarming level of coordination and access to technology.
Security analysts, including Makama, have expressed deep concern over the implications of this gathering. Tagging both the Nigerian Army and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in his post, Makama emphasised the urgent need for strategic countermeasures against these criminal elements.
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
News
Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.