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CJN decries persistent allegations of inefficiency, delayed justice, bias, in judiciary

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The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said it is worrisome that in spite of concerted efforts, allegations of corruption, delays in justice dispensation and bias still persists in the judiciary.

Justice Kekere-Ekun said this on Monday in Abuja while declaring open the 2025 hybrid refresher course for judges of superior courts of record.

“In spite of our collective efforts, challenges persist; Allegations of corruption, delays in the dispensation of justice, and perceptions of bias or inefficiency remain issues of concern,” she said.

The CJN said the impact of the challenges was being felt deeply within the judicial system.

“They undermine public confidence, weaken the judiciary’s authority, and create a dangerous gulf between the courts and the society they serve.

“The onus is therefore on us to confront these challenges head-on and reaffirm our commitment to judicial excellence,” she said.

While noting that the judiciary served as the guardian of justice, the final arbiter in disputes, and the ultimate custodian of constitutional order, she added that it however, did not exist in a vacuum.

“Its authority and effectiveness are inextricably linked to the trust and confidence that the public reposes in it.

“Without public confidence, the judiciary’s moral authority is diminished, and its ability to discharge its constitutional mandate is impaired.

“However, public trust is neither assumed nor conferred, it must be earned and safeguarded through judicial integrity, professionalism, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to justice.”

“As judicial officers, we bear the solemn responsibility of ensuring that justice is dispensed with fairness, impartiality, and efficiency.

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“It is not enough to be impartial; we must also be seen to be impartial. The perception of bias or impropriety can be as damaging as the reality itself,” Kekere-Ekun said.

Speaking, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, retired Justice Salisu Abdullahi said that the theme of the course, “Strengthening Public Trust and Confidence in the Judiciary,” was apt.

He said this was because public trust was the very foundation upon which the judiciary’s legitimacy was built.

“However, trust in the Judiciary, like any cherished value, is neither automatic nor enduring without deliberate action.”

He told the participants that public confidence must be earned through conduct that exemplified impartiality, integrity, and diligence.

Abdullahi said that the course would afford the judges the opportunity to reflect and deliberate on diverse issues, which had the capacity to diminish the trust and confidence reposed in the Judiciary.

“It will inevitably foster the proffering of workable solutions to address identifiable challenges, and also aid the mapping out of actionable strategies for bolstering the citizenry’s faith in the judicial system,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the refresher course is part of the institute’s effort at ensuring continuous professional development of judicial officers.

NAN also reports that participants include judges of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court and State High Courts, as well as Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal and judges of the Customary Court of Appeal. (NAN)

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Residents of Kaura Namoda Commend Defence Minister for Crackdown on Bandits

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Residents of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area in Zamfara State have expressed their appreciation to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, for his role in the elimination of over 50 bandits who had been terrorising the region.

In a statement signed by spokesperson Suleiman Yusuf, the community praised Matawalle for his leadership in restoring security, describing his commitment as a major relief for communities that had long suffered from violent attacks.

“We, the residents of Kaura Namoda, express our deep gratitude for the improved security situation.

“We can now live without fear, resuming our daily lives with a renewed sense of safety,” Yusuf stated.

The security operation, conducted under Operation Fansar Yamma, targeted a gathering of armed bandits in Kaura Namoda. A precision airstrike successfully eliminated 50 bandits, while several others sustained injuries, marking a significant blow against criminal elements operating in the region.

In a separate mission in Tsafe Local Government Area, security forces tracked and neutralised a notorious bandit, Shehu Dan Kwale, further strengthening efforts to curb insecurity in Zamfara State.

The military’s actions under the directives of Matawalle have been widely welcomed by residents of Kaura Namoda, Tsafe, and Gusau Local Government Areas, who have endured years of attacks by armed groups. Many now express optimism that sustained efforts will restore lasting peace to their communities.

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6 die as truck rams Into vehicles, pedestrians in Onitsha

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Police Command in Anambra has confirmed that six people died in a multiple-vehicle accident on Saturday at Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer(CPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Sunday that the police had taken over the accident scene to maintain order and facilitate investigations.

“According to eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred due to the loss of control of a truck, which rammed into pedestrians, two tricycles, and a commercial bus loaded with passengers,” he said

Ikenga noted that the crash claimed six lives, while several others sustained injuries and were currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

He added that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in the morgue.

He added that some relatives of the victims had been contacted and informed about the incident.

Ikenga said that the command extended its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery.

He urged drivers to conduct necessary safety checks before plying the roads to prevent such tragic incidents.

The CPRO assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations progressed

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Adeleke’s $20m fraud allegation against Oyetola mere shadow chasing – Ogundokun

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A frontline politician, Chief Abiola Ogundokun, has described Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun’s $20 million fraud allegation against his immediate predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, as mere shadow chasing.

Ogundokun stated this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, while reacting to a petition by Adeleke to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Oyetola.

Adeleke had, in the petition, alleged that Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, misappropriated a $20 million World Bank health grant while he was governor of the state.

Ogundokun said in the state that there was nothing serious in the petition other than a drama aimed at generating negative energy toward the 2026 governorship election in the state.

He described Oyetola as a man of sterling performance in the private sector as well as due diligence and strict adherence to rules in the public service as governor.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain also described the former governor as the pride of Osun and Nigeria who should not be pulled down or given uncharitable names but encouraged to do more for the state.

According to him, there is the need to stop a destructive campaign of “I will destroy you if I can’t get it.

“Oyetola is honest to a fault,” he remarked, calling on the people of the state to join him in moving Osun forward.

Ogundokun advised Adeleke to prioritise good governance rather than engaging in frivolous activities.

“What Osun requires and deserves is focused leadership and serious engagements.

“I will advise Ademola Adeleke to stop playing politics with the exalted office of the governor by turning it to a petition writing apparatus.

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“He should use the enormous power of the office to improve the lots of the people instead of deploying the state resources to bully and witch-hunt a perceived enemy or enemies.

“Writing a petition against a man like Oyetola, to me, is like chasing a shadow.

“The task before Adeleke is huge, and meeting the expectations of the people should be his priority and not fighting an imaginary political foe,” he said.

The elder statesman urged the governor not to deviate from the vision of the state’s forefathers.

Rather, he said that Adeleke should learn to build on the good foundation of his predecessor instead of finding ways to shoot down his good legacies. (NAN)

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