Category: Politics

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (retd.), is dead.

Tanko was said to have died on Tuesday morning at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.

His death was confirmed in an official condolence statement issued by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, dated December 16, 2025.

In the statement titled “NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria,” the association described his death as a major loss to the country.

“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return,” the statement read.

“The Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, Abuja, receives with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria. His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large.”

Justice Muhammad, who served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria before his retirement, was described by the association as “a towering figure of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.”

According to NAMLAS, throughout his judicial career, the former CJN “exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench—fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law.”

The statement added, “As Chief Justice of Nigeria, he discharged his responsibilities with wisdom and restraint, leaving behind a legacy of service that will continue to guide generations of legal practitioners.”

Beyond his role on the Bench, NAMLAS said the late jurist played a significant mentorship role, particularly among young Muslim law students across the country.

“To NAMLAS, the late Chief Justice was more than a jurist; he was a fatherly pillar and a source of encouragement to Muslim law students across the country,” the association said, noting that his “support, moral guidance, and openness to the aspirations of young Muslim legal minds reflected his deep belief in mentorship, continuity, and the nurturing of future custodians of justice.”

The association extended condolences to his family, the Nigerian judiciary, and the country at large.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Nigerian Judiciary, the Government and people of Nigeria, and the entire Muslim Ummah,” the statement said.

NAMLAS also offered prayers for the repose of his soul, praying that Allah forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, and grants him “the highest abode in Jannatul Firdaus.”

Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad served Nigeria’s judiciary for decades and rose to the highest judicial office in the country, leaving behind a career that shaped key moments in the nation’s legal history.

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has issued an ex parte interim injunction restraining the Editor-in-Chief of Law and Society Magazine as well as Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja from making further alleged derogatory publications against prominent Nigerian lawyer, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN.

The order, granted on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, by Hon. Justice S. U. Bature of the Maitama Division, follows a defamation suit filed by Ubani, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/4411/2025, alleges that the defendants circulated materials that injured Ubani’s professional reputation.

Justice Bature, after reviewing Ubani’s ex parte application (No. FCT/HC/M/16245/2025) filed on December 4, 2025, and supported by an affidavit sworn to by Susan Nwenna Nwaze, granted the following interim orders: That

The defendants, their agents, and privies are barred from issuing or disseminating any further publications considered derogatory of Ubani pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice.

All parties are directed to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the court hears the motion on notice.

The court granted permission for substituted service of all processes on the defendants.

The matter has been adjourned to December 16, 2025, for the hearing of the Motion on Notice. Dr. Ubani was represented by Sir N. S. C. Okoro.

While the specific contents of the alleged defamatory publications remain sealed pending further proceedings, the lawsuit is reportedly linked to recent articles published in Law and Society Magazine and public statements by the defendants which Ubani says have gravely harmed his reputation as a respected human rights advocate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Dr (Chief) Oluwayomi David Atte

Tribute

Prof. Albert Anjorin: “BODA ALBERT”

There I was. A green behind the ears strapping youth, completely lost in the environment of a University. I had registered as a fresh undergraduate of the University of Ibadan in September 1971. There was a gathering in Trenchard Hall – it was the welcome ceremony for new students. It was , I think 2nd October 1971. The big wigs were there and many others. I stood with another fresh student from Iya Gbeddeand we were chatting in our dialect. Suddenly, I heard this boom of a baritone voice, with a forefinger pointing directly at me, “You. Come here”. I trembled like a leaf in the wind as I approached this huge and imposing man. “Where do you come from?”, he asked next. “Good afternoon Sir. I come from Takete IDE in Kabba Division” I mumbled in response. “What is your name and who are your parents?” he asked. I wondered why this huge man before me was interested in finding out who was but I had no choice in the matter. His tone seemed like a command I had to obey. So I told him. Suddenly, completely unprepared for what came next, I found myself off the ground, held in a vice grip by arms that seemed as long and as strong as those of a gorilla. He was huge and I was small. It was not a difficult thing for him to lift me up in a passionate embrace. Swirling around my head was the big question, “who is this man and what is happening?”. He put me down gently but held on to my hand in his big ‘paw’. Still a baritone boom, his voice softened as he said, “I am Albert Anjorin from Ayede Amuro. Welcome to UI” and immediately changed to our very unique ‘specie’ of Yagba.

I was in what was like a dream. This is the great Dr Anjorin whose name and fame, “our first doctor” I had heard in whispers, standing right there, holding my hand and chatting happily with me!. I had known his father and family in Ayede before they moved to Orokere. Who didn’t know the father of the famous doctor? I had, and still have to pass through Ayede to and fro to connect the rest of the world. I passed through Ayede and Orokere on the very day Boda Albert’ left to be with the Lord and did so again as recent as last Sunday (07 December). Back to starters.

After the ceremony in Trenchard Hall, he asked for, and actually followed me to my room in Mellanby Hall nearby. From there he took me to his apartment in UCH, cooked me a meal and returned me to my hostel in the evening. It is a long story because it was ONE DAY that defined the life long relationship we had.

His apartment in UCH became my second home for three years as I spent almost every Sunday after church there. At times he would come to take me out. He became Boda Albert and I became Wora David. That’s how he greeted me from 1971 to the last time we spoke two months to his departure from Mother Earth. Boda Albert lived large and lived life to the full. He chose his path and there was no persuading him otherwise. He let me be with what he called my “fanatic religion” and never disparaged my faith. But he asked me to let him be in his chosen path. He had a wonderful and long courtship. It was romance made in heaven. I saw their radiance faces at the wedding and the fairy tale first months of marriage in their UCH apartment. I joined them in the joy of welcoming Olumide into this world. I also shared in the sorrow and strain of a young marriage in crisis. For once he allowed my faith in God to intrude into his life. But Boda Albert chose his path. However, crises didn’t change him. He remained a man of indomitable character, always carefully choosing what he wanted and sticking to it whatever the “world” said.

I left him in Ibadan after graduation and our paths didn’t

cross again until 17 September 1977. I had arrived in London on 01 September to begin my PhD program at the University of London. I had no idea Boda Albert was in London but somehow someone told him I was in London too and incredibly, he showed up at the front desk of my International Hall residence that day, 17th. The unmistakable Wora David reached me before I reached him. I felt the same bear hug as I felt on 02 October 1971. It was so good to see him. Of course it was not long before we headed for his apartment in his car. There, for the first time in my life, I saw colour TV – 17/09/77!

Unfortunately it was the tail end of his stay in London and three months later he returned home. We relived the three months like the Ibadan days afresh. His open, loud and bombastic laughter and friendliness “without guile”, the hallmark of his entire life, still played out.

I moved to live in the University Quarters, Fate, Ilorin, early 1986. Boda Albert was living almost directly opposite me. He wasn’t far from Prof Fawole while my dear Oga and Mentor, now His Majesty, the Elegbe of Egbe, Uncle Ayo Irekera, lived further down the road (that was when we knew that Tunde, though still young, would go places). Boda Albert’s home became my second home once again until the saga of the “University and 44 Lecturers” erupted and he had to leave. He remained himself, lived large, spoke his mind with uncharacteristic candor and dared the world to oppose him. Boda Albert was my mentor. Even though he was himself unbendable in his principles, he and Uncle Moses Ayinmodu, also my relation from Amuro, did more to tame my temperament than anyone else. I was a rash, bold and undiplomatic young man. Like Boda Albert, I feared no man, spoke my mind frankly and damning the consequences. Our Father, Late Chief Sunday Awoniyi, once called me “an unguided middle” when others quaked in his presence but I would have none of what he was trying to make us do. Boda Albert and Chief Moses Ayinmodu took it upon themselves to tame my rascality. “You say the truth and you stand on good arguments BUT it is important to apply wisdom and respect for people, if not your good qualities will be wasted” they kept admonishing me. They succeeded, more than anyone else could do in remolding me into what I am today. I am most indebted to them. They are the foremost heroes of my life

I cannot close this tribute without saying this. In 2010, the Council of Okun Traditional Rulers under the wise Chairmanship of His Majesty, Obaro OLOBAYO- a veritable and incredible Obaro, and other Okun Elders set up a Committee of Distinguished Okun People to liaise with the leaders of Kogi Central, led by the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and the Leaders of Oworo and Lokoja to seek their cooperation and alliance in the quest for the creation of Kabba State. The Committee had important meetings all round and was very successful. The point I want to make is that Boda Albert was a member of that Committee and I was the Chairman of that Committee. How can I be Chairman when Prof Anjorin and other notable Okun Sons are there? I wanted to reject that position. It was Boda Albert who said “David, God chose you not man. Where assignments are political like this, you are my Leader and I promise to serve with you” . He was the behind the scene hand that guided me through that assignment. He developed the schedule and strategy with me and came to my rescue when my youthful experience could not carry me through. I will never forget that sssignment and the role Boda Albert played in it. I was no equal to him in any way but he humbled himself to let me be his boss. What a man! What a heart! What a hero! Boda Albert is one of the finest that Okunland and Nigeria have ever produced. I, especially, will miss him. Adieu, Boda Albert

Unfortunately Boda, I will not be able to be at your graveside to bid you farewell in Amuro or pay my personal respects in the ceremony at Ilorin. One my was from Takete IDE on 07 December 2025, I slipped a disc on the rough patch between Koto nKarfi and Gegu. I am unable to undertake any trip now because of my back. Know this, however Boda Albert, I am deeply grateful for all you have done to make my life better. I will remember them and you all the days of my life. I will pass on the story of your life to the coming genenations. Farewell Boda Albert. Rest until we meet again

The Anambra State Police Command has dismissed claims that a journalist was detained within the premises of the Anambra State House of Assembly, describing the report as misleading and inconsistent with the events that occurred.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said no journalist was held in custody at any point. He explained that officers on duty merely carried out standard security procedures required to verify the identity of the visitor and confirm the legitimacy of his invitation.
According to Tochukwu, the routine check was non-confrontational and designed strictly to safeguard the Assembly complex, staff, and other dignitaries present. He added that such verification is a normal procedure applied to all guests, irrespective of profession or status.

He noted that reference to an “enemy” made during the encounter was a situational comment arising from what officers perceived as inadequate explanation from the visitor. The brief misunderstanding, he said, was immediately resolved without escalation.
Further checks by the police revealed that the person who invited the journalist was neither a lawmaker nor an employee of the Anambra State House of Assembly. He was also at the facility based on a separate invitation extended by the institution.
The Command emphasized that this clarification was necessary to counter narratives suggesting harassment of media personnel, insisting that the police did not obstruct the journalist’s work or freedom of movement.

Tochukwu reiterated the Command’s respect for journalists, noting that members of the press remain strategic partners in shaping public consciousness and promoting accountability in governance and security operations.
He assured that officers in Anambra State would continue to engage with media professionals with civility, respect, and cooperation, in line with global policing standards.
The Police Command also appealed to the public to seek verification before circulating reports capable of undermining mutual trust between the police and journalists.
SP Ikenga Tochukwu reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism and transparency in handling security matters across the state.

Nigeria industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has announced a N100 billion yearly education support initiative, describing it as a long-term investment aimed at reducing financial barriers that drive millions of young Nigerians out of school.

The programme is expected to cost more than N1 trillion over the next decade. Dangote, while speaking at the launch in Lagos, yesterday, said that the plan would support 45,000 new students every year from 2026, rising to 155,000 beneficiaries by the fourth year and remaining at that level for 10 years. In total, the scheme is projected to reach 1.3 million students across all 774 local councils.

According to him, the initiative comprises four programmes targeted at sectors where educational exclusion is most acute. Through the Aliko Dangote STEM scholars, the programme will fund 30,000 undergraduate students yearly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) across Nigeria’s public universities and polytechnics. Beneficiaries will have their tuition aligned to actual institutional fees.

A total of 5,000 students in public technical and vocational institutions will receive support each year for tools, materials and essential training requirements through the Aliko Dangote Technical Scholars. This complements the Federal Government’s recent policy providing free tuition for TVET students.

The Presidency has praised Dangote for unveiling what is now the largest private education support programme in Nigeria, describing the initiative as a major boost to the Federal Government’s human capital development agenda.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, while speaking at the event, said the intervention demonstrates the critical role of private-sector actors in national development.

He noted that Nigeria’s demographic growth makes urgent investment in education indispensable, warning that ‘a population becomes a liability only when it is uneducated’.

Shettima added that the Aliko Dangote Foundation programme would widen opportunities for thousands of learners and bolster the Federal Government’s efforts to build a competitive workforce. He called for stronger collaboration between the government, the private sector and development partners to address persistent gaps in the education system.

Dangote said the intervention aimed at Nigeria’s most vulnerable learners, noting that financial hardship, rather than a lack of talent, is the primary reason many drop out of school. He noted that for more than three decades, the Aliko Dangote Foundation had invested heavily in health, nutrition, economic empowerment and humanitarian support across Nigeria.

He, however, said that one guiding principle has remained unchanged: ‘no nation can rise above the quality of education it offers its young people’.

Dangote said the focus would be on measurable outcomes, including retention, completion rates and post-school impact, noting that the vision behind the initiative is to give every deserving child the chance to learn — unfettered by cost, free to dream, and equipped to achieve.

Dangote also disclosed that the programme’s long-term sustainability is tied to his formal commitment to allocate 25 per cent of his wealth to the Aliko Dangote Foundation, adding that the progress on the initiative will be reviewed in 2030 as part of Dangote Group’s Vision 2030 strategy.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda in the education sector, alongside the Federal Ministry of Education, SUBEBs and state governments for ‘deliberate and steady efforts’ to support learners amid economic pressures.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of the 36 state governors, also commended the initiative and pledged the governors’ full support.

Also, Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as ‘pure human capital development’, saying it aligns with the Tinubu administration’s education sector renewal plan of transforming Nigeria from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy and is significant because every local council will benefit.

Wole Soyinka, Nobel laureate, has criticised what he described as the excessive deployment of security personnel around the family of President Bola Tinubu, saying it reflects poorly on Nigeria’s priorities and security architecture.

Speaking at the 20th Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) Awards held in Lagos on Tuesday, Soyinka said he recently witnessed a disturbing level of armed protection attached to the president’s son while at a hotel in the Ikoyi area of Lagos.

“I was coming out of my hotel, and I saw what looked like a film set, and I said, oh, they are shooting a film on the ground of the hotel,” he recalled.

“And a young man detached himself from the actors, came over and greeted me very politely. A very nice young man. And I said, are you shooting somebody?

“I said, I’m just joking. Are you shooting a film? No. I looked around, there was nearly a whole battalion occupying the ground of the hotel in Ikoyi.

“So, when I got back in my car, and I asked the driver, who that young man was, and he told me, and I saw this SWAT team, a mixture, they were heavily armed at least some 15 or so heavily armed to the teeth security personnel looked sufficient to take over a small country neighbouring city like Benin.”

Soyinka said he was alarmed enough to try reaching the national security adviser (NSA) to confirm whether the deployment was official and justifiable.

“I was so astonished that I started looking for the national security adviser. I said track him down for me. I think they got him somewhere in Paris. But he was with the president; he was in a meeting,” he said.

“Then, I said I’ve just seen something I can’t believe I don’t understand and I described the scene to him I said do you mean that a child of the head of state goes around with an army for his protection or whatever.

“I couldn’t believe it. Later on, I did some investigative journalism, and I found that apparently this is how this young man goes around with his battalion, his heavy armed soldiers.”

He said President Tinubu did not need to mobilise the military or air force to confront threats in countries like Benin Republic, joking that the security detail around his son could easily crush a rebellion.

“Tinubu didn’t have to send the air force and the military to deal with this particular insurrection, this threat to our own sense of security and equilibrium. No. There is easier way to doing it,” Soyinka said.

“Let me tell you where Tinubu should look for forces to quell that insurrection. Right here, in Lagos, or in Abuja, perhaps.

“And I think next time there’s an insurrection, I think the president should just call that young man and say, ‘Seyi, go and put down those stupid people there. You have troops under your command’”.

Soyinka stressed that while presidents around the world have families, the privilege must not be abused.

“This is not the first country whose head of state has family,” he said.

“Children should know their place. They are not potentates; they are not heads of state.

“The security architecture of a nation suffers when we see such heavy devotion of security to one young individual.”