News
Some Courts operating from dilapidated, embarrassing apartments in Niger – Chief Judge
The Chief Judge of Niger State Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, has disclosed that some courts in Niger State are operating in a rented accommodation while others are in a dilapidated states.
She revealed that already, the Izom Magistrate court has partially collapsed attributing the trends to insufficient allocation to fund capital projects in the judiciary.
The situation she said, was appalling and embarrassing to say the least.
Speaking at the special court session to mark the 2023/2024 Legal Year which took place at the High court complex in Minna, Justice Halima explained that the monthly allocations released to the state Judiciary is grossly inadequate to take care of their needs.
According to the Chief Judge, it is from the allocations that “we pay for the judges rents, national and international conferences and carry out capital projects”, adding that the High court complex is in dire need of upgrade by way of reconstruction, rehabilitation and reroofing.
“Since the creation of the state, the High court conference hall is yet to be completed. If when completed, the hall will serve as our meeting point and Conference Centre and venue for our in- house capacity building training.
“It will also serve as the Venue for the conduct of our promotional examination or even the venue for the conduct of our Ceremonial Court sessions or Valedictory Court Sessions” she pointed out.
She stated that the Ninth Assembly had passed into Law the harmonization of Conditions of Service for Magistrates, Sharia Court Judges, State Counsels, Draftsmen and other Connected Purposes requesting governor Umar Mohammed Bago to direct the full implementation of the Law.
Ibrahim described as worrisome the manner at which Magistrates commute in Public transport to and from this, according to the Chief Judge is undignifying, it constitute imminent danger to their well-being ” as they sometimes join vehicles with litigants, defendants and accused persons appearing before them
“The implementation of the harmonized Conditions of Service Law 2023 will provide immense succor to their plight” she observed.
She drew the attention of governor Umar Mohammed Bago to the passage of the Harmonization of Conditions of Service for Magistrates and Shari’a court Judges, state Counsels, Draftsmen and other Connected Purposes by the Ninth Assembly.
She then requested the governor to direct for the full implementation of the Law, stating that seven out of the High court Judges were due for new vehicles adding that two of them are even long overdue.
“This brings me to the unfortunate situation confronting three retired Chief Judges of the state namely: Justice Ahmed Bima, Justice Mohammed Aliyu Mayaki and Justice Aisha Lami Bwari
“ItThroughout their tenures as Chief Judges of the state, neither Justice Bima nor Justice Mayaki was given an official Vehicle.
None of the three retired Chief Judges were given a retirement home as required by Law” she insisted.
She noted that the duo of Justice Mayaki who retired in October 2020,and Justice Bwari who retired in February 2022 received their gratuity.
“Your Excellency, I share their agony and I will not pretend but state that I shudder and tremble whenever the issue crosses my mind. I often wonder what will be my fate when I retire”? Justice Halima asked.
Speaking at the occasion, the Attorney general and Commissioner for Justice in Niger state, Barrister Nasiru Muazu observed that Nigerian Criminal Justice system in general, like many others, faced shortage of resources constraints.
He noted that inadequate funding, overcrowded correctional centers and shortage of legal professionals Particularly from the public bar were responsible to the effective implementation of the administration of Criminal administration of Justice.
According to the Attorney general, delays in the legal process continue to be a significant challenges adding that despite the provisions for speedy trials as provided by the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in Niger State lead to backlog in Courts and administrative inefficiencies at all levels also lead to lengthy delays in the resolution of cases.
Rugby School Nigeria, the newest international school of the esteemed Rugby School Group, is set to open in September 2025 in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
To celebrate this significant milestone, an exclusive launch event was held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, attracting over 100 distinguished guests and key stakeholders from the education, government, business sectors, and diplomatic communities.
At the official launch event on March 19, 2025, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter highlighted the significance of Rugby School Nigeria stating:
“Rugby School Nigeria exemplifies one of the best of UK-Nigeria collaborations, bringing another world-class British education institution to the heart of Lagos. Situated in the dynamic Eko Atlantic City, a symbol of Nigeria’s ambition and innovation, this school is poised to further shape future leaders in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Rugby School Nigeria will initially open its doors for Sixth Form students (ages 16-18) in September 2025, with boarding facilities set to be available from September 2026. The Senior School (ages 11-16) will launch in September 2026, offering a broad and engaging curriculum that prepares students for IGCSEs and future academic success.
Founding Principal of Rugby School Nigeria, Dr Adam England expressed his enthusiasm:
“Rugby School Nigeria will offer an exceptional education that nurtures both intellectual growth and character development guided by the Rugby School ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ philosophy. Students will benefit from a comprehensive A-Level programme, preparing them for top universities worldwide, alongside the Rugby 360 programme, which fosters leadership, community engagement, and personal development.
Our state-of-the-art facilities will include science labs, creative arts spaces, and world-class sporting facilities.”
Founded in 1567, Rugby School is one of the world’s most prestigious UK boarding schools, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and character development. With established sister schools in Thailand, Japan, and now Nigeria, Rugby School continues to expand its global impact, offering transformative educational experiences to students worldwide.
Dr England added, “We are excited by the substantial interest we have already received, with numerous parents’ meetings taking place daily at our offices.”
Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Olajide Ipinsagba Emmanuel has scored himself high in terms of constituency projects deliveries to his constituents.
Speaking in an exclusive interview in his office with journalists, he said “he facilitated Agricultural Training Programs for youths and existing farmers, equipping them with modern techniques to enhance productivity, distributed fertilizers to farmers to address critical agricultural challenges, ensuring increased output and improved local food security.
“Constructed and fully equipped a modern health centre in Akunnu-Akoko, ensuring access to quality healthcare for the community, distributed health equipments and materials to the State Specialist Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, thereby strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving health outcomes.”
“Trained and Empowered Women and Youth in Confectioneries. He organised training in cake baking and other confectioneries, followed by the disbursement of start-up grants to empower beneficiaries to establish their businesses. Training of women on soap making with start-up funds.
In the same vein, he organized ICT training programs for youths, distributed HP Core i7 laptops, and provided start-up grants to promote innovation and employment in the tech sector.
“Trained youths in tailoring, provided sewing machines, and disbursed start-up grants to enhance self-reliance and job creation. Constructed a 1.5-kilometer road in Oka-Akoko, improving connectivity, facilitating economic activities, and easing transportation for farmers and traders. Spearheaded the construction of the Ikare Modern Civic Center, which serves as a hub for cultural, social, and civic engagements. Facilitated the construction of 28 lock-up shops in Oka -Akoko, providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and boosting local commerce.
Dist. Sen. Olajide who is passionate about education, distributed free JAMB forms to students across the Senatorial District, enabling many young people to pursue higher education without financial barriers.
Also, he sponsored a bill for the establishment of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University in Ikare-Akoko. A public hearing was successfully held on December 28, 2024, reflecting progress toward establishing this vital institution for skill development and education. Lighting up towns and villages with Solar Panels including Adekunle Ajasin University.”
These achievements underscore his commitment to fostering development in agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, he also prioritizes accountability and efficiency in national projects, which directly impacts the equitable allocation of resources to Ondo North Senatorial District and Ondo State at large.
Moreso, he empowered Small Businesses through skill acquisition programmes and provision of lock-up shops, he has laid the groundwork for entrepreneurship to flourish within the district. Strengthening Youth Engagement, by bridging the gap between education, technology, and employment. He is equipping youths with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern economy.”
Edo State Government has lashed at the factional chapter of the caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party and the appointed publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, for rushing to the press without first understanding the subject at hand.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in Benin and made available to journalists said, Nehikhare’s latest press release was another embarrassing display of ignorance, completely missing the point Governor Monday Okpebholo raised.
The Governor was referring to the $10 million that Godwin Obaseki budgeted for The Observer Newspaper shortly before the 2024 governorship elections in Edo State, not the refurbished equipment bought from ‘Ogbete Market’ in Enugu State.
Obaseki, a portfolio scam artist, who presided over the looting of Edo’s commonwealth, hurriedly siphoned $10 million, using The Observer Newspaper as a conduit, barely a few days to the governorship election in Edo State in late 2024.
Nehikhare’s desperate attempt to twist the conversation is not just misleading but exposes the habitual dishonesty of the PDP.
On the issue of the so-called “sophisticated machines,” Nehikhare conveniently ignores the real concern—these overused and inefficient machines now require billions of naira to function properly. Obaseki may have procured them at a roadside market, but he left behind a financial burden that the present administration must now clean up.
More troubling is Nehikhare’s confused outrage about the sacking of Observer staff. How does he expect those no longer employed to be available at the premises? His logic is as flawed as the policies of the administration he blindly defends.
Instead of this laughable attempt at deflection, Nehikhare should explain why, in his final days, Obaseki found it necessary to allocate a staggering $10 million to a State-owned newspaper that is practically invisible on newspaper stands across the State and country—at a time when critical sectors like education and healthcare remained underfunded.
If Nehikhare wishes to debate the facts, he should do so with accuracy, not fiction. But then again, fiction seems to be the PDP’s favourite tool.
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