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  • Defamation: Ekiti Magistrate Court strikes out case against Farotimi

    Defamation: Ekiti Magistrate Court strikes out case against Farotimi

    Ado-Ekiti—On Thursday, the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti dismissed the defamation case brought against Lagos-based human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.

     

    The case was initiated by Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, who accused Farotimi of defaming him in his book titled “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.”

     

    During the hearing, the prosecution team, led by Mr. Martins A. Akala, requested permission from the court to withdraw the charges against Farotimi. Akala informed the court that this decision was based on instructions from the police authority. The defense team, led by Adejare Kembi and others, did not object to the prosecution’s request for withdrawal.

     

    In his ruling, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, after considering the arguments from both the prosecution and defense, struck out the case without imposing any costs on either party.

  • No 3,907 firearms missing from police armouries – Force HQ

    No 3,907 firearms missing from police armouries – Force HQ

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims that 3,907 firearms are missing from its armouries, stating that the allegations are misleading and inaccurate.

    In a statement on Thursday, the Force Headquarters acknowledged challenges encountered during civil unrest, including the killing of police officers, attacks on armouries, and the looting of arms. However, it emphasised that efforts have been made to recover and account for the lost weapons.

    According to Force Public Relations Officer ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, “Every effort has been made to account for the arms taken, and many have already been recovered and returned to the force’s armouries.”

    It reads, “The Nigeria Police Force expresses surprise and deep concerns regarding recent news alleging that 3,907 arms are missing from the Nigeria Police Force.

    “These allegations are misleading and inaccurate.

    “The Force wishes to clarify that this report appears to stem from an assessment of the report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, AuGF dating back to 2019, likely reflecting records compiled prior to the current Inspector-General of Police’s tenure.

    “In the report, according to Issue 3b, Sub (iii), it is stated that 3907 arms were unaccounted for and not “missing” as speculated by the news.

    “It is important to acknowledge the challenges faced by the police during periods of civil unrest, during which several Police Officers were killed and their arms carted away, and some attacks and looting of police facilities and armories, resulting in the loss of arms.

    “However, every effort has been made to account for the arms that were taken, while many have been recovered back to the arms holding of the force at the moment.

    “We also note that when auditors conduct visits to our armories, they may not find all arms present at the time due to the issuance of weapons to personnel for operational purposes, many spanning to months depending on the nature of such operations.

    “Consequently, this may lead to misconceptions regarding the accuracy of audit reports.

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    “Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force has a statutory and annual internal auditing process in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Police Regulations, administrative instructions and standard operating procedures (SOP) which include stringent measures to ensure controlled movement and proper accountability of arms.

    “Throughout our audits, there has been no outrageous record of unaccounted or missing arms, as speculated in the 2019 report of the AuGF, despite some incidences that have been documented and managed.

    “The Force has earlier defended the audit queries, which had hoped to help in reconciling the discrepancies in the reports.

    “However, the hearing session presided over by the Senate Committee on Public Account has been postponed to Monday, 17th of February 2025, giving ample time for a proper cross analysis of records.

    “Contrary to the make-believe and misleading reportage by some media houses, the IGP was not present when the senators were raising questions on the purported “missing” firearms.

    “The IGP appeared briefly before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts on Tuesday 11/02/25.

    “He was asked to take the usual oath and explain why he did not honour previous invitations by the committee.

    “The IGP responded to the satisfaction of the committee members and was thereafter excused to take his leave while the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Police Accounts and Budget, stayed back to answer the queries of the committee.

    “These queries related to the period that predated the administration of the current IGP.

    “For emphasis sake, no such outrageous number of firearms is missing in the armouries of the NPF within the stated period.

    “Managing mischief and the spread of misinformation against the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has been a significant challenge in recent times.

    “The NPF has, in recent times, made notable strides in stabilizing the internal security space, but malicious actors seek to undermine these efforts by striving to erode public confidence in the police through the spread of malicious contents.

    “It is important to note that the proliferation of misinformation, especially against institutions like the Nigeria Police have far-reaching consequences, including compromising public safety, damaging reputations, and hindering the NPF’s ability to effectively maintain law and order.

    “However, the NPF remains committed to maintaining transparency and public trust and will continue to uphold the security of the nation while honouring the duty to account for all operational materials entrusted to us.”

  • General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called for the release of TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, widely known as SeaKing. Pastor Adeboye made the call at the church’s February Holy Ghost service held at 3km by 3km auditorium, Simawa, Ogun State. Urging the congregation at the monthly spiritual meeting to take cognisance of the year’s prophecies, he reminded them that God said mockers of the divine would grow louder and more aggressive this year. He added that SeaKing was only fulfilling part of the prophecies. The revered cleric, however, said he was surprised at the social media personality’s arrest, asking the police to release him. In his words: “God told us at the beginning of this year that mockers will be more active, they would become bolder, even hot. “I heard that there was someone who lambasted me thoroughly because I asked my people to fast and pray for 100 days. I did not ask him to fast. I was only talking to my children. “I was told that some people are so angry and they went and arrested him. Release him! He is fulfilling prophecy,” Adeboye said. SeaKing’s arrest is linked to allegations of cyberbullying against Adeboye following remarks made during a live session in December 2024. Previous Arrest and Charges

    General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called for the release of TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, widely known as SeaKing. Pastor Adeboye made the call at the church’s February Holy Ghost service held at 3km by 3km auditorium, Simawa, Ogun State. Urging the congregation at the monthly spiritual meeting to take cognisance of the year’s prophecies, he reminded them that God said mockers of the divine would grow louder and more aggressive this year. He added that SeaKing was only fulfilling part of the prophecies. The revered cleric, however, said he was surprised at the social media personality’s arrest, asking the police to release him. In his words: “God told us at the beginning of this year that mockers will be more active, they would become bolder, even hot. “I heard that there was someone who lambasted me thoroughly because I asked my people to fast and pray for 100 days. I did not ask him to fast. I was only talking to my children. “I was told that some people are so angry and they went and arrested him. Release him! He is fulfilling prophecy,” Adeboye said. SeaKing’s arrest is linked to allegations of cyberbullying against Adeboye following remarks made during a live session in December 2024. Previous Arrest and Charges

    General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called for the release of TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, widely known as SeaKing.

    Pastor Adeboye made the call at the church’s February Holy Ghost service held at 3km by 3km auditorium, Simawa, Ogun State.

    Urging the congregation at the monthly spiritual meeting to take cognisance of the year’s prophecies, he reminded them that God said mockers of the divine would grow louder and more aggressive this year.

    He added that SeaKing was only fulfilling part of the prophecies.

    The revered cleric, however, said he was surprised at the social media personality’s arrest, asking the police to release him.

    In his words: “God told us at the beginning of this year that mockers will be more active, they would become bolder, even hot.

    “I heard that there was someone who lambasted me thoroughly because I asked my people to fast and pray for 100 days. I did not ask him to fast. I was only talking to my children.

    “I was told that some people are so angry and they went and arrested him. Release him! He is fulfilling prophecy,” Adeboye said.

    SeaKing’s arrest is linked to allegations of cyberbullying against Adeboye following remarks made during a live session in December 2024.

    Previous Arrest and Charges

    SeaKing was arrested in December 2024 after posting a video in which he criticised President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. He was arraigned on charges of treason, cyberstalking and conduct likely to incite public disorder.

    The magistrate’s court later granted him bail of ₦500,000 with a requirement for two sureties in the same sum.

    Adeboye Stressed Caution Against Fire Outbreak

    “Take attention to this year’s prophecies. When you look at the prophecy at the international scene and I remember telling you that part of Nigeria is embedded in the international scene. The first part was that we should pray against fire outbreak, storms and floods. When you talk about fire outbreak, we can see what happened in America with all the equipment and their experience by the time they think the fire has been put out, it started again. We must pray.

    “In Nigeria, we have seen many incidences of fire outbreak, tanker, accidents, schools burnt, we must pray. You hear of flooding in northern Australia. When you see all these things happening and we are just entering February, I can tell you please pray.

    “I believe that those of you who called me daddy should pay more attention when I tell you ‘God said’…pay attention to God’s word.

    “I want to warn each and every one of us, please don’t joke with fire this year. If you find a naked fire burning around your vicinity quickly put it out,” he said.

  • Kaduna Electric restores power after 5 days of outage

    Kaduna Electric restores power after 5 days of outage

    After days of power outage, the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company has restored power to its franchise area of Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states.

    The Kaduna State government convened a meeting on Friday with the management of the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company and the two in-house labour unions at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, where it was resolved that power be restored immediately.

    A statement issued after the meeting indicated that the parties had agreed to review past actions and work together to find an amicable settlement.

    A source said Governor Uba Sani acted as a guarantor and promised to ensure fairness to both sides.He also praised the unions for their understanding and the unions commended the management of Kaduna Electric, led by Dr. Umar Abubakar Hashidu, for their leadership.

    Representatives of Kaduna Electric, the National Union of Electricity Employees, and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, signed the resolution,and power was subsequently restored on Saturday night.

  • Lokpobiri laments abandonment of Brass refinery project in Bayelsa

    Lokpobiri laments abandonment of Brass refinery project in Bayelsa

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri Ph.D, has expressed dissatisfaction over the abandonment of the Brass Modern Refinery project in Bayelsa State.

    The Minister made this known during an inspection visit at Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, during which he inspected the Ewa-ama road project, which leads to Brass Petroleum Products Terminal (BPPT), where he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalizing critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

    A statement by the Minister’s media aide, Nneamaka Okafor on Thursday, explained that Lokpobiri was accompanied by Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

    The Minister emphasized that the completion of ongoing projects in the region is a key mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    He assured that the Government is determined to ensure the realization of these projects within the President’s first two years in office.

    “It is unacceptable that such a strategic project has been left in this state for so long,” Senator Lokpobiri stated. “The Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that critical oil and gas infrastructure, like the Brass Refinery, is completed to create jobs and drive economic growth in the region.”

    During his visit, the Minister engaged with representatives of the host community, acknowledging their peaceful disposition despite the challenges they have faced. He urged them to continue supporting the Federal Government’s efforts and assured them that their concerns had been noted.

    “I sincerely commend the people of Brass for their patience and cooperation,” he said. “Your support is invaluable, and I assure you that we will work tirelessly to address these issues and bring this project to completion.”

    In response, a community representative expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit, describing it as a significant step towards restoring confidence in the government’s commitment to the region.

    “We appreciate Senator Lokpobiri’s visit and his assurance that this project will receive due attention,” the representative said. “We are hopeful that his intervention will lead to tangible progress.”

    The Minister further urged the host community to sustain the peace, emphasizing that stability is essential for attracting further investment and development. He reiterated the government’s dedication to creating opportunities that would benefit the people of Brass and the broader Niger Delta region.

  • It’s another planting season

    It’s another planting season

    The first rains of the new year have started, marking the beginning of another planting season. It is another annual opportunity provided by mother nature to solve the problem of hunger on earth. But are Nigerians whose population is devastated by extreme hunger, ready to seize this opportunity of another planting season to try to feed ourselves in 2025?

    In the 2024 Global Hunger Index, GHI, out of 127 countries, Nigeria ranked 110th, scoring 28.8, which indicated an alarming level of hunger in the country. When the 2025 GHI is released, Nigeria is most likely to dip further down the abyss of hunger.

    Nigerians are very innovative people. Since terrorists have driven many farmers away from their farmlands, some Nigerians have come up with the idea of planting crops like yams and potatoes in sacks filled with soil and kept within their residences. Others have taken to snail, rabbit and grasscutter farming.

    From our observation on the social media where some people already practicing these methods of farming share their ideas, many Nigerians are willing to engage in these new small scale farmings. But we found, based on the type of questions they ask, that they need help.

    For instance, those who want to try these new farming ideas want to know the type of soil to use in the sacks; whether it is best to use yam seedlings, or cut big tubers of yams into small pieces; and whether the cut side of the piece of yam should be placed facing up or down in the soil.

    Many years ago when Nigeria was relatively functional, those were the type of questions answered by Agricultural Extension Officers, AEOs, from the federal and state ministries of Agriculture. AEOs were professionals who connect farmers with agricultural research and information. They also help farmers make decisions to improve productivity and sustainability.

    Those AEOs answered such questions on radio and TV programs usually sponsored by federal or state ministries of agriculture. If those AEOs still exist in the ministries of agriculture, one wonders what they do nowadays; do they sit in their tastefully furnished offices and collect salaries at month end as workers do at the Nigeria’s moribund petrol refineries which have not produced a drop of petrol for decades?

    A government serious about combating the scourge of hunger in the land should have by now been providing improved crop seedlings to those who have shown interests in farming. By now, government should have been seriously involved in campaigns encouraging the people to adopt these new small scale farming and to convert every available space within their residences into mini farms.

    Such campaigns to mobilise the people to adopt a good idea or practice fall within the mandate of the National Orientation Agency, NOA. Again, question needs to be asked on the whereabouts of NOA and what they do nowadays.

    “Little drops of water,” as Julia Carney wrote in her poem, “make a mighty ocean.” If government and Nigerians adopt the ideas offered here, it will help to reduce hunger in the land.

  • Some estranged ECOWAS members may opt to return — Presidency

    Some estranged ECOWAS members may opt to return — Presidency

    ABUJA —THE Presidency said yesterday that some West African countries that opted out of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, after the enthronement of military government were considering re-joining the regional group.

    Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, disclosed this to journalists at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja, where he went to see off President Bola Tinubu, en route  France on a private visit.

    The President will next week attend the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s Executive Council scheduled to hold in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, from February 12 to 16, 2025.

    The outing would see the president participating in the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU Heads of State and, in his capacity as ECOWAS Chairman, provide a detailed report on the bloc’s handling of the situation.

    Fielding questions from journalists on the President’s participation at the AU Summit, Dare indicated that at least one or two of the countries, while moving toward disengagement, might be reconsidering and seeking to realign with ECOWAS under the terms offered.

    He said: “You have seen the military coups that occurred. You have seen what has come out of it and how he (Tinubu) has managed it, even to the point of giving the three countries six months to rethink and reconnect with ECOWAS.

    “Of course, we know that January 29 has expired. We know that the process of their leaving is almost concluded, but we also know that one or two of these countries are trying to reach back and take advantage

    of the six-month window.

    “I think that at the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, the chairman of ECOWAS will have an opportunity to brief the continental body and, of course, some of these countries will be there, too.’’

    Dare highlighted a key development in which a Nigerian national wouldassume a commissioner role on the AU’s Peace and Security Commission—a move he called critical for Nigeria.

    He attributed this achievement in part to the President’s foreign initiatives and policies.

    The presidential aide also alluded to the influential position Nigeria holds concerning the African Development Bank leadership, as the term of the current Nigerian occupant, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, concludes, other countries will actively seek Nigeria’s backing for potential successors, recognising that support from Nigeria and its President was essential.

    “So there will be a lot of high-level meetings, a lot of bilateral meetings. It’s a very key meeting. Beyond that, a Nigerian will become a commissioner on the peace and security committee through consensus, and that is critical for us. The AU Peace and Security Commission is critical, and having a Nigerian commissioner on that body is vital.

    “It is also part of the gains of President Tinubu’s foreign initiatives and policies. Aside from that, we know that the position of the AFDB president is up. We have several countries lobbying. A Nigerian is there now. As he rounds off, another person will have to go there, and we know that President Bola Tinubu will be one of the key presidents who will be sought out to determine who gets that position.

    “In fact, it will be difficult for anyone to get that position without the support of Nigeria and the stamp of President Bola Tinubu,’’ Dare explained.

  • Lagos Assembly Speakership: No confirmation of meeting with Tinubu — Presidency source

    Lagos Assembly Speakership: No confirmation of meeting with Tinubu — Presidency source

    A presidency source has stated uncertainty about reports claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with some members of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    The unconfirmed report alleged that the meeting was held to discuss the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

    It was said to have been attended by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat, the leader of the GAC Tajudeen Olusi, and other members.

    When contacted, the presidency source told Vanguard, “I am not sure Tinubu met with them.”

    On January 13, 2025, the Lagos State House of Assembly officially removed its Speaker.

  • Court to rule on NNPCL’s objection against Dangote Refinery suit

    Court to rule on NNPCL’s objection against Dangote Refinery suit

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, fixed March 18 for ruling on the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s preliminary objection against a suit filed by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE over oil import licence dispute.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after counsel to the NNPCL,, Ademola Abimbola, SAN, and lawyer to Dangote Refinery, John Ibrahim, SAN, presented their arguments and adopted their processes for and against the suit.

    Recall that Justice Ekwo had, on Thursday, fixed today for the hearing of the NNPCL’s preliminary objection after Ibrahim told the court that they were yet to file their response to the application.

    Upon resumed hearing on Wednesday, Abimbola.informed the court that the matter was scheduled for hearing of their objection and he said they were ready to proceed.

    Ibrahim, who said they had filed their counter affidavit in opposition to the objection, said he was ready to move their application too.

    Moving the application, Abimbola said their notice of preliminary objection, dated and filed on Nov. 15, 2024, sought an order striking out the suit for lack of jurisdiction or in the alternative, an order striking out the name of the company from the suit.

    He said an affidavit and a written address were in support of the application.

    The lawyer said upon receipt of the refinery’s counter affidavit, they filed a further affidavit on Feb. 3 in response and a reply on points of law.

    He prayed the court to either strike out the suit or the name of the NNPCL from the suit.

    Responding, Ibrahim said a five-paragraph counter affidavit, dated Jan. 31, was filed with a written address.

    He adopted the processes and urged the court to dismiss the NNPCL’s preliminary objection for being unnecessary.

    After listening to the parties, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until March 18 for ruling.

    NAN observes that while Emeka Akabuogu appeared for the 1st defendant; Ahmed Raji, SAN, represented the 3rd, 4th and 7th defendants; while Divine Oguru appeared for 5th and 6th defendants respectively.

    Meanwhile, Olanrewaju Oshinaike appeared for a party seeking to be joined (Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) in the suit.

    NAN reports that Dangote Refinery had sued the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) as 1st and 2nd defendants.

    Also joined in the suit are AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.

    The oil company, through its lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, prayed the court to nullify import licences issued by NMDPRA to the NNPCL and the five other companies for the purpose of importing refined petroleum products.

    The company (plaintiff) also prayed the court to declare that NMDPRA was in violation of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products.

    It stated that such licenses should only be issued in circumstances where there is a petroleum product shortfall.

    It equally sought a N100 billion in damages against NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licences to NNPCL and the five companies for importing petroleum products, among other reliefs.

    The NNPCL, in its preliminary objection, prayed the court to strike out the case for being incompetent.

    The NNPCL argued that the suit was premature and it disclosed no cause of action against it.

    “This honourable court lacks the jurisdiction to hear this suit,” the NNPCL said.

    In the affidavit in support of the application deposed to by Isiaka Popoola, a clerk in the law firm of Afe Babalola & Co, counsel to the NNPCL, he said one of their lawyers, Esther Longe who perused Dangote’s originating summons, affidavit and written address told him that an examination of the processes showed that NNPC as sued by the refinery was non-existent entity.

    Popoola averred that the court lacked jurisdiction over the 2nd defendant sued as Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

    “A simple search on the CAC website shows that there is no entity called “Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC).”

    According to Popoola, the 2nd defendant/objector is not one and the same with the 2nd defendant sued by the plaintiff.

    He urged the court to strike out the suit.

    Also, the NMDPRA, in its counter affidavit deposed to by Idris Musa, a Senior Regulatory Officer in the office, prayed the court to dismiss the suit as it was misconceived, unmeritorious and incompetent.

    Musa argued that Dangote Refinery is not entitled to any of the reliefs sought.

    The official, in the application dated and filed Dec. 13, 2024, said the current production of Dangote Refinery

    is yet to meet the national daily petroleum products sufficiency requirement.

    He said based on this and in compliance with Section 317 [9] of the PIA (Petroleum Industry Act), NMDPRA issued licences to import petroleum products to bridge product shortfalls to companies with good track records of international products trading.

    Besides, he said the agency is also mandated to promote competition and prevent abuse of dominant market positions and unhealthy monopoly in the oil and gas sector.

    He denied the allegation that NMDPRA is partaking in any purported “grand conspiracy and concerted efforts” against the refinery, describing it as “an allegation for which the plaintiff has provided no facts or evidence in support.”

    The oil marketers, in a joint counter affidavit filed on Nov. 5, 2024, told the court that granting Dangote’s application would spell doom for the country’s oil sector.

    According to them, the plan to monopolise the oil sector is a recipe for disaster in the country.

    The three marketers; AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, in their response, said the plaintiff did not produce adequate petroleum products for the daily consumption of Nigerians.

    Besides, they argued that there was nothing placed before the court to prove the contrary

  • Alleged forgery: Court frees Fani-Kayode, says he has no case to answer

    Alleged forgery: Court frees Fani-Kayode, says he has no case to answer

    LAGOS—The Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, has acquitted and discharged former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, of the charge of medical forgery levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

    Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe who freed the former minister while delivering ruling on the no case submission filed by his counsel, held that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him.

    The court upheld the no case-submission filed by his counsel, Norrison Quakers, SAN, and ruled that Fani-Kayode had no case to answer as the EFCC did not link him to the offence.

    In her ruling, Justice Abike-Fadipe said the prosecution failed to present the defendant’s associates who collected money from him or the lawyer who claimed the defendant had instructed his law firm to take the medical reports to the Federal High Court.

    The judge said: “The extrajudicial statements which remain and which are intended as evidence, cannot be used for any purpose other than to contradict the person who made the statement when he is in the witness box.

    “I have carefully studied the evidence of the prosecution witnesses and I cannot find where the defendant committed the offences being alleged.

    “The prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case which would require the defendant to open his defence.”

    The judge consequently acquitted and discharged the defendant on the alleged offences.

    Speaking to journalists after his discharge, Fani-Kayode expressed gratitude and relief on the verdict, stating that he had been in and out of court for the past 18 years and now felt overjoyed that he was finally free.

    Before the court, Fani-Kayode was facing 12 count charge brought against him by the EFCC, following his alleged use of forged medical report(s), which he tendered before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he was being prosecuted by the EFCC for an alleged N4.9billion fraud.

    One of the counts read: “That you, Femi Fani-Kayode, on or about the 11th day of October, 2021 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by fraudulently used a false document titled: Medical Report on Olufemi Fani-Kayode 60 Years/Male/Hosp. No. 00345 DATED 11/10/2021 before the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division in charge No. FHC/L/251C/2016 which document you purported to have been issued by Kubwa General Hospital.”

    Another count read: “That you, Femi Fani-Kayode, on or about the 23rd day of March, 2021 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently used a false document titled: To Whom It May Concern Re: Femi Fani-Kayode Male/60 Years Hospital. No. 32145 Dated 23rd March 2021 before the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division in charge No. FHC/L/251C/2016 which document you purported to have been issued by Kubwa General Hospital.”

    The EFCC noted that procuring and execution of documents by false pretence was contrary to section 369 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

    During the trial, the management of Kubwa General Hospital, Abuja, had denied admitting Femi Fani-Kayode as one of its patients.

    Through its head of medical records, Bassey Amah, the hospital management told Justice Abike-Fadipe that a medical report presented in court by the former minister was not issued by the hospital.

    Amah, who testified before the court as first prosecution witness in the case, said Fani-Kayode was not a patient and had no medical report in the hospital.

    A second prosecution witness, Abidat Bukola, told the court how the former Minister of Aviation, allegedly gave her N820,000 to procure four forged medical reports.

    The witness testified that Fani-Kayode at different times, paid her the sums of N120,000, N150,000, N250,000 and N300,000 for the forged medical reports.

    She also claimed that the former minister dictated what the content of the medical reports should be.

    The former minister, however, denied the allegations.

    In December 2024, he filed a no case submission and urged the court to acquit him, while submitting that the prosecution had failed to establish the charge against him.