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Ekiti lawyers drag Nwite to NJC over alleged controversial rulings, judicial rascality

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Ekiti lawyers drag Nwite to NJC over alleged controversial rulings, judicial rascality… as Kekere-Ekun declares zero tolerance for conflicting court orders

 

Scores of lawyers under the aegis of Ekiti Lawyers Vanguard for Transparency have petitioned the Chairman of the National Judicial Council, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, against Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja over his alleged controversial rulings and other misconducts.

The legal practitioners further accused Nwite of bias and desecration of the hallowed temple of justice with what they described as unjust conducts, maintaining that the judge’s actions were capable of bringing Nigeria to great disrepute if they are not curbed.

The lawyers claimed that Justice Nwite’s alleged unjust rulings were embarrassments to the body of benchers, expressing dismay that Nwite, who restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from probing Oluwaseun Odewale, a former aide to ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi and Ariyo Oyinkolawa Adesola and shielded them from prosection on their alleged role in corruption cases, was the same judge who issued a controversial bench warrant for the arrest of a former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, despite the pendency of an order of a State High Court stopping his arrest and prosecution.

The petition was addressed to the Chairman of the NJC and signed by 10 lawyers, including Ademiloye Oladotun, Balogun Adeyemi, Fadeshola Alice, Ola-Ojo Samuel, Olayinka Ibrahim, Adebayo Joel, Akintoye Bayonle, Ogundare Kayode, Adaramola Olakunle and Igandan Olawunmi, on behalf of 54 lawyers, who are members of the Vanguard.

It is entitled: “Invitation to Probe Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for Manifest Judicial Rascality, Inconsistent Rulings, Bias, Conducts Capable of Causing Public Distrust in the Judiciary, Injustice and Inappropriate Use of the Court.”

Demanding urgent intervention of the NJC, the lawyers alleged that justice had become a commodity in favour of the highest bidder whenever cases were brought before Nwite.

The protest letter, which was received by the office of the NJC on October 14, 2024, stated, “It is no longer noble or golden to hold our peace or maintain silence in a situation capable of destroying the very tenet and fabric that holds the foundation of our justice system. To maintain muteness in a time as this is to condone sacrilege and aid things capable of bringing the nation to great disrepute.

“Flowing from the above, we humbly invite the NJC to take a critical look at the conduct of Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, FCT-Abuja. In recent actions and decisions made by Justice Emeka Nwite in the courtroom, we have observed a clear pattern of behaviour that suggests lack of impartiality, adherence to the rule of law, adherence to court order, judicial fidelity, and fairness. This perception not only undermines the integrity of the judicial system but also erodes public confidence in our courts and breeds dissatisfaction among the litigants and general public.

“It is our great concern that Justice Emeka Nwite has unfortunately become notorious in delivering inconsistent judgments against the spirit of the age-long principle of stare decisis, and has often been alleged to be a pliable tool in the hands of corrupt individuals and overzealous institutions in the abuse of executive and judicial powers. Corrupt individuals have also found his court to be a safe haven and escape route from the long arm of justice. More unfortunate is the fact that justice is now becoming a commodity to the highest bidder…

“It is shocking that the same Justice Emeka Nwite who restrained the EFCC from probing Oluwaseun Odewale, and Ariyo Oyinkolawa Adesola is the same judge who issued a controversial bench warrant for the arrest of the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, despite the pendency of an order of a State High Court stopping his arrest and prosecution. It is unjustifiable in the circumstance that a judge would reprobate and approbate; issue an order stopping EFCC from probing Adewale of corruption and on the other hand, issue a bench warrant for the arrest of someone that has a valid court order stopping his arrest and prosecution.

“It is a basic principle in law that where a restraining order is issued against any agency from arresting or prosecuting an individual, the only remedy for such an order is either to be vacated by the same court which gave it or on an appeal, unturned by a higher court. Thousands of applicants have obtained such orders and remain binding until vacated or upturned. So, while the court restraining order subsists, the status quo is maintained and nothing shall be done to flout it.”

“Albeit, Justice Emeka Nwite had the knowledge of the existing order, he neither sought its enforcement, vacation nor to be upturned by the higher court, but he went ahead brazenly to give an order of arrest which violated and flouted the existing valid court order but did to the contrary to favour ex- Governor Kayode Fayemi’s aides. This is a double standard, my Lord,” the lawyers told Kekere-Ekun.

They also recalled how Nwite granted an exparte application to the Police to arrest Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, and five others over their alleged complicity in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly, expressing dismay that the judge later set aside the order after being exposed.

The legal luminaries said, “This strange practice and recalcitrant behaviour of Justice Emeka Nwite has brought shame to the hallowed temple of justice and subjected our judicial system to public ridicule. It has also continued to erode the confidence of the people in the abilities of the Court to give consistent and nonconflicting rulings in the same matters before it and worse still, Justice Emeka Nwite is pushing a dangerous idea that the order of court should not be obeyed.

“The needless bias, conflicting court orders, and flouting of subsisting court order or abuse of it by the Honourable Justice portend a worrisome and dangerous precedent. As Senator Elizabeth Warren would say, ‘When judges allow their biases to affect their judgments, they undermine the very foundation of justice.'”

Meanwhile, the CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has declared zero-tolerance for judicial rascality.

The CJN expressed concern over many conflicting orders emanating from different courts and has reportedly ordered investigation of FCT, Rivers judges.

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Kyari Reacts To Senate Arrest Warrant, Says He Notified Committee of Medical Trip Abroad

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Kyari Reacts To Senate Arrest Warrant, Says He Notified Committee of Medical Trip Abroad

 

….Denies Dodging Probe, Pledges to Appear After Treatment

By Adesina Adeleja

 

Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has described the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ decision to issue an arrest warrant against him as “deeply shocking.”

In a formal letter addressed to the committee chairman, Kyari clarified that he had earlier informed the panel of his inability to appear due to medical treatment abroad.

“I refer to the news of the arrest warrant issued against me during the proceedings of your esteemed Committee today, 10th June, 2026. I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant,” Kyari wrote.
He referenced a letter sent to the committee on May 11, 2026, in which he notified lawmakers that he was receiving medical care outside the country. In that correspondence, Kyari expressed his willingness to honour the committee’s invitation upon his return to Nigeria and offered to provide written responses to any urgent questions through his legal representatives.

“I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria,” he stated. “I wish to reiterate that I remain very willing and ready to honour the invitation of the Committee and to appear before it once I return to the country.”

Kyari firmly denied any attempt to evade the Senate’s invitation, noting that he had not received any fresh summons before the warrant was issued.

“However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation,” he said. “Had the invitation reached me, I would have gladly honoured it.”

The former NNPCL boss explained that his current medical condition has made it impossible for him to appear in person. He urged the committee to channel any questions or requests for clarification through his legal team to ensure prompt responses while he continues treatment abroad.

Kyari assured the Senate of his full cooperation and respect for the legislative oversight process. He pledged to appear before the committee personally as soon as his health permits.

Defence of Tenure

In the letter, Kyari also defended his leadership of the national oil company, stating that his team transformed NNPCL from a loss-making entity into a profitable commercial organisation. He added that all transactions during his tenure were properly documented and remain available for scrutiny at the NNPCL.
“I remain deeply grateful to my country for the opportunity afforded me to serve with utmost diligence and commitment,” he said.

Background

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts issued the arrest warrant after Kyari failed to appear at its sitting. The panel is investigating financial records and transactions of the NNPCL, including allegations surrounding over ₦210 trillion.

The motion for the warrant was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

Kyari’s latest response appears aimed at dispelling suggestions of deliberate non-cooperation, attributing his absence primarily to health reasons and possible communication gaps regarding subsequent invitations. He has maintained that he has nothing to hide and remains committed to assisting the investigation.

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Alpha Morgan Bank Delivers Historic N1.9 billion PBT in First 10 Months of Operations

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Alpha Morgan Bank Delivers Historic N1.9 billion PBT in First 10 Months of Operations

 

Alpha Morgan Bank has announced a landmark financial performance, recording Profit Before Tax of N1.9 billion in just 10 months of operations, a result that stands as a major milestone in Nigeria’s banking industry and reinforces the Bank’s emergence as one of the country’s most remarkable new-generation financial institutions.

With this performance, Alpha Morgan Bank did not only break-even within an exceptionally short period, but also delivered what is believed to be a record-setting early-profit performance in the Nigerian banking sector, underlining the strength of its strategy, the discipline of its execution and the confidence the market has placed in its business model.

The Bank’s strong debut performance was supported by robust growth across key financial and operating indicators. Highlights of the 10-month financial statement include customer deposit of over ₦103BN, gross earning of ₦13.1 billion, net interest margin of 67%, non-performing loan ratio of 0%.

The performance was driven largely by strong synergy in customer acquisition and branch expansion, a deliberate focus on growth in demand deposits, creation of quality risk assets and balance sheet efficiency. These achievements were further supported by robust operational processes powered by sound technology and systems, management depth and expertise, experience and strategic oversight provided by the Bank’s Board.

Speaking on the performance, the Managing Director, Ade Buraimo, described the result as a significant validation of the Bank’s vision, business model and execution capacity.

“This is more than a financial milestone; it is a strong statement of what is possible when vision, discipline, sound execution, and market opportunity come together. From inception, Alpha Morgan Bank was built to be a commercial bank that is solution-driven and committed to delivering value at scale. To record a PBT of N1.9 billion in our first 10 months of operations is both historic and deeply encouraging. It reflects the dedication of our people, the trust of our customers and the solid foundation we have laid for long-term growth.”

 

 

 

About Alpha Morgan Bank

Alpha Morgan Bank is a customer-centric, innovative, and solutions-driven commercial bank, with a clear commitment to delivering “Satisfying Banking.”

Alpha Morgan Bank commenced operations in March 2025 with the rare distinction of regulatory approval for 14 branches across the country. This early footprint, combined with disciplined market execution, has enabled the Bank to build momentum across key business segments in record time.

Alpha Morgan Bank focuses on:

  • Human-Centred Technology: Digital tools designed for intuitive, everyday relevance and not vanity metrics.
  • Transparent Operations: From pricing to service promises, every process is clear, accountable, and customer friendly.
  • Customer-Centric Innovation: Continuously developing solutions and services driven by customer insights to deliver meaningful value and enhance satisfaction.

More than a financial institution, Alpha Morgan Bank positions itself as a partner in progress. Its vision is to drive possibilities, enable dreams, and reemphasize what it means to experience Satisfying Banking in Nigeria.

More about Alpha Morgan Bank on www.alphamorganbank.com

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