Protest Erupts In Abuja Over Benue Judiciary Crisis, Seeks Tinubu Intervention

Protest erupts in Abuja over Benue judiciary crisis, seeks Tinubu intervention…Coalition Petitions NJC, Seeks Tinubu, CJN’s Intervention

A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) staged a protest at the Three Arms Zone in Abuja on Monday, calling for urgent intervention from President Bola Tinubu and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in the ongoing crisis within the Benue State judiciary.

The protesters, holding placards questioning the integrity of some judges, warned that Nigeria’s democracy was at risk and urged the CJN to take action.

Speaking to journalists, the coalition’s Chief Convener, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta, criticized the increasing politicization of the judiciary. He accused Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, of violating judicial procedures by waiving the mandatory security deposit for petitioners at the Local Government Election Tribunal and later relocating the tribunal to Abuja—actions seen as breaching Benue State’s electoral laws.

Despite a Federal High Court order on March 7, 2025, barring the tribunal from sitting outside Benue, an FCT High Court presided over by Justice M.M. Adamu allegedly issued a conflicting order on March 14, allowing the tribunal to operate in Abuja.

Protest Erupts In Abuja

The coalition described this as judicial overreach and called for disciplinary action against both judges.

The group also alleged that powerful Benue politicians in Abuja were colluding with top police officials to suppress protests against the tribunal’s relocation.

They commended the FCT Commissioner of Police for maintaining order during past demonstrations but condemned military intimidation of peaceful protesters.

The coalition urged President Tinubu and the NJC to intervene immediately to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and ensure justice prevails in Benue State.

EFCC Arraigned Woman In Borno Over Alleged N6.8m Romance Scam

EFCC arraigned woman in Borno over alleged N6.8m romance scam. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Catherine Ijeoma Ugwu before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, over allegations of a N6.8 million fraud.

Ugwu was charged on Monday, March 17, 2025, in connection with a romance scam in which she allegedly deceived a victim, Emmanuel Ani, by posing as his fiancée, “Miss Chinansa.”

The EFCC filed a four-count charge against her, including obtaining by false pretence, criminal misappropriation, and impersonation.

According to the anti-graft agency, between June 2023 and August 2024, Ugwu fraudulently obtained N6,710,300 from Ani under the guise of supporting his supposed fiancée.

Upon hearing the charges, Ugwu pleaded not guilty.

Court Remands Ugwu, Trial Set for April 8

EFCC Arraigned Woman

Following her plea, prosecution counsel S.O. Saka and Faruku Muhammad urged the court to set a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility. Justice Kumaliya granted the request, adjourning the trial until April 8, 2025.

The EFCC disclosed that Ugwu failed to return or account for the money when confronted by the petitioner.

The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling financial crimes, particularly scams involving deception and impersonation.

Sowore Accompanies Corps Member To NYSC Office Over Viral Video Controversy

Sowore accompanies corps member to NYSC office over viral video controversy. Human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has shown support for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, following backlash over her viral video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a video shared on X on Monday, Sowore stated that he had met with Uguamaye in Lagos and would accompany her to the NYSC Local Government Inspector’s office along with a team of lawyers.

“The journey with Corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye has begun in Lagos. She is scheduled to appear before the LGI today, and we are accompanying her with attorneys,” Sowore captioned the video.

Uguamaye recently went viral after posting a TikTok video lamenting the country’s worsening economic conditions and openly criticizing Tinubu’s leadership.

Sowore Accompanies Corps Member

She later alleged receiving threats over her comments, sparking widespread debate on free speech and political dissent in Nigeria.

She also shared a screenshot of an NYSC invitation summoning her to appear before the LGI office at Eti Osa 3 on Monday at 10:00 a.m.

Sowore’s involvement has further spotlighted the issue, raising concerns about potential consequences she might face from the NYSC or other authorities.

As of now, the NYSC has not released an official statement on the matter.