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Senate Moves To Allow Judicial Review Of Military Tribunal Convictions In Reform Bill

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Senate Moves To Allow Judicial Review Of Military Tribunal Convictions In Reform Bill

The Senate on Thursday advanced a landmark reform of Nigeria’s military justice system, passing for second reading a bill that seeks to repeal and re-enact the Armed Forces Act to make it constitutionally compliant, democratically accountable, and aligned with modern operational realities.

The bill, titled Armed Forces Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025, was sponsored by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua (APC, Katsina Central). It proposes sweeping updates to Nigeria’s military laws, including a key provision that would, for the first time, make military tribunal convictions subject to judicial review by civilian courts.

Lawmakers described the provision as a critical step toward fairness, transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights within the Armed Forces.

Leading debate on the bill, Yar’adua argued that the existing Act — rooted in 1960s military decrees and last consolidated in 2004 — is outdated and inconsistent with the constitutional order and Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

He said, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain the cornerstone of our sovereignty and national security… however, our military law has not kept pace with the evolving defence environment.”

The proposed legislation seeks to align military governance with constitutional norms and international best practices. It also introduces reforms to disciplinary procedures, operational structures, and welfare systems. Outdated penalties such as N200 and N500 fines would be replaced with percentage-based sanctions tied to officers’ salaries, while non-commissioned officers would receive expanded rights and fair-hearing guarantees.

According to Yar’adua, the bill would also criminalise undue command interference in courts-martial to preserve the integrity and independence of the military justice system.

During the debate, Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) stressed the constitutional importance of permitting judicial review of tribunal convictions, saying the current framework — where military authorities investigate and adjudicate — violates core legal principles.

“This bill seeks to bring our military laws in tandem with international best practices and under the control of democratically elected institutions… It introduces the right of fair hearing and judicial oversight,” Monguno said.

Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) welcomed the proposal as “long overdue,” arguing that the Armed Forces must operate under modern laws that reflect transparency and professionalism. Similarly, Senator Sampson Ekong (APC, Akwa Ibom South) said the reform would deepen defence policy and strengthen accountability across the military.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, praised the effort as exemplary for broader governance reforms.

“Our laws should evolve with the times. This effort to modernise the legal framework for the Armed Forces should be a model for reforms across all sectors of our national life,” he said.

The bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Defence, Army, Air Force, and Navy for further legislative review, with a mandate to report back within four weeks.

Tinubu Hails Super Eagles’ 4–1 Triumph Over Gabon In World Cup Playoff

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Tinubu Hails Super Eagles’ 4–1 Triumph Over Gabon In World Cup Playoff

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for their commanding 4–1 victory over Gabon in Thursday’s FIFA World Cup Africa Playoff clash, describing the performance as a testament to the Nigerian spirit of resilience and excellence.

In a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the team’s courage, balance, and precision, noting that football remains one of Nigeria’s strongest symbols of unity and shared national pride.

Tinubu said the win has boosted national morale and reinforced Nigeria’s collective resolve to secure a place at the World Cup. He applauded the players, coaching crew, and the entire technical and administrative staff for their dedication to the national cause.

The President highlighted the result as evidence of Nigeria’s deep reservoir of football talent and the Super Eagles’ determination to maintain their standing among Africa’s most respected teams.

He also saluted millions of Nigerian supporters worldwide whose passion and loyalty continue to energise the squad during crucial international moments.

Tinubu urged the team to sustain their momentum as they approach the remaining qualifiers, stressing that every match offers a fresh opportunity to demonstrate discipline, character, and ambition.

“This is the true Nigerian spirit of resilience against all odds. Do not stop until you secure qualification. Super Eagles, keep soaring. The nation stands with you!” he said.

Disobedience Of Court Orders: AMCON Officials Served Form 48 Contempt Notice

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Disobedience Of Court Orders: AMCON Officials Served Form 48 Contempt Notice

General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL), alongside its directors and shareholders, has initiated contempt proceedings against senior officials of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) for allegedly violating a subsisting order of the Federal High Court, Lagos, which restrained the corporation from appointing a receiver over GHL.

Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa had, on September 23, issued an order prohibiting AMCON from taking any steps toward appointing a receiver for the company—an order reaffirmed on October 22. Despite this, Justice Akintayo Aluko of the same court granted an ex parte request by AMCON on October 24, authorising the appointment of a receiver, prompting the contempt action.

GHL accused AMCON of misleading the court by failing to disclose the existence of Justice Lewis-Allagoa’s earlier injunction, which explicitly restrained AMCON from “appointing or continuing with” any receivership process involving GHL.

The company also alleged that AMCON misrepresented facts about an Eligible Bank Asset (EBA) purportedly issued to GHL. According to GHL, AMCON only made a partial payment to First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) toward the acquisition of the EBA and never completed the transaction, with FBN reportedly offering to refund the deposit in filings before the court.

Rather than pursuing FBN, GHL claims, AMCON has “for curious and inexplicable reasons” attempted to pursue enforcement actions against GHL, despite correspondence showing the fault lay with FBN—documents that GHL says are already before the court.

A Form 48 Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Court Orders has now been issued to the following AMCON officials:

  • Dr Bala Bello, Chairman
  • Mr Gbenga Alade, Managing Director
  • Mr Adeshola Lamidi, Executive Director
  • Mr Lucky Adaghe, Executive Director
  • Dr Aminu Mukhtar Dan’amu, Executive Director

Others served include:

  • Mr Oluseyi Akinwunmi, purported Receiver appointed by AMCON
  • Mr Bidemi Ademola-Bello, SAN, Counsel to AMCON, who was present when Justice Lewis-Allagoa issued the order
  • Mr Ade Adedeji, SAN, Counsel to AMCON and its Managing Director

Justice Lewis-Allagoa has ordered that the contempt processes be served via substituted means, including official email, WhatsApp, delivery to official addresses, and publication in two national newspapers and other nationwide media outlets.

Bode George Warns PDP Factions: ‘If You Want To Leave, Get Out’

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Bode George Warns PDP Factions: ‘If You Want To Leave, Get Out’

Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Bode George has warned dissenting members to either support the party’s unity or leave, as tensions rise ahead of the national convention in Ibadan.

In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, George criticised certain party leaders for what he called selfish behavior, factionalism, and “existential imbecility”, dismissing calls to suspend the convention or form a caretaker committee as unnecessary and unconstitutional.

“The main party is still solidly intact… Go to your party and resolve your issue. What is [the judiciary’s] business?” George said, reaffirming support for the scheduled convention and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

George also condemned attempts by some members to interfere with the convention, accusing National Secretary Senator Samuel Ayo of exceeding authority by releasing an advertisement claiming the event had been postponed.

Drawing historical parallels, George warned that repeated internal conflicts could destabilise the party and the country, recalling crises from the early 1960s. He urged members to either back the PDP’s constitution or exit:

“For God’s sake, this country is big enough for everybody. Don’t let us repeat the mistake of the past… If you want to relieve the party, get the hell out.”

He stressed that the party would respect judicial decisions while continuing to pursue appeals where appropriate. Beyond internal disputes, George criticised broader societal issues like tribalism and religious bigotry, calling them legacies of colonial influence.

“Love your neighbour as yourself. It’s in the Quran,” he said, emphasising unity across Nigeria’s diverse population.

George concluded on an optimistic note, asserting confidence in the PDP’s resilience and the forthcoming convention:

“By the grace of God, we are looking forward to the judgement tomorrow. We’ll see how it goes.”

French Writers Sue TikTok Over Copyright Infringements

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French Writers Sue TikTok Over Copyright Infringements

A French trade group representing authors and screenwriters has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the platform of using protected works without permission or adequate compensation.

The Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers (SACD), which represents around 60,000 writers for cinema, TV, theatre, and comedy, confirmed it had filed the suit in Paris on Thursday.

“TikTok has, for many years, been using protected works from the SACD repertoire without any authorisation and has never offered acceptable compensation… nor has it removed the works we asked it to,” the SACD said.

The group cited examples including dialogues or excerpts from French films such as “Asterix and Obelix” and “Brice de Nice”, as well as animated series and comedy sketches. SACD said it had tried four years of discussions with the platform before deciding to pursue legal action, seeking redress for losses suffered by the authors.

The SACD also called on TikTok to disclose its financial figures to assess the amount owed to copyright holders.

TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has its European headquarters in Ireland and faces growing regulatory scrutiny in Europe. Earlier this year, the platform was fined €530 million by the EU for unlawfully transferring Europeans’ personal data to China.

A first hearing in the case is scheduled for March 18, 2026.

TikTok did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.

AU Chief Dismisses Trump’s Genocide Claims, Says No Mass Killing Of Christians In Nigeria

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AU Chief Dismisses Trump’s Genocide Claims, Says No Mass Killing Of Christians In Nigeria

Global | November 13, 2025 — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, has dismissed claims by U.S. President Donald Trump alleging that Christians are facing genocide in northern Nigeria, saying such assertions misrepresent the complex realities of the country’s security crisis.

At a press conference in New York on Wednesday, Youssouf said there was “no genocide in northern Nigeria,” stressing that the violence in the region affects both Muslims and Christians.

“The complexity of the situation in northern Nigeria should push us to think twice before making such statements,” he cautioned.

Youssouf further noted that the first victims of Boko Haram, the region’s most prominent jihadist group, are Muslims, not Christians.

Trump had earlier threatened to carry out an armed intervention in Nigeria, claiming that “radical Islamists were killing Christians in very large numbers” and that Christianity in the country faced “an existential threat.” He warned that if Nigeria fails to curb the violence, the United States would “attack — fast, vicious, and sweet.”

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 230 million people, remains deeply divided along religious lines, with a largely Christian south and a Muslim-majority north. The country has struggled with jihadist insurgencies, communal clashes, and banditry that have claimed tens of thousands of lives.

According to United Nations figures, the Boko Haram insurgency — active since 2009 — has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced over two million residents, affecting communities of all faiths.

Prince Andrew’s Emails To Epstein Reveal Desperation As Scandal Loomed

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Prince Andrew’s Emails To Epstein Reveal Desperation As Scandal Loomed

Newly released correspondence from the Jeffrey Epstein estate has revealed that Prince Andrew told Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, “I can’t take any more of this,” as early warnings surfaced about impending media reports linking him to the convicted sex offender more than 14 years ago.

The emails, published on Wednesday as part of a trove of documents unsealed from the Epstein archives, shed new light on the Duke of York’s relationship with Epstein and Maxwell. The correspondence reportedly took place in March 2011, after the Mail on Sunday sent Maxwell a “right of reply” email about Andrew’s connection to Epstein. Maxwell forwarded it to Epstein, who then relayed it to an address labeled “The Duke.”

“What’s all this? I don’t know anything about this! You must SAY so please. This has NOTHING to do with me. I can’t take any more of this,” Andrew wrote in response.

The revelations come as U.S. lawmakers renew pressure on Andrew to testify before Congress as part of an ongoing House Oversight Committee investigation into Epstein’s international network. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam told the BBC that Andrew had yet to respond to the invitation, noting, “He doesn’t have to get on a plane to testify — he can do it remotely.”

The Duke has long faced scrutiny over allegations from Virginia Giuffre, who said she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with Andrew when she was 17. Andrew has repeatedly denied the claims and settled the case in 2022 without admitting guilt.

Among the newly unsealed materials are several 2011 emails referencing Donald Trump, with Epstein writing to Maxwell: “I want you to realise that the dog that hasn’t barked is Trump. [VICTIM] spent hours at my house with him.” The alleged victim’s name was redacted, but U.S. officials later said it referred to Giuffre, who, in prior testimony, confirmed that Trump “was not involved in any wrongdoing.”

Democrats have since secured enough congressional backing to compel the U.S. Department of Justice to release all remaining Epstein records, with a House vote expected next week.

The newly disclosed files also appear to confirm the authenticity of the infamous photograph showing Andrew with his arm around Giuffre — a photo the Duke has long claimed may have been fabricated.

In a separate 2011 email, Epstein described Giuffre as a “fraud” and told his publicist, “Buckingham Palace would love it if you could expose her.”

The documents also reveal that Lord Peter Mandelson maintained contact with Epstein as late as 2016. In one exchange, Epstein wrote: “63 years old. You made it.” Mandelson replied: “Just. I have decided to extend my life by spending more of it in the US.” Epstein responded, “In the Donald White House.”

Mandelson, who was dismissed as Britain’s ambassador to Washington in September over his links to Epstein, declined to comment on the latest disclosures.

Ned Nwoko Denies Marrying Regina Daniels At 17, Calls Claim ‘False And Misleading’

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Ned Nwoko Denies Marrying Regina Daniels At 17, Calls Claim ‘False And Misleading’

Abuja, November 13, 2025 – Senator Ned Nwoko has refuted allegations that he married Nollywood actress Regina Daniels when she was 17 years old, describing the claims as “entirely untrue and misleading.”

In a post shared on his official X account on Thursday, the Delta North lawmaker stated that Daniels was 21 years old at the time of their marriage. He also shared a copy of her voter’s card as evidence, showing her date of birth as October 10, 1998.

“For clarity, during my first meeting with Regina, I asked her age, and she told me she was 21 years old,” Nwoko wrote. “She presented her INEC voter’s card, which clearly shows that she was born on October 10, 1998. I informed her that I would keep this document in my possession, and I have done so since that day.”

The senator noted that since their marriage took place six years ago, Daniels is now 27 years old, urging Nigerians to disregard any contrary narrative.

“According to all verifiable records, our marriage took place six years ago, which means Regina is 27 years old today. Any suggestion that I married her at 17 is false and should not be accepted by the public,” he said.

Nwoko further advised the public to verify facts before believing online claims, describing recent insinuations about his marriage as deliberate attempts to misinform.

FG Suspends Implementation Of 15% Import Duty On Petrol, Diesel

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FG Suspends Implementation Of 15% Import Duty On Petrol, Diesel

Abuja, November 13, 2025 – The Federal Government has suspended the planned implementation of a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel, which was earlier scheduled to take effect on November 21, 2025.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced the suspension on Thursday, confirming that the policy was “no longer in view” and urging Nigerians to avoid panic buying.

NMDPRA’s Director of Public Affairs, George Ene-Ita, made the disclosure in a statement, assuring the public of adequate product supply across the country.

President Bola Tinubu had on October 29 approved the new import tariff on petroleum products following a proposal from Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji. The duty was to be calculated at 15 per cent of the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value of imported petrol and diesel.

The policy was designed to protect and promote local refining operations, including the Dangote Refinery and modular refineries, by making imported fuel less competitive. However, analysts warned that the measure could sharply increase fuel pump prices—potentially by ₦150 per litre or more—and worsen inflation.

Announcing the suspension, the NMDPRA clarified:

“It should also be noted that the implementation of the 15% ad-valorem import duty on imported Premium Motor Spirit and Diesel is no longer in view.”

The authority further assured Nigerians of adequate national supply of petroleum products sourced from both local refineries and importers.

“There is a robust domestic supply of petroleum products to ensure timely replenishment of stocks at depots and retail stations,” the statement added.

The agency warned against hoarding or price speculation and pledged to continue monitoring distribution to prevent disruptions during the peak demand period.

“The Authority will continue to closely monitor the supply situation and take appropriate regulatory measures to prevent disruption of supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country,” the statement concluded.

The move comes amid public concern over rising energy costs and inflation, as the government continues efforts to stabilise the downstream petroleum market.

Reps Launch Probe Into Billions Lost From Container Diversion, Customs Duty Leakages

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Reps Launch Probe Into Billions Lost From Container Diversion, Customs Duty Leakages

Abuja, November 12, 2025 – The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate massive revenue losses resulting from the diversion of containers, unremitted customs duties, and excise duty irregularities across Nigeria’s ports and bonded terminals.

The decision followed a motion by Hon. Hassan Hussain, who raised alarm over what he described as widespread malpractice and inefficiency within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and bonded warehouse operations. He said billions of naira are being lost annually through improper duty assessments, overdue temporary importations, and uncollected levies.

According to Hussain, bonded terminals and fast-track warehouses were originally created to decongest ports, facilitate trade, and improve federal revenue, but many now engage in “illegal practices detrimental to the economy and national security.”

He warned that several containers meant to be transferred under bond from main ports are diverted before reaching their destinations, with their contents often unverified. “These could include dangerous items such as tramadol, arms, and ammunition,” he cautioned.

Hussain also revealed that some companies abuse the federal government’s three-year tax and excise duty holiday, using it as a loophole to avoid payments indefinitely. He further highlighted that manual excise duty collection systems lead to widespread under-assessment and underpayment.

Another major source of loss, he noted, is the Temporary Importation Scheme, which allows duty-free import of vessels, aircraft, and heavy machinery under a cash-backed bond. Many organizations, however, have overstayed the bond period without paying the corresponding duties.

He also accused some importers of exceeding approved import quotas for sugar and essential commodities, recycling permits, and exploiting quota loopholes — resulting in billions of naira in lost revenue.

In response, the House directed the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, to investigate the officers involved in bonded container transfers and to deploy tracking technology to ensure every shipment is accounted for from port to destination.

The House Committee on Customs and Excise was also mandated to probe container diversion, excise duty leakages, temporary importation abuses, and import quota violations, and to submit a report within four weeks for further legislative action.

Tinubu Urges Nigerian Editors to Uphold Professionalism, Truth, and National Unity

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Tinubu Urges Nigerian Editors to Uphold Professionalism, Truth, and National Unity

Abuja, November 12, 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian editors to exercise responsible journalism, uphold professional standards, and promote national cohesion. Speaking at the opening of the 2025 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Abuja on Wednesday, Tinubu described the media as a cornerstone of democracy and a vital force in fostering public trust and national unity.

Highlighting the historical role of journalism in Nigeria, the President praised journalists who risked persecution during military rule, noting that their sacrifices helped lay the foundation for the country’s democratic institutions. He urged editors to continue shaping public discourse responsibly in an era of rapid information flow and misinformation, stressing the importance of verification, balance, and professional judgment.

“Freedom secured through struggle is not self-sustaining. It requires constant vigilance and responsible exercise. Democracy is sustained not only by elections and laws, but also by the integrity of public conversation,” Tinubu said, emphasizing that journalists wield considerable influence over public understanding and national focus.

The President cautioned against divisive reporting and sensationalism, encouraging constructive criticism that strengthens governance rather than eroding public trust. He also highlighted the role of social media, noting that falsehood spreads quickly and placing a premium on editorial responsibility.

Reflecting on his administration’s reforms, including economic stabilization measures, Tinubu urged the media to support nation-building by presenting accurate information and fostering collaboration among government, civil society, and the private sector. He also endorsed media proposals for fiscal and institutional support, including corporate tax relief, VAT exemptions, affordable loans, and development grants for digitalisation.

“Report boldly, but do so truthfully. Criticize government policy, but do so with knowledge and fairness. Your aim must never be to tear down what we are building together, but to help build a better society,” the President stated.

Concluding his address, Tinubu called on editors to project a positive image of Nigeria globally, stressing that challenges such as terrorism and poverty can be overcome through collective effort, professional integrity, and unity.

“I wish you constructive, thoughtful, and fruitful deliberations. I look forward to the outcome of your discussions. God bless the Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

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