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Family Court: Oyo NAWOJ lauds Makinde, CJ
Women Journalists under the umbrella of Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State Chapter has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his efforts at ensuring that the long awaited Family Court becomes functional in the state.
The female Journalists also lauded the State’s Chief Judge, Justice Munta Abimbola and the entire judiciary for ensuring that the state join the league of states with Family Courts in the country.
Recounting all her efforts at ensuring Family Courts are established and becomes operational in the state, especially since the emergence of the Comrade Jadesola Ajibola led Exco came on board in 2018, Oyo NAWOJ noted that the latest development will no doubt help in speedy dispensation of justice on family related matters, especially those affecting women and children.
The Association spoke through a statement signed on Wednesday by Comrade Jadesola Ajibola and Comrade Stella Oyebanji, Chairperson and Secretary respectively.
While also commending the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Sanni, Oyo NAWOJ warned perpetrators of gender based violence to either turn a new leaf of risk been caught in the arm of law and justice to be delivered by the Family Court which is not in doubt.
“We wish to congratulate His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde for ensuring that the state has a functional Family Court.
“Our great Association had in the last few years since the Comrade Jadesola Ajibola led Executive emerged in November, 2018 clamored for the establishment of a Family Court.
“The Family Court we know will address family issues, gender based violence, molestation, especially as it affects women and children among others.
“We have on several occasions checked up the Family Court and realized that work was constantly going on at the court, which we are aware has been finally completed and to be commissioned.
“Oyo NAWOJ also congratulates the Honorable Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Mukhtar Abimbola and his amazing team, for the efforts put in place to ensure that Oyo State Family Court commences operation.
“During our last inspection of the court, we saw a world class Family Court that will duly serve Nigerians in Oyo State, as well as delivering justice to all.
“We use this opportunity to warn violators of our law to be cautious and desist from such act as our confidence in the Seyi Makinde-led government to ensure that everyone gets justice through the family court in the state is not in doubt.
“We also call on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), relevant government agencies to be prepared for more challenges ahead in ensuring that victims get justice.
“Oyo NAWOJ also commend Our dear Honorable Faosat Sani, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion and her team for the sleepless nights in giving support to victims of Gender Based Violence in Oyo State.
“For NAWOJ, the existence of a Family Court in Oyo State is success for us and all NGOs working on women and children issues”, the statement added.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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