News
Osun fights Abuja court’s power in LG funds suit
insists case be returned to Osogbo as CBN, AGF oppose objection
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed September 29 for hearing of a motion by the Osun State Government challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain a suit on withheld local government funds.
At the resumed sitting, the state government, through its lead counsel, Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), argued that since the court’s vacation ended on September 16, the matter ought to be returned to the Osogbo Division for proper hearing and determination.
Adetunbi’s motion challenging the Abuja court’s jurisdiction was hinged on two grounds: that the authorisation earlier granted the Attorney General of the Federation for the case to be heard in Abuja during vacation had lapsed with the end of the vacation, and that a purported letter from the Chief Judge’s office mandating Justice Nwite to hear the case was irregular.
He contended that the letter was signed by a “Personal Assistant to the Personal Assistant of the Chief Judge,” a person he described as a “busybody” unknown to law to issue such a sensitive directive. Adetunbi therefore urged the court to determine the authenticity of the letter before proceeding to the substantive matter.
However, counsel to the Central Bank of Nigeria, Muritala Abdulrasheed (SAN), and that of the Accountant General of the Federation, Tajudeen Oladoja (SAN), opposed the application. They alleged that it was a ploy by the Osun State Government to stall proceedings.
The duo argued that the tenure of the elected All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors would expire on October 22, and that any further delay would render the case academic.
After listening to arguments, Justice Nwite adjourned to September 29 for hearing of the Osun State Government’s jurisdictional challenge and other related applications.
Earlier in the proceedings, the judge struck out the name of the Attorney General of the Federation as the 3rd defendant in the matter following the plaintiff’s withdrawal of the suit against him. Counsel to Osun State explained that the decision was taken because another suit involving the AGF is already pending before the Supreme Court.
The suit, filed by the Osun State Attorney General, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, seeks to restrain the CBN and the Accountant General from opening or operating accounts for APC chairmen elected in the October 2022 council election. The state government maintains that the chairmen, who were elected in a poll contested only by APC candidates, had been sacked by a Federal High Court judgment later affirmed by the Court of Appeal.
Specifically, Osun is praying the court for an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants from disbursing allocations or maintaining accounts in favour of the sacked chairmen and councillors.
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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