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A few months ago, Roosevelt Ogbonna FCA, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, made headlines when he stepped down from his role as a Non-Executive Director on the bank’s Board. After three and a half years of dedicated service, his departure went largely unnoticed, particularly considering he still holds a substantial stake of 158,494,589 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2.7 million. However, this decision was not merely a coincidence; it was a strategic move to comply with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Corporate Governance Guidelines for Financial Holding Companies established in 2023. These guidelines mandate that the Board of any Financial Holding Company can consist of no more than nine directors. Despite his resignation, Ogbonna continues to play a crucial role in shaping the bank’s expansion strategy, indicating that his influence within the organization remains significant.

Known for his love of a lavish lifestyle, Ogbonna embodies the philosophy that money is meant to be enjoyed. This belief persists, even as he maintains a diverse portfolio of investments across various sectors. He views spending as a reflection of hard work, not hesitating to indulge himself in moments of luxury when the occasion calls for it.

While he shuns the limelight and prefers to live a low-profile life, Ogbonna has a taste for the finer things. He is known for his impeccable fashion sense, often seen in sharp tuxedos, driving luxury cars, and showcasing a stunning collection of wristwatches. His penchant for style is balanced with a desire to enjoy life to its fullest extent.

Ogbonna’s real estate portfolio is equally impressive, boasting mansions in prestigious locations like Lagos and Abuja. Recently, he took his luxurious preferences global by acquiring a remarkable property in Hampstead, London, for £15 million (approximately $20 million).

This location, often dubbed ‘Billionaires’ Row,’ represents some of the most sought-after real estate in the UK, attracting the elite and affluent. The strategic timing of his purchase comes amid a cooling luxury housing market in London, which has been impacted by recent stamp duty increases and the scaling back of tax advantages for wealthy foreign buyers. Ogbonna’s acquisition thus signifies a tactical investment move, allowing him to capitalize on market conditions while enhancing his status among the world’s wealthiest individuals. This acquisition shows his negotiating skills and also study of the market and capitalizing on its loophole to his own advantage.

The naira struck a major rally yesterday as exchange rate at the parallel markets fell below official market, putting pressure on currency speculators.

The naira yesterday closed at N1,450 per dollar at the parallel markets, stronger than N1,475 per dollar it exchanged in the official window where banks and other financial institutions carry out transactions.

The naira had on Wednesday closed around N1,475 per dollar at the parallel market, sustaining relative stability at the official window.

At the parallel markets dominated by bureau de change operators and unofficial foreign exchange (forex) transactions, many operators traded at huge losses.

A Bureaux De Change (BDC) trader based in Ikeja, Lagos, Mohammed Gabi, said many FX dealers lost huge funds after selling below purchase rates as exchange rate gap narrowed.

‘Many BDC operators sold dollar below the purchasing amount as they feared further losses. We expect the trend to continue in the weeks ahead. Also, the expected dollar inflows to the economy will help strengthen the naira position against the dollar,’ he said.

Industry source said there has been increased dollar liquidity in the parallel market, which took many black market dealers unawares.

‘I can tell you that a lot of dollars came into the parallel market, forcing those holding back dollars to offload their funds with fear. If the trend, continues, we could see dollar exchanging around N1,400 per dollar as projected in many quarters,’ the source said.

Analysts at Commercio Partners, attributed the rally and gradual narrowing of the exchange rate gap to a combination of stronger demand for the naira, reduced speculative trading, and improved foreign reserves.

Head of Research at Commercio Partners, Ifeanyi Ubah, expressed optimism that the positive sentiment would be sustained in the near term, supported by increasing external buffers.

‘Nigeria’s rising external reserves are reflecting a healthier external position for the country. With reserves strengthening, speculative activity subsiding, and oil earnings supporting inflows, many market watchers believe the naira’s current rally has a stronger foundation compared to previous cycles of volatility,’ he said.

The local currency rebound is being driven by a combination of stronger demand for the naira, reduced speculative trading, and rising foreign reserves now at $43.05 billion.

CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso announced that gross external reserves remained robust at $43.05 billion on September 11, 2025, compared with $40.51 billion at end-July 2025 with an import cover of 8.28 months.

‘Similarly, the second quarter 2025 current account balance recorded a significant surplus of $5.28 billion compared with $2.85 billion in first quarter of 2025,’ Cardoso stated during the 302nd monetary policy committee meeting held this week in Abuja.

Analysts insist that the forex reforms instituted by the Cardoso-led CBN are stabilizing the exchange rates and improving overall health of the economy.

The reforms were instituted to entrench transparency, accountability and improve dollar access in the foreign exchange market.

President, Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Aminu Gwadabe, said the naira gains showed the level of creativity the Central Bank puts in ensuring that more forex flows into the economy and remain accessible to businesses

Obviously, food is important to terrorists because it energises them. Therefore, it makes sense to arrest people who supply food items to them, and also seize food items being transported to them.

The Chief of Military Public Information Office, Lt. Col. Kamarudeen Adegoke, said in a statement that personnel of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), on October 11, intercepted 466 bags of food items, comprising 364 bags of beans and 102 bags of corn. They also arrested ’40 terrorist logistics suppliers’ on a suspected supply route in an operation against terrorist activities in the Lake Chad region, he stated.

He added that troops of 68 Battalion on a joint patrol with the Civilian Joint Task Force in the Mallam Fatori- Bandamari- Bari – Korarawon area, discovered and confiscated 12 bags of fish and nine donkeys allegedly used to carry supplies to terrorists in the Lake Chad basin region.

There are questions that demand answers. For how long have the arrested alleged suppliers been transporting food items to terrorists using the suspected routes? Why were they not caught before now? What will happen to them after their arrest?

Notably, the police, last year, had accused some arrested terrorism-related suppliers of criminal conspiracy. There is no doubt that such suppliers help terrorists to sustain their criminal activities. The fight against terrorism should be not only against terrorists but also those who aid them.

Such arrests should be a means of gathering intelligence that would advance the country’s fight against terrorism. It is not enough to arrest suppliers. Such arrests should lead to the capture of terrorists.

In a case that grabbed the headlines last year, the Force Intelligence Bureau -Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT) arrested members of a group that allegedly supplied drugs, bread and other food items to bandits operating in Zaria, Kaduna State and its environs.

They were apprehended at the Rigachikun base following a tip-off, and revealed that they usually supplied bread to bandits at Galadimawa, Damari, Kidandan and Awala camps in Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas, Kaduna State. One of them said they also supplied information to bandits which helped their kidnapping and cattle rustling operations.

Bakery owner Hassan Magaji, who was arrested, said: ‘The boom in my business began when I started supplying bread to bandits.’ He had an agreement with them that they would pay upfront for their bread supplies, and he made good profit doing business with them. ‘They started with bread worth N20, 000 and gradually increased it to N50, 000 a day,’ he said, adding that he made as much as N150,000 a week ‘after removing the cost of the ingredients.’

Nothing was heard about the food suppliers and their criminal customers after the report. There have also been reported arrests of suppliers of arms to bandits. Even, in one striking case, a housewife identified as Maryam Abubakar, in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested for allegedly supplying women, including her daughters and nieces, to bandits in Galadimawa forest to satisfy their sexual needs. Lamentably, these arrests led nowhere.

The point bears repeating: It is pointless announcing the arrest of terrorism enablers, whether they are suppliers of drugs, food items, weapons or sex, if such arrests lead nowhere. Arresting suppliers should not be an end in itself, but should be a means to an end, which is the arrest of those who receive the supplies.

The large number of bags of beans, maize and fish seized from suspected suppliers recently can be said to suggest a great number of terrorists. Fighting terrorism must go beyond arresting suppliers. They should be tried and penalised. But ultimately, terrorists should be caught, prosecuted and punished.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Oil Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has said the divestments by the International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the Nigerian petroleum upstream sector have added 200,000 barrels per to national production.

He also said the divestments have unlocked over $5.5 billion in final investment decisions (FIDs) within months.

Lokpobiri spoke on behalf of President Bola Tinubu at the Africa Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa.

He declared that Nigeria is ‘open for business’ and actively pursuing policies that prioritise investment, efficiency, and long-term growth in the oil sector.

‘This gathering is more than a conference, it is a call to action,’ he said, stressing that Nigeria is ready not just to participate in the global energy market, but to lead reform and growth on the African continent.

Lokpobiri outlined the bold policy measures implemented under President Tinubu’s administration, particularly the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which provides a clear and predictable fiscal and regulatory environment for investors.

The PIA has laid the foundation for licensing transparency, host community engagement, strengthened regulatory oversight, and a fair contractual framework. ‘What makes Nigeria now different is the legal, regulatory, financial, and structural transformation we are delivering,’ the Minister said.

Nigeria’s upstream sector is showing signs of strong recovery. The ‘Project One Million Barrels’ initiative, launched in October 2024, has raised daily crude oil production to between 1.7 and 1.83 million barrels per day, with a notable increase of 300,000 barrels per day in July 2025 alone.

Additionally, the number of active drilling rigs has grown from 31 in January to 50 by July 2025, a clear signal that reforms are unlocking value across the sector.

Of particular note were the recent asset divestments by international oil companies (IOCs), which the Minister said have unlocked over $5.5 billion in final investment decisions (FIDs) within months.

‘These are not just transfers of assets, they are transfers of confidence, capability, and ownership.

The divestments have already added approximately 200,000 barrels per day to national production.’

On the broader African context, Lokpobiri urged the continent to retain more value from its hydrocarbon resources by focusing on infrastructure, industrial development, and localized value chains. He noted that Africa spends over $120 billion annually on hydrocarbons, largely through imports, calling it a missed opportunity for economic transformation.

He advocated for stronger intra-African collaboration and financing, emphasizing that Africa holds nearly $4 trillion in domestic capital, including pension and insurance funds. ‘The question is no longer about the availability of funds, but how we can channel them into productive investments on our continent,’ he said.

Addressing the topic of the global energy conversation, the Minister called for balance and equity. He insisted that the narrative must shift toward a diverse energy mix, not abandonment of any resource. ‘The focus should be on availability, accessibility, and affordability of all forms of energy,’ he stressed. He made it clear that Nigeria, like other nations, will continue to utilize its oil resources responsibly while building a diversified and sustainable energy base.

Lokpobiri reaffirmed Nigeria’s role as a leading energy player in Africa. ‘We are offering opportunities at scale, reform with consistency, incentives with clarity, local participation with respect, and a vision that modernizes with purpose,’ he declared.

To global investors, he extended a direct invitation: ‘Come to Nigeria. Be part of the energy revolution.’ With strong reforms, ambitious targets, and an open-door policy, Nigeria is charting a bold path forward in Africa’s energy future.

The Nigerian music scene has just been electrified with the release of Fortune, the highly anticipated 7-track EP from fast-rising Afro-Fusion artist, Enielayefa Fortune Ebikake, popularly known as Iv Tune.

The project, which officially dropped on October 3, 2025, is already making waves with its standout track; Rock Your Body, a smooth, flirty, and irresistible anthem that’s fast becoming a fan favorite. With its playful lyrics, magnetic rhythm, and dance-ready beat, the track is primed to dominate playlists, nightclubs, and TikTok challenges nationwide.

With Fortune, Iv Tune not only proves his artistry but also positions himself as a global export in the making. The song is pure vibes and versatility on display.

Iv Tune effortlessly blends Afrobeats, RnB, and global sounds into one dynamic wave of music. From the hustle-driven urgency of Time Is Money, to the fiery heat of Fire On Me, and the uplifting energy of Come Alive, this EP hits every mood.

It’s both personal and universal, a true soundtrack of ambition, love, struggle, and joy.

‘Speaking on the release, the musician said: ‘This EP is me stepping into my destiny. Each song reflects my journey – the struggles, the dreams, the wins.

Fortune is about embracing life’s challenges and still finding reasons to dance, to live, and to believe.’ Now streaming on all major platforms, Fortune comes with a vibrant promotional rollout.

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has said that nearly all depositors in Nigeria’s financial system are adequately protected under its enhanced coverage framework.

Speaking at the Corporation’s Special Day at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair on Thursday, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of NDIC, Mr. Thompson Oludare Sunday, disclosed that 98.98 per cent of depositors in Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), 99.27 per cent in Microfinance Banks (MFBs), 99.34 per cent in Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs), and 99.99 per cent in Payment Service Banks (PSBs) are fully covered.

According to him, the expansion in coverage was achieved through the upward review of the maximum deposit insurance limit across various bank categories.

‘Currently, the NDIC insures depositors of Deposit Money Banks, Mobile Money Operators, and Non-Interest Banks up to a coverage limit of five million naira,’ Sunday said. ‘Depositors of Payment Service Banks, Microfinance Banks, and Primary Mortgage Banks are insured up to two million naira.

This provides stronger assurance to millions of Nigerians that their savings are safe.’

The NDIC boss cautioned Nigerians to be wary of fraudulent financial schemes warning that ‘It is important for Nigerians to remain vigilant against Ponzi schemes and other fraudulent investment platforms. Always ensure your funds are placed only in Central Bank of Nigeria licensed banks, all of which are covered by deposit insurance provided by the NDIC. This vigilance is crucial to protecting your hard-earned savings,’ he said.

He explained that in the event of bank failure, depositors with funds above the insured limit first receive an initial payout up to the maximum coverage, while balances above that amount are settled through liquidation dividends.

‘Liquidation dividends refer to payouts made to depositors and creditors from proceeds generated from the sale of a failed bank’s assets and recovered debts,’ he noted. ‘These are paid on a pro-rata basis, meaning depositors receive a proportionate share of the recovered funds relative to their outstanding balances beyond the insured limit.’

Citing a recent case, Sunday referenced the revocation of Heritage Bank’s license on June 3, 2024. He said NDIC promptly reimbursed insured depositors using the Bank Verification Number (BVN) in partnership with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to identify alternate accounts for payment.

‘Depositors with sums exceeding five million naira were first paid up to the insured amount, and liquidation dividends are being paid subsequently from recovered assets and debts,’ he explained. ‘The first tranche of liquidation dividends commenced on April 25, 2025, and payments continue as the Corporation realises asset sales and debt recoveries. This approach demonstrates NDIC’s effectiveness in ensuring comprehensive depositor protection and financial stability.’

Earlier, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, represented by Sir Agaba Idu Jideani, said the theme of this year’s trade fair – Sustainability, Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation – reflects the need to build resilient institutions and inclusive economic growth.

‘We are pleased to note the alignment between this theme and the mandates of NDIC, which provides a safety net for depositors, contributes to financial system stability, and supports confidence in our banking sector,’ Obegolu said. ‘The Corporation’s four broad mandates – Deposit Guarantee, Banking Supervision, Pension Resolution, and Banking Regulation – are fundamental pillars of Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.’

He said NDIC’s role is critical for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as it ensures access to stable financial services and fosters confidence in investment.

‘By extending deposit insurance coverage beyond deposit money banks to include microfinance banks, mortgage banks, non-interest banks, payment service banks, and mobile money operators, NDIC has shown responsiveness to the evolving dynamics of Nigeria’s financial landscape,’ he added. ‘These interventions not only protect depositors but also create a more enabled environment for SMEs and entrepreneurs to participate confidently in the economy.’

The ACCI president also called for stronger recognition of women in enterprise. ‘At the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we have established a gender policy and introduced a national definition of women-owned businesses, which we are advocating for widespread adoption. If we accept that women make up at least half of the population, then recognising and strengthening their capacity in business is not only sensible but essential for national growth,’ he said.

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have called for greater private sector collaboration, innovation and investment to drive sustainable transformation in Nigeria’s tourism sector.

The call was made as the Chamber joined the global community to commemorate World Tourism Day 2025, themed ‘Sustainable Transformation in Tourism.’

The event convened stakeholders from hospitality, agribusiness, and the creative industries to explore new growth opportunities for Lagos and Nigeria at large.

In his welcome remarks, Vice Chairman of the LCCI Hotel and Tourism Sector and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Eko Tourism Foundation, Dr. Tunde Lawrenson, stressed the importance of partnerships and investment as vehicles for sustainability.

LCCI President, Gabriel Idahosa, noted that while challenges remain in the sector, collaboration among private players remains a panacea to unlocking tourism’s potential. He cautioned against over-reliance on government and urged stakeholders to leverage Nigeria’s globally recognized creative industry to boost tourism. He also downplayed insecurity narratives, pointing out that several thriving global destinations contend with similar challenges.

In his keynote address, former President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria, Comrade Hassan Zakari, emphasized deliberate investment in infrastructure and agri-tourism as essential for long-term industry growth.

Other contributors included Pastor (Dr.) Olarewaju Saba, MD/CEO of St. Chris Properties and Investment Ltd; Dr. Amb. Daniel Olabintan, Chairman of the Elders Group, Travel and Tour; and Mr. Aderoju Owosanya, representing the Chairman/CEO of Xtralarge Farms and Resorts.

An interactive panel session allowed participants to engage directly with industry leaders on pressing issues such as youth participation, infrastructure, and the promotion of local tourism.

At the close of the event, a communiqué outlined resolutions such as increasing Gen Z and youth involvement in tourism development, promoting local tourism through music, film, and cultural heritage, strengthening partnerships across agriculture, hospitality, and the creative economy.

With Lagos as a focal point, this year’s celebration spotlighted agri-tourism and infrastructure investment as critical to repositioning Nigeria’s tourism industry for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has visited the Diffa Region of Niger Republic to strengthen collaboration in the fight against insurgency along the Nigeria-Niger border.

The visit, which included a high-level security and economic delegation, focused on joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and sustaining the gains recorded in clearing insurgents from parts of the Lake Chad basin.

Diffa, located about 17 kilometres from Damasak town in Borno, currently hosts thousands of Nigerians displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency.

Zulum was received by the Governor of Diffa, Brig.-Gen. Mahamaduo Bagadoma, and other senior officials.

Both leaders held closed-door talks on improving cross-border security and stabilising communities affected by insurgency.

Speaking after the meeting, Zulum said the improved security situation in the region would be leveraged to facilitate the return of displaced farmers to their agricultural lands around Dutchi town within the Lake Chad basin.

The Borno State governor expressed optimism that enhanced cooperation between Nigerian and Nigerien forces would help to end cross-border insecurity and promote socio-economic recovery in affected communities.

Bagadoma haied Zulum for the visit and assured him of Niger’s continued commitment towards supporting activities that would restore peace.

Three suits challenging the declaration of emergency rule, the suspension of elected officials and activities of the appointed administrator in Rivers State were yesterday dismissed by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice James Omotosho, in three decisions held that, not only were the cases filed in a wrong court – the Federal High Court – which lacked the necessary justification, the plaintiffs were without the requisite locus standi (the right to approach the court on the issues raised).

The first suit was filed by Belema Briggs, Princess Wai-Ogosu, I. Acho, Emmanuel Mark and Hadassa Ada, who claimed to have sued for themselves and residents of Rivers State.

They listed the President , the Attorney General of the Federation, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retired) and the Nigerian Navy as defendants.

The plaintiffs queried the emergency declaration, the suspension of elected officials including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the appointment of an administrator and among others, prayed the court to void them.

In the judgment yesterday, Justice Omotosho upheld the preliminary objection raised by the defendants and dismissed the suit.

In holding that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi, Justice Omotosho held that they could not, on their own file a suit to address the interest of all the residents of a state, moreso when none of the suspended officials was made a party to the suit.

The judge found that the plaintiffs, who claimed to be residents of Rivers did not show that they were more affected by the decision than the elected officials, who were suspended or other residents of the state, nor obtained the permission of the state’s Attorney General before approaching the court.

In holding that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit, Justice Omotosho held that it was the law that issues arising or connected with a declaration of state of emergency is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court by virtue of Section 1 (1) and (2) of the Emergency Powers (Jurisdiction) Act, 1962.

He added that the same statute has been modified by the Emergency Powers (Jurisdiction) Act (Modification) Order, 2025.

The judge faulted the plaintiffs’ claim that, as voters, their fundamental rights to enjoy democratic government was taken away from them by the emergency declaration, which they argued amounted to coup against Rivers’ residents.

He said: ‘The plaintiffs’ claim that their fundamental rights were breached as a result of these actions holds no water, as Section 45 (1) of the Constitution permits the derogation of rights in the interest of public order and public safety.

‘The facts before the court all show that Rivers State was on the brink of anarchy, and allowing matters to flow in the normal course was only going to lead to severe breakdown of law and order.

‘Consequently, it was necessary that in the interest of public safety and public order that the President suspended the Governor, Deputy Governor and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and also appoint the 3rd defendant, who is a retired Naval officer to ensure peace in the state,’ he said.

Justice Omotosho also faulted the plaintiffs’ contention that conditions precedent to warrant a declaration of state of emergency were not available as at March 18 when the proclamation was made.

He said: ‘To begin this discourse, it is important to examine if the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has powers to declare a state of emergency in any state in Nigeria as this is the starting point for the suspension of the Governor, the Deputy Governor and the members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State.

‘The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the custodian of executive powers in Nigeria. He is vested with enormous powers to discharge his duties including the duty to ensure the safety of lives and properties within the country.

‘One of the distinct powers of the President is the power to proclaim a state of emergency in Nigeria, throughout the federation or in a part of the Federation.

‘This power is enshrined in Section 305 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

‘A state of emergency is usually not a planned event and it is not an event which the law can fully capture as there are several instances which may necessitate the declaration of a state of emergency, such as natural disaster, religious crisis or a political crisis among others.

‘An imminent threat or present danger to the Federation of Nigeria or a part of it is a ground for declaring a state of emergency as done in this case.

‘Once the proclamation of the state of emergency is ratified by the National Assembly, the power to administer the emergency area vests exclusively in the President.

‘He (the President) is then empowered to take measures to restore peace and order to the affected area, including the appointment of the 3rd defendant as Sole Administrator and stationing of the 4th defendant in strategic locations in the state as the case may be.

‘The findings of this court, with regards to the facts before it, shows that there were reasonable grounds for the President to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

‘The Governor, Deputy Governor and Members of the House of Assembly were suspended for a period of time and not removed from office and the President exercised his discretion in appointing a Sole Administrator as he saw fit.

‘All these actions were aimed at ensuring peace and security in the state.

‘The issue raised by the plaintiffs that the President did not secure the required two third majority of the members of each house of the National Assembly is not what can be resolved through affidavit evidence, but by a writ of summons where witnesses will be called and cross examined,’ the judge said.

The two other decisions were rulings on the suits filed by two groups. One was by The Incorporated Trustees of Rivsbridge Peace Initiative.

It had six defendants – the President, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Accountant General of the Federation (AG-F), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired).

The suit had queried Ibas’ appointment and sought to among others, restrain the President, the AGF and the AG-F from releasing from belonging to Rivers State in the Consolidated Revenue Funds to Ibas.

The second suit filed by Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative and Courage Nsirimovu had Ibas as the sole defendant.

The suit which also queried the legitimacy of Ibas’ appointment, prayed the court to, among others, restrain the administrator from appointing sole administrators for the state’s 23 local government areas.

In the two rulings, Justice Omotosho upheld the objection raised by lawyers to the defendants, including Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), who represented Ibas and dismissed the suits on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction and want of locus standi.

The judge expressed displeasure at the conduct of lawyers to the plaintiffs’, who he noted, failed to conduct adequate research before filing the suits.

Justice Omotosho said: ‘I must not fail to say here that counsel to the plaintiffs ought to make proper research regarding his case before filing same.

‘He must make diligent research as to which court has jurisdiction and the necessary parties in that suit before filing his action.

‘Counsel has the duty to be professional in making such research rather than spending time spreading misinformation or painting the wrong picture on social media and other broadcast media.

‘This court is saddled with a lot of cases including commercial, civil and criminal matters, which makes its time very precious.

‘Filing suits which are void ab initio is inimical to the course of justice and the court can suo motu non suit such void suit in order to save its time.

‘| therefore hold that a void process cannot activate the jurisdiction of this court.

‘In final analysis, the suit of the plaintiffs is outside the subject matter jurisdiction of this court, the plaintiffs themselves lack locus standi to maintain this action.

‘Even if this court could exercise jurisdiction over this matter, the weight of evidence tilts heavily in favour of the defendants.

‘Consequently, this suit is hereby dismissed in its entirety,’ the judge said.

Abia Warriors and Kwara United secured crucial home wins in their rescheduled games played yesterday to move up the ladder of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Both were involved in CAF Confederation Cup games and were eliminated by Djoliba Athletic Club of Mali and Asante Kotoko of Ghana in the first preliminary round.

Abia Warriors beat Remo Stars 2-0 through the goals of Emeka Obioma and Sunday Megwo in the 28th and 60th minutes. The second goal came from the penalty spot. With the victory, Abia Warriors have moved to the fourth spot with nine points from five games while the Sky Blue Stars slid to the 14th spot with seven points from five games.

The Umuchineke Boys will travel to Ilorin as guests of Kwara United who triumphed over Plateau United 2-1 in another rescheduled game dubbed the North Central derby played yesterday in Ilorin.

Junior Aimufua put the Harmony Boys in the lead in the dying minute of the first half. The Peace Boys equalised in the 58th minute through Vincent Temitope but Kwara United had the last laugh when Aule Johnmark struck in the 79th minute off a goal mouth scramble.

Kwara United have moved to the seventh spot with eight points.