A Federal High Court in Abuja and presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite has thrown out a suit seeking to compel the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, AGF, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to stop the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, from investigating allegations of fraud and economic crimes allegedly committed by a businessman, Abu Samaila Isa Funtua.

The presiding judge dismissed the case on Monday, February 24, 2025 on the ground that the request of the businessman lacked merit and substance.

Delivering judgment in a fundamental rights enforcement suit against AGF and EFCC, Justice Nwite held that AGF has enormous power to take over proceedings in criminal matters but held that such enormous powers are not at large.

Justice Nwite said that under Section 43 of EFCC Act 2004, the anti-graft agency was not under any obligation to take advice from any ministry or agency to drop its statutory powers to initiate investigation into any alleged economic crimes.

The businessman had in his suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2024 sued the AGF and EFCC complaining of unlawful investigation into some business transactions involving him and others.

He alleged that EFCC was biased and mischievous in the ways and manners he was being investigated.

Specifically, Funtua alleged that EFCC was acting the script of his business adversaries to cause investigation against him without telling him the nature of his offence or show any petition against him.

Funtua subsequently asked Justice Nwite to issue an order of mandamus against the AGF to order EFCC to drop the investigation and direct any other security agency of the federal government to take over the investigation.

However, in his judgment, Justice Nwite held that Section 174 (3) of the 1999 Constitution upon which the case was predicated did not confer any power on the AGF to nominate any agency to conduct investigation into economic crimes or financial breaches.

The judge held that in the exercise of its statutory duties, the EFCC was not under any obligation to obey directives from any ministry or government department.

Justice Nwite said that Section 43 of the EFCC Act 2004, has no ambiguity to the fact that the anti-graft agency shall have powers to initiate investigation into alleged economic crimes and initiate prosecution of those indicted in the process.

He subsequently dismissed the suit for want of merit and substance.

The Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, for six months, effective March 6, 2025, over alleged misconduct and violation of Senate rules 2023 (as amended).

Society Reporters reports that the controversy leading to her suspension dated back to February when a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber escalated into a confrontation between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The disagreement has since evolved into allegations of misconduct, raising concerns about decorum within the legislative body. However, Akpabio denied any wrongdoing, stating on Wednesday that he had “never harassed or disrespected any woman.”

During Thursday’s plenary, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, presented its findings, making seven recommendations. According to the committee, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to adhere to Senate rules and also disregarded the committee by refusing to honour its invitation.

Reading the committee’s recommendations, Senator Imasuen stated, “One, that the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of Senate standing rules, bringing the presiding officer and the entire Senate to public opprobrium.

“Two, that for the Senate to consider lifting or reducing the duration of the suspension, Senator Natasha Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before reconsideration.

“Three, that the Senate suspend Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with effect from March 6, 2025, from all legislative activities.

“Four, that her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension and that she hand over all Senate properties in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

“Five, that for the duration of her suspension, she must not be seen within the vicinity of the Senate or the National Assembly, including her staff.

“Six, that her salaries and allowances, including those of her legislative aides, be suspended, and that all security details assigned to her be withdrawn for the period of her suspension.

“Seven, that during her suspension, she be barred from representing herself locally and internationally as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Senator Imasuen expressed the committee’s appreciation for the opportunity to serve, stating, “On behalf of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, we appreciate the President and our distinguished colleagues for the opportunity granted upon us to serve Nigerians through this committee. Respectfully submitted for consideration and approval. Thank you, Mr. President, distinguished colleagues.”

After a lengthy debate on the report by Senators, all the recommendations were adopted by the Senators through a voice vote with a slight amendment to the 6th recommendation, allowing Senator Natasha’s aides to receive their salaries and allowances in order not to suffer unduly.

Society Reporters reports that all the Senators who spoke expressed their support for the outcome of the investigation.

Meanwhile, after the adoption of the report, Senator Natasha briefly interrupted the proceedings, saying the injustice against her won’t be sustained. She was thereafter escorted out of the chamber.

After spending about seven weeks in Canada, the Alaafin of Oyo-designate, Oba Akeem Owoade, arrived at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, on Wednesday evening.

He is expected to make his way to his hometown, Oyo, today (Thursday).

Owoade’s return comes just a month before his official coronation as the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, scheduled for April 5.

On January 13, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, presented Owoade with his certificate and staff of office at the Governor’s Office, State Secretariat, Ibadan.

At the event, Governor Makinde announced that the coronation of the new Alaafin would take place within four weeks.

As the countdown to the coronation began, The PUNCH exclusively reported that Owoade had left Nigeria just hours after receiving his staff of office, travelling back to Canada, his base.

The PUNCH then reported that Owoade had yet to begin the traditional rites before leaving for Canada where he had to officially resign from his workplaces and engagements.

Owoade is based in Canada as a real estate investor, and financial services businessman, and is the Project Coordinator at one of the largest electric power and natural gas utility providers in Canada, Manitoba Hydro.

Confirming his return, the Chief of Staff to the Alaafin-designate, Rotimi Osuntola, urged Oyo indigenes to turn out in large numbers to welcome their new king.

“He arrived safely in Nigeria on Wednesday evening. Alaafin will be in Oyo town by noon on Thursday (today) and looks forward to seeing the people of Oyo come out en masse to receive him,” Osuntola said.

Stakeholders in Oyo town also confirmed receiving news of the monarch’s arrival.

Some noted that they would travel to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to welcome him and accompany his entourage to ensure his grand entry into Oyo today.

In the coming days, Owoade will commence traditional rites leading up to his April 5 coronation.

The Alaafin-designate is to perform certain enthronement rites at the Baba Iyaji residence, Ona Isokun, Ilemole, Bara before he proceeds to the Koso chamber accompanied by his chiefs and priests.

Documents relating to the Alaafin installation indicate that the divinely selected candidate goes to Ipebi for traditional rites and is installed as the new king after the completion of all the traditional rites.

The Ipebi (seclusion) ritual involves several individuals and groups playing key roles in guaranteeing the spiritual well-being and authority of the Alaafin.

Among them is the Oluawo (Ifa priest) who serves as the spiritual guide and advisor to the Alaafin through the Ipebi ritual.

The Oyo Mesi, priests and priestesses also play roles in offering prayers, performing sacrifices and providing spiritual support.

In the Koso chamber, the Alaafin-elect will be crowned with his royal headdress, symbolising his renewed spiritual authority.

He also would perform additional rituals and make offerings to the Orishas and his ancestors solidifying his connection with the divine.

Meanwhile, both the state and local organising committees have intensified preparations for the April 5 coronation.

These preparations continue despite ongoing legal challenges to Owoade’s emergence as Alaafin.

One of the lawsuits was filed by Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, a contender for the throne, who argues that Owoade’s appointment violates the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, 2000, and the Registered Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.

Filed on February 12, Gbadegesin’s suit seeks to nullify Owoade’s appointment and prevent him from assuming the throne or performing any royal duties.

The lawsuit names Governor Seyi Makinde, the Attorney General of Oyo State, and 11 others as defendants.

Similarly, another Oyo prince and former aspirant to the Alaafin throne, Ismaila Owoade, has filed a separate lawsuit against Governor Makinde and 19 others.

His suit challenges his exclusion from the selection process, which he claims was abruptly truncated with the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade.