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Judiciary Not A Corrupt Institution- Justice Ebenezer Adebajo(retd)

Published

9 years ago

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A former judge of the high court, Justice Ebenezer Adebajo, has said that judiciary is not a corrupt institution. The retired judge state this in an interview with vanguard.

As a former Judge of the High Court, how, in your opinion, can corruption be eradicated in the judiciary?

There is no question of wiping out corruption in the judiciary. I am of the very strong view that the judiciary is not a corrupt institution. There are corrupting influences scouting around the judiciary. Yes! The judiciary itself is not a corrupt institution. Judges are hard working, self giving people. They have onerous duty to cope with, not to be faced with the kind of image that they are burdened with presently. I believe that it is the corrupt people scouting around, who are flying around the judges, that have corrupted one or two persons. The judiciary itself is not a corrupt institution.

With recent development in the judiciary, do you think thorough screenings were carried out on judges before their appointment?

I do believe that thorough screening takes place. I know that the so called DSS do write security report on people who are interested in becoming judges before they are appointed. Thorough screening takes place as to the intellectual capability and the kind of person they are. There is no perfect system. The most important element in the appointment of judges is honesty.

Some judges have said that they are being harassed by anti-graft agencies because their hands are tied. What is your position on that?

Yes. The hand of a judge is always tied by the law. A judge is obliged to follow the law. That is the meaning of “my hands are tied.” What it simply means is that the law is so definite and as a judge I am obliged to follow it, I cannot do otherwise.

Exercise of discretion

It has nothing to do with dishonesty, it has nothing to do with being corrupt, it has nothing to do with having negotiated a judgement, it is that the law is clear. So when the law is so clear on an issue, the area of the exercise of discretion by a judge is limited. That is what that phrase means.

 What would you say about Justice Inyang Okoro’s bribery allegation against the former Governor of Rivers State and current minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and claim that the issue was reported to the CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, with no action taken?

You do not create a scene when nothing has happened. You do not rock the boat for no reason at all. The judge has reported it and given a third party notice of it, which is sufficient.

 Don’t you think something good will, at the end, come out of the judges’ probe, such that those on the bench are put on their toes against corrupt practises?

Nothing good can come out of a situation when you let dogs and hell loose on an institution such as the judiciary. Each and every judge is an embodiment of that institution, that is, the judiciary. When you attack a judge, you attack the institution. The DSS’s invasions of the judges’ home were an invasion of an institution. This will not be tolerated in a society that is striving to attain the best in the rule of law.

What appropriate steps do you think can be employed in the fight against corruption in the judiciary?

Matthew 7:3-4 says why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? From my experience, having sat on some EFCC’s case, that is EFCC criminal matters brought to my court, my experience is that politically exposed persons are especially privileged people in the society and it should not be so.

Vilification of the judiciary

They should be the ones who are extra sensitive as to what impression they make and what is said about them. It is unfortunate that judges are people who are hardly ever heard, except through their judgements. I believe it is grossly unfair for people to attack these people (Judges) who are really not able to defend themselves in their onerous duties.

The raid, misconceived, misapplied and poorly carried out by the DSS has created an impression that the executive wanted to vilify the judiciary. The vilification of the judiciary can never augur well for the country. If something is amiss, we see how best to put it right by giving ourselves notice that something is amiss. But let those who are scouting around the judiciary, who influence corruption to go and sit down. Why don’t you punish these people first? Why don’t you take those people out and then see how good the judiciary is? It is those who  influence the corruption that they should go after.

 In your view, is Department of State Services, DSS  a legal body?

The law says State Security Services, (SSS) not Department of State Services. What is the governing law of that agency? That is what we have to look at. The law created and gave name to that agency but it is the journalists who aid and abet the bridge by repeating what is obviously an error and a mischief. If the media insists on calling the child by his name, then they will have no choice to continue bearing the name and amend the law that gave birth to that child.

What is your advice to the judiciary and the executive arms of government on the issues of corruption and probe of Judges?

If Nigeria is going to be preserved, the judiciary must stand-up to the executive in this matter. I wish the CJN and NJC best of luck.

 Like the SSS metamorphosed to DSS, so is seen in some states’ prosecutorial name. Before your retirement, you ruled that there was nothing like “The State of Lagos” as used in prosecution. Till date, there was not compliance to that order. What do you make of this?

I think it was the Governor of Osun State who started this issue of naming it ‘State’ of which he is the governor. And somebody said the father is entitled to name his baby whatever he wishes to name it. With the greatest respect, Osun State is not anybody’s baby; it is a creation of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria. Lagos State is also a creation of the Constitution.

I did make a judgement that the Administration of Criminal Law of Lagos State contains a provision that is at variance with the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria and I ruled it should be struck out. But until today, neither the Lagos State ministry of justice, it’s Attorney General, nor has the governor make presentation of a bill to stop that nomenclature.

“The State of Lagos” as a prosecutorial name. They have not had it repelled. This, of course, is a disobedience to the order of the court. But, then, I am no longer on the Bench. It is sad that the state governments in Nigeria are disinclined to obey judgements that are not favourable to them. I find it absurd and an abuse of its position that an Attorney General of Federal Republic of Nigeria will be knowledgeable of the fact that a state is addressing itself as “The State of Lagos” or “The State of Osun”. These are aberrations to the Constitution and the Federal Attorney General is there saying nothing. With the greatest respect, he should have approached the Supreme Court to correct this.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

15 hours ago

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April 24, 2026

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

 

 

 

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

 

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

 

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

 

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

 

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

 

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

 

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

 

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

 

⸻

 

About Laffmattazz

 

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

 

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

 

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.

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Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding 

Published

1 day ago

on

April 23, 2026

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Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding 

 

 

The current threading in *entertainment* world of speculated society marriage between oganla Fuji, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma with Nollywood icon, and widely acclaimed Queen of the tube jaiyeola Kuti has brought out different opinions amongst the fans and entertainment personnel.

 

What started as a rumour and mirage is gradually turning to reality and some fans are saying it’s not possible for Jaiye Kuti who is one of the scandal free Nollywood actress to be involved in such an unholy union with Pasuma

Most people who spoke with our correspondence, are of opinion that such a marriage can only happen in a mirage sessions and in Nollywood movies that apart Jaiye Kuti been responsible and married with children, Pasuma is someone who have vowed not to married and have a woman under his roof.

But to some also, it’s not impossible as artistes are known to be engaging and married to each other after denied and counter claims, which made and at the end they will go ahead and married . With this most people believe that truly there’s marriage in offspring for both celebrities While both parties refused to comment on the trend controversial issues about the whole issue , the world is anxiously waiting if this well circulated story of Pasuma getting married to Jaiye Kuti will come to pass or it will turn out to be a mirage.

Either way the die is cast as all eyes will be on Jaiye Kuti and Pasuma with searchlight on Nigeria entertainment industry once again

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Published

3 days ago

on

April 21, 2026

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, Mr Otega Ogra, on his election to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).

 

The election took place today at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held during the Global Marketing Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Tinubu described the development as a significant step for Nigeria’s growing influence in global communications.

 

He noted that Mr Ogra’s emergence as the only representative from West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa on the Executive Committee reflects the depth of Nigerian expertise and the contribution of a new generation of young Nigerian professionals to global industry standards.

 

Mr Ogra was elected to the Executive Committee on the platform of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), underscoring the role of Nigeria’s organised advertising and marketing industry in shaping representation at the global level.

 

The WFA is the leading global body for advertisers, representing over 150 multinational and Fortune 500 companies, alongside national advertiser associations across more than 60 countries, with a combined annual marketing spend running into hundreds of billions of dollars. Its Executive Committee is the organisation’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting priorities and guiding global policy on responsible advertising, media transparency, sustainability, and the evolution of digital ecosystems.

 

President Tinubu noted that Mr Ogra’s election is both a personal distinction and a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the African continent, placing them at the centre of global conversations on brand trust, platform accountability, innovation and the future of marketing and communications.

 

The President commended Mr Ogra, who also serves as Vice President of ADVAN, for his sustained contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s marketing and communications ecosystem, drawing on a career spanning leadership roles across the banking, manufacturing, and public sectors.

 

“Otega’s election reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian expertise and affirms our capacity to contribute meaningfully to the frameworks shaping global markets,” the President said.

 

President Tinubu added that the achievement aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing the creative economy, strengthening digital governance, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub for innovation and enterprise.

 

Josh Faulks, CEO of the Australian advertiser association (AANA), and Simon Michaelides, Director General of the UK advertiser association (ISBA), also join the leadership team.

 

Current members of the executive committee, David Wheldon, President and Philip Myers, Deputy President, who is also the Chief Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications Officer at Ferrero, continue in their current roles, as do all regional vice presidents.

 

 

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