News
Why I Suspended Justice Walter Onnoghen as CJN – Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has suspended the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen and appointed Justice Ibrahim Tanko as his replacement, in acting capacity.
According to The Guardian, Buhari acted based on an order by the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Onnoghen is on trial at the CCT for allegedly failing to declare some of his assets when he became the CJN.
Meanwhile President Muhammadu Buhari has released a statement on the suspension ofJustice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
In the statement released on his Facebook page, Buhari said that “a short while ago,” he was served with an Order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal issued on Wednesday, to suspend the CJN pending the final determination of the cases against him at the Tribunal.
Onnoghen is standing trial for allegedly failing to declare some of his assets when he assumed office as CJN.
See the full statement below:
Fellow Nigerians,
A short while ago, I was served with an Order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal issued on Wednesday 23rd January 2019, directing the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Walter Nkanu Samuel Onnoghen from office pending final determination of the cases against him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal and several other fora relating to his alleged breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
2. The nation has been gripped by the tragic realities of no less a personality than the Chief Justice of Nigeria himself becoming the accused person in a corruption trial since details of the petition against him by a Civil Society Organization first became public about a fortnight ago.
3. Although the allegations in the petition are grievous enough in themselves, the security agencies have since then traced other suspicious transactions running into millions of dollars to the CJN’s personal accounts, all undeclared or improperly declared as required by law.
4. Perhaps more worrisome is the Chief Justice of Nigeria’s own written admission to the charges that he indeed failed to follow the spirit and letter of the law in declaring his assets, citing “mistake” and “forgetfulness” which are totally unknown to our laws as defences in the circumstances of his case.
5. One expected that with his moral authority so wounded, by these serious charges of corruption, more so by his own written admission, Mr. Justice Walter Onnoghen would have acted swiftly to spare our Judicial Arm further disrepute by removing himself from superintending over it while his trial lasted.
6. Unfortunately, he has not done so. Instead, the nation has been treated to the sordid spectacle of a judicial game of wits in which the Chief Justice of Nigeria and his legal team have made nonsense of the efforts of the Code of Conduct Tribunal to hear the allegation on merit and conclude the trial as quickly as possible considering the nature of the times in which we live.
7. Whether deliberately or inadvertently, we have all seen the full weight of the Chief Justice of Nigeria descend on the tender head of one of the organs of justice under his control. There is simply no way the officers of that court, from the Chairman to the bailiffs, can pretend to be unaffected by the influence of the leader of the Judiciary.
8. Not only the trial court, but others have been put on the spot. Practically every other day since his trial commenced, the nation has witnessed various courts granting orders and counter-orders in favour of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, all of them characterised by an unholy alacrity between the time of filing, hearing and delivery of judgment in same.
9. The real effect has been a stalling of the trial of Justice Onnoghen, helped along by lawyers who insist that these orders, whether right or wrong are technically valid, and must be obeyed till an appellate Court says otherwise. No doubt, that it is the proper interpretation, but is it the right disposition for our nation?
10. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy and no one must be, or be seen to be, above the law. Unfortunately, the drama around the trial of the Chief Justice of Nigeria has challenged that pillar of justice in the perception of the ordinary man on the street. For it is certain that no ordinary Nigerian can get the swift and special treatment Justice Onnoghen has enjoyed from his subordinates and privies in our Judicature.
11. In the midst of all these distracting events, the essential question of whether the accused CJN actually has a case to answer has been lost in the squabble over the form and nature of his trial. This should not be so.
12. If Justice cannot be done and clearly seen to be done, society itself is at risk of the most unimaginable chaos. As a Government, we cannot stand by wailing and wringing our hands helplessly but give our full backing and support to those brave elements within the Judiciary who act forthrightly, irrespective of who is involved.
13. As you are all aware, the fight against corruption is one of the tripod of policies promised to Nigerians by this administration. Needless to say that it is an existential Policy which must be given adequate attention and commitment by all the three arms of government. The efforts of the Executive will amount to nothing without the cooperation of the Legislature and especially the Judiciary.
14. It is no secret that this government is dissatisfied with the alarming rate in which the Supreme Court of Nigeria under the oversight of Justice Walter Onnoghen has serially set free, persons accused of the most dire acts of corruption, often on mere technicalities, and after quite a number of them have been convicted by the trial and appellate courts.
15. Since there is nothing the Executive Arm can do after the apex court of the land has spoken on any matter, several of these individuals walk free among us today, enjoying what are clearly the proceeds of the corruption which for so long has defeated the efforts of this nation to develop and prosper.
16. It is against this background that I have received the Order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal directing me to suspend the Chief Justice pending final determination of the cases against him. It also explains why I am not only complying immediately, but with some degree of relief for the battered sensibilities of ordinary Nigerians whose patience must have become severely over-taxed by these anomalies.
17. In line with this administration’s avowed respect for the Rule of Law, I have wholeheartedly obeyed the Order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal dated 23rd January 2019.
18. Accordingly, I hereby suspend the Honourable Mr. Justice Walter Nkanu Samuel Onnoghen, GCON as the Chief Justice of Nigeria pending final determination of the case against him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
19. In further compliance with the same Order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, I hereby invite Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed JSC, being the next most Senior Justice in the Supreme Court, to come forward to take the Judicial Oath as Chief Justice of Nigeria in an Acting Capacity.
20. Fellow Nigerians, we can only stand a chance to win the fight against Corruption, and position our dear nation for accelerated development when we stand together to contend against it.
Thank you and may God bless our country.
News
Seyi Vibez Drops Fuji Moto Album Featuring Trippie Redd, French Montana, NLE Choppa & Olamide
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Seyi Vibez has released his highly anticipated album Fuji Moto, a 14-track project that fuses Fuji rhythms with trap, street-hop, and melodic Afro-fusion. The album arrived on November 14, 2025, under EMPIRE, marking one of Seyi Vibez’s most ambitious creations yet.
Fuji Moto features standout international and local collaborations, including Trippie Redd, French Montana, NLE Choppa, and Nigerian rap icon Olamide. The project also includes several deep, introspective solo tracks where Seyi Vibez reflects on pain, resilience, spirituality, and his rise from the trenches to global acclaim.
Within hours of release, the album debuted at No. 2 on the Apple Music Nigeria Top Albums chart and quickly became Seyi Vibez’s most-streamed project ever on Spotify, reinforcing his status as one of the most influential voices in modern Afrobeats and street music.
With its blend of traditional Fuji influences and contemporary sonic experimentation, Fuji Moto cements Seyi Vibez’s reputation for pushing boundaries and representing the sound of the streets on a global stage.
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Abuja
Wike Presides Over FCT Exco, Launches New Waste Management System for Cleaner Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will commence a comprehensive new waste management regime across Abuja from Monday, November 17, 2025, as part of efforts to improve sanitation and restore environmental order in the nation’s capital.
The announcement followed the FCT Executive Committee Meeting held on Thursday and presided over by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Coordinator of the Abuja Municipal Management Council (AMMC), Chief Felix Amechi Obuah, revealed that the Executive Committee had ratified and approved a memo appointing new contractors to handle waste collection and management across different districts of the FCT.
According to him, the approval also covers the procurement of basic waste treatment plants, alongside the maintenance and operation of supervisory utility vehicles to support the new regime.
Chief Obuah, who acknowledged widespread complaints about waste disposal in the capital, expressed optimism that residents would begin to experience a significantly cleaner and better-managed Abuja once the new system takes effect.
Also speaking, the head of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, disclosed that the Committee approved payment for the emergency evacuation of waste from open dump sites, waterways, and stream channels in the Dogon Gada community of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
He explained that a total of ₦111,913,176 was released for the execution of the cleanup contract.
In addition, the FCT Transportation Secretary, Hon. Chinedum Elechi, announced approvals for printing services for the Directorate of Road Transport Services. He added that funds have also been approved for the operation and maintenance of 34 existing traffic lights, as well as the installation of three new traffic light systems within the Federal Capital City.
Earlier in the meeting, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Hon. Chidi Amadi, reiterated Wike’s determination to maintain high environmental standards in Abuja.
“The Minister is very concerned about the waste management contract,” he said. “He is serious about it because it directly affects the cleanliness and overall image of the city.”
With the new waste management framework set to take effect next Monday, the FCTA says it is fully committed to delivering a cleaner, orderly, and world-class Abuja.
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Abuja
Senator Ned Nwoko Releases Voter’s Card to Deny Marrying Regina Daniels at 17
Senator Ned Nwoko, 67, has released what he claims to be Nollywood actress Regina Daniels’ voter’s card to debunk widespread claims that he married her when she was 17 years old.
The document, reportedly issued by INEC, lists Regina’s date of birth as 1998, suggesting she was 21 when the couple tied the knot in 2019 not 17, as previously alleged.
Nwoko shared the card on social media in response to Regina’s recent revelation that she was underage at the time of their marriage, alongside new allegations of abuse and drug exposure during their relationship.
In his rebuttal, Nwoko dismissed the accusations as false and malicious, suggesting that Regina’s statements were influenced by “substance-related issues.”
The controversy has intensified following claims of family confrontations and arrests, though no formal legal action has been filed by either side.
Regina, who has presented her international passport showing a 2001 birth year, maintains that she was 17 at the time of their union. The conflicting records have fueled online debates over document authenticity and the couple’s 46-year age gap.
Social media users remain divided, with some defending Nwoko’s evidence, while others question the motive and legality of the marriage. Many commentators have also called for privacy and due process amid the escalating feud.
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Abuja
Your anger misplaced, face those who scammed you — Wike’s aide tackles ex-Naval chief
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has reacted to the controversy involving former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd.), over a disputed plot of land in Abuja.
In a post on his X handle on Wednesday, Olayinka alleged that the retired naval chief was deceived into buying land that had been officially designated for park and recreational purposes, not residential use.
According to Olayinka, rather than directing anger at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for enforcing land-use regulations, the former naval chief should focus on the individuals who sold him the illegal property.
“Vice Admiral Gambo was scammed. He needs to use his military might against the person who sold land meant for park and recreation to him to build duplexes — not FCTA officials carrying out their lawful duties,” Olayinka stated.
He revealed that the land in question was originally allocated to Santos Estate Limited in 2007 for park and recreation purposes.
Olayinka further explained that in 2022, the company applied to the then FCT Minister for approval to convert the land to residential use, but the request was declined. Despite this, the company allegedly went ahead to partition and sell the land to unsuspecting buyers, including the former naval chief.
“Santos Estate Limited had already sold the land to unsuspecting people, including the former Chief of Naval Staff, who is now building duplexes on it,” Olayinka noted.
“Like I said earlier, shouldn’t the former Chief of Naval Staff be more concerned with the person who scammed him, rather than using military might to hold on to a property on which he was duped?” he queried.
Reacting to comments made by Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), former Chief of Army Staff, Olayinka added:
“I read the statement made by the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai. As Director General of Rotimi Amaechi Campaign, Buratai has done his job.”
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Abuja
Badaru Defends Soldiers, Says No Officer on Lawful Duty Will Be Punished Over Wike Incident
Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, has assured that no officer or soldier performing lawful duty will face punishment over the recent altercation between military personnel and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Abuja.
Speaking during the ministerial briefing to flag off activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Defence College, Abuja, Badaru reaffirmed the government’s support for security personnel executing their duties responsibly.
“We will always protect officers and our armed forces personnel on lawful duty. Any officer on lawful duty will be protected if he is doing his job lawfully and if he does it well,” he said.
The assurance comes amid tensions following a confrontation between Wike and a military officer who led soldiers to secure a disputed plot of land in Abuja’s Gaduwa district.
After the incident, a coalition of retired military veterans threatened to occupy the FCT ministry if any disciplinary action was taken against the officer, insisting he acted under a lawful directive.
On National Security Achievements
The Defence Minister also highlighted key achievements under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the armed forces have recorded major successes in counter-terrorism and internal security operations nationwide.
According to Badaru, within Tinubu’s tenure, troops have neutralised over 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested more than 17,000, and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages. He added that over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants and their families have surrendered.
“These coordinated operations have dismantled major terrorist enclaves, neutralised notorious bandit commanders, and restored peace to hundreds of communities, enabling displaced persons to return home,” he said.
Badaru also disclosed that in the South-South region, troops destroyed over 1,900 illegal refining sites, safeguarding vital oil and gas infrastructure.
He emphasized that the military’s growing operational capacity is supported by strategic modernization efforts, including the procurement of Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and naval vessels.
“The signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act in 2023 marks a milestone in indigenous defence production, positioning Nigeria as an emerging hub for defence technology in the region,” the minister stated.
He further called for collective participation in the fight against insecurity, stressing a “whole-of-society approach” that involves government, civil society, traditional institutions, academia, and the private sector.
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