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SHEHU SANI/ASD: WHY WE WANT TRANSPARENT, SPEEDY JUDGMENT – CSOs
…raise alarm over alleged moves to subvert judicial process
A group under the auspices of Civil Society Groups (CSGs) for the Defence of Human Rights, Justice and Equity, Sunday, made its stand known on transparent and speedy dispensation of judgment over the ongoing case involving Alhaji Sani Dauda (ASD), Nasiba Sani Dauda, Comrade Abubakar Musa Abubakar and others at different courts.
Sen Shehu Sani
This was made known at a press conference held in Abuja, where the group’s Spokesman, Adamu Kabiru Matazu, read from an address signed by him and made available to journalists.
According to Matazu the call for true justice became necessary due to alleged clandestine moves by some accused persons whose cases are pending in court.
It would be recalled that the complainant, Alhaji Sani Dauda, who reported former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in a petition that Sani allegedly demanded N4 million from him (Dauda) to give to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad, and other four judges to influence some pending cases in court.
He said: “Our reason for addressing press conference then and now is to ensure the speedy dispensation of justice, protection of human rights and equity for all the parties involved.
“We shout at the rooftop that there have been clandestine moves on the side of ASD to influence the judiciary to subvert the course of justice to guarantee a predetermined outcome in his favour.
“We make bold to say that the recent accusation and counter accusation of bribery, extortion and name-dropping to ensure that ASD’s pending cases of financial crimes is dropped and also to compromise Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko to influence pending cases at different courts involving him (ASD), his daughter – Nasiba Sani Dauda, Comrade Abubakar Musa Abubakar and others. What is playing out at the moment is a clear vindication of our earlier position.
“As Civil Society Groups (Conscience of the Nation) we will not fold our arms and watch the desecration of the temple of justice by some unscrupulous elements with connection in higher places, the Chief Judge of Kaduna, Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal Kaduna, FCT High Court Chief Judge must be made aware that the whole world is watching on how they will eventually deliver justice dispassionately or subvert the course of justice in the Case of Abubakar Musa Abubakar Vs Nasiba Sani Dauda and others most especially that the EFCC’s report in the public domain and as published by various newspapers to the effect that one Million Naira each is given to four judges in order to compromise any case before them where Abubakar Musa Abubakar is a party.
“We will accept nothing less than the unbiased dispensation of justice without unnecessary meddlesomeness or influence and inducement by making sure that only proven fact are admitted as evidence, as we shall monitor the proceedings from the beginning to the logical conclusion.”
The group further alleged that, “We salute the promptness with which the EFCC moves to avert corruption but in this case there are two sides; the bribe giver (ASD) and bribe taker (ShehuSani) both of whom must be apprehended having established through the confession of Alh. Sani Dauda (ASD) who willingly and advertently offer to compromise an ongoing EFCC Investigation and pending judicial cases, hence the need for EFCC to move swiftly in arresting ASD for immediate prosecution.”
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, on Sunday, denied links with a former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, who is currently under the custody and investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for alleged extortion.
This was contained in a statement by the Supreme Court’s Director, Press and Information, Dr Festus Akande, described the claim by Sani Dauda of ASD Motors saying Senator Shehu Sani purportedly demanded the sum of N4 million to give to the CJ N as a blatant lie.
The statement titled, ‘Senator Shehu Sani is not known to the CJN’, reads in part, “Even though the veracity of the true source of the unsubstantiated statement has not yet been ascertained to know if it was really from the former Senator, it is, however imperative to keep the records straight by letting the public know that Justice Tanko Muhammad has never, in his entire life, seen or had any form of encounter or interactions, either directly or remotely with Shehu Sani, let alone giving him assurances of what is not only unethical but equally despicable and inglorious, to say the least.”
According to the statement the Supreme Court’s attention was drawn to the alleged demand on national dailies, “That Senator Shehu Sani allegedly approached Alhaji Sani Dauda of ASD Motors and purportedly demanded the sum of N4, 000,000 to give to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Dr Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, to settle some unnamed four judges over a case he (Shehu Sani) allegedly claimed won’t see the light of the day.
“Let it be known that if the statement credited to Shehu Sani was actually made by him, it is simply a blatant lie, a figment of his imagination and an orchestrated falsehood immodestly concocted to malign, smear and disingenuously tarnish the good image and reputation of the CJN with a view to gaining financial reward.”
The statement also added that the outcome of investigations ongoing would determine “The next line of action to be taken regarding the flagrant defamation of the character of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, as perpetrators of such falsehood can never be allowed to walk away with the dastardly act.”
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NDDC At 25: Cross River’s Cynthia Oloko, 19, Emerges Second Place Winner At Miss Niger Delta 2025
...Deputy Governor, APC Chairman, and Senators Celebrate Her with Generous Cash Gifts
Miss Cynthia Iyowogoga Oloko, a 19-year-old from Cross River State, has emerged as the first runner-up (second place) at the Miss Niger Delta 2025 beauty pageant. The event, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Cynthia, a final-year student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where she studies Human Anatomy, competed alongside nine other contestants representing the nine states of the Niger Delta—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Crowned with the title “Pride of the Niger Delta”, Cynthia received a cash prize of ₦7.5 million for placing second in the pageant.
In recognition of her achievement and the pride she has brought to Cross River State, several political leaders and dignitaries extended their support. The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, gifted her ₦3 million, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq., JP, contributed ₦1 million, while the state’s two Senators jointly supported her with another ₦3 million—bringing her total cash reward to ₦14.5 million.
According to the organisers, all nine contestants underwent intensive training and were empowered with skills and starter kits to help them become self-reliant and impactful in their communities.
The Miss Niger Delta pageant is designed not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform to empower young women across the region. It aims to nurture leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development among participants. The initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering women is key to building stronger families, communities, and society at large.
Many past participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. The programme, sponsored by the NDDC, is part of its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents in the region.
This year’s overall winner received a brand-new car and ₦10 million, while the second runner-up (third place) received ₦5 million. The remaining six contestants each received ₦1 million as a consolation prize.
Miss Cynthia Oloko was born in 2005 to Engr. and Mrs Cosmas Oloko Ekawu. She attended Trailblazers Academy in Gwarinpa, Abuja. Her hobbies include swimming, running, networking, and travelling. She aspires to build a career in entrepreneurship and politics, with a strong passion for leadership and community development.
Congratulations Miss Cynthia
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon Dr Fred Okem has dissolved all revenue agencies operating in the Council with effect from 31st December 2024.
Hon Dr Fred Okem, Chairman Yala Local Government Area
This was contained in a release on Monday 6th January 2025 by the Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unah.
The Chairman also cautioned that anyone who flouts the directive would be handed over to the security agencies for proper action in line with relevant laws.
The local government helmsman is expected to reposition the revenue agencies with the aim of boosting internally generated revenue in the council for adequate measures towards the development of Yala in line with the People First Agenda of the State government.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Ms. Grace Ike, has been named Nigeria’s Media Personality of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the Editorial Board of Good Governance Today Nigeria at a grand ceremony held at the National Merit House, Abuja.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike
In addition to the honour, Ms. Ike was inducted into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame—a testament to her exemplary contributions to leadership and professional journalism in Nigeria.
The award acknowledges Ms. Ike’s uncommon leadership qualities and her unwavering commitment to advancing journalism as a tool for national development. Her selfless service to humanity, her state and the nation has made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Speaking at the event, the organiser and the managing editor of Governance Today , mr Sylvester Abudu Omose commended Ms. Ike’s visionary leadership and her remarkable strides in reshaping the landscape of journalism in Nigeria. Her relentless dedication to using journalism to advocate for transparency, justice, and public enlightenment was described as both inspiring and transformative.
“Ms. Grace Ike’s achievements transcend the ordinary. She has redefined what it means to serve humanity through journalism. Her work exemplifies the power of the media in fostering societal progress and governance,” the board stated.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ike represented by one of her media aides, mr Ademola Adepoju expressed her gratitude for the recognition and attributed her success to the collective efforts of her team at NUJ FCT Council and the support of stakeholders in the journalism community. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ethical journalism and upholding the values of truth, accountability, and service to humanity.
“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a call to do even more. Journalism is the lifeline of democracy, and we must continue to use it to uphold justice and transparency for the betterment of our society,” Ms. Ike remarked.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the media, government and civil society, who lauded Ms. Ike’s achievements and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote good governance and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
As Ms. Grace Ike steps into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame, her legacy as a leader, journalist, and advocate for humanity continues to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to making a difference in their communities and the nation at large.
