The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has threatened legal action against the contractor responsible for renovating the National Assembly complex after repeated technical faults with the chamber’s microphones disrupted legislative proceedings.

Akpabio voiced his frustration during Wednesday’s plenary after several microphones malfunctioned, producing echoes and interrupting proceedings.

He described the recurring glitches as a national embarrassment, revealing that similar faults had also marred the opening ceremony of the National Assembly Week held in the House of Representatives chamber a day earlier.

According to him, both he and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, were embarrassed during the event because the same contractor handled the renovation of both legislative chambers.

The Senate President warned that if the defects persist, the National Assembly would not hesitate to explore legal options to compel the contractor to deliver a satisfactory job.

He urged senators to take note of the repeated failures, saying their observations would justify any action taken against the contractor, especially if questions arise after such measures are implemented.

The latest development adds to growing concerns over the quality of the renovation of the National Assembly complex, a project that reportedly lasted about two years.

Lawmakers had previously raised similar complaints shortly after returning to the refurbished chambers in 2024.

Former Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, had criticised the standard of the renovation, arguing that the work did not reflect the huge public funds committed to the project.

The rehabilitation of the National Assembly complex was awarded to Visible Construction Limited at a reported cost of ₦42 billion, despite an earlier approval of ₦37 billion for the project during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has granted bail to former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, who is facing corruption charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Peter Kekemeke admitted the former CCT boss to bail in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety who must own a verifiable property within Abuja.

In his ruling, the judge dismissed the EFCC’s objection to the bail application, holding that the anti-graft agency failed to present compelling reasons to justify Umar’s continued detention.

The court noted that Umar had cooperated with investigators throughout the year-long investigation, honoured the EFCC’s invitations, and did not abscond after being granted administrative bail.

Justice Kekemeke stressed that every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty and that bail cannot be denied without credible evidence that the accused is likely to interfere with witnesses, tamper with evidence, or evade trial.

Umar is being prosecuted over allegations that he received unlawful gratification from contractors handling projects at the Code of Conduct Tribunal while serving as its chairman.

According to the EFCC, contractors allegedly transferred millions of naira into the bank account of Umar’s wife and also paid over ₦4 million in school fees for his children at Baze University.

The commission further alleged that the transactions were linked to contracts awarded by the tribunal.

Although the alleged gratification totals about ₦15 million, the court fixed bail at ₦100 million.
The EFCC had arraigned Umar on July 9, where he pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following his plea, he was remanded pending the determination of his bail application.

The prosecution argued against granting bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and expressing concerns that the former tribunal chairman could influence witnesses, many of whom reportedly worked under him.

However, the court ruled that those concerns were not sufficiently substantiated and admitted the defendant to bail.

Justice Kekemeke subsequently adjourned the matter until October 29 for the commencement of trial.

The EFCC maintains that Umar’s actions contravened provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, which prohibits public officials from using their positions to confer undue benefits on themselves or members of their families.

If convicted, the offence carries a prison term of up to seven years.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has broken his silence over the death of 26-year-old nurse, Mary Habila, describing her as “like a daughter” and dismissing insinuations linking him to the incident as politically motivated.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Umahi said Habila had worked closely with him for about three years and was one of his most trusted staff members.

He insisted there was no evidence suggesting foul play in her death and urged Nigerians to allow security agencies to conclude their investigation.

The minister clarified that the deceased was a nurse employed by the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State, and not a physiotherapist as earlier reported.

According to him, Habila had a history of medical challenges and had been receiving treatment at a Turkish hospital, with her medical expenses covered by him.

Umahi disclosed that shortly before her death, the nurse reportedly informed her boyfriend during a telephone conversation that she was bleeding from the nose.

He said the boyfriend advised her to seek medical attention, but communication later ceased after she reportedly went to take a bath.

He explained that when colleagues became concerned after repeated calls went unanswered, they forced open her room and found her lifeless, while the bathroom tap was still running.

The minister stressed that the guest house where the incident occurred was designated for staff members and medical personnel and was located far from his private residence, arguing that attempts to personally implicate him were unfair.

He described the late nurse as a hardworking and dedicated employee whose death had left him deeply saddened.

Umahi also appealed to the deceased’s family to allow a forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, revealing that he had instructed that the body should not be released for burial until the procedure is carried out.

According to him, efforts to conduct the autopsy have been delayed because the family objected on cultural grounds.

The minister disclosed that he had requested the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation to Abuja to ensure a more comprehensive and transparent probe, while also facilitating discussions with the bereaved family.

He further claimed that Habila had experienced similar nosebleeding episodes during previous official trips and urged investigators to examine the call records between the deceased and her boyfriend, insisting they could provide useful insight into her final moments.

While maintaining that investigations should continue without interference, Umahi said he had no reason to suspect criminal activity, noting that preliminary information available to him did not indicate foul play.

He also condemned the circulation of photographs allegedly taken at the mortuary, accusing some individuals of exploiting the incident to spread misinformation and damage reputations.

The minister warned that his legal team would pursue action against persons and media platforms found to have circulated false or defamatory information relating to the case.

The death of Mary Habila has continued to attract nationwide attention, with calls from various quarters for an independent investigation.

Meanwhile, police authorities have maintained that investigations are ongoing, while a forensic autopsy, considered crucial to establishing the cause of death, has yet to be conducted due to objections from the deceased’s family.

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has ordered the dissolution of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chapters in the United Kingdom and other foreign countries, declaring their operations unconstitutional and contrary to Nigerian law.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke in a suit instituted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the court held that no political party registered in Nigeria has the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.

The court also directed the APC to account for all funds received from Nigerians in the diaspora and other foreign donors, ordering that such donations be disclosed to INEC within 21 days in line with constitutional provisions.

Justice Kekemeke further ordered the party to remit over ₦30 million reportedly generated from the sale of forms during its UK activities to INEC, ruling that the party lacked the legal capacity to raise such funds outside Nigeria.

According to the court, while Nigerians living abroad are free to support and mobilise for their preferred political parties or candidates, the Constitution does not permit political parties to establish or maintain official chapters in foreign countries or organise congresses outside Nigeria.

The judge warned that any political party, individual or group that operates, promotes or participates in diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties is acting unlawfully.

He added that those who manage such structures or collect membership dues and other financial contributions could face legal sanctions, including a ₦5 million fine and possible imprisonment.

The court consequently ordered the immediate dissolution of all APC executive committees and governing bodies operating in the United Kingdom and every other foreign jurisdiction, while restraining the party from establishing or maintaining any diaspora chapter in the future.

INEC had approached the court to challenge the legality of the APC’s UK chapter, arguing that its activities violated the constitutional framework regulating political parties in Nigeria.

The electoral commission also sought the recovery of funds allegedly generated through the party’s overseas operations.

Justice Kekemeke granted all 14 reliefs sought by INEC, reinforcing the constitutional requirement that political parties remain strictly within Nigeria’s territorial jurisdiction.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reinstated the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election, setting aside an earlier Federal High Court judgment that invalidated key provisions of the electoral calendar.

In a unanimous decision delivered on Thursday by a three-member panel, the appellate court held that INEC acted within the scope of its constitutional and statutory powers in issuing timelines to guide political parties and other stakeholders in the build-up to the 2027 polls.

The ruling overturned the May 20 judgment of the Federal High Court, which had nullified portions of the commission’s timetable following a suit filed by the Youth Party.

The lower court had ruled that INEC exceeded its legal authority by fixing timelines for party primaries and other pre-election activities.

However, the Court of Appeal disagreed with that position, affirming that the electoral umpire has the legal mandate to regulate and coordinate the electoral process through the issuance of schedules and timelines necessary for the orderly conduct of elections.

The judgment effectively removes the uncertainty that had surrounded preparations for the 2027 general election after the High Court’s decision cast doubt on the validity of INEC’s electoral timetable.

Following the appellate court’s verdict, political parties are expected to continue their preparations in line with the restored schedule, including the conduct of party primaries, submission of candidates and other pre-election activities.

The decision also represents a significant legal victory for INEC, which had argued that any disruption to its timetable could undermine planning, compliance and the smooth conduct of the electoral process.

Unless challenged and overturned by the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal’s ruling restores the legal backing for INEC’s 2027 election timetable, allowing the commission to proceed with its preparations for the forthcoming general election.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to step aside pending the outcome of investigations into the death of 26-year-old nurse, Mary Habila.

Habila, who was attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, reportedly died on June 27 in accommodation linked to the minister in Uburu, Ebonyi State, sparking widespread public concern.

In a statement released on Thursday, Atiku expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and stressed the need for a transparent, impartial and credible investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young nurse’s death.

He clarified that his call should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against anyone but insisted that only an independent investigation could establish the truth.

According to him, whenever a death is connected to a serving public official, the government owes Nigerians the responsibility of ensuring that investigations are conducted in a manner that inspires public confidence.

The former Vice President urged President Tinubu to ask Umahi to temporarily relinquish his office while investigations continue, describing the move as a basic standard of accountability rather than a punishment.

Atiku also called on the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters and involve independent forensic experts to guarantee transparency.

He further demanded that an independent forensic autopsy be conducted without delay and that the outcome be made public.

In addition, Atiku appealed to the authorities to ensure adequate protection for Habila’s family, warning against any form of intimidation or interference during the investigation.

“The true test of a nation is how it responds when those in authority are connected to a tragedy and ordinary citizens seek justice,” he said.

The death of Mary Habila has continued to generate national attention, with individuals and civil society groups demanding a thorough investigation into the incident.

Umahi has, however, publicly backed calls for a forensic autopsy.

His legal team also requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to ensure that a comprehensive post-mortem examination is conducted before the body is released for burial.

The minister’s lawyers maintained that the deceased was lodged in accommodation designated for staff members and associates, not in Umahi’s personal residence, while reiterating their support for a transparent investigation.

Meanwhile, the deceased’s family has approached an Ebonyi State High Court seeking the withdrawal of the police investigation and has declined the request for an autopsy, insisting they do not suspect any foul play in her death.

Police authorities say investigations are still ongoing, and no official cause of death has been established.

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has instituted a ₦15 billion defamation suit against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew over allegations that he demanded a 48 per cent kickback from a ₦27.3 billion take-off grant approved for a federal agency.

The suit, filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, seeks ₦10 billion in general damages, ₦5 billion in aggravated damages, ₦200 million as the cost of litigation, and a court order compelling the defendant to publish a full retraction and apology in five national newspapers.

Gbajabiamila is also asking the court to direct Adeyemi to pin the apology on all social media platforms and online channels where the alleged defamatory statements were circulated for a period of 30 days.

The legal action was initiated by Pinheiro LP, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kemi Pinheiro, alongside Folu Oguntade, Olukayode Enitan and Chukwudi Enebeli.

The legal team described the allegations as false, malicious and deliberately aimed at tarnishing the claimant’s reputation.

According to court documents, Adeyemi had alleged during a press briefing that Gbajabiamila demanded a 48 per cent kickback from the agency’s ₦27.3 billion take-off grant.

He further claimed that ₦400 million had already been paid through an intermediary, with another ₦200 million allegedly required to secure presidential approvals.

Gbajabiamila, however, denied the allegations, insisting he had never met, spoken with or authorised Adeyemi or any intermediary to demand or receive money on his behalf.

“The claimant has never met the defendant, never held any meeting with him and never authorised any representative, agent or proxy to solicit or collect money on his behalf,” the court filing stated.

The suit also addressed Adeyemi’s claims surrounding the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom he alleged acted as a middleman between himself and the Chief of Staff.

Adeyemi had claimed Tanimola died in a hotel fire in Abuja shortly after Gbajabiamila allegedly petitioned the police against him.

He also alleged that he survived an assassination attempt and accused security agencies of abandoning investigations into his stolen phones on instructions from “above.”

Gbajabiamila’s legal team disclosed that a cease-and-desist letter was issued to Adeyemi on July 6, 2026, demanding a retraction and apology. Rather than comply, the defendant allegedly repeated the claims during interviews, including one with social media influencer VeryDarkMan.

Court filings noted that Adeyemi admitted during one of the interviews that he had never met Gbajabiamila in person, never held a video conversation with him and had no independent means of confirming the identity of the individual he believed to be the Chief of Staff, relying solely on communications allegedly facilitated by the late Tanimola.

Despite those admissions, the claimant alleged that Adeyemi repeated the accusations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on July 13, 2026.

The court was also informed that Adeyemi is currently standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations involving forged presidential documents and fake appointment letters, which Gbajabiamila said formed the basis of the disputed claims.

The FCT High Court has directed the defendant to enter an appearance within 14 days of being served with the court processes or risk judgment being entered against him.

In his witness statement, Gbajabiamila denied demanding any kickback, receiving money through proxies, abusing his office, influencing security agencies or interfering with investigations involving Adeyemi.

He maintained that he had no knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death or the alleged attempts on Adeyemi’s life.

The Chief of Staff told the court that the allegations had caused significant damage to his reputation, attracted widespread public attention and prompted enquiries from associates both within and outside Nigeria.

He added that he deliberately avoided responding through the media, choosing instead to seek judicial redress in order to protect not only his personal integrity but also the dignity of the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, has approved amendments to the court’s 2026 Pre-Election Practice Directions as part of efforts to ensure the timely and efficient resolution of electoral disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The amendment, announced in a statement issued in Abuja by the court’s Director of Information, Dr. Catherine-Oby Christopher, updates the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026, which originally came into force on June 26, 2026.

According to the Chief Judge, the revised practice directions were made pursuant to Sections 254 and 285(9), (10) and (14) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Sections 29(5) and 88(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and other enabling legal provisions.

Justice Tsoho explained that the amendments are designed to promote the speedy, fair and efficient determination of pre-election cases in line with constitutional and electoral laws governing the conduct of elections.

He noted that the revised guidelines seek to strengthen the administration of electoral justice by ensuring that disputes arising before elections are resolved without unnecessary delays.

Among the major innovations introduced are provisions empowering judges to conduct virtual hearings in appropriate cases, transfer pre-election matters between judicial divisions where necessary, and keep court registries open on weekends and public holidays to facilitate the filing of election-related cases.

The new measures are expected to improve access to justice, enhance judicial efficiency and ensure that pre-election disputes are concluded within the timelines prescribed by law before the 2027 general elections.

Political parties have continued to trade claims and counterclaims over compliance with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) deadline for the submission of candidates for the 2027 general election, as legal disputes, requests for deadline extensions and denials of non-compliance dominated the final day of nominations.

While the Accord Party appealed to INEC for additional time to resolve its internal leadership crisis, both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) dismissed reports suggesting they failed to submit their presidential tickets before the deadline.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on its part, rejected allegations that it was using the courts and INEC to frustrate opposition parties.

The controversy unfolded as the Federal High Court introduced amended pre-election practice directions aimed at accelerating the hearing and determination of electoral disputes.

A senior Accord Party member, who spoke anonymously, said the party needed more time to conclude a legal battle involving its presidential aspirant, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim.

According to the source, disagreements within the party leadership over its presidential candidate prompted the court action.

Similarly, Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, disclosed that technical glitches delayed the upload of the party’s candidates but said the extension earlier granted by INEC enabled the party to complete the process successfully.

The SDP National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, confirmed that the party met the deadline and praised INEC for granting what he described as a reasonable extension.

He also dismissed claims that the APC was manipulating state institutions against opposition parties, insisting that most challenges confronting opposition parties stem from internal disputes.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also maintained that it complied with the electoral timetable.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, insisted the party remained committed to all legal and constitutional requirements despite ongoing legal battles over its leadership.

Reacting to reports of another extension, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, said the commission had not taken any decision on granting further time for candidate submissions.

The PDP also insisted it complied fully with the electoral timetable, revealing that the names and particulars of its presidential and vice-presidential candidates were uploaded to the INEC portal on July 10, well before the deadline.

In a similar vein, the Labour Party dismissed claims that it failed to submit its candidates, stating that its presidential, vice-presidential and National Assembly candidates were successfully uploaded days before the portal closed.

The party described contrary reports as false and politically motivated, expressing confidence that INEC’s final publication of candidates would vindicate its position.

The APC, through its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, denied accusations of using the judiciary and INEC to destabilise rival parties.

He said the ruling party successfully uploaded all 471 of its candidates before the deadline and urged opposition parties to resolve their internal crises instead of blaming the APC.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court reserved judgment in a suit filed by Accord Party presidential aspirant, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, seeking an order compelling the party to recognise him as its presidential candidate and submit his name to INEC.

The court said a date for judgment would be communicated to the parties.

In Abia State, ADC Chairman Don Norman Obinna welcomed the Court of Appeal judgment nullifying the party’s current national leadership and questioned reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar planned to challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court.

He urged INEC to reopen the nomination portal for candidates produced through what he described as valid congresses and primaries.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), meanwhile, explained that it deliberately chose not to field a presidential candidate after endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

The party, however, confirmed it had successfully uploaded candidates for National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.

Separately, the Federal High Court announced amendments to its Pre-Election Practice Directions, 2026, to ensure faster resolution of election-related disputes ahead of the 2027 polls.

Also weighing in, Managing Partner of SBM Intelligence, Ikemesit Effiong, warned that low voter turnout could significantly benefit incumbent governments.

While noting that President Tinubu’s approval ratings remain relatively low, he argued that elections with reduced voter participation historically tend to favour ruling parties, even as many eligible voters have expressed their intention to participate in the 2027 general election.