This week witnessed several notable legal developments across the country, with courts addressing a wide array of cases. From upholding government policies to addressing allegations involving product reviews and cyberstalking. Additionally, there were important discussions on the impact of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism.
Court Upholds Tenure Policy for Directors, Permanent Secretaries:
The National Industrial Court in Abuja validated the Federal Government’s tenure policy that imposes fixed service terms for senior civil service positions like Directors and Permanent Secretaries. The court dismissed claims that reimplementing this policy was illegal and discriminatory.
Court Remands Chioma Over Negative Review of Erisco Product
A Federal High Court in Abuja ordered blogger Chioma Okoli to be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre over a negative review she posted on Facebook about Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato products. The court on May 31 ruled on Okoli’s bail application amid concerns over her miscarriage during the legal proceedings.
Court Nullifies Dismissal of Prison Officer, Orders Reinstatement:
The National Industrial Court in Abuja declared the dismissal of Senior Inspector of Corrections, Ebute Christopher, from the Nigerian Correctional Service as null and void this week. The court ordered Christopher’s immediate reinstatement, promotion, and payment of arrears, ruling that the Correctional Service lacked authority to dismiss him for an alleged criminal offense without prosecution.
Court Orders Bank to Withdraw Criminal Allegations Against Former Staff:
the National Industrial Court in Abuja ordered Aztec Microfinance Bank Limited to withdraw criminal allegations against its former staff, Mr. Kolawole, related to unlawful seizure before the Nigerian Police Force. The court also directed the bank to pay Mr. Kolawole a severance package of N4,000,000.
Court Orders GTBank to Seize Afex’s Assets Over N17.8bn Debt:
A Federal High Court in Lagos ordered Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) to temporarily seize the assets of Afex Commodities Exchange over an outstanding debt of N17.808 billion associated with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme this week. The court also instructed security agencies to assist GTBank in securing Afex’s commodities warehouses across seven states.
CJN Summons Judges over Conflicting Kano Emirate Orders as NBA Demands Probe:
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, summoned the chief judges of the federal high court and the Kano State judiciary over conflicting court orders issued on the Kano emirate tussle this week. The Nigerian Bar Association also demanded an investigation into the conflicting orders.
Court Grants ₦5m Bail to Chioma Over Product Review:
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted Mrs. Chioma Okoli a ₦5 million bail with two sureties over allegations related to her online commentary on Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste. The judge cited the presumption of innocence and Mrs. Okoli’s health status as factors in his decision.
Most Disrupted industry of digital age: CEO, CJID
Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, the CEO of the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID), stated that the media is the most disrupted industry of the digital era. He challenged stakeholders to confront ethical quandaries head-on, from negotiating partnerships with big tech platforms to advocating for regulatory frameworks. Olorunyomi unveiled CJID’s initiative to establish an AI Ethics Advisory Committee to draft an AI ethics code.
