馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Nigerian Senate advances bills to expand federal judiciary and introduce virtual court proceedings
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Nigerian Senate has initiated legislative steps to expand the federal judiciary by advancing two bills aimed at increasing the number of judges in the Federal High Court and justices in the Court of Appeal. This move addresses growing case backlogs and delays in justice administration. The bills, which passed a second reading, have been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further review, with a report expected within four weeks. Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, highlighted the necessity of increasing Federal High Court judges due to the court's expanding responsibilities in areas like taxation, banking, anti-corruption, and election matters. He noted that the current number of judges is insufficient for the exponential increase in cases, leading to prolonged litigation and court congestion. The second bill proposes to increase Court of Appeal justices from 70 to 110 and integrate virtual court proceedings. Lawmakers believe these measures, including technology adoption, will reduce appeal delays, improve access to justice, and align with global best practices. Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, referred both bills for detailed consideration. If enacted, these reforms would significantly expand Nigeria鈥檚 federal judiciary, aiming to enhance efficiency, reduce case congestion, and bolster public confidence in the justice system.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Benue State Government has initiated an investigation into a suspected Mpox case reported in the Konshisha Local Government Area. Dr. Paul Ogwuche, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, stated that the ministry activated its surveillance system and deployed officials to the Tyokula Achihi residence in Korinya, where the suspected case was reported. He emphasized that laboratory confirmation is necessary before diagnosing any case as Mpox, as skin rashes and fever can stem from various medical conditions. The Director of Public Health and the State Epidemiologist have deployed a Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer to the location for assessment, investigation, and sample collection. The commissioner urged the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and report any fever accompanied by unexplained rashes or blisters to the nearest health facility. He confirmed that the state's disease surveillance system is active across all 23 local government areas and that the ministry is collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the World Health Organization for prompt detection and response to public health events. The public will be informed once investigation and laboratory findings are available.
Arsenal is reportedly exploring a potential deal for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, although there has been no direct club-to-club contact. Vinicius, 26, is in the final year of his contract with Real Madrid, and the Spanish club might consider selling him if a new agreement isn't reached, rather than risk losing him for free next summer. Arsenal is also considering other forwards, including Julian Alvarez, Yan Diomande, and Bradley Barcola. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is intensifying its efforts to sign RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, 19, after an initial bid of 拢85.4 million was rejected. Liverpool and Arsenal have also shown interest in Diomande. Reports suggest that if Real Madrid secures Diomande, it could make Vinicius more open to a move, potentially boosting Arsenal's chances. Vinicius was the runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d'Or and is considered a key attacking player for Real Madrid, having also been named one of the club's captains for the new season. Arsenal is looking to strengthen its left-wing options this summer, having sold Leandro Trossard and signed Christos Tzolis.
Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State General Sani Abacha, has rejected claims made by former Department of State Services operative Dennis Amachree regarding Abacha's final moments. Al-Mustapha described Amachree's account, reportedly detailed in his memoir "The Shadow Warrior," as false and fabricated. He stated that he possesses CCTV footage of the events and urged Nigerians to disregard Amachree's claims, asserting that it is wrong to make allegations against a deceased person. Abacha, who ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his death on June 8, 1998, died under circumstances that have remained controversial, with various conflicting accounts emerging over the years. Al-Mustapha, a controversial figure himself who was acquitted in 2013 after spending over a decade in detention, has consistently defended the Abacha administration against allegations he deems politically motivated or factually unsupported.