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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a Federal High Court judgment barring the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from confiscating vehicles or issuing fines to motorists. In a unanimous decision delivered on Thursday, a three-man panel of the appellate court ruled that it had no reason to set aside the earlier judgment of October 16, 2024, which restrained VIO officials from harassing motorists on the roads. Consequently, the appeal filed by the VIO was dismissed for lacking merit. Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi delivered the lead judgment. The earlier ruling by Justice Nkeonye Maha held that no law empowers VIO personnel to “stop, impound, confiscate, seize or impose fine on motorists for any form of violation.” The case originated from a fundamental rights enforcement suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, filed by public interest lawyer, Mr. Abubakar Marshal. Read Also: Tinubu Nominates Ibas, Dambazau, Ex-Governor’s Wife, Others as Ambassadors New Zonal Police PRO Takes Over at Kano Zone One Command Kogi Police Commissioner Kankarofi, NBA Lokoja Strengthen Partnership on Justice Delivery Marshal told the court that on December 12, 2023, he was forcibly stopped by VIO personnel at Jabi District, Abuja, and his vehicle was seized without legal basis. He asked the court to determine whether the officers’ conduct was not “wrongful, oppressive, unlawful and a gross violation of his fundamental human rights.” Justice Maha granted all the reliefs sought and issued an order restraining the Respondents and their agents “from impounding and confiscating vehicles or imposing fine on any motorists,” describing such actions as unlawful and oppressive. A perpetual injunction was also issued against further infringements of citizens’ rights to movement, property, and presumption of innocence. The court stressed that only a competent court can impose fines or sanctions on motorists found to have violated the law. It held that the Respondents breached Marshal’s property rights under Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Justice Maha further held that the VIO lacked the legal authority to impound vehicles or impose fines, noting that such actions violate motorists’ rights to fair hearing, movement, and presumption of innocence as guaranteed under Sections 6(6)(b), 36(1)(8)(12), 41, and 42 of the Constitution, and Articles 2, 7(3), 12, and 14 of the African Charter. Although Marshal, represented by a legal team led by Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, sought N500 million in damages and a published apology in three national newspapers, the court awarded him N2.5 million. The suit listed the Directorate of Road Traffic Services as the 1st Respondent, alongside the agency’s Director, the then Abuja Area Commander identified as Mr. Leo, team leader Mr. Solomon Onoja, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Dissatisfied with the ruling, the Respondents approached the Court of Appeal, which on Thursday affirmed the High Court’s judgment and dismissed the appeal. (Platinum Post)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a new list of non-career ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, featuring Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State and former Chief of Naval Staff. Also on the list are Ita Enang, a former senator; Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State; and Abdulrahman Dambazau, former Interior Minister and ex–Chief of Army Staff. These names were not part of the earlier batch of nominees transmitted to the Senate. The nominations were announced during Thursday’s plenary after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s letter seeking the upper chamber’s speedy consideration and confirmation. In the communication, President Tinubu urged the Senate to expedite the screening process in order to fill strategic diplomatic positions without delay. Akpabio subsequently referred the list to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, directing it to conclude the screening and submit its report within one week. This development comes days after the president also nominated Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide; Femi Fani-Kayode, former aviation minister; and Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for ambassadorial appointments.

The Senate has confirmed General Christopher Musa (rtd.), the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence. Musa’s confirmation followed a thorough screening during Wednesday’s plenary, where senators examined his military career and questioned him on national security issues. In his remarks, the former defence chief pledged total dedication to strengthening the country’s security architecture. “I believe the challenges we are facing are Nigerian challenges, not just for the armed forces or security agencies, but for everyone working together,” he said. “I want to assure you that we will win if we work as a team. Even as CDS, I tried to harmonise all the teams and service chiefs. There are gaps and constitutional lacuna affecting operations, and we will work to address them.” Read Also: Beyond the Uniform: The Leadership Path of Former CDS Christopher Musa Musa emphasised the urgent need for a unified national database to support intelligence gathering and security operations. He also called for more proactive engagement from local governments, state authorities, and the judiciary in tackling insecurity. The minister-designate reiterated his strong stance against ransom payments to kidnappers, terrorists, and bandits. “There should be no negotiation with criminals. They will never abide by it, and the money only helps them acquire more arms,” he said. Addressing allegations of targeted killings in parts of the country, Musa maintained that terrorism affects all Nigerians regardless of religion or ethnicity. “We are all victims; everybody is being killed,” he said. “We must stop the killings and unite as a nation. These are evil people on drugs, and they kill indiscriminately.” He also promised that future recruitment into the armed forces would be more rigorous and transparent. Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Musa for his composure and detailed responses to all questions posed by lawmakers. “I have not seen any nominee who has answered all questions since 1999,” Akpabio said. “We urge you to visit the defence industries immediately after assuming office.” Following the screening, Akpabio put the nomination to a voice vote, and the Senate unanimously approved Musa as the new Minister of Defence.

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has listed the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, and two state governors in its Book of Infamy, while honouring the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for his constructive engagement with the media. The Book of Infamy was unveiled on Tuesday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the second Annual Conference of IPI Nigeria. According to the institute, the first set of individuals documented in the book includes Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, and the Inspector General of Police. IPI Nigeria said Egbetokun was blacklisted for failing to curb the arbitrary arrest of journalists by police operatives despite repeated appeals. Governor Eno was listed for barring Channels Television journalists from covering activities at the Akwa Ibom Government House, while Governor Bago was cited for ordering the closure of Badeggi FM, a privately owned radio station in Niger State. Read Also: Tinubu Nominates Former CDS Christopher Musa as New Defence Minister The institute noted that despite its interventions and appeals, both governors refused to reverse their actions. In contrast, the Director General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, was commended for what the IPI described as his responsiveness and willingness to reverse decisions affecting press freedom. The organisation highlighted his intervention in removing Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, from the government’s watchlist after nearly four decades. Speaking at the conference, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris described an independent press as “the central nervous system of a functioning democracy.” He stressed that conversations around press freedom must be rooted in facts, adding that the Tinubu administration remains committed to safeguarding media rights. The minister stated that security agencies have been directed to operate under stricter protocols that respect journalists’ rights, including in conflict zones and during civil demonstrations. He also reiterated that the present administration continues to provide an enabling environment for media organisations to operate without fear.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, as the new Minister of Defence. The nomination was conveyed in a letter sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Monday, following the resignation of the former minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. General Musa, who is 58 and turns 59 on December 25, previously served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 to October 2025 and is widely regarded for his distinguished military career. He won the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012. Born in Sokoto in 1967, Musa had his primary and secondary education in the state before proceeding to the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria. He enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986 and graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Read Also: Beyond the Uniform: The Leadership Path of Former CDS Christopher Musa Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1991, Musa has held several key appointments in the Nigerian Army. These include General Staff Officer 1, Training and Operations at Headquarters 81 Division; Commanding Officer of the 73 Battalion; Assistant Director of Operational Requirements in the Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative on the Training Team at Headquarters Armour Corps. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Training and Operations, at the Infantry Centre and Corps; Commander of Sector 3 under Operation Lafiya Dole; and later Commander of Sector 3 in the Multinational Joint Task Force operating in the Lake Chad region. In 2021, he became Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, and subsequently Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff in 2023. In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed strong confidence in General Musa’s capacity to steer the Ministry of Defence and support ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has resigned from his position, effective immediately, citing health reasons. The resignation was contained in a letter dated December 1, addressed to President Bola Tinubu. President Tinubu has accepted Abubakar’s resignation and expressed appreciation for his services to the nation. Abubakar, 63, served as the Governor of Jigawa State for two terms from 2015 to 2023 before being appointed as Defence Minister by President Tinubu on August 21, 2023. Read Also: ICPC Grills Former Director Over Alleged Irregular Contract Appointment at FCCPC The resignation comes as President Tinubu declared a national security emergency, with plans to elaborate on its scope soon. President Tinubu is expected to nominate a successor, who will be presented to the Senate for confirmation later this week.  

The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, has appointed Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC) Jane Osuji as the new Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO). This marks a historic milestone as Osuji becomes the first woman to hold this position. Osuji, from Imo State, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Advertising and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. She joined the NCoS in 2009 and has served in various capacities, including as Assistant Public Relations Officer in Lagos and Public Relations Officer in FCT Command. Read Also: ICPC Grills Former Director Over Alleged Irregular Contract Appointment at FCCPC She has also served as Press Secretary to three Ministers of Interior and was a staff member of the Public Relations Unit at the NCoS Headquarters. Osuji succeeds Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Umar Abubakar, who retired on November 19.