AGF cites bribery, nepotism as factors undermining credibility of justice system
Daily Sun Pg.4
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has said that bribery, nepotism and bias in the judicial process undermine the fairness of trials and the credibility of the justice system.
Fagbemi stated this during the weekend in his keynote address at The Gavel International Annual Lecture 2024, with the theme: ‘The Judiciary as the Last Hope of the Common Man: Media and Legal Perspectives’, held in Lagos.
According to him, when judges accept bribes, make decisions based on personal interests, or favour certain parties due to political or social pressure, it significantly compromises the rule of law.
He said: “Despite the judiciary’s role as an impartial body, it is not immune to corruption. Bribery, nepotism, and bias in the judicial process undermine the fairness of trials and the credibility of the justice system. When judges accept bribes, make decisions based on personal interests, or favour certain parties due to political or social pressure, it significantly compromises the rule of law”.
He warned that corruption within the judiciary and the abuse of power can contribute to the breakdown of the rule of law and diminish public confidence in the judicial system.
Tax reform: Northern senators demand suspension of action on bills
Daily Trust Pg.1, Tribune Pg.1&3, Punch pg.1&2, Daily Sun pg.6
Northern senators have called for the suspension of further legislative action on the controversial Tax Reform Bills, which recently passed second reading in the Senate.
The lawmakers made this demand during a meeting on Monday, citing potential adverse effects on northern states.
The House of Representatives had at the weekend announced that it has suspended debate on the bills due to public outcry and resistance from some northern lawmakers.
The proposed tax laws, submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the parliament, have sparked heated debates nationwide.
EFCC, Sowore clash over unnamed owner of 753 forfeited Abuja duplexes
Daily Trust Pg.37, punch pg.12, The nation Pg.1&2, The Nation Pg.2, ThisDay Pg.6
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday locked horns over non-disclosure of the identity of an alleged former government official who owned the forfeited 753 units of duplexes in Abuja.
While Sowore said the anti-graft agency was doing Public Relations (PR) for those whom he described as “criminals”, the EFCC said the activist was unpatriotic for not joining other Nigerians in commending the commission for the “landmark recovery”.
Daily Trust reports that the commission had on Monday announced that Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court forfeited an Abuja estate measuring 150,500 square metres containing about 753 units of duplexes and other apartments to the government.
Tax Reform Bills Will End Elite Financial Recklessness – Bishop Kukah
Nigerian Tribune Pg.4, The Nation Pg.1&4, This Day Pg.1&9
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and founder of the Kukah Centre, Most Reverend Mathew Kukah has said the controversial tax reform bills of President Bola Tinubu’s administration will end the elites’ financial recklessness.
Bishop Kukah who made this remark on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to ensure that the ongoing reforms lead to the country’s development.
New Telegraph recalls that the proposed Tax reform bills have attracted criticism in several parts of the country, especially from the Northern region since they were sent to the National Assembly for consideration and passage.
N80bn fraud: Court orders former AMCON MD’s arrest
Punch Pg.12, Daily Sun pg.4
The Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja, on Tuesday, issued a bench warrant against the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, Ahmed Kuru, over alleged N76bn and $31.5m of fraud.
Justice Mojisola Dada ordered Kuru’s arrest for failing to appear before the court for his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The court had scheduled Tuesday to arraign Kuru along with the Managing Director of Arik Air, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, the receiver manager of Arik, Kamilu Omokide, Union Bank Plc, and a company, Super Bravo Limited, for alleged N76bn and $31.5m fraud.
They are facing six counts bordering on making a false statement, fraudulent conversion, abuse of office, stealing, and dishonest conversion of property.
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