Cover

Victory At Last! Supreme Court Judgement Favours Military Veterans Over Land and Rank

Published

3 months ago

March 11, 2026

After years of legal battles and prolonged uncertainty, a group of Military veterans has finally secured victory at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which ruled in their favour in a dispute involving landed property and restoration of Major General Ibrahim Sani’s rank.

The judgement brings to a close a long-lingering case between the veterans and the Nigerian Army, ending a protracted legal contest that had moved through several layers of the judicial system before reaching the nation’s apex court.

At the heart of the dispute was a parcel of land Plot 2303 Asokoro Cad A04 behind Mogadishu Cantonment (formerly Sani Abacha Barracks) originally allocated to veterans who served the country in various military operations, including peacekeeping missions under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) and other national assignments.

The veterans had argued that the property was meant to serve as part of their welfare and post-service entitlements in recognition of their sacrifices during active service, particularly in conflict and peacekeeping operations.

Following years of litigation, the Supreme Court affirmed the position of the veterans, ruling that their claims were valid and that the rights attached to the property should be respected.

In the case marked SC/1497C/2019, the Nigerian Army is the appellant while Major General I. Sani is the respondent on behalf of the veterans. The judgment was delivered on January 30, 2026, by Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya (Justice, Supreme Court) alongside alongside other four justices of the apex court.

According to the court records, the appeal stems from an earlier decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, delivered on April 18, 2019, which nullified the ruling of the Special Court Martial and ordered a retrial of the case. The Special Court Martial had earlier convicted the General and sentenced him to a reduction in rank and restitution of money contributed by Military veterans for infrastructure development.

Court documents indicate that the case originated from allegations involving the misuse of public service property, falsification of documents and related offences under the Armed Forces Act. The charges were linked to issues surrounding an uncharted land bordering Nigeria Army’s Land Plot 2302 behind Mogadishu Cantonment Asokoro Abuja.

The respondent, who served as a Major General and Chief of Transformation and Innovation at Army Headquarters at the time, was arraigned before the General Court Martial on a nine-count charge. After the trial, the court martial found him guilty on several counts and imposed sanctions, though he was acquitted on some of the charges.

However, stakeholders at that time expressed concern on the jurisdiction of the special military court marshal to preside over land matters as provided in the incorporation of the Land Use Act of 1978, which is solidified in Section 315(5)(d).

Dissatisfied with the outcome, the General approached the Court of Appeal, which subsequently ruled in his favour, setting aside the conviction and directing that the matter be retried.

However, the Nigerian Army challenged the appellate court’s ruling at the Supreme Court, arguing that the Appeal Court erred in law by overturning the decision of the Special Court Martial.
“On the whole, having resolve the duo issues against the appellant, the destiny of the appeal is obvious. It is destitute of any morsel of merit and the reserve penalty of dismissal. Consequently, I dismiss the appeal. Accordingly, the judgement of the lower court, in appeal No. CA/A/791C/2017, delivered on the 18th April, 2019, which set aside the decision of the GCM and ordered a retrial of the respondent in charge No. NA /COAS/G/1/39, delivered on the 20th July, 2017 is hereby affirmed in it’s entirety.”

OBANDE FESTUS OGBUINYA (Justice, Supreme Court).

In a further clarification, an Abuja based Legal Practitioner explained that the term “set aside” as uphold in the ruling of the Apex Court simply means that the court has vacated or void a prior order, as if the order/judgement never existed i.e that the Court Martial effort/exercise never existed.

During the proceedings, the apex court also considered a preliminary objection raised by the respondent, which sought to dismiss the appeal on grounds that some of the grounds of appeal were incompetent. After reviewing the arguments of both parties, the court dismissed the objection and proceeded to consider the substantive issues raised in the appeal.

The decision was received with excitement and relief among the affected veterans, many of whom had waited for years to see justice served after what they described as a difficult and exhausting legal journey.

Some of the surviving beneficiaries of the land and next of kin of the deceased expressed gratitude to the judiciary for standing by the principles of justice and fairness, noting that the ruling restores confidence in the rule of law.

Family members of some of the deceased veterans who died while waiting for the resolution of the case also welcomed the judgement, saying it brings honour to the memory of those who served the country but did not live to witness the outcome.

Legal observers commented that the ruling underscores the authority of the courts in safeguarding the rights and welfare of military personnel, especially in matters concerning their entitlements after service.

For the veterans, however, the judgement represents more than a legal victory. It marks the end of a long struggle and the beginning of the renewed hope agenda of the current administration for military veterans.

Cover

Mexico Shine as World Cup 2026 Begins

Published

3 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Yusuf Musa

The FIFA World Cup 2026 officially kicked off on June 11, with Mexico stepping into the spotlight as co-host of the tournament alongside Canada and the United States. The opening day delivered drama, history, and anticipation as football’s biggest event returned to North America after eight years of preparation.

Mexico Opens Against Familiar Rival
El Tri began their campaign in Mexico City against South Africa, a team they previously faced in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup. The fixture carried symbolic weight, rekindling memories of that earlier encounter while presenting Mexico with the chance to set the tone for their tournament.

The match was more than just a contest; it was a statement of intent. Mexico, buoyed by home support, entered the game determined to showcase their readiness to compete on football’s grandest stage. For South Africa, the clash offered an opportunity to upset the hosts and remind the world of their resilience.

Guadalajara Hosts Group A Clash
Attention then shifted to Guadalajara, where Korea Republic faced Czechia in another Group A fixture. The match brought together two teams with contrasting journeys. Korea Republic arrived with a reputation for discipline and speed, while Czechia carried momentum from their UEFA play-off success.

The encounter highlighted the diversity of styles at the tournament, with Asia and Europe represented in a battle for early control of the group. Both sides knew that a strong start could prove decisive in their quest to advance.

A Tournament of Records
World Cup 2026 is already historic. It is the first edition hosted by three nations and promises to be the largest in scale, with expanded participation and venues spread across North America. For Mexico, the tournament marks its third time as host, cementing its place as one of the most significant nations in World Cup history.

The opening day reflected the global excitement surrounding the event. Fans from across continents gathered in stadiums and tuned in worldwide, underscoring football’s unmatched ability to unite cultures and nations.

What Lies Ahead
Matchday 1 set the stage for a month-long spectacle. Mexico’s performance against South Africa will be closely scrutinized as the hosts aim to progress deep into the competition. Meanwhile, the Guadalajara clash between Korea Republic and Czechia added intrigue to Group A, leaving fans eager to see how the standings will evolve.

Beyond the results, the tournament represents a celebration of football’s growth. With expanded teams and venues, World Cup 2026 is expected to deliver unforgettable moments, new heroes, and stories that will resonate long after the final whistle.

Cover

Defamation Claims: Obi Demands N5bn From Okonkwo

Published

6 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Yusuf Musa

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has demanded ₦5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks made during a live television interview.

The Allegations
Obi’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Alex Ejesieme, issued a letter dated June 9, 2026, accusing Okonkwo of making false and damaging claims during Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8.

According to the letter, Okonkwo alleged that Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East demanded ₦10 million bribes from aspirants seeking House of Representatives tickets. He further claimed Obi personally compiled candidate lists from a hotel room, warned aspirants of scams, collected money from Nigerians abroad, and engaged in criminal activities with party leaders.

The lawyers argued that these statements portrayed Obi as corrupt, dishonest, and criminally inclined. They described the allegations as “false, baseless, malicious, reckless, defamatory and wholly unsupported by any fact.”

Legal Demands
Obi’s lawyers demanded that Okonkwo retract the statements within seven days, issue an “unequivocal and unreserved” public apology, and ensure the apology receives equal or greater publicity than the original remarks.

They also requested ₦5 billion in damages for reputational harm and a written undertaking from Okonkwo to desist from further defamatory comments.

The letter warned that failure to comply would leave Obi with no choice but to pursue legal redress, including claims for damages, injunctions, public retractions, and legal costs.

Okonkwo’s Response
Kenneth Okonkwo dismissed the demand in a post on his X handle, mocking Obi’s request. He described Obi as a “hypocrite” and suggested the demand was an attempt at extortion.

“If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance, not come from extortion, and I will help him,” Okonkwo wrote.

He added that he had not yet read the letter but would respond formally after reviewing it. “It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his lawyers if they do not take this case to court. I don’t have time or patience for scammers,” he stated.

Okonkwo also warned that any lawsuit could expose information he obtained while serving as Obi’s spokesperson during the 2023 election campaign. “Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” he added.

Implications
The dispute highlights growing tensions within the political space as Nigeria approaches another election cycle. Obi, who has built his reputation on integrity and transparency, views the allegations as a direct attack on his public image.

Legal experts note that defamation suits involving political figures often test the boundaries between free speech and reputational protection. If Obi proceeds with litigation, the case could set a precedent for how Nigerian courts handle politically charged defamation claims.

For Okonkwo, the confrontation may revive scrutiny of his role as a former spokesperson and his transition from Nollywood actor to political commentator. His defiant response suggests he is prepared for a legal battle, one that could expose internal party dealings if pursued in court.

What Comes Next
Obi’s legal team has given Okonkwo seven days to comply with the demands. If he refuses, the matter is expected to move to the courts, where both sides will present evidence.

The case could dominate headlines in the coming weeks, especially given Obi’s prominence as a presidential candidate and Okonkwo’s visibility as a public figure.

Cover

Manchester United Reshuffles As Six Players Exit

Published

7 hours ago

June 10, 2026

Yusuf Musa

Manchester United has confirmed the departure of six players at the close of the season, marking the beginning of a significant squad reshuffle under manager Michael Carrick. The most notable name on the list is Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, whose exit had been anticipated for months.

Casemiro’s Farewell
Casemiro leaves after four seasons at Old Trafford, where he played 160 matches, scored 26 goals, and lifted two trophies. His time in England followed a decorated career at Real Madrid. Despite enjoying his best scoring season under Carrick, the club stood firm on its decision not to extend his contract.

In a farewell message, Casemiro expressed gratitude: “It was four beautiful years. I am eternally grateful to the club and the fans. I leave on good terms and will always be a United supporter.”

Sancho’s Struggles End
Jadon Sancho’s turbulent spell at United has also come to a close. Signed with high expectations from Borussia Dortmund, the winger never fully settled. Loan spells at Dortmund, Chelsea, and Aston Villa highlighted his struggles. He managed only 83 appearances for United, far below the impact envisioned when he arrived.

Malacia’s Injury Battles
Tyrell Malacia departs after an injury-plagued stint. The Dutch defender made 50 appearances but was unable to establish himself as a consistent presence in the squad.

Academy Exits
Three academy players—Sonny Aljofree, James Bailey, and Malachi Sharpe—will also leave. While their departures may not carry the same weight as the senior exits, they underline the scale of United’s restructuring.

Carrick’s Rebuild
Michael Carrick, who took charge midseason after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, guided United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification. His permanent appointment signals trust in his vision. The departures now give him room to reshape the squad for European competition.

United has already moved quickly to secure Casemiro’s replacement. Ederson, signed from Atalanta, is expected to anchor the midfield. The Brazilian, who earned a late World Cup call-up, brings energy and versatility. Manuel Ugarte is also tipped to join, further strengthening the midfield options.

Preseason Plans
The Red Devils have confirmed a busy preseason schedule, with fixtures against Wrexham, Rosenborg, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Leeds United. These matches will serve as Carrick’s testing ground for his new-look squad.

The exits of Casemiro, Sancho, and Malacia mark the end of an era defined by mixed fortunes. Casemiro departs as a respected leader, Sancho as an unfulfilled talent, and Malacia as a player undone by injuries. For Carrick, the challenge is clear: build a squad capable of competing in the Champions League while maintaining domestic consistency.

The club’s swift move for Ederson shows intent, but more signings are expected. United’s rebuild is not just about replacing names—it is about forging a team identity under Carrick’s leadership.