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CCT Chairmanship : Embattled Danladi Umar Withdraws Suit Challenges his Successor Mainasara Kogo’s Appointment by Tinubu
Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar, the embattled Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), has quietly withdrawn his lawsuit challenging the controversial appointment of Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo as his successor—an appointment made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in alleged violation of constitutional procedures.
Newsthumb report that in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1796/2024, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice Umar—alongside civil society groups—had sought to nullify the appointment of Dr. Kogo.
The respondents listed in the suit included President Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the National Assembly, the National Judicial Council (NJC), and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), among others.
However, in a surprising development, a “Notice of Discontinuance” dated March 20, 2025, and signed by Umar’s legal representatives—M.M. Maidoki, A.G. Salisu, and Jibrin S. Jibrin—was filed in court, effectively ending the legal challenge.
Justice Umar decided to withdraw the suit following intense pressure from family members and respected elders from Toro, Bauchi State—his hometown—who urged him to prioritize family honor and avoid escalating political tensions.
A member of Umar’s legal team disclosed that, despite their firm belief that the President, National Assembly, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, had acted illegally against Umar, they advised him to withdraw the case for the sake of his safety and the integrity of his family.
The removal attempts against Justice Umar ignited serious legal and constitutional controversy involving the Presidency, the National Assembly, and the SGF. President
President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Dr. Kogo was first announced in July 2024 by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale—despite the fact that Justice Umar’s tenure had not expired.
Compounding the controversy, the official appointment letter, signed by SGF George Akume, was dated January 20, 2025, but backdated to November 27, 2024—an action that raised further suspicion among legal scholars and political observers.
The National Assembly also contributed to the confusion by initially citing an incorrect constitutional provision and even misstating the name of the intended appointee—errors they later retracted—raising concerns that Umar’s removal was politically motivated rather than based on proven misconduct.
The move was widely condemned by legal experts, who described it as unconstitutional. Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) including Prof. Mamman Lawan Yusufari, Dr. Wahab Shittu, and Prof. Yemi Akinseye George pointed out that, under the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, it is the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) that are empowered to nominate and recommend candidates for appointment to the CCT—not the President acting unilaterally.
There is no public evidence that the NJC, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, recommended any successor. Similarly, there is no proof that the National Assembly met the two-thirds majority threshold required to lawfully remove Justice Umar.
The National Assembly’s move to oust Umar was reportedly initiated at the behest of the Presidency, leading to the litigation that has now been withdrawn. Notably, President Tinubu, Attorney-General Fagbemi, and other officials had already filed their statements of defense prior to the discontinuance.
Justice Umar has previously presided over several politically sensitive cases, including the 2012 trial of then-Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu over alleged false asset declarations. Although he discharged Tinubu, he did not acquit him—an outcome some believe might have posed constitutional hurdles during Tinubu’s political ascendancy.
With the withdrawal of the case, it remains uncertain whether Justice Umar will formally vacate his position or seek other avenues to contest Dr. Kogo’s appointment.
The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) is a specialized court tasked with upholding ethical standards among Nigerian public officers. It is empowered to try politicians, civil servants, judges, and others accused of breaching the Code of Conduct, including false asset declarations, foreign account ownership, conflicts of interest, and corruption-related misconduct.
Upon conviction, the Tribunal can impose penalties such as removal from office, disqualification from holding public office for up to ten years, and forfeiture of assets improperly acquired.
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
In a statement to mark the end of Ramadan, Araraume highlighted the significance of the month long period of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. “As Muslims gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, I join in the cheer, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he said.
The Senator expressed profound appreciation to Muslim Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s growth, describing their faith, resilience, and patriotism as beacons of hope. “Your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress is truly commendable,” he stated.
As the country navigates its current challenges, Araraume called for unity, understanding, and collective effort. “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness, to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he urged.
Araraume also extended solidarity to President Bola Tinubu, a distinguished Muslim and the leader of APC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to nation building. “President Tinubu’s commitment to serving Nigeria has been exemplary, and we assure him of our continued support,” he said.
Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to national prosperity, Araraume emphasized that the values of compassion, unity, and progress embodied by Eid align deeply with the party’s ethos. “As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a Nigeria where faith and ethnic background are not barriers to success,” he concluded.
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Britain.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The statement said the meeting reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, and modernising key infrastructure to support economic growth.
It added that a major highlight of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Morning Recap: Nigeria, Britain set for fresh security alliances, Saudi Arabia declares Friday Eid-el-Fitr, other top stories
The statement said the deal will fund the refurbishment of two key maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President and the First Lady had earlier been the guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
Tinubu was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Other members of the delegation include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
Morocco have been officially crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the CAF Appeal Board overturned the result of the final against Senegal. The decision comes after extraordinary scenes in Rabat where the Lions of Teranga walked off the pitch in protest, leading to a retrospective 3-0 forfeit victory for the host nation.
In a detailed statement, the CAF Appeal Board confirmed that the appeal lodged by the FRMF was “declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.” This landmark ruling effectively strips Senegal of what would have been their second continental crown, rewarding the hosts for a match that descended into chaos during extra time.
The roots of the controversy lie in a heated moment deep into stoppage time when Morocco’s Brahim Diaz went down in the box. While the referee initially waved play away, a VAR review resulted in a spot-kick for the hosts. This sparked a furious reaction from the Senegalese bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw instructing his players to return to the dressing room in a protest that lasted several minutes.
The CAF Appeal Board found that “the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.” By leaving the field of play, Senegal was deemed to have infringed on the regulations, leading to the administrative 3-0 defeat. The ruling sets aside the previous CAF Disciplinary Board decision and confirms that the protest lodged by Morocco has been fully upheld
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