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President Buhari To Swear In Ariwoola As Acting CJN

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Justice Olukayode

President Muhammadu Buhari will swear in Olukayode Ariwoola as acting chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) today.

Ibrahim Muhammad resigned as CJN on Monday.

Although he was said to have resigned on the grounds of ill-health, it was learnt that he was forced to quit his position.

Fourteen justices of the supreme court had accused the CJN of abandoning his responsibility as the leader of the court.

The judges also accused the CJN of going on foreign trips with his family while denying them the right to go on international trainings.

TheCable learnt there was a memo from the judges to the presidency, highlighting all of the CJN’s financial dealings, and threatening that they would stop sitting from September if he is not removed.

TheCable understands plans are underway to inaugurate Muhammad’s replacement so as to leave no vacuum.

Ariwoola is the next highest-ranking justice of the supreme court and he is expected to take over in acting capacity from Monday.

About 15000 Kano Candidates May Miss NECO Exams Over N 1.5 Billion Debt

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According to the procedure for the appointment of the CJN, the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) shortlists two or three most senior judges among the supreme court justices and sends their names to the National Judicial Council (NJC) which then selects one candidate and forwards it to the president before it goes to the senate confirmation.

But to leave no vacuum, an acting CJN must be appointed.

But who is the new acting CJN? TheCable takes a dive into the antecedents of the soon-to-be-announced leader of Nigeria’s judiciary.

BACKGROUND

Ariwoola was born in Iseyin, Oyo state, on August 22, 1958. He had his primary education at the Local Authority Demonstration School, Oluwole, in his hometown between 1959 and 1967. He then moved to Muslim Modern School in the same town from 1968 to 1969 before graduating to Ansar-Ud-Deen high school, Saki area of Oyo, for secondary education.

He earned his law degree at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1980 and a year later he was called to the Nigeria bar and got enrolled as a solicitor and advocate of the supreme court.

He kicked off his career as a legal officer in the Oyo state ministry of justice and stayed in the role until he moved into private practice in 1988.

DID A STINT IN PRIVATE PRACTICE

Ariwoola spent less than four years in private practice before he was whisked back into public service.

Between 1988 and July 1989, he was a counsel in-chambers of Ladosu Ladapo before moving to establish his own legal firm named “Olukayode Ariwoola & Co”. Three years later, he was called to the bench.

RETURN TO PUBLIC SERVICE AND CALL TO BENCH

Ariwoola was back in public service by 1992 when he was appointed a judge of the superior court of record in Oyo.

He was named the chairman of the Oyo state armed robbery tribunal between May 1993 and September 1996.

In 2005, he then rose to the position of a justice of the court of appeal and he held the position before he was appointed a justice of the supreme court of Nigeria in 2011.

NIGERIAN TRACKER learnt that since the retirement of Justice Muhammad Bello around 1994 no southerner became CJN with the exception of Walter Onnoghen who was sacked on allegations of corruption in January 2019.

(the cable)

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‎China, Nigeria Mark Friendship with Joint Cultural Mural

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‎A colourful mural celebrating both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day has been unveiled at an overseas project site, serving as a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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‎The artwork, jointly produced by Chinese and Nigerian staff, features builders dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and Nigerian ethnic attire holding hands and dancing together.
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Above them, fireworks and white doves of peace illuminate the sky, while the inscription “10.1” highlights the dual significance of October 1, the China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day.
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‎On the left side of the mural, ancient Chinese architecture, red lanterns and auspicious cloud motifs showcase Chinese heritage.
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On the right, red earth, coconut palms and African drums reflect Nigeria’s cultural identity. Flowing ribbons weave across the painting, symbolising unity and shared destiny.
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‎Project officials described the mural as a “living testament” to cooperation at the frontline of development. They said it embodies mutual trust and support as workers from both countries overcome challenges together.
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‎The initiative underscores cultural integration and partnership, with both sides pledging to continue working hand in hand to strengthen ties.
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“Celebrating two festivals as one, we march forward with one heart,” a statement read, emphasising the commitment to write new chapters of friendship along the path of cooperation.
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‎The mural, rooted in the overseas project site, stands as a reminder of the brotherly bond between China and Nigeria, and the shared vision of building together for a brighter future.

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Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso Celebrates Senator Lado @60, Says Is A Political Dogma

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From Muhammad Kabir Kano

The spokesperson of Political Appointees Forum from Kano State, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (Senate), who also doubles as the Chairman of the Appointees, on his 60th birthday, as a Political Blog who plays the game with maturity and respect.

Kwankwaso who also describes Senator as Political Dogma, praised his contributions to democratic governance, humanitarian services and national development.

“Senator Lado is a dependable public servant and accomplished legislator whose experience had helped strengthen relations between the Executive and the Senate and also steer ship the activities of the Political Appointees with huge respect and understanding”,

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He said it is on notice that Lado served in the Senate for four years before his by late President Buhari on Relief agency and subsequent appointment as Tinubu’s liaison officer in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Lado represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the Seventh National Assembly from 2011 to 2015, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

Lado facilitated several constituency projects, including the Kundila Bridge, popularly known as Gadar Lado, in Kano State. His contributions to humanitarian services through his previous roles as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

He said Lado contributed to protecting vulnerable Nigerians, combating human trafficking and improving the welfare and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Kwankwaso further commended the senator’s humanitarian initiatives through the Ladon Alheri Foundation, particularly in education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, rural water supply and support for disadvantaged communities.

” Lado’s contributions across public service reflected his commitment to national development and the welfare of Nigerians”, he added.

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EFCC Reopens Atiku’s Alleged Financial Crimes Probe

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened its investigation into allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, seeking his prosecution over alleged financial crimes.

The petition seeks to revive a case dating back to 2006, asking the anti-graft agency to revisit its investigation under former chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and consider a subsequent report by a United States Senate subcommittee.

Speaking on the development, Agbonayinma said the EFCC had acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received on September 1. Filed through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, the petition asks the commission to reactivate its earlier report and act on the allegations.

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The former lawmaker appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he adopted the petition and answered questions from investigators.

Agbonayinma said the matter should not be allowed to remain unresolved.

“I want to thank Nigerians, the EFCC, and those praying for me in this struggle. The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor. After the EFCC has done a fantastic job, it should not be kept under the table,” he said.

In the petition, Agbonayinma urged the EFCC to revisit its September 2006 report on Atiku and a February 4, 2010, report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, arguing that both documents should form the basis for renewed action.

The petition alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that Atiku could face prosecution after leaving office as vice-president, when his constitutional immunity ceased to apply, but that no prosecution followed.

Agbonayinma described the alleged failure to act as a dereliction of duty and argued that pursuing the matter would demonstrate the commission’s resolve to hold politically influential figures accountable.

He also disclosed that he had petitioned US President Donald Trump over the allegations.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, had yet to respond to messages seeking an update on the investigation as of the time of filing this report.

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