By Our Correspondent

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded an immediate and independent investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) into the alleged $2.1 million land transaction involving Jordan Wike, son of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

In a statement signed the national coorfinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko said, the allegations now before an FCT High Court are too weighty to be treated merely as a private civil dispute, particularly because the claimants allege that $2 million out of the disputed $2.1 million was intended for the FCT Minister.

HURIWA, therefore, asks the EFCC and ICPC: Why are neither of the two anti-corruption agencies investigating this matter?

HURIWA says Nigerians deserve to know whether the agencies are aware of the allegations and, if they are, why they have not commenced a professional investigation to establish the facts.

An FCT High Court sitting in Maitama on Tuesday ordered Jordan Wike to produce his American international passport after he told the court during cross-examination that he was outside Nigeria on September 26, 2025.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji issued the order during the resumed hearing of suit No. CV/008/2026 filed by Safwan Garba GY and GY Global Oil and Gas Nigeria Ltd.

HURIWA notes that the claimants allege that Jordan promised to facilitate the acquisition of 60 hectares of land in Katampe and Guzape, Abuja.

The claimants further alleged that Jordan demanded $2.1 million as facilitation fees, comprising $2 million allegedly intended for his father and $100,000 allegedly for himself.

They also allege that the money was delivered on September 26, 2025, in the presence of Adamu Sani, Aliyu Sarki, and Sai Wani, while Jordan was allegedby Onor Sandy.

HURIWA notes that the claimants allege that the proposed land acquisition did not materialise and that the money was not refunded.

Jordan, however, has denied the allegations in his statement on oath before the court.

During cross-examination by the claimants’ counsel, Hamza Dantani, Jordan also denied knowledge of the allegations and documents presented to him.

When asked where he was on September 26, 2025, Jordan told the court that he was outside Nigeria.

He said he travelled with his American international passport and indicated that he could produce it if required.

Following the response, Dantani applied for an order compelling him to produce the passport.

Justice Oriji granted the application and directed Jordan to bring the passport to court.

HURIWA says the court’s order further underscores the need for the relevant anti-corruption authorities to examine the allegations independently rather than wait for the outcome of the civil proceedings.

HURIWA stresses that it is not pronouncing anyone guilty. The allegations remain allegations, and the court will determine the claims before it.

However, HURIWA insists that the EFCC and ICPC have a responsibility to investigate credible allegations that potentially involve large sums of money, public officials, or the abuse of public office.

HURIWA asks the EFCC and ICPC to tell Nigerians plainly: Are they investigating this matter or not?

If they are not investigating it, HURIWA demands an explanation for their apparent lack of interest.

HURIWA says Nigeria can not build a credible anti-corruption system if allegations involving politically exposed persons are ignored or left entirely to private litigants to pursue through civil proceedings.

The association therefore calls on the EFCC and ICPC to establish the source, movement and alleged beneficiaries of the $2.1 million; identify the purpose of the alleged payment; determine whether any public official was involved; and establish whether the allegations disclose any criminal offence.

HURIWA further urges the agencies to conduct their investigations professionally, independently, and without fear or favour.

HURIWA warns that selective application of anti-corruption laws will continue to undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.

The association insists that nobody should be treated as a sacred cow, while nobody should equally be declared guilty before the conclusion of a fair investigation and due process.

Jordan was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ogwu Onoja, while some documents were tendered through him.

The court adjourned the case until Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

By Uthman Baba-Naseer,Minna

The Niger State Judiciary has announced a series of activities to mark the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year.

The Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice, Niger State, Amina L. Musa-Saidu, made this known in a statement outlining the programme of activities for the new Legal Year.

She said the commencement of a new Legal Year provides an opportunity for the Judiciary to reflect on its achievements and challenges in the preceding year, renew its commitment to justice delivery and set priorities for the year ahead.

According to her, the activities will promote stronger engagement between the Bar and the Bench and strengthen cooperation among stakeholders in the administration of justice.

The programme will begin with a Bar-Bench Forum on Thursday, October 8, at the Foyer of the High Court of Justice Complex, Minna, at 10:00 a.m. The forum is expected to provide an opportunity for lawyers and judges to discuss issues affecting justice administration, professional conduct and court practice.

A Special Jumma’at Prayer will be held on Friday, October 9, at 1:30 p.m. at the Central Mosque, Minna, to thank Almighty Allah for the achievements recorded during the previous Legal Year and seek guidance and blessings for the new year.

The programme will continue on Saturday, October 10, with a Magistrates’ Workshop at 9:00 a.m. at the High Court Complex. The workshop, organised by the Education and Training Committee of the High Court, is aimed at strengthening the professional knowledge and capacity of Magistrates.

On Sunday, October 11, a Special Thanksgiving Service will be held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, adjacent to General Hospital, Keteren Gwari, Minna, at 10:00 a.m. This will be followed by the Chief Judge’s Dinner and Award Presentation at 7:00 p.m. at the High Court Complex.

The final day of the programme, Monday, October 12, will begin with the inspection of a Guard of Honour by the Chief Judge of Niger State at 8:00 a.m., followed by a Special Court Session to formally mark the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year.

Musa-Saidu said the occasion is expected to bring together members of the Judiciary and legal profession, representatives of the Executive and Legislative Arms of Government, traditional institutions, security agencies, justice-sector stakeholders and other invited guests.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Niger State Judiciary to improving efficiency and professionalism, strengthening access to justice and upholding the independence, integrity and dignity of the judicial process.

She called for the continued cooperation and support of the Bar, justice-sector stakeholders and the general public in ensuring effective administration of justice in the state.

By George Mgbeleke
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) says the reported recovery of 28 human skulls and other human remains from suspected criminal camps in Umuaku and Nneato forests in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State demands urgent and coordinated action from the South-East governors.

In a statement signed by national coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko said the discovery exposes the grave security threat facing communities in the region and reinforces the need for the governors to work together to protect lives and property.

HURIWA urges the six South-East governors to develop a common regional strategy against kidnapping, terrorism, armed criminal gangs and other violent threats.
The association says the governors must strengthen intelligence sharing, coordinate security operations and support security agencies with credible information and logistics needed to dismantle criminal hideouts across the region.
HURIWA says the security challenge also threatens the economic future of the South-East.
The association warns that no region can attract investment, create jobs or achieve sustainable development when citizens fear travelling, farming, doing business or returning home because of insecurity.
HURIWA therefore urges the governors to treat security and economic development as interconnected priorities and work together to create a safer environment for businesses and citizens.
HURIWA also says armed vigilante groups must operate strictly to protect lives and property.
The association warns the governors against turning vigilantes into political foot soldiers or instruments for settling political differences.
HURIWA says community-based security groups can complement conventional security agencies, but authorities must subject them to clear rules of engagement, proper training, accountability and respect for human rights.
The association welcomes the prospect of state police and says properly structured state policing could improve the capacity of governments to confront kidnappers, terrorists and other armed criminal groups.
HURIWA, however, demands strong constitutional and institutional safeguards to prevent governors and other political actors from abusing state police for partisan purposes.
The association says state police must protect citizens, not political interests.
HURIWA also calls on residents across the South-East to support legitimate security operations by providing credible intelligence about suspicious movements, criminal activities and suspected hideouts.
The association urges the Abia State Police Command and other relevant agencies to conduct a thorough forensic investigation into the recovered human remains, identify the victims and establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
HURIWA says the families of missing persons deserve answers and that security agencies must pursue every credible lead that can identify the victims and bring those responsible to justice.
The association says the reported discovery of human remains should not become another news cycle that quickly disappears from public attention.
HURIWA demands sustained security operations against criminal camps and stronger cooperation between the governors, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents.
HURIWA says a safe and secure South-East remains imperative for economic advancement, investment, employment and sustainable development.
The association therefore urges the South-East governors to put aside political differences and work collectively to restore security and public confidence across the region.