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Ogun Justice Ministry Clarifies Advisory, Warns Against Criminalising Civil Disputes
The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, clarifying that its recent advisory on the misuse of criminal justice mechanisms was directed at members of the public and not the Police.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), explained that the Ministry’s February 18 release was intended as a caution against the growing practice of turning civil and domestic disputes into criminal complaints.
According to the Ministry, frivolous or misleading petitions arising from civil disagreements often overwhelm law enforcement agencies and divert attention from genuine criminal matters.
The statement noted that the Police are duty-bound to investigate all complaints brought before them. In many instances, officers must take statements, invite suspects, and sometimes detain individuals while investigations are ongoing, especially where complaints are framed to suggest criminal wrongdoing.
It added that confirmation that a dispute is purely civil frequently emerges only after investigative steps have commenced, by which time personal liberties may have been temporarily restricted.
The Ministry stressed that responsibility for such misuse lies with complainants and their representatives who deliberately present civil matters as criminal cases, sometimes with legal guidance.
The Attorney-General also commended the professionalism of both past and present Commissioners of Police in Ogun State, noting that the state has benefited from leadership that clearly understands the distinction between civil and criminal jurisdiction.
Speaking during a radio programme on Eagle 102.5 FM on Friday, themed “Judicial Accountability: Balancing Independence and Responsibility,” Ogungbade praised former Commissioners of Police and the incumbent, Lanre Ogunlowo, for consistently sensitising officers against involvement in purely civil disputes.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Frank Mba, describing him as a legal professional who has maintained strict adherence to the Police mandate in criminal law enforcement.
The Ministry emphasised that there is a cordial and functional working relationship between it and the Ogun State Police Command, making media exchanges unnecessary in resolving institutional matters.
It therefore urged members of the public — including lawyers, agents, activists and family representatives — to respect the statutory role of the Police and avoid dragging law enforcement agencies into personal quarrels.
The Ministry warned that misuse of the criminal justice system not only burdens security agencies but also exposes the state to unnecessary costs, distractions and potential human rights liabilities.
Reaffirming its dedication to justice and due process, the Ministry maintained that preserving the integrity of the criminal justice system remains vital to protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring effective law enforcement across Ogun State.
News
Vardy Reveals Former Teammates, Ndidi And Iheanacho Use Juju Cream
Former Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has shared an amusing anecdote about the unique injury treatment preferred by his Nigerian ex-teammates, Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi.
Iheanacho and Ndidi became integral members of the Foxes squad after joining in 2017, playing a crucial role in the club’s historic 2021 FA Cup victory.
The duo shared a strong bond with Vardy during their time at the King Power Stadium, often engaging in light-hearted banter with their teammates.
Vardy, a Leicester City legend after 13 years with the club, departed last summer for Serie A side Cremonese. Iheanacho and Ndidi have also since moved on from the Foxes.
Speaking on a recent podcast, Vardy recounted how the Super Eagles stars had a peculiar remedy for minor injuries.
He explained that Iheanacho and Ndidi would insist on using a special “juju cream” brought back from Nigeria, refusing any other oils or balms offered by the club’s medical staff.
“They used to get injured, just little knocks, then they’d go back to Nigeria for one day literally, come back, and then they’ve got a nice big tub of juju cream,” Vardy said.
“That was the only thing that the masseuses were allowed to massage on the injured areas. They used to tell us that they used to get it from a Nigerian witch doctor.”
While Vardy’s story adds a humorous, if slightly controversial, layer to the players’ time at the club, the “juju cream” was likely part of a running joke.
Ndidi later clarified on social media that the substance was simply local shea butter, known as ‘ori’ in Nigeria.
News
Ondo Gov’s Loyalists Drag APC To Court Over NASS Primary Results
Some aspirants loyal to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who failed to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) tickets in the recently concluded National Assembly primaries, have approached the court to challenge the outcome of the exercise.
The aggrieved aspirants are challenging the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the results of the primaries and the list of candidates submitted by the party to the electoral body.
Report quoted sources within the party as saying the aspirants decided to seek judicial redress after expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome of the primaries.
The aspirants have reportedly engaged the services of the law firm of Remi Olatubora, SAN, to challenge the outcome of the exercise, the report also mentioned.
Those involved include Gbenga Elegbeleye (Ondo North Senatorial District), Dr Taiwo Fasoranti (Ondo Central Senatorial District), Leke Akingboye (Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency), Rasaq Obe (Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency), Kayode Ijalana (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency), Oyerinmade Matthew (Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency), and Olumuyiwa Daramola (Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency).
The legal action has reportedly generated concerns among some party stakeholders, who fear it could affect the APC’s preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
News
Falana Declares FG’s House Gifts To Judges Illegal
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has slammed the Federal Government over its gifts of houses to judges.
Speaking at the Housing TV Africa on Thursday, Falana demanded the provision of the law that stipulated such a gesture.
He charged the Federal Government to also build houses for university professors and other civil and public servants, noting that what is good for the goose is equally good for the gander.
“”We have got to a stage in the country where we have to challenge the special privileges given to the rich and top public officers in the country.
“I was very sad when I saw that the Federal Government was handing over the keys of houses to judges, and I asked myself, ‘Under what law are we operating?’ Because it’s discriminatory and illegal.
“You treat everyone equally in our country. So you can’t take out judges. Judges are entitled to accommodation by the way. They must live comfortably and we’ll secured.
“But, other citizens must be equally provided for. If you don’t do it, you can be challenged, and that is going to happen very soon because what is good for the goose is good for the gander,” he said.
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