Constitutional Law
The Kogi Governorship Crisis (2016)
The Kogi Governorship Crisis (2016): A Jurisprudential Rupture: Defying Section 141 of the Electoral Act 1. Introduction ★ The 2016 Supreme Court decision in Yahaya Bello v. PDP effectively nullified Section 141 of the Electoral Act, allowing a candidate who did not participate in all election stages to be declared the winner. The 2015 Kogi State governorship election and the ensuing legal battles culminating in the Supreme Court’s 2016 judgment represent a watershed moment in […]
CYBERCRIME, BREACH OF PEACE, AND ATTEMPTED FELONY: A CASE NOTE ON DSS V. JUSTICE MARK CHIDIEBERE
CYBERCRIME, BREACH OF PEACE, AND ATTEMPTED FELONY: A CASE NOTE ON DSS V. JUSTICE MARK CHIDIEBERE ABSTRACT On 4th May 2026, Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a three-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). He pleaded not guilty to all counts and was remanded in DSS custody until 25th May 2026. This article examines each charge […]
THE JURISDICTIONAL CONUNDRUM: ANALYSING THE DETENTION OF JUSTICE CRACK BY THE NIGERIAN ARMY
THE JURISDICTIONAL CONUNDRUM: ANALYSING THE DETENTION OF JUSTICE CRACK BY THE NIGERIAN ARMY Abstract The arrest and prolonged detention of Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” by the Nigerian Army in April 2026 has ignited a critical legal debate regarding military jurisdiction over civilians, the limits of free speech in the digital age, and the constitutional safeguards against arbitrary detention. This article examines the factual circumstances surrounding the detention, analyses the Nigerian Army’s […]
The Constitutional and Political Implications of Mass Defections to the APC in Nigeria
Abstract The recent surge in defections of high-profile political figures to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party, raises critical constitutional, legal, and democratic concerns. This article examines the legal framework governing defections in Nigeria, the loopholes exploited by defectors, and the broader consequences on political accountability, party democracy, and the rule of law. While party-switching is not new in Nigeria, the scale and frequency of recent movements warrant a more robust legal and […]
The Right of Nigerians to Criticize Their Government and Demand Accountability Introduction
Introduction Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has experienced a complex interplay between governance and public criticism. Successive administrations have adopted varying approaches to address dissent, ranging from suppression to engagement, reflecting the nation’s evolving political landscape. Democracy thrives on the ability of citizens to voice their opinions, challenge their leaders, and demand accountability. In Nigeria, this right is not just an ideal but a constitutionally protected principle that plays a crucial role in promoting […]