Daily Digest Online

In a landmark decision asserting judicial independence, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has overruled a presidential pardon, reinstating the death sentence for Maryam Sanda, who was convicted of killing her husband. In a four-to-one split decision delivered on Friday, December 12, 2025, the apex court overturned the commutation of Sanda's sentence by President Bola Tinubu. The President had recently reduced her sentence to 12 years' imprisonment on compassionate grounds. The Court's Ruling and Legal Journey The Supreme Court affirmed the original death sentence by hanging, which had been handed down by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in 2020 and later upheld by the Court of Appeal. Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Moore Adumein held that the prosecution had proved its case "beyond reasonable doubt" and that the appellate court was correct to affirm the trial court's verdict. The court resolved all issues in S...

The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation after a video went viral showing a uniformed police officer being beaten by a mob who accused him of theft. The footage, which circulated widely on Wednesday, shows the officer seated on the ground with blood dripping from his mouth, surrounded by an angry crowd. Onlookers can be heard chanting “Ole!” (Yoruba for "Thief") as a second officer attempts to intervene and rescue his colleague. The incident occurred in a busy area of Lagos, as indicated by commercial vehicles in the background. Official Police Response In response to the viral video, the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed an investigation is underway. "The command has seen the viral video. We are investigating to determine the full circumstances and confirm the identity of the officer. Updates will follow soon," Adebisi stated on the social media platform X. The exact nature o...

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has stated that the recent murder of a retired judge underscores the persistent insecurity faced by judicial officers in Nigeria, even after they leave the bench. Her comments follow the killing of retired Delta State High Court Judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, whose body was discovered in her home in Asaba two weeks ago. Police reports indicated she was found with her hands and legs bound, showing signs of a violent assault. Suspect in Custody The Delta State Police Command has announced the arrest of a prime suspect, 25-year-old Godwin Mngumi. Mngumi, who was employed as a night security guard at the judge's residence, was detained in Anambra State on December 6, 2025, after fleeing the scene following the incident. A Call for Safety and Security In a video statement, Justice Monica expressed deep concern over the vulnerability of judges. She pointed out that the late judge resided in an are...