The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered the stay of execution of the judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.

*In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice A. B. Mohammed, berated Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for flouting an order it made on May 22, which directed him to suspend proceedings before him.*

*The appellate court held that Justice Lifu’s action amounted to an affront on the hierarchy of courts.*

*It held that the lower court’s action was “the highest form of judicial impertinence,” stressing that the Supreme Court previously held that a judge who acted in such manner “is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”*

*“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This Court has supervisory authority over the trial court. The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution.*

*“This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are made.*

*“The application for stay of execution is here yet granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the appellate court held.*

Appeal Court suspends execution of judgment against ADC, 4 others

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, the widow of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by bandits shortly before the retired senior military officer died in captivity.

According to military sources, the rescue operation was carried out in Tunga Village, where troops encountered the armed bandits holding her captive. During the exchange, the kidnappers reportedly shot Mrs. Abubakar before fleeing as soldiers advanced on their position.

The troops immediately secured the area, rescued her and administered emergency first aid.

Military authorities said Mrs. Abubakar sustained gunshot wounds and was bleeding when she was rescued. She is currently receiving medical treatment.

The rescue comes days after the burial of Major General Rabe Abubakar, whose death while in captivity sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of the country.

Following Major General Abubakar’s death, the Defense Headquarters’ Joint Task Force North West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, launched a major offensive operation, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep III, targeting terrorists and bandits operating in Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities in Katsina State.

According to the military, the operation commenced on 14 June 2026 to locate and neutralise those responsible for the attack, dismantling criminal networks, and restoring security across the affected communities.

Residents of Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State have been thrown into mourning following the killing of a prominent businessman and farmer, Alhaji Bala Sani Kawo, by suspected bandits despite the payment of a N5 million ransom for his release.

Kawo was reportedly abducted alongside one of his workers on June 11 near Dantakari town in Dandume LGA when armed men intercepted them and whisked them away into a forest.

Sources close to the family disclosed that the kidnappers later contacted relatives of the victim and informed them that he was ill while in captivity. They subsequently demanded N5 million as a condition for his release.

According to the source, the family raised the money and delivered it to the abductors as instructed. However, after receiving the ransom, the criminals reportedly directed family members to a designated location where Kawo’s lifeless body was discovered.

The killing has sparked grief across the community, with residents lamenting the loss of a businessman widely known for his contributions to agriculture and his role in providing employment opportunities for many youths in the area.

The incident comes amid renewed security concerns in Katsina State and follows the recent death of a former Director of Defence Information, Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while being held captive by terrorists.

In response to rising insecurity in the North-West, troops of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have launched a fresh offensive against terrorist and bandit groups operating in parts of Katsina State.

The task force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said in a statement on Monday that the operation, code-named “Clean Sweep,” commenced on June 14 as part of efforts to dismantle criminal enclaves and restore security in the region.