Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged necessary support to ensure the Judiciary operates as a truly independent and effective justice system. Governor Fubara gave the assurance while formally declaring open the 2025/2026 Legal Year at a special Court Session at the State High Court Complex in Port Harcourt, recently.

He expressed satisfaction not only with the event’s success but also with the Bar and Bench’s commitment to advancing the integrity of the judicial system.

The Governor said that the Rivers State Judiciary ranks among the best in Nigeria, adding that it features some of the brightest judicial minds who courageously interpret and apply the law with a high sense of justice.

He reminded the lawyers, that as ministers in the temple of justice, they are under oath to conduct themselves honestly in their practice of the law before the courts, to uphold the rule of law and advance the course of justice at all times.

“Similarly, every judge is under a judicial oath to provide equal justice to all persons according to law to the best of their knowledge and ability without fear, favour, or affection”, he said.

He stressed that the judicial oath is not composed of mere words but demands that judges act with moral courage to resist pressure, and ensure that both friends and foes have access to equal and impartial justice.

He, therefore, requested that all courts, inferior or superior, should perform their duties with courage, adjudicate and interpret the laws and cases in ways that promote substantial justice, democracy, and citizens’ fundamental rights.

The Governor, however, declared that the political crisis is now over, with all parties fully reconciled, and his administration back on its feet, affirming that he holds no grudges or ill feelings toward anyone.

He stated that the administration is now re-energised and has resumed the implementation of people-centric policies, programmes, and projects with greater determination to achieve the developmental milestones set to enhance the well-being of the people of Rivers State.Governor Fubara reiterated his commitment to work with the State House of Assembly, the Judiciary, and other stakeholders to recover lost ground, sustain peace and accelerate development of the state.

He also appreciated the Chief Judge for providing functional, effective leadership, exceptional courage, and an unwavering determination to ensure justice is served to all who seek the aid of the courts.

Speaking earlier during the thanksgiving service at the Corpus Christi Catholic Cathedral, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara called on the Judiciary to remain steadfast as a “true temple of justice”, urging the courts not to let the innocent suffer unjustly. In his remarks, Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, highlighted the absence of a Committee on Prerogative of Mercy in the state, which, he said has contributed significantly to congestion in custodial centres. He noted that the non-reduction of sentences for inmates, including 493 male and 15 female death-row prisoners, is beyond the Chief Judge’s powers, and called for government intervention.

He thanked the Governor for the support given to the Judiciary so far, and solicited for more encouragement to reduce the pressures judicial officers face in the performance of their duties. Also speaking, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, Mrs. Cordelia Eke, said the 2024–2025 legal year began with optimism but was soon overshadowed by political and institutional turbulence.

She noted that the state of emergency and suspension of key elected officials disrupted democratic governance and tested the resilience of the justice system. “The absence of an Attorney General caused serious delays in justice delivery, unprocessed legal applications, and financial losses,” Eke stated.According to her, the situation underscored the urgent need to fortify laws that protect institutions and ensure that the justice system continues to function even in difficult times.

Speaking on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN), expressed concern over the battered image of the Judiciary, lamenting that many Nigerians have lost faith in the courts due to inconsistent judgments and prolonged case delays.He urged judges to resist personal interests that could influence their professional conduct, calling for renewed integrity and faster dispensation of justice.

Earlier in his homily during the thanksgiving service, Apostolic Administrator, Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, Right Reverend Patrick S. Eluke, urged members of the legal profession to uphold moral and spiritual integrity in their practice, reminding them of their “sacred duty” to ensure that justice reflects honesty, compassion, and fairness.

He cautioned against hypocrisy, rivalry, and unhealthy competition within the legal profession, stressing that true justice must protect the vulnerable and remain unswayed by material or political influence.

He further called on elected leaders to demonstrate patriotism and accountability to the people who entrusted them with power, noting that democracy and justice thrive only where integrity and fairness prevail.

The Governor read the First Reading from 2 Chronicles 19: 5-9; while the Chief Judge took the 2nd Reading from Psalm 100: 1-5. Highlights of the event were presentation of gifts to the Governor, his Deputy, Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule, and the Chief Judge as well as prayers for the Government, the Judiciary, the State and the Country.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said that it arrested 792 suspects involved in investment and cryptocurrency-related fraud.

The Commission’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, announced this yesterday, in Abuja during a press briefing to commemorate his second anniversary in office.

Olukoyede said the syndicate included 192 foreign nationals who were arrested alongside their Nigerian counterparts and prosecuted for cyberterrorism and cryptocurrency fraud.

“Another notable arrest and prosecution was the case of 792 investment and cryptocurrency fraud suspects apprehended in a sting operation in Lagos in December 2024. The syndicate included 192 foreigners, who have since been prosecuted for cyber-terrorism and cryptocurrency fraud and deported,” he stated.

He stressed that the development sends a strong message that Nigeria will not serve as a haven for international cybercriminals.

“This development conveys the message that Nigeria will not tolerate foreigners turning it into a safe haven for cybercrimes,” he added.

According to data released by the EFCC, the agency received 19,318 petitions, carried out 29,240 investigations, filed 10,525 cases in court, and secured 7,503 convictions between October 2023 and September 2025.

Olukoyede noted that these figures reflect the commission’s intensified focus on complex financial crimes, including cyberfraud, investment scams, and money laundering.

The EFCC chairman also revealed that the Commission secured the forfeiture of 1,502 real estate assets in two years, comprising 402 in 2023, 975 in 2024, and 125 so far in 2025.

He highlighted two major forfeited properties: 753 duplex units in Lokongoma, Abuja, and Nok University, which has since been renamed Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State.

“The total forfeited real estate assets in two years is 1,502 properties, comprising 402 in 2023, 975 in 2024, and 125 so far this year. The recovered property includes two notable landmarks: the final forfeiture of 753 units of duplexes in Lokogoma, Abuja, and the forfeiture of Nok University, now Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State, “he said.

Olukoyede further disclosed that the commission recovered ?566.3 billion and several foreign currencies within the two years.

“Under my watch, the Commission recovered ?566,319,820,343.40, $411,566,192.32, £71,306.25, €182,877.10, CAD $5,510.00, AUD $740.00, ¥89,859.00, ?1,300.00, CFA 8,381,375.00, AED 70.00, SAR 310,265.00, GH? 225.00, R 50.00 and ?73,000.00,” he said.

He stressed that the EFCC remains committed to combating cyber-enabled crimes and recovering stolen assets to strengthen public trust and restore integrity to Nigeria’s financial system.

Over the past three years, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in investment and cryptocurrency-related fraud, with victims losing billions of naira to online trading schemes and digital asset scams.

Many of these schemes, often disguised as legitimate investment platforms, promise unrealistic returns and leverage social media to attract unsuspecting Nigerians.

Germany has reiterated its commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria, describing the West African nation as a vital ally in Africa’s development and stability.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, outlined a roadmap for bilateral relations covering security, economic development, education, energy, and cultural exchange.

“Germany will continue to stand with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism,” Günther said,

She announced that the Nigerian-German Binational Commission would meet in Berlin in less than two weeks, calling the event “a landmark occasion to accelerate bilateral cooperation.”

“Less than two weeks from now, the joint Nigerian-German Binational Commission will be held in Berlin, led by the two Foreign Ministers.

“This commission aims to take our relations to another level,” she said.

Marking 65 years of diplomatic ties, the envoy emphasised the historic and evolving nature of both nations’ relationship.

“Germany recognised Nigerian independence and established diplomatic relations right away.

“Ever since, the relations have been close and cordial, but now, especially with the Binational Commission underway, they are getting more and more intense,” she noted.

Günther noted that recent high-level visits underscored Nigeria’s importance in Germany’s Africa policy.

“In December 2024, German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Abuja and Lagos and met with President Tinubu. In May 2025, Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama Tuggar met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin, making Nigeria one of the first African countries to engage the new German government,” she said.

Drawing parallels between the two nations, she said, “Both Nigeria and Germany are Federal Republics, the most populous in their region and the most powerful economies on their continents.

“We share the same values: we are both freedom-loving and democratic. And we want the world to be governed through the strength of the law, and not the law of the strongest.”

The ambassador said Germany’s current foreign policy, guided by the motto “Security, Freedom and Prosperity,” reflects its global outlook.

She condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “nothing but an imperialistic war of aggression,” warning that its destabilising influence also affects Africa.

“Russia aims to undermine free and democratic societies in Europe as well as in Africa,” she said.

On trade and investment, Günther reported that Nigeria remains Germany’s second-largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with trade volumes rising by 30 per cent this year.

“Germany is shifting into growth mode again,” she said, citing progress in digitisation, infrastructure, education, and renewable energy. “There are more than 90 German companies active in Nigeria, indirectly creating about 17,000 jobs.”

She highlighted two key projects under the partnership. “The Presidential Power Initiative with Siemens will add about seven gigawatts to Nigeria’s power grid,” she said, adding that collaboration in the gas sector would “reduce gas flaring and improve Nigeria’s CO? footprint.”

Security cooperation, she noted, remains a top priority.

“Germany will continue to stand with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism,” Günther said, announcing the launch of a Bilateral Annual Programme for military experts and forthcoming high-level military staff talks in Abuja.

Germany has also invested nearly €900,000 between 2024 and 2025 to support Nigerian law enforcement, providing training, equipment, and programmes targeting terrorism, kidnapping, human trafficking, and narcotics. She cited the “Supporting Police Accountability and Transformation Project” with the UNDP as a flagship reform initiative.

Addressing instability in Nigeria’s Northeast, the envoy said Germany continues to back reconstruction and livelihood projects in communities affected by Boko Haram. “A prosperous and secure Nigeria is also in Germany’s interest,” she said.

Günther expressed concern over the country’s humanitarian situation, noting that “around 31 million people are acutely food insecure, and approximately 3.5 million children are at risk of severe malnutrition.”

She reaffirmed Germany’s support in food security, health, and flood mitigation but urged Nigeria to take stronger leadership. “It is crucial that Nigeria assumes greater responsibility for protection, food security, and stability.”

Rejecting traditional donor-recipient models, she stressed that modern development cooperation is based on equality.

“Aside from genuinely believing in equitable development everywhere in the world, we are also hoping to contribute to Nigeria’s and Africa’s stability and prosperity.”

The ambassador also revealed that the German Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos issued about “1,400 long-term and 6,200 short-term visas in 2024,” with numbers expected to increase.

“The German missions remain committed to furthering the bilateral relations by granting visas to properly documented applications,” she said.

On cultural ties, Günther announced that the Goethe Institute in Abuja would expand its language programs and deepen collaboration with Nigeria’s dynamic film industry.