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Senator Bamidele, 14 Others Confirmed Life Benchers
By AbdulRahman Obaje
The Body of Benchers, currently chaired by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), has confirmed the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; human rights lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and 13 other prominent legal practitioners life members of the prestigious body. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Bamidele’s confirmation was formally announced on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the meeting of the body held at its head office in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
Among others, the body further confirmed Director General, Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Chiroma; Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage; retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Ejembi Eko and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking persons in Africa, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo (SAN) life benchers.
With the newly confirmed life benchers, the total number of life benchers in the country has now risen to 170, a cap set for the next five years before new life members would be admitted into the body of practitioners of the highest distinction in the legal profession.
The elevation of the new life benchers is obviously in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the development of legal profession in the country and for upholding the integrity and excellence of the legal profession.
Bamidele, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters in the ninth National Assembly, was first appointed into the Body of Benchers as a Bencher in November 2019.
His tenure as the Chairman of Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters witnessed remarkable reforms, working closely with the leadership of both the judicial and executive arms of the Government.
Among others, there was greater attention to the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers and staff through increased budgetary provisions to the Judiciary.
The Bill for the increase in the retirement age of judicial officers from 65 to 70 was also passed by the legislature and assented to by the executive.
Bamidele was called to the Nigerian Bar as Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court in July 1992 and New York Bar as an Attorney and Counsellor – at – Law of the Supreme Court of New York in January 1999.
Since then, he has actively maintained his membership of the Nigerian Bar Association, American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association and International Bar Association.
He is also a Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria); Fellow, Chartered Institute of Management Consultants and Fellow, Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration, Nigeria.
At different times, Bamidele has distinguished himself in public service having served as the Commissioner for Youth, Sports & Social Development under the administration of Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commissioner of Information & Strategy under the administration of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola and Chairman, House Committee on Legislative Research and Budget in the seventh National Assembly.
He first graduated with honours in 1986, from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Nigeria with a Bachelor of Arts. Driven by passion for an egalitarian and just world, Bamidele turned to the University of Benin, Nigeria to pursue a Bachelor of Laws, which he completed also with honours in 1990.
He further pursued a Master of Laws at the Franklin Pierce School of Law, University of New Hampshire, Concord, United States, specialising in Intellectual Property Law, with bias in International Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law, including the Licensing of International Transfer of Technology.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Troops Rescue 31 In Kogi as Kidnappers Abduct 40 CVR Registrants
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise has recorded major casualties as 40 CVR Registrants heading home in a bus after their registration exercise were abducted at gunpoint. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
The incident happened along Dekina-Ajiyolo-Anyigba road at about 6pm on Friday, 7th of November 2025.
The victims were mostly residents of Abocho community and environs who chattered a bus to convey them to Dekina the LGA headquarters to enable them participate in the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise.
Eye witness said that on their way back to Abocho after the successful exercise, they were ambushed and forcefully abducted by kidnappers numbering over 20 and fully armed.
The news of the mass abduction sent panic waves to the communities there by generating tension and anxieties.
Relief however, came later on as troops of 12 Brigade Lokoja in collaboration with the local security network gave a hot chase to the criminals. This forced the kidnappers to abandoned some of the victims and escaped with few others.
Eye witness also said, “The kidnappers played a fast one on us, they released about 31 of their victims, and we thought that was all and we relaxed not knowing that they simply used those ones for us to calm down. But before we realized their tricks, they had gone far with about 10 victims”
“When the profile of the victims were taken, it was realized that there are about 10 members of the community still missing including the driver of the bus”
It was learnt that the bus was recovered and taken to Abocho police station while security agencies continued their search for the remaining 10 victims in custody of the kidnappers.
The security agencies has vowed to track the kidnappers until the remaining ten captives are freed.
Efforts to confirm the incident by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP, William Ovye Aya failed as he could not respond to calls and text messages.
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Commissioner Hails Tinubu Over Appointment Of Kogi Indigenes Into Critical Positions
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State’s Commissioner of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Asiru Idris has expressed sincere gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent appointments of worthy Kogi sons into critical positions within his administration. js">
The commissioner in a statement made available to Journalists in Lokoja at the weekend, indicates that “The appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as INEC Chairman and Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu as Chief Of Army staff was received with great joy and appreciation across the state.
“This is a clear affirmation of your confidence in the capabilities of kogi state indigenes and your commitment to an all-inclusive government that recognizes talent from every corner of the Nation.
“Your Excellency, these appointments are a testament of your visionary leadership, detrabilized disposition and your dedication to harnessing the potential of all Nigerians for National development.
“I am particularly grateful for the opportunity provided to our kinsmen to contribute their expertise, knowledge and experience to your “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“There is no vestige of doubt, that these appointed individuals will serve the nation with utmost dedication, integrity and diligence, thereby justifying the trust you have reposed in them and making Kogi state proud.
“Once again, Thank you Your Excellency for your kind gesture and your unwavering commitment to the progress and development of our dear nation, Nigeria.
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Kogi CP Lauds Ododo’s Support To Police, Other Security Agencies
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his continued support to the Police and other security agencies in the State. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The CP gave the commendation during his maiden visit to the Governor at the Government House, Lokoja over the weekend
Kankarofi stated that his meeting with the Governor focused on strengthening collaboration between the State Government and the Police Command to ensure peace, security, and community development.
He briefed the Governor on:
– Recent security initiatives
– Crime prevention strategies
– Upcoming community policing programs
He further highlighted areas of mutual interest such as intelligence sharing, synergy among security agencies, and joint efforts to curb violent crime in the State.
Responding Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to backing law enforcement agencies and pledged full support for the implementation of security policies aimed at maintaining law and order in the state.
Both leaders expressed optimism that the partnership would foster a safer, more prosperous environment for the citizens of Kogi State.
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