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Supreme Court Upholds Presidential Power to Declare State of Emergency

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
Nigeria’s Supreme Court upholds the President’s constitutional power to declare a state of emergency and suspend state officials when necessary to restore order.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has affirmed the President’s constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in any part of the country to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

In a 6–1 majority decision delivered on Monday, December 15, 2025, the apex court ruled that the President may, under certain conditions, suspend elected state officials during a temporary emergency if such action is necessary to restore normalcy.

The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by several states challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State in March 2025.

Details of the Ruling

The lead judgment, delivered by Justice Mohammed Idris, emphasized that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution grants the President broad discretion to employ extraordinary measures in times of crisis.

Justice Idris stated that the executive’s emergency powers are designed to preserve national stability, provided they are temporary, proportionate, and constitutionally guided.

Although the court dismissed the suit for lack of jurisdiction, it proceeded to address the substantive issues, ultimately upholding the President’s actions as consistent with constitutional intent.

In his dissenting opinion, Justice Obande Ogbuinya argued that the power to declare an emergency does not extend to suspending elected officials, warning that such interpretation could erode democratic accountability at the state level.

Implications and National Reactions

The ruling has sparked nationwide debate on the balance of power between the executive and subnational governments. Legal analysts describe the decision as a defining moment for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, clarifying the scope of presidential authority during crises.

Supporters of the judgment argue that it strengthens the federal government’s capacity to respond swiftly to security and governance breakdowns, while critics caution that it could set a precedent for executive overreach.

The Tinubu administration welcomed the verdict, describing it as a vindication of lawful executive action taken to restore peace and order in Rivers State.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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