UcProgress | Breaking News, Education & Nigeria Updates

 A Nigerian court has ordered First Bank of Nigeria to pay the sum of ₦2.4 billion in damages to a Kano-based businessman, Tasiu Ilu, over breach of contract and unauthorized debits on his account. The court ruled that the bank acted unlawfully in its dealings with the businessman, leading to financial losses. According to the judgment, the unauthorized deductions constituted a clear violation of the contractual agreement between both parties. The court consequently awarded damages in favour of the claimant and directed the bank to pay the stated amount as compensation. First Bank has not yet issued an official response to the ruling at the time of filing this report.

 A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted Nollywood actress, Angela Okorie, bail in the sum of ₦5 million over alleged cyberstalking charges brought against her. According to court proceedings, the actress was arraigned on charges bordering on cyberstalking, after which her legal team applied for bail. The court granted the application, setting bail conditions in line with standard judicial requirements. The case has been adjourned to a later date for further hearing, while the actress is expected to meet the bail conditions as ordered by the court. Angela Okorie has not issued a public statement on the ruling as of the time of filing this report.

 A Nigerian court has granted former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, permission to travel out of the country to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, despite an ongoing corruption trial against him. The court approved the request after Bello’s legal team reportedly gave assurances that he would return to Nigeria to continue facing trial. The former governor is currently being prosecuted over alleged financial misconduct linked to his time in office. The decision has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some questioning the court’s ruling amid the seriousness of the allegations, while others maintain that the former governor has the right to religious worship. Proceedings in the case are expected to resume after his return.

 The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the payment of over ₦12 billion for January salaries to workers of the FCT Administration. The approval followed a court ruling that ordered the suspension of the ongoing industrial action by FCT workers, paving the way for the resumption of normal government activities across the territory. According to official sources, the minister has signed all necessary documents to ensure the prompt release and disbursement of the funds to affected workers. The payment is expected to cover salaries across various departments, secretariats, and agencies under the FCT Administration. The development is seen as a significant step toward easing tensions between the government and workers, while reinforcing the administration’s commitment to due process and adherence to legal directives. FCT authorities have expressed optimism that the payment will help restore stability and improve service delivery within the nation’...

  A Federal High Court has issued an order restraining a social media activist from further publishing content considered defamatory against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. In the same ruling, the court directed Facebook to take down posts linked to the case, citing concerns over alleged cyberbullying and reputational damage. The court held that the continued circulation of the disputed content could cause irreparable harm if left unchecked while legal proceedings are ongoing. According to court documents, the senator approached the court seeking protection from what she described as false and damaging allegations spread across social media platforms. The judge granted interim reliefs, pending the determination of the substantive suit. The case highlights the growing legal scrutiny around online speech, cyberbullying, and the responsibilities of social media platforms in moderating content that may violate individuals’ rights. Further hearings are expected as the matter progresses...

A Nigerian court has granted a ₦500 million bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife and son, in connection with an ongoing legal case. The court, while ruling on the bail application, outlined conditions that must be met by the defendants to ensure their availability for trial. Details of the charges were not fully disclosed in open court, but the case is expected to continue on a later date as proceedings progress. Legal observers say the decision highlights the judiciary’s commitment to due process, allowing the accused persons temporary freedom while the case is being determined. The matter has continued to draw public attention due to Malami’s former role as Nigeria’s chief law officer and the broader implications for accountability in public office.