10 landmark court judgments that shaped Nigeria in 2025
The year 2025 was marked by landmark rulings and high-profile convictions in Nigerian courts.
While some cases concluded, many are still pending or awaiting hearing, reflecting the nation’s dynamic judicial landscape.
In this report, major court decisions that captured public attention and influenced national discourse throughout the year are highlighted.
Federal High Court Declares Lakurawa a Terrorist Group
In January, the federal high court in Abuja officially proscribed the Lakurawa sect as a terrorist organisation.
The group gained notoriety following a series of violent attacks in north-western Nigeria in late 2024. One of the deadliest assaults occurred in November 2024 in Mera village, Augie LGA, Kebbi state, leaving at least 15 villagers dead.
The court’s order extended to other extremist groups operating across north-west and north-central Nigeria.
Supreme Court Nullifies Rivers State LG Elections
In February, the Supreme Court annulled the October 5, 2024, local government elections in Rivers state.
The apex court ruled that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) failed to meet conditions under Section 150(3) of the Electoral Act.
The five-member panel also upheld a federal high court decision preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers state.
The court directed the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the state assembly and other elected members to resume sitting.
At the time, the ruling was viewed as a victory for Nyesom Wike’s camp and a setback for Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s supporters. The political tension eventually prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare emergency rule in March.
Adamawa Farmer Sunday Jackson Pardoned
Sunday Jackson, a farmer sentenced to death for killing an herder on his farm, was finally pardoned in December 2025 by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.
Jackson had been sentenced by an Adamawa high court in February 2021, despite claiming self-defence. The court found he could have escaped rather than stabbing the attacker three times.
The Court of Appeal in 2022 and the Supreme Court in March 2025 upheld the sentence, sparking nationwide criticism. Public outcry eventually led to Jackson being granted a Christmas and New Year pardon.
Appeal Court Upholds Lecturer’s Conviction for Electoral Fraud
In April, the Court of Appeal in Calabar affirmed the conviction of Peter Ogban, a University of Calabar professor, for manipulating election results.
Ogban, the returning officer for the 2019 Akwa Ibom north-west senatorial election, was found guilty of altering results to favour APC candidate Godswill Akpabio.
He was sentenced to three years in prison and fined N100,000 by the Akwa Ibom high court in 2021.
Governors Lose Bid Over N1.8 Trillion Recovered Funds
In May, the Supreme Court rejected a suit by Nigeria’s 36 state governments and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum challenging the federal government’s handling of recovered looted funds.
The seven-member panel ruled the apex court lacked jurisdiction, directing the matter to the federal high court.
The states had claimed that recovered assets between 2015 and 2021, including N1.836 trillion, vehicles, properties, and crude oil, were improperly withheld from the federation account.
FIRS Can Collect VAT on Digital Services
In July, a Lagos federal high court affirmed the Federal Inland Revenue Service’s (FIRS) authority to collect VAT on transport and food services provided via platforms like Bolt.
The ruling upheld a previous tax appeal tribunal decision recognising FIRS’ right to appoint digital platforms as VAT collection agents.
The dispute originated in 2022 when platform operators sought to stop VAT collection on their services.
Federal High Court Blocks Pat Utomi’s Shadow Government
In October, the federal high court in Abuja restrained political economist Pat Utomi and his team from forming a shadow government.
Judge James Omotosho ruled the concept unconstitutional, noting Nigeria’s presidential system does not recognise parallel or alternative governments.
The order followed a suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Nnamdi Kanu Convicted of Terrorism
In November, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu was convicted of terrorism by the federal high court in Abuja and sentenced to life imprisonment on multiple counts.
Judge James Omotosho imposed additional prison terms of 20 years and five years on other charges, concluding Kanu’s trial that began after his 2021 extradition from Kenya.
Supreme Court Dismisses Osun LG Fund Suit
In December, the Supreme Court dismissed a suit by Osun state’s Attorney-General challenging the federal government over withheld local government allocations.
In a 6–1 decision, the court ruled that only elected LGA chairpersons can sue over such funds, though it acknowledged the federal government’s withholding as unconstitutional.
Supreme Court Upholds Rivers Emergency Rule
On December 15, the Supreme Court upheld President Bola Tinubu’s March declaration of emergency rule in Rivers state.
The ruling confirmed the president’s authority to suspend elected officials and take emergency measures to maintain law and order.
The judgement followed a challenge by Adamawa and ten other PDP-led states questioning the legality of the emergency powers.
