Top six court cases to watch in 2025

Nigeria’s judicial system is increasingly hard hit by a crisis of confidence as delays in adjudication of cases, conflicting judgments, flagrant disregard for rule of law, alleged corruption and partisanship reportedly thrive.

These have heightened calls for reforms in Africa’s largest democracy. In the coming months, a series of landmark court cases will shape the future of Nigeria’s legal outlook, with the potential to influence governance reforms, national security, human rights protections, and the overall direction of the country’s political system.

BusinessDay outlines six significant court cases to watch in 2025, and their potential impact on governance, justice, and the rule of law.

Yahaya Bello’s alleged corruption case

The trial of Yahaya Bello, former Kogi State governor, accused of misappropriating N80.2 billion in public funds, will remain a focal point in Nigeria’s legal and political landscape. Bello is also facing another 16 counts change of criminal breach of trust and money laundering, amounting to approximately N110.4 billion, filed after he left office. This case is being heard in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

Despite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s efforts, the case has been delayed and overshadowed by controversies, including a brief arrest. This high-profile case has sparked debates on corruption, accountability, and the judicial system’s transparency.

Defamation case against Farotimi

The defamation case between Dele Farotimi, a renowned lawyer and activist, and Aare Afe Babalola, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is another high-profile court matter to watch as the year 2025 unfolds. It promises to captivate the nation. The legal battle stems from accusations made by Farotimi in his book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,’ where he alleged that Babalola, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s legal and educational sectors, engaged in corrupt practices to manipulate Supreme Court judgments for personal gain. While Farotimi, known for his outspoken stance on various national issues, maintains that his statements were made in the public interest, asserting his right to freedom of expression, Babalola, who has decades of experience in both law and academia, argues that Farotimi’s words were false and damaging to his reputation.

Farotimi was arrested in his Lagos home and taken to Ekiti, where he was charged.

This case is poised to be a defining moment for Nigerian jurisprudence, as it raises critical questions about the limits of free speech, defamation laws, and the role of public figures in shaping public discourse. Legal observers will be watching closely to see how the courts navigate the balance between protecting reputations and upholding constitutional rights to free expression. As the case moves forward, it is expected to set important precedents for the defamation law in Nigeria, with potential implications for media practitioners, activists, and other public figures. The outcome will likely spark discussions on the boundaries of criticism and the protection of personal dignity in the age of public commentary and social media influence. With the case still pending in court, all eyes will be on this legal showdown, which could significantly influence Nigeria’s legal landscape in 2025 and beyond.

Read also: Tinubu’s administration battles 625 court cases in one year, says minister

Emefiele’s alleged corruption cases

The ongoing legal battle involving Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), stands as one of the most closely monitored cases in Nigeria.

The case, centered on allegations of financial mismanagement, abuse of office, and fraudulent practices, has raised significant concerns about transparency, accountability in Nigeria’s financial institutions and systemic corruption. Central to the controversy is a sprawling estate located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, allegedly by him. The property spans approximately 150 hectares, with 753 duplexes valued at an estimated N188.25 billion.

Investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) allege that the funding for the estate came from kickbacks tied to contracts awarded by the CBN and allocations of foreign exchange to certain companies. The FCT Court granted an order for the final forfeiture of the property in November 2024. In addition to the estate scandal, Emefiele is accused of holding £543.4 million in fixed deposit accounts in the UK and authorising the withdrawal of $6.23 million shortly before the 2023 general elections. Further investigations revealed significant irregularities in the ‘Ways and Means’ advances, with alleged padding of funds amounting to approximately N198.96 billion.

Just recently, an attempt by Emefiele’s legal team to challenge the court’s jurisdiction over the $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud charges was dismissed by the Ikeja Special Offenses Court, paving the way for the continuation of the trial.

Subsequent hearings are set for February 24 and 26, 2025. With legal proceedings set to unfold, observers are keenly watching to see if it will expose deep-seated corruption within the CBN or lead to Emefiele’s exoneration. The outcome could have significant implications not only for the future of Nigeria’s financial system but also for the broader fight against corruption in government institutions. This case will be a key focal point in Nigeria’s legal and political landscape in 2025, influencing public opinion on governance and economic accountability.

Simon Ekpa’s terrorism case in Finland

Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran activist and factional leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is facing serious charges in Finland related to terrorism. He was arrested on November 21, 2024, along with four others, on suspicions of inciting violence and financing terrorism. Finnish authorities allege that Ekpa used social media to promote separatist propaganda and incite public unrest in southeastern Nigeria.

The Päijät-Häme District Court has ruled to keep him in custody due to probable cause, and his trial is scheduled for May 2025. The Finnish police have linked him to violent incidents against civilians, and investigations suggest he collected funds through questionable means to support these activities. The Nigerian government is closely monitoring the situation, emphasising its implications for national security.

As Ekpa’s trial progresses in 2025, it will likely remain a focal point for national and international discussions about Nigeria’s unity, the fight against terrorism, and the country’s evolving approach to managing regional conflicts. The legal outcome could also influence future separatist movements, with ripple effects extending far beyond the courtrooms of Nigeria.

Electoral Disputes

As Nigeria moves further into 2025, one of the most pivotal issues remaining in the country’s political landscape is the ongoing post-2023 electoral disputes. Several cases challenging election outcomes may arise, particularly concerning the credibility of electoral processes under President Tinubu. These legal challenges, currently unfolding in courtrooms across the nation, are set to shape the future of Nigerian democracy, with several high-stakes cases directly contesting the outcomes of gubernatorial and parliamentary elections.

For instance, Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024, is currently challenging the outcome, alleging that the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not win the election fairly and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) compromised its duties.

Nigerians will be watching closely as the judiciary becomes the ultimate arbiter in these disputes. The decisions in these cases could lead to landmark rulings that redefine electoral integrity, influence future elections, and further set precedents for the policy landscape and how election-related disputes are handled in Nigeria for years to come.

Christiana Uadiale, alleged human trafficking case

Christiana Uadiale’s trial, spotlighted by the International Consortium Investigative Journalism (ICIJ) for her alleged role in human trafficking, will be a key event in 2025, shaping Nigeria’s fight against modern slavery. Uadiale, also known as Christy Gold, was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on December 31, 2024, after being convicted in absentia for human trafficking. She was a key figure in a trafficking network targeting Nigerian women for sexual exploitation in the United Arab Emirate (UAE). Uadiale had been on the run since failing to appear in court after being granted bail in 2020. Her arrest followed coordinated efforts between Nigerian authorities and international agencies. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) emphasised that her capture sends a strong message to other traffickers still at large.

Her case will test Nigeria’s commitment to enforcing anti-trafficking laws and tackling organised crime. The trial is expected to spark debates on regulatory effectiveness and the role of influential figures in such crimes. It may also drive policy reforms, enhance victim support, and raise public awareness, making it a crucial moment in Nigeria’s battle against human exploitation.