Publish Your Assets -SERAP Tells Tinubu

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Appeals to the President to encourage his cabinet to do the same Says the secrecy in asset declaration provides opportunities for the abuse of public funds for private gain Says transparency and accountability won’t happen without assets declaration The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to request the Code … Read more

Kidnapped Ondo Cleric, Family Released

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Abuja Kidnapped Victims

An Anglican Church cleric, Reverend Canon Olowolagba, his wife and two children who were kidnapped along the Ise/lboropa-Akoko Road in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, have regained their freedom. EDITOR’S PICKS  PDP Declares Ethiope East Federal Seat Vacant Following Ibori-Suenu’s Defection to APC Retired Principals Call for Recognition and Better Welfare from … Read more

List of Top Political Figures Who Defected from Opposition Parties to APC Ahead of 2027

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Key politicians defected to APC in 2024. 2024 defections reflect shifting political alliances. Notable leaders include Pius Anyim and Emeka Ihedioha. The Nigerian political landscape in 2024 was marked by a series of dramatic events, including merger discussions among opposition parties in preparation for the 2027 general elections. This period also witnessed the defection of … Read more

Femi Adebayo Reveals Inspiration Behind ‘Seven Doors

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My best scene in ‘Seven Doors’ was where they had to lay the chiefs on the floor and beat them – Femi Adebayo ‘Seven Doors’ was inspired by the life of a king Kissing Chioma Chukwuka was just me interpreting my roles – Femi Adebayo During a recent interview with Saturday Beats, actor and filmmaker … Read more

Sharia Law Part of South-West History – Oluwo of Iwo

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Oluwo of Iwo

Oluwo of Iwo backs Sharia law in South-West, citing constitutional rights. Sharia Court in Oyo sparks mixed reactions ahead of 2025 launch. Oba Akanbi says Sharia law respects religious freedom and local customs. The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has called for the implementation of Sharia law in the South-West, asserting it as a … Read more

Nigerian-American Rapper, OG Maco is Dead

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OG Maco, 32, passed away weeks after critical hospitalization. Known for 2014 hit “U Guessed It” and XXL’s 2015 Freshman Class. Family celebrates his resilience and creative legacy. Rapper OG Maco, born Benedict Ihesiba Jr., has died at the age of 32, just weeks after being hospitalised. EKO HOT BLOG reports that his family confirmed … Read more

Professional Fees: FG Disburses N1.1 Billion to Prominent Law Firms Including Afe Babalola, Olanipekun and Others

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  • 17 lawyers received a cumulative sum of N359.7 million as professional fees
  • Afe Babalola, Olanipekun, and Dr. Alex Izinyon, SAN, collectively received N482.7 million
  • LDS Legal was paid N70.9m, while King’s Chambers and Iwuanyanwu & Co each received N15.7m Professional Fees

According to an analysis of data from GovSpend, a platform that tracks and analyzes Nigeria’s Federal Government expenditure, the Ministry of Justice has paid approximately N1.1 billion in professional fees to prominent lawyers and law firms, including Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and 23 other firms over three years.

Eko Hot Blog gathered that the term “professional services” within legal practice refers to various activities performed by lawyers for their clients, such as offering legal advice, drafting legal documents, and representing clients in legal matters.

EDITOR’S PICK

These services may also include transactional tasks like identifying legal risks in real estate and business dealings, negotiation, mediation, regulatory compliance, advocacy, lobbying, and risk management.

In July 2024, Babalola, Olanipekun, and Dr. Alex Izinyon, SAN, collectively received N482.7 million from the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Babalola was paid N372.9 million on July 23 for representing the Federal Government in a court case registered FHC/ABJ/SC/8962/2023. Olanipekun and Izinyon received N103.6 million and N6.2 million, respectively, for providing similar services at different times. Olanipekun’s payment was made on July 26, while Izinyon received his fee three days later.

Professional Fees: FG Disburses N1.1 Billion to Prominent Law Firms Including Afe Babalola, Olanipekun and Others

Further analysis of the Ministry of Justice’s records shows that in 2022, at least 17 lawyers received a cumulative sum of N359.7 million as professional fees, while four lawyers were paid a total of N319.3 million.

Further analysis of the Ministry of Justice’s records reveals that in 2022, no fewer than 17 lawyers received a cumulative sum of N359.7m as professional fees, while four lawyers were paid a total of N319.3m in 2021.

Among those who received payments in 2022 were Savannah Law Chambers, which was paid N17.4m; Lex Habitae, which received N21.8m; Rashida Mohammed & Co in Sokoto, which got N17.4m; and Abdullahi Haruna & Co, which also received N17.4m.

LDS Legal was paid N70.9m, while King’s Chambers and Iwuanyanwu & Co each received N15.7m. Sulaiman Salihu & Co was paid N31.4m in two tranches.

Other firms that benefited include Justice Solicitors & Attorneys, which was paid N15.7m; Pelican Legal, which received N15.7m; and Aderemi Olatubora & Co, which was paid N17.4m. Gboyega Oyewole of Lords and Temple Attorneys was paid N5.4m, while Savannah Law Chambers received an additional N29m.

Hanafi Mumini Ishola of Hanafi & Associates received N20.7m, Law Forte was paid N22.3m in two tranches, and Madyan Legal Consult received N24.8m in two tranches.

FURTHER READING

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FCMB and NNEW Empower 215 Women Entrepreneurs

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FCMB SheVentures Mentoring Programme supports women entrepreneurs with financial solutions SheVentures Currently on 11th Cohort Five Key Areas Outlined during the session  The FCMB SheVentures Mentoring Programme, in partnership with NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women, recently celebrated the virtual graduation of 215 women entrepreneurs. Eko Hot Blog gathered that this achievement marks the completion of … Read more

Fuel Subsidy Removal Worsened Nigeria’s Problems – NLC Tackles Tinubu

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Debt Servicing 2024

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s justification for removing the fuel subsidy, stating that the move has worsened the country’s economic challenges. This was in response to Tinubu’s remarks during a media chat on Monday, where he defended the subsidy removal as a necessary step to prevent national financial collapse. EDITOR’S … Read more

Top 10 Grossing Nigerian Movies of 2024

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In 2024, Nollywood achieved remarkable success at the box office, with the top 10 highest-grossing Nigerian films collectively earning over ₦3.24 billion. EKO HOT BLOG reports that for the first time in history, Nigerian films surpassed foreign films, securing 50.4% of the total box office revenue. Here are the top 10 grossing Nigerian movies of … Read more

Top 10 Nigerian Songs of 2024: Hits that Shaped the Global Music Scene

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The Nigerian entertainment industry has continued to thrive in 2024, with Nigerian artists making significant strides on the global stage through impressive music and high-quality films. EKO HOT BLOG reports that the music scene has particularly excelled, with exceptional streaming numbers and substantial revenue generation. While exact streaming data of individual tracks is limited, several … Read more

NNPC Denies Ethnic Bias in Employment, Promotions, Appointments

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed claims that employment, promotions, appointments, and leadership changes within the company are influenced by ethnicity, tribe, religion, or political affiliation. Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, emphasized that merit, business requirements, and expertise are the sole factors guiding decisions at the company. He … Read more

10 Signs You’re Destined To Become Rich And Successful

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Signs Rich Successful

Success and wealth are often viewed as distant dreams, achievable only by a select few. However, the path to becoming rich and successful may already be unfolding in your life, even if you don’t realize it yet. EDITOR’S PICKS  NNPC Unveils Command Centre for Real-Time Monitoring of Hydrocarbon Operations ATCON Urges FG to Tackle Infrastructural … Read more

2025: MAN, ASUU, Local Unions Demand Immediate Economic Action from Tinubu

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Debt Servicing 2024

As the world prepares to welcome the New Year, various stakeholders in Nigeria, including those from the manufacturing, academic, security sectors, local government unions, and the Ijaw National Congress, have called on President Bola Tinubu to take steps toward improving the economy in 2025. While acknowledging the challenges of 2024, which they described as “tough” … Read more

Transfer: Arsenal Join Race to Sign Victor Osimhen

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Louis Saha Urges Manchester United To Sign Osimhen

Arsenal are reportedly planning to make a move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in January, amid Bukayo Saka’s injury setback. – The Gunners may activate Osimhen’s £66m release clause at Napoli, but will need to negotiate with both Napoli and Galatasaray, where he’s currently on loan. – Arsenal’s interest in Osimhen has intensified due to … Read more

Reps Propose Bill to Separate Offices of AGF, Minister of Justice

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31 new states

The House of Representatives is currently considering a bill that seeks to separate the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice. EKO HOT BLOG learned that if passed, the bill would separate the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice roles at the state level. The bill is co-sponsored by … Read more

Suspended South Korean President Accused of Ordering Military to Use Guns to Remove Lawmakers

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South Korea’s suspended president allegedly ordered military to use force to remove lawmakers during martial law vote. Impeachment proceedings are ongoing as prosecutors investigate Yoon Suk Yeol’s actions during the December 3 incident. Former defence minister indicted for allegedly helping carry out military orders to block National Assembly and arrest officials. Prosecutors have charged South … Read more

Lamido Slams Tinubu Over Loan Requests, Accuses Him of Misleading Nigerians

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Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of deceiving Nigerians about the actual state of the country and his administration. Speaking on BBC Hausa’s Gane Mini Hanya program, Lamido, a prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), criticized President Tinubu’s loan requests, claiming they contradict the government’s narrative to … Read more

10 Places You Should Never Keep Your Smartphone For Your Health’s Sake

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Places Keep Smartphone

In today’s world, smartphones are essential tools, seamlessly integrating into our daily lives for communication, entertainment, and productivity. However, their omnipresence also brings potential health risks and concerns, especially in terms of where we store or carry them. EDITOR’S PICKS  NNPC Unveils Command Centre for Real-Time Monitoring of Hydrocarbon Operations ATCON Urges FG to Tackle … Read more

Shettima, Zulum, Others Visit Jigawa Gov Namadi Over Loss of Mother, Son

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Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Saturday, led a delegation on behalf of President Bola Tinubu to extend condolences to the government and people of Jigawa State over the passing of the mother and eldest son of the state governor, Alhaji Umar Namadi. EKO HOT BLOG reports that Shettima was accompanied by Borno State Governor Babagana … Read more

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