L -R: Hon Justice Habeeb A.O Abiru, Justice of the Supreme Court; Hon. Justice Babatunde A. Adejumo, Administrator, National Judicial Institute; Barr. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC; Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, Chairman Governing Board NCC; Hon. Justice Ibrahim M.M Saulawa, Justice of the Supreme Court, representing the Chief Justice of Nigeria; Mrs Chizua Whyte, Head Legal and Regulatory Services, NCC and Hon Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya, Justice of the Supreme Court, during NCC’s 2026 Workshop for Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications on the 14th May 2026 at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja Lagos.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR-Nigeria’s communications regulator,Nigerian Communications Commission,(NCC), has emphasised the need for judges to better understand telecommunications and digital security matters as the country increases its reliance on technology-driven systems.
At a judicial workshop in Lagos, Aminu Maida, represented by Rimini Makama, said telecom infrastructure now plays a vital role in Nigeria’s economy, security, and public services.
He explained that these systems have become critical national assets that support financial operations, public safety, governance, and citizen communication.
Maida noted that the rapid expansion of digital platforms has created new legal issues involving cybersecurity, online abuse, digital identity, consumer rights, and artificial intelligence.
He added that growing incidents of telecom vandalism, cyberattacks, and infrastructure disputes require judges to develop stronger knowledge of telecommunications laws and regulations.
The workshop was organised by the National Judicial Institute in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission.
The event focused on the judiciary’s role in connectivity, online safety, and the protection of digital infrastructure in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
Speaking at the programme, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun said courts must adapt to increasing cases involving cybercrime, data governance, privacy concerns, and online misconduct.
She stressed that technology-related disputes can no longer be treated as minor issues because governance, commerce, education, and financial transactions now depend heavily on digital connectivity.
Kekere-Ekun also stated that judicial decisions are important in shaping Nigeria’s digital legal framework, especially as the country seeks stronger broadband expansion, digital inclusion, and protection of its telecom ecosystem.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Nigeria’s lead underwriter, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has protected a Gross Written Premium of ₦96.82 billion for the twelve months ending 31 December 2026.
According to notice released on the exchange, for dealing members and investors, the company’s insurance revenue, is projected to stand at ₦89.42 billion.
The company’s general business is expected to generate 72% of the projected GWP, while the Life arm of the groupwill account for j28%.
Investment income would largely be driven by returns on its financial assets, with non-cash items such as depreciation of non-current assets, amortisation of intangible assets, and net fair value gains or losses on financial assets factored into its profit or loss and other comprehensive income statement.
On the profitability side, Mutual Benefits projects gross premium written of ₦96.82 billion and insurance revenue of ₦89.42 billion, against an insurance service expense of ₦81.56 billion. Net income from reinsurance contracts held is estimated at ₦802.64 million, bringing the insurance service result to ₦8.66 billion.
Net investment income is expectedto stand at ₦13.16 billion, while net insurance finance expenses are projected at ₦1.99 billion, resulting in net insurance and investment results of ₦19.84 billion. With other income of ₦237.03 million and total non-attributable expenses of ₦2.76 billion, the company expects a profit before income tax of ₦17.31 billion.
After an income tax expense of ₦1.90 billion, Mutual Benefits projects a full-year profit of ₦15.41 billion for the period under review.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday fixed Nov. 24 for hearing in a suit filed by the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) against the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
CIFCFIN is challenging the power of ICAN to train and issue qualifying certificates to forensic professionals.
The matter, which is before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, was initially scheduled for mention on Tuesday but the case was adjourned to enable parties appear properly before the court.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that CIFCFIN, through its counsel, Shaibu Aruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), sued ICAN as the sole defendant in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1559/2026.
CIFCFIN argued that ICAN cannot offer a “Certification Programme culminating in the award of Certified Forensic Accountant of Nigeria (CFAN).”
It submitted that this was in line with the combined interpretation of Sections 2(a) – (i),3(1)(a) and 4(a) – (c), 6(2), 12(2), 13, (1) () and (g), 17(1l) (a) and (b) and 22 of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 45, 2022,
Mohammed Arafat, the Head of Legal and Corporate Services of CIFCFIN, maintained in a supporting affidavit that ICAN’s invitation to applicants for a seven-day professional certification programme culminating in the award of Certified Forensic Accountant of Nigeria (CFAN), is outside its mandate and could confuse the general public.
The plaintiff alleged that ICAN had invited applicants in the fields of knowledge of chartered accountants, compliance managers, bankers, investment analysts, auditors, and anti-corruption agencies staff and other institutions to register for the programme.
CIFCFIN, therefore, prayed the court for an order setting aside and nullifying the award of the qualification or the CFAN certificate, or any other qualification or certificate in the field and practice of forensics in Nigeria by ICAN.
It urged the court to make an order for the defendant to withdraw, retract or cease any publication, gazette notice, or public representation asserting that it has power to certify or license.
CIFCFIN also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining ICAN, its council, etc, from issuing, advertising or recognising CFAN qualification, designation, licence or certification or any title or award identical or similar to those created under the provisions of its Act.
It further sought a declaration that “by the combined provisions of Sections 2(a) -(i), 3(1)(a) and 4(a)- (c), 6(2), 12(2), 13, (1)(0) and (g), 17(1)(a) and (b) and 22 of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 45. 2022, the defendant cannot offer ‘Certification Programme’ culminating in the award of CFAN.”
(NAN)
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