Nightly roundup: Nigeria's chief judge prohibits use of 'Barrister' designation, authorities bust ring producing counterfeit diplomatic license plates, and more major news

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The judiciary, security and public sector reforms dominated today’s headlines as the Chief Justice of Nigeria barred lawyers from using the title “Barrister” as a name prefix at the Supreme Court, while the police uncovered a fake diplomatic number plate syndicate in the Federal Capital Territory.

Also making headlines were the NNPC’s recruitment of over 1,000 employees, fresh calls by the family of former Head of State, Gen. Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, for compensation nearly six decades after his assassination, and the deployment of a new Commissioner of Police to Osun ahead of the governorship election.

Canada also clarified its citizenship rules for people born abroad, while a former JAMB registrar and a content creator shared personal reflections on leadership and social media.

Here are the top stories:

CJN bans use of ‘Barrister’ title as name prefix at Supreme Court

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names during all official engagements at the Supreme Court.

The directive was conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.

Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular stated that the directive takes immediate effect and is aimed at promoting professionalism and maintaining uniform standards in proceedings at the apex court.

According to the memorandum, the use of the title “Barrister” as a formal prefix in court documents, filings and official interactions at the Supreme Court is no longer permitted.

Police uncover fake, diplomatic govt number plate network in FCT

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has recovered stolen public infrastructure and uncovered a syndicate involved in the illegal production and use of fake diplomatic and official government number plates.

The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, the recovered items include drainage covers, solar-powered street lights, armoured electricity cables and internet communication cables allegedly vandalised and stolen from various parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

Sanusi said the command also dismantled a network responsible for producing and using counterfeit diplomatic and official government number plates, describing the development as a breakthrough in efforts to curb crimes targeting public assets and government facilities.

NNPC deploys over 1,000 new employees

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has deployed more than 1,000 young professionals into its workforce following the successful completion of a one-year internship, intensive training and evaluation programme.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, announced the development in a post shared on the company’s official social media platforms on Friday.

Ojulari described the deployment as a significant milestone in the company’s drive to build a skilled and future-ready workforce.

According to him, the new employees were selected after completing a rigorous programme that combined practical internships, intensive training and performance assessments.

Aguiyi-Ironsi’s family demands compensation, apology 58 years after counter-coup

The family of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, is demanding an apology from the Federal Government over his killing in 1966, alongside calls for compensation and reconciliation.

Speaking during an interview with Arise News on Thursday, the family head, Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, said, “I think the family needs an apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need a sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation.”

He described his uncle as a visionary leader who was wrongly punished for a coup in which he played no part.

IG deploys new CP to oversee Osun election

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed Erale Samuel Etaifo as the new Commissioner of Police for Osun State, tasked with overseeing security ahead of the state’s upcoming governorship election.

The deployment was confirmed in a statement from Abiodun Ojelabi, Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Police Command, obtained in Osogbo on Friday. Ojelabi said the move reflects the IGP’s continued commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and ensuring the election is free, fair, and credible.

He added that the deployment also demonstrates the Nigeria Police Force’s determination to guarantee a peaceful, transparent, and secure election process, one that protects voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists, and law-abiding residents across the state.

Canada clarifies citizenship rules for people born abroad

Canada has clarified how citizenship applies to people born outside the country, stating that eligibility hinges on a direct line of descent from a Canadian parent, along with the citizenship status of each person in that chain at the time of birth.

Under these rules, individuals born abroad can be recognised as Canadian citizens if they’re able to trace an unbroken line back through parents, grandparents, or other direct ancestors who held Canadian citizenship at the time the next generation was born.

One important condition is that only the direct family line counts, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives outside that direct chain cannot pass on citizenship, no matter how closely related.

Ex-FUOYE SUG president regains freedom after remand

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced the release of James Adio, the immediate past Students’ Union Government President of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, days after he was remanded by a Magistrate Court in Ekiti State.

NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, shared the news on his X handle on Friday, calling the release a victory for justice. According to Akinteye, “Comrade Adio, the immediate past FUOYE SUG President, who was remanded in prison, has regained his freedom.” He added that he had personally spoken with Adio and was pleased to confirm that he was in high spirits.

Ex-JAMB registrar warns against prolonged stay in office

The outgoing Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has announced plans to return to academia and religious activities after completing his 10-year tenure, saying he needs time to “go back and beg God” following the demands of public service.

Oloyede made the disclosure during the handover ceremony to his successor, Prof. Aina, where he reflected on his decade in office and described the experience as professionally and spiritually demanding.

The former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin said he was looking forward to a quieter life focused on teaching and strengthening his faith.

During the event, Oloyede also defended JAMB’s decision to sanction 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination candidate, Mmesoma Ejikeme, with a three-year ban over allegations of examination malpractice.

He maintained that the board acted to protect the credibility and integrity of its examination process, adding that he had no regrets over the decision.

How my social media usage costs me my bank job — Content creator

A content creator known as Becca Oluwabukola says her job at a bank came to an end after management pushed her to resign over content she’d been posting on TikTok. In a video she posted on Thursday, Becca explained that the bank accused her of showing a “sensitive area” of the office in one of her vlogs, and that this ultimately led to her being told to step down.

She kept both the bank’s identity and her specific job title out of the video. Becca has built a following on TikTok mainly through everyday lifestyle content documenting her 9-to-5 routine.

Here more here: https://punchng.com/how-my-social-media-usage-costs-me-my-bank-job-content-creator/n

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