Okon Abang
Hon. Justice Okon Efreti Abang | |
|---|---|
| Justice of the Court of Appeal | |
| Assumed office 20 September 2023 | |
| Appointed by | Olukayode Ariwoola |
| Judge of the Federal High Court | |
| In office 22 June 2009 – 20 September 2023 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 January 1961 Oduo-Ebughu, Mbo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria |
| Education | University of Calabar (LL.B), Nigerian Law School (B.L.) |
| Occupation | Judge |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Okon Efreti Abang (born 10 January 1961) is a Nigerian jurist who serves as a Justice of the Court of Appeal. He was appointed a Judge of the Federal High Court in 2009 and was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2023 following the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and subsequent approval by President Bola Tinubu.[1][2]
Early life and education
Abang was born on 10 January 1961 in Oduo-Ebughu, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He attended Central School, Ebughu, before proceeding to St. Vincent's Secondary School, Oti-Oron, where he obtained the West African School Certificate. He later attended the School of Basic Studies, Akamkpa, Cross River State, before studying law at the University of Calabar, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 1987. He subsequently attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus, and was called to the Nigerian Bar on 3 November 1988.[3]
Judicial career
Abang began his legal career after his call to the Bar in 1988. In June 2009, he was appointed a Judge of the Federal High Court, where he presided over civil, constitutional and high-profile criminal matters, particularly cases involving financial crimes and public office holders.[2]
During his tenure at the Federal High Court, Abang handled several nationally significant cases, including proceedings involving former National Publicity Secretary of the People's Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, and former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina. His judgments attracted considerable public attention and were widely reported by Nigerian media.[4][5]
In June 2023, the National Judicial Council recommended Abang for elevation to the Court of Appeal alongside eight other judges. He was sworn in as a Justice of the Court of Appeal in September 2023 by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.[6][2]
Notable judgments
During his tenure at the Federal High Court, Abang presided over a number of high-profile cases involving public officials, electoral disputes and financial crimes.
In February 2020, he convicted former National Publicity Secretary of the People's Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, on charges of money laundering and sentenced him to seven years' imprisonment in a judgment delivered at the Federal High Court, Abuja.[7][8]
Abang also presided over proceedings involving former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, including decisions relating to bail and trial management.[5]
He handled several election-related matters and constitutional cases while serving on the Federal High Court, with many of his decisions subsequently reviewed by appellate courts in accordance with Nigeria's judicial process.[9]
See also
References
- ↑ "Press Release: NJC recommends nine Justices of the Court of Appeal". National Judicial Council. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
- 1 2 3 "CJN to swear in nine new Court of Appeal justices". Punch Newspapers. 17 September 2023. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
- ↑ "Hon. Justice O. E. Abang". Federal High Court of Nigeria. Archived from the original on 28 February 2016. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
- ↑ "How Metuh Tried To Humiliate Me — Justice Abang". Sahara Reporters. 26 February 2020.
- 1 2 "You cannot be trusted with another bail, court tells Maina". Vanguard. 25 February 2021.
- ↑ "NJC recommends nine Court of Appeal Justices". National Judicial Council. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
- ↑ "Court convicts Olisa Metuh, sentences him to seven years". Premium Times. 25 February 2020.
- ↑ "Court convicts Metuh, awards seven years jail term". Punch Newspapers. 25 February 2020.
- ↑ "Hon. Justice O. E. Abang". Federal High Court of Nigeria. Archived from the original on 28 February 2016.