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Legal Intelligence · Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Litigation & Dispute Resolution legal & regulatory updates

Briefly tracks litigation & dispute resolution developments — court rulings, legislation, gazette notices, and regulatory updates — from courts and regulators. 55 updates tracked in the past 30 days, last updated 11 Aug.

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United States
Case Law

LPP Mortgage Ltd v Underwood Towers Ltd Partnership: US Post-Opinion Motions Deadline

The operative date in a US court opinion marks the beginning of time periods for filing post-opinion motions and petitions for certification. This date is often overlooked, but it can have significant implications for lawyers and their clients.

11 Aug
Senegal
Case Law

Senegal Pape Cheikh Diallo Non-Lieu Beneficiaries Released: 13 Detainees Freed

On 7 August, thirteen individuals implicated in the Pape Cheikh Diallo case were released from Rebeuss and Sébikotane prisons despite the prosecutor's appeal. This development is significant for practitioners as it highlights the complexities of the Senegalese judicial system, particularly with regards to appeals and non-lieu decisions. The release of these individuals underscores the importance of understanding the nuances of Senegalese law and procedure, which can sometimes lead to seemingly contradictory outcomes. The relevant statutes and regulations involved in this case include the Senegalese Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. The court hierarchy is also pertinent, with the juge d'instruction playing a crucial role in determining non-lieu decisions. The key parties involved are the prosecutor Saliou Dicko, who has appealed the decision, and the thirteen individuals released from prison. Practitioners should take note of this development as it may impact their understanding of how to navigate the Senegalese judicial system, particularly in cases involving appeals and non-lieu decisions.

8 Aug
Ghana
Case Law

Sir Sam Jonah's ICC Arbitration: Nigeria Land Dispute Reaches Critical Juncture

Sir Sam Jonah has commenced international arbitration proceedings against the Nigerian government over a 501-hectare property in Abuja, escalating a long-running dispute over one of his major investments outside Ghana. The case, being heard under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, concerns the termination of a development lease covering the property near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The legal significance of this matter cannot be overstated, as it highlights the complexities and challenges that can arise when international investors engage with local governments. The dispute is likely to have far-reaching implications for businesses operating in Nigeria, particularly those involved in real estate development and investment. Practitioners should monitor the outcome closely, as it may set a precedent for future disputes between foreign investors and the Nigerian government. The relevant statutes and regulations governing this matter include the Nigerian Land Use Act of 1978, which grants the federal government control over land use in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The dispute also raises questions about the enforceability of international arbitration awards in Nigeria, particularly under the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. The ICC's involvement in this matter underscores its role as a neutral forum for resolving cross-border disputes. The key parties involved in this matter include Sir Sam Jonah, through his company JonahCapital Nigeria Limited, and the Nigerian government, represented by various agencies and officials. The outcome of this matter is not yet reported, but it is likely to have significant implications for the business community in Nigeria and beyond.

8 Aug
Nigeria
Case Law

Lagos State High Court: Orders Interim Administration of Akindele's Estate

The Lagos State High Court has ordered the Lagos State Administrator-General to take over the interim administration of the estate of late billionaire industrialist, Chief Labode Akindele. This development comes amid a legal dispute over his Will, with the deceased's first son, Mr. Oladipo Akindele, having made an application for the court's intervention. The legal significance of this matter cannot be overstated, as it highlights the complexities and challenges that can arise in estate administration, particularly when there are disputes over a deceased person's Will. Practitioners should take note of this case, as it demonstrates the importance of clear and unambiguous testamentary wishes, as well as the need for effective estate planning to avoid such disputes. The Lagos State Administrator-General is responsible for managing the estates of deceased individuals in Lagos State, and their involvement in this matter underscores the role of the state in ensuring that the administration of estates is carried out in accordance with the law. The court's order also highlights the importance of judicial intervention in resolving disputes over estate administration. The key parties involved in this case include the Lagos State High Court, the Lagos State Administrator-General, and Mr. Oladipo Akindele, who has made an application to the court for the interim administration of his father's estate. Practitioners should monitor this case closely, as it may set a precedent for future disputes over estate administration in Lagos State.

8 Aug
Kenya
Case Law

Kenya High Court Ruling on 2026 Election Date Challenged by Aden Duale

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has criticised a High Court ruling that Kenya’s next General Election should be held in August 2026, arguing that this interpretation would effectively shorten the tenure of elected leaders to four years. In a statement, Duale said the judgment misinterprets and misapplies the Constitution by drawing an artificial distinction between the phrases “fifth year” and “five years” without considering the wider constitutional framework governing elective offices. The legal significance of this matter lies in its potential impact on the electoral cycle in Kenya. If the High Court's interpretation is upheld, it could lead to a situation where elected leaders serve shorter terms than intended by the Constitution. This has significant implications for the stability and continuity of governance in the country. Practitioners should be aware that this ruling may set a precedent for future electoral disputes. The relevant statutes and regulations involved in this matter are the Kenyan Constitution, particularly Articles 136(2)(a) and 177(4), which govern the election dates and terms of elective offices. The High Court's interpretation of these provisions is at the center of Duale's criticism. The court hierarchy in Kenya includes the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court, with the latter being the final arbiter of constitutional matters. The key parties involved in this matter are Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who has criticized the High Court ruling, and the High Court itself, which made the original decision. The outcome of this matter is not yet reported, but it is likely to be appealed to higher courts. Practitioners should monitor this case closely as it may have significant implications for future electoral disputes in Kenya.

8 Aug
Rwanda
Case Law

Rwanda Investigation Bureau: Ingufu Gin Owner Faces Up to 25 Years Jail Over Substandard Alcohol

In Rwanda, owners and managers of alcohol factories shut down in a nationwide crackdown on unsafe drinks could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted of offenses linked to the production of substandard alcohol, authorities warned. The warning comes as investigations widen into manufacturers accused of producing alcoholic beverages that failed to meet required safety standards. The legal significance of this development lies in its potential impact on businesses operating in Rwanda's alcohol industry. Practitioners should be aware that the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) has been actively enforcing regulations related to food and drug safety, including those governing the production of alcoholic beverages. The crackdown follows a public health crisis linked to unsafe alcoholic drinks, which resulted in at least 50 deaths, over 100 cases of permanent blindness, and more than 500 medical treatments. The relevant statutes and regulations involved in this matter include the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority Act, 2011, and the Regulations on Safety Standards for Alcoholic Beverages. The Rwanda FDA has been empowered to inspect and regulate food and drug establishments, including those producing alcoholic beverages. The agency's actions are guided by the principles of protecting public health and safety. The key parties involved in this matter include the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), the Rwanda National Police, and the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA). The authorities have arrested over 80 individuals, including Ntihanabayo Samuel, owner and manager of Ingufu Gin, and suspended the production of drinks considered unsafe. Practitioners should monitor this development closely, as it may set a precedent for future enforcement actions in Rwanda's alcohol industry.

8 Aug
Nigeria
Case Law

DSS Arrests Suspects Over Nasarawa Varsity Professor Kidnap

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested three more suspects linked to the kidnapping of the Dean of Agriculture at Nasarawa State University, Professor Samuel Avengbe Okunsebor. The arrest is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the kidnap incident, which has been shrouded in mystery since its occurrence. The legal significance of this development cannot be overstated. The DSS's ability to apprehend additional suspects suggests that progress is being made in unraveling the complex web of circumstances surrounding the kidnapping. This, in turn, may lead to a more effective prosecution and ultimately, justice for the victim and his family. From a legal context perspective, this incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in Nigeria in combating crimes such as kidnapping. The case also underscores the need for robust collaboration between security agencies and other stakeholders in ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are brought to book. The relevant statutes and regulations governing the investigation and prosecution of kidnapping cases in Nigeria include the Criminal Code Act, the Penal Code Act, and the Anti-Kidnapping Law of Nasarawa State. The key parties involved in this case include the DSS, the police, and the victim's family. Practitioners should monitor the development of this case closely, as it may set a precedent for future investigations into similar crimes. Attorneys representing clients accused of kidnapping or related offenses should also take note of the strategies employed by law enforcement agencies in this case.

8 Aug
Ghana
Case Law

Asante Kwaku Berko Convicted Under Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

The Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, has announced that Ghana and the US are collaborating to bring others to book over a power plant bribery scheme linked to a Turkish energy company and the government of Ghana. This development follows the conviction of Asante Kwaku Berko, former MD of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), by a United States federal jury in Brooklyn, New York. The significance of this matter lies in its potential impact on anti-corruption efforts in Ghana. The collaboration between Ghanaian and US authorities demonstrates a commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions, particularly in cases involving foreign bribery and money laundering. The power plant development contract between the Turkish energy company and the government of Ghana is at the center of this bribery scheme. The relevant statutes and regulations involved include the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and possibly Ghana's Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2008 (Act 749). The court hierarchy in this matter involves US federal courts, specifically the Eastern District Court of New York. The key parties involved are Asante Kwaku Berko, former MD of TOR, and the Turkish energy company. Practitioners should monitor this development closely as it may set a precedent for future anti-corruption efforts in Ghana. Attorneys representing clients involved in similar bribery schemes or money laundering activities should be prepared to adapt their strategies in light of this collaboration between Ghanaian and US authorities.

8 Aug
India
Case Law

Supreme Court: IN Allows Children's Court to Reassess JJB Adult Trial Assessment

The Supreme Court has clarified that the Children's Court can independently reassess a child's suitability for an adult trial under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. The preliminary assessment made by the Juvenile Justice Board is not final and can be re-examined by the Children's Court.

8 Aug

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