Osun LG Funds Case: Calls for Probe as Magistrate Accused of Disobeying High Court Order

The Osun State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has been urged to investigate the conduct of Senior Magistrate A. A. Adeyeba of Magistrate’s Court 5, Osogbo, following allegations of judicial misconduct and disregard for a subsisting High Court order in the ongoing Osun Local Government funds case.

The call followed proceedings held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, during which the Magistrate was alleged to have continued hearing a matter despite an order of the High Court directing a stay of proceedings and the transfer of the case file for possible quashing.

Background of the Case

The controversy arose from criminal charges instituted by the Osun State Government against United Bank for Africa (UBA) and three of its officials over the alleged unlawful release of funds to local governments during the tenure of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led local government councils.

During the pendency of the matter at the Magistrate’s Court, bench warrants were reportedly issued for the arrest of the bank officials. In response, UBA approached the High Court, seeking leave to quash the charge. The High Court subsequently ordered a stay of proceedings at the Magistrate’s Court and directed that the case file be transferred to it.

Proceedings of February 10, 2026

At the resumed sitting before Magistrate Adeyeba, counsel to UBA, Mr. H. B. Williams, informed the court that the High Court order had been properly filed and served.

However, counsel to the state, Mr. Biodun Badiora, argued that proceedings should continue based on Section 301 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law.

Although the Magistrate initially indicated that he would rule later on whether to proceed or stay proceedings, the prosecution reportedly made an oral application requesting the court to restrain UBA from releasing further funds to local governments in Osun State.

The application was strongly opposed by Mr. Williams, who argued that the Magistrate lacked jurisdiction to entertain such a request, particularly as the defendants had not been convicted and were presumed innocent under the Constitution.

Controversial Orders

Despite the objections, the Magistrate later issued orders restraining UBA from releasing funds to local governments in Osun State and directing the bank to enter a ₦1 billion bond.

Legal Reactions

The development has attracted widespread condemnation from legal practitioners. A senior lawyer who reviewed the proceedings described the Magistrate’s actions as “judicial lawlessness,” arguing that once the court became aware of the High Court’s directive, it was legally bound to halt further proceedings.

According to the lawyer, issuing orders that affect local government administration and banking operations under such circumstances was improper and undermined the rule of law.

Other lawyers also called on the Judicial Service Commission to urgently intervene to safeguard judicial integrity and prevent what they described as a dangerous precedent.

Layonu Reacts

The situation reportedly drew a reaction from Dr. Layonu, a senior lawyer who was present in court as an observer. He was said to have admonished the court, stating that once a superior court assumes jurisdiction over a matter, any further orders by a lower court amount to a nullity.

“A court of law does not issue orders in vain,” he reportedly said, stressing that jurisdiction lost by virtue of a superior court’s directive cannot be reclaimed.

The call for investigation was contained in a press statement dated February 12, 2026, and signed by Mogaji Kola Olabisi, Osun State APC Director of Media and Information.