Nation
THE STATES
Benue
A Makurdi Upper Area Court has sentenced a man, Salisu
Audu, 45, to three years imprisonment for house-breaking and stealing valuables.
In his judgment, the Magistrate, Ibrahim Mohammed, said that the convict failed to show any remorse to warrant the court being lenient.
“Having found you guilty of the charge of house breaking under Section 353 of the Penal Code, an offence which has no option of fine, you are hereby sentenced to 24 months imprisonment.
“For the offence of theft, you are to pay a fine of N5,000 or twelve months imprisonment in default.
“Both sentences shall run concurrently,” Mohammed said.
Borno
Senator Muhammad Ndume (PDP-Borno) last Tuesday
urged Nigerian political leaders to emulate late South African leader, Nelson Mandela, by playing positive roles in national development.
Ndume told newsmen in Maiduguri that Mandela was a hero, great man and a symbol of African pride.
“This is a man that showed commitment to the uplifting of human dignity with perseverance and integrity.
“People like Nelson Mandela should be in the first class seat if there is anything like that in heaven.
FCT
An Abuja-based lawyer, Mrs Maryam Uwais, has called
on Nigerians to adhere to the rule of law and protect the rights of citizens.
Uwais gave the advice in Abuja in an interview with newsmen on the sideline of an event to mark the International Human Rights Day.
According to her, adhering to the rule of law and protecting the fundamental rights of citizens is key to the growth of democratic governance.
“We must always respect the rights and dignity of other people, irrespective of their religion or ethnic background in the country.
Jigawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
in Jigawa State, said it rescued a newly-born baby girl abandoned on a roadside in Babura, near Dutse.
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Muhammad Gidado,told newsmen in Dutse that the abandoned baby was rescued in Babura local government area.
He said the baby was rescued on the outskirts of Babura town on Damu village road around 1.30 p.m.
The commandant said that the baby was in good health.
He said the baby had been handed over to the District Head of Babura for safe keeping while investigation continued.
Kaduna
Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it collects
over N1billion monthly from the N700 million it used to collect from the sale of electricity to consumers within Kaduna and its environs.
General Manager in charge of the Kaduna State region of the company, Mr John Obaluju, made this known when the National Good Governance Tour team inspected ongoing work at the Mando
He said the improvement in revenue resulted from the investments by government in both generation and transmission facilities.
Obajulu said after the expansion of the sub-station, electricity consumers would enjoy improved power supply at a much cheaper rate.
Katsina
The Chairman of the Malumfashi Local Government Tran
sition Council in Katsina State, Alhaji Mansur Banki, has advised youths in the area to embrace irrigation farming.
He gave the advice in Malumfashi lastMonday during the disbursement of N2 million interest-free loans to 200 youths.
Banki, who cautioned the beneficiaries to shun violence, urged them to go to their respective family farms during rainy season and engage in farming.
He said that the involvement of youths in agriculture would not only boost food production, but also enhance the efforts of the government to achieve food security.
Kebbi
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development,
Hajiya Zainab Maina, has launched Widows Empowerment Scheme in Kebbi State.
The minister, who was in Birnin Kebbi for a two-day advocacy visit, distributed 1,000 refrigerators and 400 grinding machines to some widows.
During the distribution ceremony, she urged the beneficiaries to utilise the facilities to improve their economic status and support their children.
Maina commended the state government for appointing women in political offices and called for the implementation of the affirmative action by placing more women in government.
Kwara
The Chairman of Patigi Local Government in Kwara State,
Alhaji Uthman Mohammed-Ndako, has called for the inclusion of Nupe language in the Nigerian education curriculum.
Mohammed-Ndako made the call in Patigi at the launch of some textbooks written in Nupe by the Etsu of Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta-Umar.
He said Nupe language, “as one of the paramount indigenous languages, would surely promote the cultural heritage of the people.’’
The chairman, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Shuaib Muazu, said the books would boost the basic techniques required in the writing and speaking of Nupe language.
Lagos
The Lagos State House of Assembly says it would ini
tiate a bill to provide legal framework to enhance the operations of vigilance groups in the state.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Adeyemi Ikuforuji, said this while receiving members of the Vigilance Group of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, who paid him a visit.
Ikuforuji said, “be rest-assured that the House will support you. Please continue to render your services without fear or favour. “We want to assure you that the house will support you which is a major reason for your visit.
Ogun
The Ogun State Government said it had earmarked N1.4
billion for payment of examination fees for students sitting for the West African School Certificate in 2014.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Segun Odubela, made the disclosure in Abeokuta while defending the 2014 budget proposal of the ministry at the House of Assembly.
Odubela said the money would take care of 54,944 final year senior secondary school students at the rate of N10,400 each.
“The money will also take care of the 70,000 final year Junior Secondary School students and the conduct of the Unified Examinations for secondary school students in the state.
Osun
An Ilesa Magistrate’s Court has remanded Abayomi
Ogundipe, 19, in prison custody for allegedly stabbing his friend, Itunu Folorunso, with a broken bottle.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Jimoh Mufutau, told the court that the accused committed the act on December 8, at 2.00 p.m. at Igbogi Street, Ilesa.
He said the accused was arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony, breach of peace, unlawfully wounding Folounso and belonging to unlawful society.
Mufutau alleged that the accused conspired with others, now at large, to commit felony with the intention to cause the breach of peace.
Oyo
An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan has sentenced two hospital clerks, Elizabeth Adesokan, 34, and Olufemi Idowu, 39, to four years in prison for stealing N6.9 million.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olusola Adetujoye, jailed Adesokan and Idowu after they were found guilty of conspiracy and stealing.
Adetujoye said the convicts were charged with conspiracy and theft of N6.9 million belonging to Ola Catholic Hospital, Oluyoro Oke-Ofa, Ibadan.
She said the prosecutor had proved his case beyond reasonable doubt, adding that the accused were guilty as charged.
Plateau
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Plateau State Command, said it had trained 320 officers in extensive weapons handling between January and November.
The Commandant, Mr Vincent Bature, told newsmen last in Jos Tuesday that the officers underwent extensive training in weapons handling, arms drills, combat craft, range classification and exercises. He said that out of the 320 officers, 20 were specially trained as Special Forces at the Nigeria Army Counter Terrorism Training School, Kachia in Kaduna State and the School of Armour, Kontagora in Niger State.
Nation
Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist
Bikers were among prominent dignitaries who recently attended the burial ceremony of late Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor (née Lawson) in Omagwa Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The burial service, held at the St. Martin’s Anglican Church field, attracted a large turnout of religious leaders, business executives, political figures, celebrities, bikers’ groups, traditional rulers and community members from different parts of Nigeria. Also present were the Bishop of the Anglican Province of the Niger Delta, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, and popular businessman and socialite, Obi Cubana, among other notable personalities.
The remains of Mrs Grant Offor, a respected professional, philanthropist and devout Christian, were laid to rest amid an elaborate and well-coordinated funeral ceremony that reflected her wide-reaching influence and the high regard in which she was held by family, associates and the larger community.
The ceremony drew public attention due to its unique logistics, as two helicopters were deployed. An air ambulance helicopter conveyed the casket to the church field, while another helicopter transported members of the deceased’s family from Abonnema to Omagwa Community.
Dignitaries and mourners gathered in large numbers to pay their final respects.
In an emotional tribute, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor, described his late wife as everything to him, stating that her passing had created a deep void in his life and in the lives of their children. He disclosed that he committed his time, resources and efforts in a bid to save her life, adding that if money or human effort alone could prevent death, she would still be alive.
Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor was born on May 4, 1978, at the Ibiso Maternity Clinic, Port Harcourt, and passed away on November 15, 2025, after a prolonged illness that lasted nearly three years. She was born a twin and grew up in a family noted for service and leadership. Her father, the late Engr. Benoni Lawson, served as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), while her mother, Mrs. Irene Lawson, is a nurse.
She attended Port Harcourt Primary School and International Secondary School (ISS) before proceeding to the University of Science and Technology (UST), Port Harcourt, and later the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, where she studied Accountancy and graduated with honours. She was widely known during her academic years for her discipline, focus and reserved lifestyle.
After completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, Mrs. Grant Offor began her professional career in the banking sector, including service with the defunct All States Trust Bank, and later worked in other professional capacities. She earned a reputation for integrity, diligence and ethical conduct.
She was married to Engr. Grant Offor for over 20 years, a union blessed with three children. As a wife and mother, she was described as deeply devoted to her family, instilling values of faith, patience, kindness and discipline. Her home was known among close associates as one built on prayer, love and godly counsel.
A committed Christian, Mrs. Grant Offor was known for her strong faith and love for gospel music, particularly songs of healing and deliverance. Even while receiving specialist medical care in the United Kingdom, she reportedly remained steadfast in her belief, trusting in God until her final moments.
Adding to the show of solidarity, the President of the Rivers State Chapter of the Pantas Female Bikers Group, Mr. White Timano, disclosed that High Chief Engr. Grant Offor is a major sponsor of Uyo Micah’s Carnival, one of the group’s major events. He said bikers and supporters travelled from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta States to commiserate with the family and show support during the period of mourning.
Mr. Timano described death as inevitable and encouraged the family to remain strong, stressing that only God grants the grace required to endure such painful loss.
The church field was tastefully decorated, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The burial ceremony featured hymns, live music, scriptural exhortations, eulogies and tributes celebrating the life and legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor. Messages from notable personalities highlighted her contributions to family life, philanthropy, professional service and community development.
On behalf of the family, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor expressed appreciation to all who stood by them throughout the period of mourning, thanking guests for their prayers, presence and support.
The burial ceremony stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor, whose life of service, faith and quiet generosity left a lasting impact on many across Rivers State, the Niger Delta and beyond.
Nation
Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH
Asecurity guard has been reported missing following the demolition of a fence at a property located at No. 19D, Golf Course Layout, Old Government Residential Area (GRA), Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The incident reportedly occurred late Sunday night at the disputed property said to be owned by Ozone Global.
Eyewitnesses revealed that a group of men, some of whom were dressed in what appeared to be naval uniforms, arrived at the premises on motorcycles and allegedly pulled down the fence surrounding the property.
During the incident, a security guard on duty, identified simply as Abubakar, was allegedly taken away by the group to an unknown destination.
A relative of the missing guard, Musa, said efforts to get immediate help, including alerting a nearby police point, proved abortive as the incident had already occurred before any intervention could be made.
“I escaped because I noticed them early, but my brother was taken away. Up till now, we don’t know where he is or how he is doing. We are appealing to the authorities to help locate him,” Musa said.
Meanwhile, one of the intermediaries involved in the land transaction, Mr. Chimezie Bright, alleged that the incident may be connected to an ongoing land dispute over the property.
Bright claimed that the land was purchased by Ozone Global from one late Mr Felix Orie and that documents from the Rivers State Ministry of Lands and Housing indicate that the land was allocated to Mr Orie.
He further alleged that another claimant to the land, Mr. Mac Oruche, had allegedly challenged the ownership and opposed development on the property, despite the matter being the subject of a court case.
According to Bright, tensions over the property had previously resulted in disagreements during attempts to fence the land.
“We carried out due diligence before the purchase, including verification at the Ministry of Lands. However, the dispute has persisted,” he said.
Bright expressed concern over the alleged involvement of uniformed personnel in a civil land dispute and called for a thorough investigation into the incident, particularly the whereabouts of the missing security guard.
As at the time of filing this report, Abubakar’s location had remained unknown.
Efforts to reach Mr. Mac Oruche for his reaction were unsuccessful, while the police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Nation
OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe
The apex socio-cultural and development association of the ancient Ohafia Kingdom, the Ohafia Improvement Union Incorporated (OIU) has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, expressing grave concern over the arrests of several individuals from the Okon Aku community who were cooperating with a state-constituted Panel of Inquiry investigating the recent communal crisis in the community located in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
The union also called for the immediate release of those arrested.
In a letter dated February 6, 2026, and received at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, the union described the arrests as troubling and procedurally irregular, noting that the affected individuals had either testified or were preparing to testify before the government-sanctioned panel.
Those reportedly arrested include Udo Ukoha of Ndi Envoke; Okereke John, Udonsi Obin, Eteo Ayo, Idika I. Kalu, and John Ukwakwe of Ndi Owom; and Ukpabi Uche Idika of Ndi Ebin.
While emphasizing that it does not seek to prejudge the legal culpability of any individual, the OIU stressed that the timing, context, and manner of the arrests could undermine the credibility, independence, and integrity of the Panel of Inquiry.
“The arrest of individuals cooperating with an official inquiry poses a serious threat to the fact-finding process, creates fear among potential witnesses, and may discourage public participation,” the union stated, warning that such actions could obstruct efforts to uncover the root causes of the crisis.
The union further noted that panels of inquiry rely heavily on voluntary and truthful cooperation, and any action that instills fear in contributors risks eroding public confidence in the justice system, violating principles of fairness, transparency, and natural justice.
Consequently, the OIU urged the Office of the IGP to immediately review the circumstances surrounding the arrests, suspend any further actions perceived as targeting witnesses, and issue clear directives to guarantee the safety and freedom of all individuals participating in the inquiry.
The President General of Ohafia Improvement Union, Chief Prince Kalu Ikpemini, signed the petition, which was also copied to the Executive Governor of Abia State and the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Umuahia.
The union reiterated that the Ohafia community desires lasting peace and reconciliation, which can only be achieved through a transparent, fair, and uncoerced investigation into the Okon Aku crisis.
The Okon Aku communal crisis erupted in early January 2026, prompting the Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State to immediately establish the Panel of Inquiry to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the conflict, with the aim of preventing future occurrences.
It is against this backdrop that the Ohafia Improvement Union has raised an alarm over the arrests, calling for the immediate release of those detained and emphasizing the need to protect witnesses rather than intimidate them.
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