Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Benue State House of Assembly has directed a former
staff in the office of the deputy governor to retire N1.3 million back into the government’s coffers within one month or face the law. It also ordered the affected staff, Onah Iduh, to appear before it. The House which gave the directive at sitting in Makurdi, frowned at the N7.3 billion extra budgetary expenditure by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the state and warned them against further unauthorised expenditures or risk sanction. The legislators’ resolution was based on report of the audited accounts of Benue State government, which was presented by the Public Account Committee headed by James Ochojila. The House maintained that MDAs should desist from extra budgetary expenditures, as only monies captured in the year’s budget should be expended.
Bauchi
The State Security Service (SSS) in Bauchi State has been
dragged to court over the non-payment of compensation for the land acquired for its training school. Hajiya Fatimah Ali filed a suit before the Bauchi State High Court against the SSS, over fencing of the land when it is yet to pay compensation to owners. The defendants in the suit include Director of the school, Alhaji Ja’afar, Abdulrahman Yamida and Sani Abdullahi Mohammed. Counsel to the complainant, Barrister Idris Jibo, told the court that initially, the land was sold to individuals and that when the training school indicated interest to acquire it, the owners entered into an agreement with the SSS. Jibo, who said the institution started developing the plot of land without paying his clients, urged the court to restrain it from further work on the land. The judge, Justice Abdulkadir Suleiman, granted the prayer and adjourned the suit to September 17.
Borno
The Shehu of Borno State Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar
Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi yesterday urged Muslims in Borno State to begin a three -day fasting from today to September 6, 2014.
A statement signed by the Secretary of the Borno Emirate Council, Zanna Laisu Kazalma, quoted the Shehu as saying that the call was in view of the security challenges confronting the state and other states and the need for spiritual intervention. The Umma was equally urged to offer special prayers in all Mosques and recite Khalimat Shahada ‘La Ilaha Illallah’ continuously during the fasting period. The Shehu advised that every Muslim individually and collectively should offer Sadaqat to the needy and underprivileged, especially to the internally displaced persons in various camps. In the same vein, he urged the Christian community in the state not to relent in their continuous prayers for peace and security in Borno and Nigeria.
FCT
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Usman Jubrin
has accused oil companies of complicity in oil theft.
He spoke in Abuja yesterday while receiving the managing directors and chief executive officers of oil companies operating in the country. He said the situation had warranted mentioning names of the oil companies and other major stakeholders involved in the act. “We cannot pretend that the oil companies do not have a hand in some of these illegalities: some of the companies have left their oil wells open for years without sealing them up. “It has become very worrisome that we have not been able to check this and I personally believe that it has gotten to a point that instead of pointing accusing finger at each other, we shall be mentioning names including the major stakeholders,” he said “Why are we denting the image of this country? We must meet, discuss and curtail the oil theft. If any of my personnel is involved, he will be dealt with in accordance with the existing laws,” the Navy boss added.
Gombe
Not more than nine babies including twins have been
delivered at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Gombe by pregnant women who fled the Boko Haran crisis in Borno State. The women who delivered the babies are among the over 1, 624 displaced persons in Damboa Local Government Area in Borno State following Boko Haram insurgents attack. The Senior Relief and Rehabilitation Officer, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Gombe Operations office, Ali Kadiri Moses gave the figures in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi. Kadiri said: “There are a lot of pregnant women in the camp.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Director of the National Orientation
Agency (NOA), Mr Elisha Meck Sabo has appealed to residents of the state to avoid rumours of an outbreak of the Ebola virus disease in the state after the management of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria yesterday admitted that one of its students was under examination after showing symptoms similar to those of Ebola. A statement from the university’s Public Affairs Directorate on behalf of the ABU/ABUTH Joint Committee on the Ebola Viral Disease said the clarification became necessary as rumours spread on the outbreak of the disease. ”The committee wishes to categorically state that there is indeed a reported case of a student of the university who on Monday, September 1, 2014 took himself to the ABUTH Shika to complain of fever, body pains, diarrhoea and vomiting, and he had been on and off with the sickness for two weeks before. From the examination carried out on the patient it was found that all the symptoms discovered are commonly seen in patients with other medical conditions.
Kano
Suspected killer of late Kano hotelier, Alhaji Ganiyu Akanbi
Bello, has arraigned before a Kano State Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting at No Man’s Land. The suspect, Abubakar Abdurrahman Sadiq, 26, resident of Badawa quarters in Nassarawa Local Government Area of the state was accused of killing Alhaji Ganiyu Bello, owner of GAB Centre for Excellence Hotel on June 5, at his residence. The accused person, who once worked as a receptionist in one of the deceased hotels, was said to have gone into Alhaji Ganiyu’s residence to steal. It was further alleged that before the suspect could carry out the act, the deceased woke up and engage him in a fight. Source said that it was during the fight that the accused stabbed the deceased. The accused was charged with criminal trespass, armed robbery and culpable homicide, offences contrary to Sections 348, 298 and 221 of the Penal Code. Police prosecutor, Haziel Lidapuwa, said the accused person pleaded guilty to all the three-count charges preferred against him. Presiding judge, Chief Magistrate Hassan Ahmed ordered that the accused person be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to October 10.
Niger
The Zungeru Hydroelectric Dam Community Relations
Committee (CRC) has called on communities hosting the ongoing dam project to cooperate with the federal government to ensure completion. Spokesperson of the committee, Salman Yusuf, in a statement said efforts are on to tackle cases of omission of names and underpayment of compensation to owners of land acquired for the project. “We are appealing to the host communities for their understanding and cooperation as the authorities have noted with seriousness the observed cases of omission of names, underpayment and delay experienced in the banks in the compensation exercise. We are assuring the beneficiaries that the issues will be looked into with a view to making needed amendments,” he said.
Plateau
National Chairman, Council of Ulama of Jammatul Izalatul
Bidia Wa Ikamatus Sunnan (JIBWIS) Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir has said that education is a critical tool for revolution
Jingir, who spoke yesterday in Jos, when he presented prizes to winners from Plateau State of the just concluded Quranic competition organized by JIBWIS, said education is the foundation of any positive change and develop-ment in the society.
Jingir said education and dis-cipline are the best legacies that parents and guardians can give to their children.
“Whoever invests in the education of his children has double rewards; first reward is for making your children responsible and development of the society. Secondly, Almighty Allah will reward you. I urge all parents to provide sound Islamic and western education to their children,” he said.
Sokoto
Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Senator
Umaru Tambuwal has lost his mother, Hajiya Fatima Attahiru yesterday at the age of 97 after a protracted illness.
Fondly called Mama Ashibi, the late Hajiya Fatima is survived by three children, many grand and great grandchildren. She was buried in Tambuwal after funeral prayers attended by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
Others dignitaries included Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar and others. Wamakko and the sultan prayed Allah to grant her eternal rest and give members of her family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Yobe
There were fears in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital yes
terday following information reaching the town that Boko Haram insurgents had encircled it.
There was no security confirmation to that effect but residents of villages and towns around the city said they saw the insurgents in some strategic locations.
Our correspondent reports that residents of Damaturu were confident of security measures earlier put in place by the Soldiers Special Operation team. But with the annexation of southern Yobe and the growing rife in Bama, Gwoza and other parts of the states, fear has taken over the town.
A resident from Sassawa, a few kilometers Northeast of Damaturu said the insurgents were freely carrying out activities in the area.
“They preach, extort and kill anyone who resists them, there is no security in the area. And they always threaten that we should stay in the village or else they would meet us in Damaturu”, he said.
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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