Nation
THE STATES
Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Sani Sidi (right) and Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State (2nd right), sympathising with the victim of Gombe ‘s multiple bomb explosion, during their visit at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe on Friday. Photo: NAN
Adamawa
The police in Adamawa State have arrested four sus
pected kidnappers believed to be terrorising the residents of Yola and its environs.
A statement by Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Othman Abubakar, said two AK 47 rifles and sixty rounds of ammunitions were found with the suspects at the time of arrest.
It said they were responsible for the recent kidnap of Adamawa House of Assembly member, Alhaji Usman Adamu and Sarkin Tsafta of Adamawa, Alhaji Aliyu Aminu.
It added that the gang was also responsible for the kidnap of Wilson Gundiri, brother to Marcus Gundiri, governorship candidate of SDP in the last general elections.
The statement said the suspects were undergoing investigation at the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Bauchi
Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State has
urged journalists working in the state to always abide by the ethics of their profession.
The Governor made the call in Bauchi when a delegation of the Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) visited him.
He advised them to shun reports that would mislead members of the public and threaten the peace of the state
The governor pledged to provide the necessary support that would enable journalists discharge their duties without hindrance.
On the payment of weigh-in allowances to staff of state-owned media outfits, the governor said that he was yet to be briefed on the issue by the appropriate authorities.
Benue
The Chairman, Benue NGO Network, (BENGONET), Mr
Justin Gbagir, has advised Governor Samuel Ortom to conduct an audit of civil servants in Benue State to weed out ghost workers and reduce monthly wage bill.
Gbagir newsmen in an interview in Makurdi that the current wage bill of N3.7 billion being incurred by the state was unacceptable.
He said the audit would determine the actual staff strength of the state, saying that a lot of administrative lapses in the last regime in the state, might have been responsible for the huge amount.
He commended Ortom for his management of the resources of the state, urging him to continue the good work.
“What he (Ortom) has done shows an improvement over what we witnessed in the past eight years in this state.
FCT
The Department of State Services (DSS) has reassured
Nigerians of its readiness to check activities of criminal gangs in the country.
This is contained in a statement by the department, signed by Mr Tony Opuiyo in Abuja
It assured Nigerians that it would not relent in its efforts to checkmate the activities of any criminal gang that terrorised innocent citizens across the federation.
The statement urged members of the public to volunteer useful information that would assist the service in apprehending criminal gangs, promising that such information would be treated with ”utmost confidentiality and dispatch”.
It said that any suspect arrested by the service would be arraigned in courts in accordance with the law, adding that efforts were on to apprehend fleeing members of some kidnap gangs and others hiding across the country.
It disclosed that it had arrested some criminals in some states across the country.
Gombe
Wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, has do
nated undisclosed amount of money to 48 victims of the recent Gombe bomb blast admitted at the Federal Teaching and Specialists’ Hospital (FTH), Gombe.
Jibir member representing Dukku/Nafada Federal constituency of Gombe State, Hajiya Aisha, presented the money Saturday in Gombe,on behalf of the First Lady.
Jibir told the victims that she was sent by the president’s wife to commiserate with them and give them a token assistance.
“The president’s wife was told about your conditions and being a caring mother, she decided to assist.
“The amount is just a token to help relieve you of the suffering you are encountering.
“She also prayed for the soul of those that lost their lives in the blast, to rest in peace,” she told the victims.
Jigawa
Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State has said
that it immunised 111,372 children against polio virus during the recent round of polio immunisation.
The Manager, National Programme on Immunisation for the area, Alhaji Suraj Muhammad, told newsmen in Dutse last Sunday the council received 121,000 doses of Oral Polio Vaccines and used 119,040.
He said 150 non-compliance cases were recorded out of which 142 cases were resolved and eight cases pending.
Muhammad said that the non-compliance cases would have resulted in the non-immunisation of 282 children, but its resolution led to 272 children being immunised.
Kebbi
The wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Zainab Atiku,
has donated drugs and food stuff to people living positive and drug addicts in Zuru Emirate of Kebbi state.
The donation was presented in Zuru to Sani HIV/AIDS Trust Fund, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) established by the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Sani Gomo II.
Atiku told the Emir that the donation was to reduce hardship faced by the victims, make them have a sense of belonging, as well as erase the pain of stigma.
She pledged to sustain her support to the victims and other under privileged members of the society, calling on other privileged persons to do same.
In his remarks, the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Sani Gomo II, commended the donor and called on other members of the public to emulate her by providing employment, material and financial support to the victims.
Lagos
The National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria
(NAPTAN) last Friday urged state governments indebted to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to pay up, to avoid jeopardising the children’s future.
NAPTAN’s National Coordinator Babs Animashaun made the plea in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
WAEC had on July 27, threatened to withhold results of thousands of students from 19 states, who participated in the May/June WASSCE, over non-payment of their registration fees.
WAEC said that the affected state governments were indebted to the council to the tune of over N4 billion.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has of
fered employment to 10 persons out of 40 persons living with HIV/AIDs who had just concluded a skills acquisition programme in the state.
Al-makura announced the gesture last Saturday in Lafia at the 5th graduation of beneficiaries of the programme, trained at Mother and Child Care Enhancement Foundation, a pet project of Mrs Salamatu Umaru-Almakura.
About reports that 40 beneficiaries were trained in different skills, including tailoring, knitting, hairdressing, interior decorations and catering.
He said that providing employment to people living with HIV/AIDs was to give them a sense of belonging as well as to improve their standard of living.
Plateau
The Transition Interim Chairman of Bokkos Local Gov
ernment of Plateau State, Mr Luka Makut, has urged workers to be committed and diligent in the discharge of their duties.
Makut gave the charge in Bokkos as he took over the mantle of leadership of the council.
”As workers, you are the engine room of the council, therefore, it behoves on you to be diligent and hardworking to assist me in my quest to transform the area.
”I need your cooperation in my drive to ensure that Bokkos Local Government becomes one of the well-developed councils in Plateau, ” he said.
The new council boss pledged to do his best in improving the living conditions of the good people of Bokkos.
According to him, the little resources of the area will be fully utilised to transform the council and to give workers welfare priority attention.
Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has warned
middlemen to steer clear of fertilisers purchased by the state government.
Tambuwal spoke in Bodinga Local Government Area when he inaugurated the sale of the 6,600 bags of NPK and Urea brands of fertlisers allocated to the council area.
Represented by Alhaji Mainasara Ahmed, Permanent/Clerk of the House of Assembly, Tambuwal said that 3,975 bags of fertilisers would be sold only to small-scale farmers.
He said that the remaining would be sold to large-scale farmers, traditional and religious leaders, politicians, and civil servants who engage in farming activities.
Tambuwal warned that the state government would not fold its arms and allow some unscrupulous and unpatriotic elements to prevent the genuine farmers from getting the subsidised commodity.
According to him, the NPK and Urea brands will be sold to the farmers at the highly subsidised prices of N1,700 and N1,800 per bag, respectively.
Zamfara
Over 10,000 people have been treated and discharged
in Sokoto State in the past two years under free medical treatment programme of the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN).
The National President of the Association, Dr. Salisu Isma’il, stated this recently in Gusau while fielding questions from newsmen in Gusau, as part of activities of the 16th National Scientific Conference and National General Meeting of the association.
Dr. Isma’il said that the beneficiaries comprised men and women in Sokoto metropolis and some neighbouring local government areas.
“The treatment was part of the assistance rendered by the association as we always work towards assisting patients, especially those without the means to foot the bills of their medical treatment.
“We also organise seminars and workshops on health related issues for our members and other community members, conduct enlightenment campaign with the aim of improving knowledge and understanding of the people on health related issues”, he said.
Nation
Zabbey Emerges Social Impact Man Of The Year 2025 …Reaffirms Commitment To Ogoni Transformation
The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, has been named Social Impact Man of the Year 2025 by Daily Independent Newspapers.
The award was presented at the Independent Awards 2025 Silver Jubilee Edition held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, as part of activities marking the organisation’s 25th anniversary of editorial excellence.
Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Independent Newspapers, Steve Omanufeme, said the award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and transformative impact in their respective fields. He explained that recipients emerged through a rigorous process involving public voting, editorial board scrutiny, and assessment by a panel of judges.
Omanufeme noted that Zabbey’s selection reflects his outstanding contributions to environmental restoration and community development in Ogoniland through the Ogoni cleanup project.
With over two decades of experience spanning research, advocacy, capacity development, and administration, Zabbey has, within three years of leading HYPREP, implemented people-focused initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and restoring degraded ecosystems.
Under his leadership, the project has reportedly created more than 7,000 direct jobs and facilitated the training of thousands of youths and women in high-demand skills, including mechatronics, cybersecurity, commercial diving, underwater welding, and data analytics.
HYPREP has also trained over 5,000 beneficiaries across 21 vocational skill areas, providing start-up kits to support entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
In the area of environmental sustainability, the agency has established 31 environmental clubs in secondary schools and trained 2,500 youths with International Maritime Organization (IMO) certification to support shoreline cleanup and mangrove restoration efforts.
The project has recorded significant ecological milestones, including the cleanup of over 1,000 hectares of shoreline and restoration of 560 hectares of mangroves. This progress contributed to the designation of Ogoni mangrove wetlands as a Ramsar Site of international importance.
Beyond environmental remediation, HYPREP has expanded its social intervention programmes to include educational grants and scholarships for over 1,000 students, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, and skills training for persons living with special needs.
Infrastructure and healthcare development have also featured prominently, with ongoing projects such as the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, a Cottage Hospital, the Ogoni Power Project, and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration. The agency has further strengthened emergency healthcare delivery by donating five ambulances to medical facilities in the region.
Additionally, potable water has been provided to more than 40 communities, alongside the construction of wind-powered water systems in underserved areas.
Speaking on the award, Zabbey described it as a validation of HYPREP’s integrated approach to environmental restoration, healthcare improvement, and economic empowerment.
“We remain committed to delivering a cleanup that not only restores the environment but also improves livelihoods in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
HYPREP, in a statement, expressed appreciation to the management of Independent Newspapers for the recognition, the Federal Ministry of Environment for its oversight role, and the Ogoni communities for their continued support and collaboration.
The agency was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland and restore areas impacted by oil pollution.
Nation
Rivers State Judiciary Counters NBA National Position over Contempt Ruling, Says Judge Acted Within the Law
The Rivers State Judiciary has faulted the Nigerian Bar Association National over its March 26, 2026 press release condemning the jailing of a lawyer for contempt, insisting the trial judge acted lawfully to protect the court’s integrity.
In a rejoinder issued by Chief Registrar High Court,David D. Ihua-Maduenyi, Esq., the judiciary said it was necessary to “set the records straight” following reactions to the NBA’s statement on the contempt conviction of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin.
Titled: “JUDGES MUST NOT BULLY LAWYERS OR
ABUSE POWER TO PUNISH FOR CONTEMPT AS A TOOL
FOR INTIMIDATION OF LAWYERS”
RE: IN THE MATTER OF CONTEMPT OF COURT BY MRS.
LOVINAH UGBANA BENJAMIN
IN SUIT NO.
PHC/301/2016 CORAM C. NWOGU J., OF THE HIGH
COURT OF RIVERS STATE.
The state judiciary explained that case in question is Suit No. PHC/301/2016 before Justice Chinwendu Nwogu of the Rivers State High Court, where Mrs. Benjamin served as defence counsel.
The statement read thus
“We are compelled to make this rejoinder regarding the
incident of the conviction for contempt and subsequent
unconditional discharge of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin,
Learned Counsel for the Defendants in the above suit by Hon.
Justice Chinwendu Nwogu of the High Court of Rivers State in
order to set the records straight, and not allow the
misinformation, misconception and reactions arising from the
NBA National Press Release in the matter to fester as reality or
truth.”
In the suit under reference wherein the said Learned
Counsel appeared for the Defendants, the Learned Counsel
attempted to mislead the Court by her signed and filed final
written address, by knowingly and falsely presenting non-
existent facts and evidence of a witness. When confronted by the
Court, she admitted that what she stated in her final written
the address was not true and she was unapologetic.”
“The to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Court, which the
said Learned Counsel treated with clear and brazen contempt, the
Court after following due process, convicted her for contempt and
sentenced her to prison for 3 days only, instead of the 3 months
statutory term due to passionate plea from the Bar.”
“According to the statement the suggestion of the NBA National in paragraph 10 of the
Press Release under reference that “where a court considers
counsel’s conduct improper, the proper course is to invoke
recognised disciplinary mechanisms, including referring
counsel to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee
(LPDC), rather than resorting to summary punitive measures”,
is not an invariable rule because the act of the Defence Counsel
constitutes contempt in facie curiae which the Court can punish
instantly, hence the action of the Judge is not an abuse of power
or an act of intimidation.”
“Nevertheless, due to the numerous calls from respected
members of the Bar to the offices of the Chief Registrar and the
Honourable Chief Judge for the release of the said Learned
Counsel, and the intervention of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch
delegation led by its Chairman, Mrs. Cordelia U. Eke to the Judge.
in his Chambers in the morning of 26/03/2026 where the
delegation upon learning the true facts of the incident, apologised
and pleaded for the release of the said Learned Counsel.
“The Judge
having accepted the apology signed a production warrant and
upon her production in court and oral application by Mrs. Cordelia
U. Eke, discharged her unconditionally that same morning.”
The statement further stated that It is therefore shocking to read later that day the NBA
National Press Release signed by its President and Secretary, Mazi
Afam Joseph Osigwe (SAN) and Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara respectively,
fiercely threatening and hastily advocated the following ultimata and
the immediate release of the affected
Counsel.
:That the Hon. Chief Judge of Rivers State
immediately investigate the circumstances
surrounding this incident and take
appropriate administrative action.
That appropriate disciplinary steps be taken
by the National Judicial Council, where
necessary.
That the remand of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana
Benjamin under the circumstances be
condemned and set aside”
“That all NBA branches in Port Harcourt and
its environs and all legal practitioners
boycott the proceedings before the Court of
Hon. Justice Nwogu for a period of 7 days if
Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin is not
released within 24 hours.
“It seems to us that it is either the NBA Port Harcourt Branch
leadership did not relate the true position to the NBA National or
if they did, the NBA National decided to speak daggers, not peace
to impugn the Judge as a villain.
“We find the position of the NBA National on this subject very
offensive and embarrassingly raising a feeling of acrimony against
the Judge in particular, and the High Court bench of Rivers State
in general. We categorically state that the Hon. Justice Chinwendu
Nwogu is one of our respected and respectful Judges with
unblemished integrity.
We view this Press Release as an isolated departure from the
enterprising and amiable leadership of the NBA National,
especially its President, whom we hold in high esteem and
admiration.”
“Whilst we appreciate the concern of the NBA National in
bringing attention to the event of 25th March 2026, we assure that
the Bench and the Bar in Rivers State remain veritable partners
in the administration of justice.
“We firmly restate that the Bench in Rivers State holds the Bar
in high esteem and this event would not disrupt the cordial
relationship between the Bench and the Bar.”