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Benue

A 28-year-old student, Japhet Fahonum, has appeared
before a Makurdi Magistrates’ Court, charged with raping a 15-year-old mentally challenged girl.
Fahonum, who resides at Benseer Street, Owner Occupier, Makurdi, is facing a one-count charge of rape.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Terzungwe Kajo told the court that a brother of the victim reported the case at the “E’’ Division Police Station, Makurdi on January 1.
Kajo said that the complainant alleged that the accused lured his sister, who is mentally challenged, out on the night of the fateful day and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.

FCT

Some education stakeholders have blamed poor standards
in Nigeria’s basic education system on the absence of quality teachers, poor infrastructure and inadequate funding.
The educationists made the observation in separate interviews with newsmen across the country.
Mr Ishaya Tabat, a lecturer with Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya, said that dearth of quality teachers and poor funding remained the major set-backs to efforts at strengthening education at the basic level.
Tabat said that 90 per cent of teachers in primary and junior secondary schools lacked the basic training needed to teach at that level.
Jigawa

Alhaji Ali Alkali, Sole Administrator, Malammadori Local
Government of Jigwa State, has urged members of the state’s taskforce Committee on Revenue to be diligent in their duties.
Alkali told newsmen in Malammadori that it was imperative for the committee to be fair and just in the discharge of its duties.
He said that such commitment to duty would ensure financial probity and boost the council’s revenue base.
The sole administrator commended traders’ associations and cooperative bodies for their support to the committee, adding that the gesture had facilitated smooth operation of the committee.
Kogi

The new Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, said
that he was ready for action and determined to give the state a new direction.
He also said he would use President Muhammadu Buhari as his model for governance, stressing that  his administration would have zero tolerance for corruption.
Bello, in his inaugural address, laden with emotion as he wept while recognising notable personalities in his life, especially his late father, said it would not be business as usual with him at the helms of affairs in the state.

Kaduna
The Senate Committee on Defence, has  commenced in
vestigation into the Army/Shiite clash in Zaria, Kaduna State, which occurred on December 12, 2015.
Chairman of the committee, Senator  Ahmad Lawal told newsmen in Kaduna shortly after a meeting with Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai, that their interaction with all interested parties would be in secret.
“We have come for a courtesy call and we have had a meeting with the Nigerian Army led by the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division.
“We are also meeting the Director DSS and also the Commissioner of Police, “ he said.

Kano
Alhaji Gambo Danpass, a chieftain of All Progressives
Congress (APC) in Kano State, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to use the money recovered from looted funds to develop the education sector.
Danpass gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Kano on Saturday,saying that there was need for the Federal Government to use the recovered money to promote education particularly in the area of science and technology.
“The Federal Government should channel the money in the education sector especially science and technology; government needs to encourage students to study sciences,” he said.

Lagos
A 27-year-old commercial sex worker, Faith Imojire, who
allegedly assaulted a policeman, has been arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused, who gave no fixed address, is facing a charge of assault.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Mike Unah, told the court that the accused committed the offence on January 21 at No. 14 Aromire St., Ikeja, Lagos.
Unah said the accused assaulted one Sgt. Friday Orah by beating him up and attempting to seize his rifle.
He said the policeman was trying to settle a dispute between the accused and a man who refused to pay her after having sex with her.
“In the process of settling the fight, the man escaped and the accused pounced on the policeman, blaming him for allowing the man to escape.

Nasarawa

A Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada, has dissolved
the three-year-old marriage between Shehu Habeb and his wife, Marufia Afolabi, for lack of understanding.
Habeb, 38, who resides at Mararaba, Nasarawa State, said that his wife no longer respect him, noting that he was tired of the relationship.
“Please I want an end to this marriage because I cannot continue any longer with the constant misunderstanding and lack of respect.
The petitioner said that the marriage was contracted in 2013 and blessed with a male child.
Marufia, 35, denied all the allegations, saying that Habeb was just tired of the marriage and did not love her anymore.
She said that all effort to settle the issue proved abortive, she therefore, urged the court to grant her husbands request.

Oyo

An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has  fixed February
16 for hearing in a motion seeking to stop the Olubadan-in-Council from appointing the new Olubadan of Ibadan land.
Justice Muktar Abimbola fixed the date at the resumed hearing of a case filed by Chief Adebayo Oyediji and others against the state government, the Council and other contending lines to Olubadan throne.
Our correspondent  reports that Oyediji of Seriki Chieftancy line is claiming that it is the turn of their line to produce the next Olubadan, following the death of Oba Samuel Odunlana.
The plaintiff is challenging the alleged consistent occupation of the throne by the Olubadan chieftaincy line and the Balogun Chieftaincy line.

Ogun

The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) has petitioned
the Chief Judge (CJ) of Ogun State, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, over alleged unlawful detention of seven persons by Ota Chief Magistrates’ Court, without trial.
The PCC Commissioner for Ogun, Mrs Oluyemisi Dawodu, submitted the petition in Abeokuta when she paid a courtesy call on the Judge.
A copy of the petition made available to  newsmen Dawodu said that the suspects, who are between ages 16 and 23, had been in prison custody since July 19, 2014.
She said the suspects had been kept behind bar on the claim that the court was yet to receive an advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on their alleged crime.
Dawodu said that the perpetual detention of the suspects without trial is an infringement on their fundamental rights.

Plateau
The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr
Babatunde Fashola, has advised communities to shun actions inimical to the construction of infrastructure that enhance development.
Fashola made that call while addressing newsmen at the end of an assessment tour of the 132/33KV sub-station in Pankshin, Plateau State.
He said his call became imperative after learning from the state government that the project, since completion, had not been operational due to land dispute involving host communities.
“As you can see here in Pankshin sub-station, the problem we have is that the community is standing in the way of its own development — right of way to give them power.

Zamfara
The High Level Women Advocacy, a group sponsored
by UNICEF, on Thursday said the high level of poverty in Zamfara is limiting access to education by school-aged girls in the state.
The leader of the group, Suwaiba Barau made the assertion in an interview with newsmen in Gusau.
“The major factor limiting the development of girl child education in this state is poverty, because some children have no financial support to further their education to secondary or tertiary schools, some cannot even finish their primary schools.
“Even when government is giving free education some parents cannot take care of their children up to the finishing time.
“Some children are very good, some are brilliant but little financial problem can delay them the chance to move ahead positively in life, which is highly unfortunate,’’ she noted.

Chairman, Army-Shitee Clash Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Mohammed Garba (right), taking oath of office before Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, during the inauguration of the judicial commission of inquiry in Kaduna on Friday.

Chairman, Army-Shitee Clash Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Mohammed Garba (right), taking oath of office before Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, during the inauguration of the judicial commission of inquiry in Kaduna on Friday.

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Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist

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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.

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Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH

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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.

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OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe

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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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