Nation
THE STATES

Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (nema), Alhaji Sani Sidi (right), welcoming Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State to nema headquarters in Abuja, recently.
Borno
The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a dismissed police corporal for allegedly extorting money from members of the public.
The Commandant of the corps, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Abdullahi said that the suspect was arrested at the post office area in Maiduguri, following intelligence reports.
He said that the 27-year-old former policeman, who gave his name as Hussaini Musa, was dismissed from the Kano State Police Command.
“The suspect is not holding any identification card so he uses some of his pictures to deceive people that he is an officer.
“He came to Borno State on a visit to his grandparents and decided to open his own police custody.
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court has remanded 27-
year-old Sunday Opesanmi;40-year-old Falilat Odesanmi, and a minor in prison custody over alleged kidnap of two children.
Prosecutor Bayo Ajiboye told the court that the accused persons committed the offence on March 30 at Ise-Ekiti.
He alleged that the accused, on the said date, unlawfully kidnapped two children of the same parent, and kept them in an uncompleted building at the outskirt of Ise-Ekiti.
“The offence is punishable under Section 3 and 4 of Ekiti State Kidnap and Terrorism Laws 2005.
Ajiboye said that he had duplicated their case file and sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.
FCT
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), has
called for the proper management of Trees Outside the Forests (TOFs) as an alternative to recovering the 25 per cent recommended forests cover in the country.
The Director General of the foundation, Mr Adeniyi Karunwi made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Trees Out side Forests (TOFs) according to the Food Agriculture Organisation (FAO), are trees found on agricultural, grazing, and unproductive lands along canals, railways, roads and in human settlements.
According to him, the trees play an important role in urban greening and regulation of micro-climate.
“It becomes pertinent to put our interests in Trees Outside Forests (TOFs) and the role they play in urban greening and regulation of the micro-climate”, he said.
Kaduna
A new Commissioner of Police, Mr Adamu Ibrahim has
assumed duty in Kaduna State.
Ibrahim, a member of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, took over from Mr Umar Shehu.
A statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna by the Command’s Public Relation Officer, DSP Abubakar Zubairu, did not indicate the reason for the deployment,
According to the statement the new CP hails from Ruwan Dorowa in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara.
He joined the service in 1986 and was at one time the Deputy Force Secretary and also served as CP in Abia.
Ibrahim , who has a degree in Geography from University of Sokoto and Masters in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, had attended many professional courses.
Kano
The Kano State Ministry of Land and Physical Plan
ning has constituted a technical committee on land allocation for the construction of petrol stations.
The information is contained in a statement issued by the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Balarabe Abdullahi, which was made available to newwmen.
The statement quoted Abdullahi as saying the committee was mandated to screen applications for the construction of filling stations in the state.
He stated that “the screening will enable the committee to verify the distance between one filling station and another, as well as the suitability of proposal on location of the filling stations.”
He then urged the committee members to work hard toward realising the objectives for which the committee was set.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government said it had released N314
million for the payment of registration and tuition fee for indigent students in national and foreign institutions.
Dr Sahabi Yauri, the Executive Secretary of the state’s Scholarship Board, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi recently.
Yauri said that out of the amount, N147 million was for tuition, registration and tenancy for 30 indigent students studying Medicine in Indian universities.
He added that N97 million was for the fees of 30 students studying Medicine, Dentistry and Surgery in Sudanese universities, while N70 million was for 5,000 indigent students studying in tertiary institutions in the country.
Lagos
The Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors
(AMES) in Nigeria said it had postponed the forthcoming Maritime Technical Summit to enable the Secretariat readjust the logistics for members coming from outside Lagos State.
The AMES President, Mr Charles Uwadia stated this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He said that the event earlier scheduled for April 11 would hold on April 21.
According to him, the key issue to top the agenda of the Maritime Technical Summit is “Challenges of Maritime Transport Industry in Nigeria,”
“We want to use this summit to advise stakeholders and government on how to maintain their vessels, and how to eliminate sub-standard vessels in our waters.”
Nasarawa
The District Head of Akwanga in Nasarawa State, Chief
Anthony Yamusa, has called on Nigerians to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliation.
Yamusa made the call during the presentation of staff of office and certificate to Mr John Enakuaza, the newly appointed Wakili Eggon community of Kurmin Tagwaye, Akwanga Local Government Area of the state.
He said that peace, tolerance and unity were drivers of national development.
“The importance of traditional institution to the socio-economic development of any society cannot be over emphasized, hence the need for the installation and presentation of the certificate of office to Wakili Eggon of Kurmin Tagwaye so as to promote peace among his subjects.
Niger
President Muhammadu Buhari has enjoined the Nige
rian Armed Forces to sustain the tempo in the ongoing war against insurgency in the North-East of the country to stamp out terrorism.
Buhari gave charge while inaugurating the Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL) mega filling station in Minna.
The president was represented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin.
Buhari said: “I applaud the successes of the armed forces in counter insurgency operations in the North-East and urge you to sustain the tempo”.
Osun
The Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Con
trol (NAFDAC) in Osun has confiscated fake and unregistered drugs worth millions of Naira in Osogbo and Ilesha areas of the state.
The agency also sealed off some pharmacies and sachet water factories in the state for not meeting up to the set standard.
Officer in charge of Investigation and Enforcement of the agency, Mr Francis Onaniwun, said the essence of the raid was to sanitise the market and ensure that only wholesome products approved by NAFDAC were in circulation.
Onaniwun, who led officials of the agency in the operation, said the agency would not relent in its effort in safeguarding the lives of the people.
Some of the pharmacies sealed by NAFDAC in Osogbo included Akol Pharmaceutical Limited and Raphabalm Pharmacy, while Felfam Healthcare and Supermarket at Fegbewesa were given strong warning.
The agency also sealed off Topawo Feeds Services at Alekuwodo and Atlab Farm Products located at Okinni, Osogbo, for selling unregistered animal feeds.
Oyo
The senator representing Oyo North, Fatai Buhari,
has assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari will fix the nation’s problems and restore its lost glory.
Buhari told newsmen in Ibadan that the president had good intentions, and was committed to restoring the lost glory, adding that it would be achieved.
“President Buhari and the APC have good plans to transform Nigeria into a better country, and this I am sure he will achieve within the period of four years.
“Nigerians voted for the party and we will not betray the confidence reposed in us, they should just be more patient,” he said.
The lawmaker apologised to Nigerians on behalf of the party for the current situation in the nation and added that it was not a new development.
Zamfara
The Commanding Officer, 223 Light Tank Battalion,
Gusau, Zamfara, Lt.- Col. Aliyu Adamu, said soldiers from the Battalion had killed four ”bandits” in the state.
Adamu said that the soldiers also injured several others in a shootout at Hajiya bush in Gusau Local Government Area of the state.
The commanding officer made the disclosure to newsmen at the Army operational office in Gusau where the recovered weapons were also displayed.
He said officers and men of the battalion laid siege in one of the bandits’ hideouts and engaged them in a gun battle during which four of them were killed.
Adamu added that five AK 45 assault rifles were recovered along with 205 rounds of AK 45 bullets.
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.
-
Sports2 days agoArsenal Women End Man City’s Invincibility
-
Sports2 days agoU-20 WWC: Falconets claim qualifier win
-
Sports2 days agoInsurance Deepen Enyimba’s Trouble
-
Sports2 days agoYouth Olympics preparation Gears up
-
Sports2 days agoCologne Youth Team Set Crowd Record
-
Sports2 days agoTornadoes Set For NPFL exit over Stadium Ban
-
Sports2 days agoPalmer Stars As Chelsea Compound Wolves Woes
-
Sports2 days agoBarca Pull Out Of Super League Project
