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President Muhammadu Buhari (left) in a handshake with  Archbishop Anthony Obinna of Owerri Catholic Diocese during a meeting of the President with the leadership of Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa Abuja last Monday

President Muhammadu Buhari (left) in a handshake with Archbishop Anthony Obinna of Owerri Catholic Diocese during a meeting of the President with the leadership of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa Abuja last Monday

Adamawa

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is to deploy
medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other medical professionals to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps nationwide.
The Director-General of NYSC, Brig-Gen. Sule Kazaure, made this known while flagging-off the NYSC intervention programme at Damare IDPs camp in Yola.
Kazaure said that the deployment of NYSC to the camps was part of the scheme’s contribution to government’s efforts in assisting the IDPs.
“This programme, which is designed to bring succour to the inmates in this centre, is also intended to compliment government’s efforts towards provision of the welfare needs of members of IDPs nationwide.

FCT

A Kado Grade 1 Area Court has sentenced a 36-year-old
driver, Surajo Zailani, to two months imprisonment for possession of fake currency.
Zailani, a resident of Mpape in the FCT, had pleaded guilty to a one-count charge.
The presiding officer, Malam Abubakar Sadiq, however, gave him an option to pay a fine of N10,000.
Prosecutor Salisu Khaleel had told the court that Sanusi Mohammed of Utako village reported the matter at Utako Police Station on April 14.

Jigawa

The Jigawa State  Government has constituted a task
force to monitor petroleum products allocated to the state to ensure that they were not diverted.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, told newsmen  that the committee was set up at the last State Executive Council meeting.
Ibrahim said members were drawn from security agencies, ministries of commerce, information and finance.
According to him, the task force is headed by the Special Adviser to the state Governor on Security, retired Col. Muhammed Hassan.

Kaduna

The Kaduna Judicial Commission of Inquiry recently con
cluded its Public Hearing into the December 12 Shiite/Army clash in Zaria.
The Chairman of the Commission, Justice Muhammed Lawal-Garba announced the end of the public hearing at the panel’s sitting.
The commission had before winding up, heard submissions of the Commandant, Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, Brig.-Gen. Christopher Musa and three other Commanders on their role during the clash.
Our correspondent  reports that a total of 150 memoranda were submitted to the panel, with testimonies and recommendations from stakeholders..
The Chairman said that the panel may receive other submissions when the need arises.

Kebbi

The Kebbi State  Government has said that it would train
105 youths on technical skill acquisition to enable them start a business of their own.
The Deputy Governor, Alhaji Samaila Yombe, made this known when he visited the state works school in Birinin Kebbi.
The school principal, Garba Danfulani said the youths would be trained on carpentry, automobile mechanic, vulcanizing and computer programming.

Kwara

A Kaiama Area Court in Kwara has dissolved a 14 year-
old marriage between Aishat and Sule Salihu over alleged husband’s rudeness to his mother-in-law.
Aishat, the plaintiff had sought a relief for the dissolution of the marriage that was blessed with three children.
She told the court that she filed the divorce suit as a result of a misunderstanding between her mother and the husband.
The plaintiff said her husband failed to show up for a reconciliation relief granted him earlier by the court.

Lagos

Governor  Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has
named Dolphin Park after the late Dr Tunji Braithwaite, in recognition of his contributions to the political development of Nigeria.
Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, made this known at a special service of songs organised by the Braithwaite family in Lagos.
He said that Braithwaite’s struggle for the emancipation of Nigerians and his daily agitation for improved living condition for the masses was commendable.
“The late Dr Braithwaite gave all his life to the betterment of the lives of the masses; on several occasions he had stood for and defended the rights of the common man.
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Nasarawa

A Mararaba Upper Area Court in Nasarawa State has
remanded a 22-year-old security man, Ayuba Linus, in Keffi Prison for alleged negligent conduct.
Linus, a resident of Abacha Road, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, was dragged to court by Rachael Doda of the same address on a three-count charge of negligent conduct, housebreaking and theft.
The presiding officer, Vincent Gwehemba, ordered the remand of the accused and adjourned hearing in the case until May 5.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Stephen Kwaza, told the court that on April 22, the defendant allowed unknown persons now at large to break into the complainant’s flat.
Kwaza said that the unknown persons made away with some electronic items.

Ondo

An Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State, has
granted a 25-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Bayo Ikudaisi, N50,000 bail for alleged dangerous riding.
The magistrate, Mr Banji Ayeomoni, also asked the accused to produce two sureties in like sums and evidence of two years’ tax clearance.
Ikudaisi, of no fixed address, had pleaded not guilty to a three- count charge of dangerous driving, driving without driver’s licence and driving unregistered motorcycle popularly called ‘Okada’ on a public highway levelled against him.
The prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi, had told the court that the accused on March 23 at about 3:00 p.m., along Okitipupa-Igbokoda Road rode on an unregistered Qlink motorcycle in a dangerous manner.

Oyo

The Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has said
that 2,500 women will receive free screening for cancer, diabetes, blood pressure and malaria through her Pet Project, “Future Assumed’’, in Ibadan on Thursday.
Buhari made the disclosure in Ibadan, when she visited Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Salisu Adetunji, in his palace.
She said that the screening had become necessary as it would enable them to know their health status early and improve their health.
She said breast and cervical cancer, blood pressure, diabetes and malaria were major killer diseases across the globe and could be prevented or managed through regular check-ups.

Plateau

The Plateau House of Assembly has extended the tenure of
the Chairmen of Management Committees of the 17 local government areas of the state.
This followed a motion moved at plenary session by the Majority Leader of House and the member representing Shendam constituency, Mr Henry Yenkwap.
Our correspondent, reports that the management committee chairmen, who were appointed in July 2015, have spent over eight months in office.
Our correspondent  also reports that the incumbent chairmen were appointed after those elected during the former PDP-led administration were ousted by Governor Simon Lalong.
Contributing to the motion, the member representing Mikkang constituency, Mr Na’anlong Daniel, urged the House to ensure that the management committee chairmen were accountable.

Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government and UNICEF have signed a
N2.09 billion agreement on a Joint Annual Work Plan in six key areas in the health sector.
Details of the plan, to be executed in 2016, indicated that the agreement would cover health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation and hygiene.
The plan is also expected to accelerate the realization of women and children’s rights to survive, develop, and participate in all activities toward progress and prosperity
According to a statement signed by Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s spokesman, Imam Imam, the state government will contribute N1.083 billion, while UNICEF will provide N 1.006 billion.

Yobe

A Gusau Magistrates’ Court has ordered for the remand of
one Yusuf Rabiu of Nasarawa, Damba Area, Gusau, for allegedly raping a married woman, Hassana Ibrahim of the same address.
Though the accused pleaded not guilty, the Magistrate, Alhaji Umar Abdulnasir, ordered that he should be remanded in prison custody.
The case was adjourned till May 11, for further mention.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Lawal Isah, had told the court that on April 4, while the complainant’s husband, Ibrahim Isah was away, the accused, armed with knife, flashed torchlight on the complainant’s face.
Isah said that the accused attacked and raped the complainant and also stole her cell phone, valued at N5,000 and escaped.

Zamfara

The Zamfara State office of the National Drug Law and En
forcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 63 suspects and confiscated 130.2 kolgrammes (kgs) of various illicit drugs in the first quarter of 2016.
Its commander, Mr Thomas Ejim, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the arrests of some suspected drug traffickers in Gusau.
Ejim said that the drugs found on them included 24.15kgs of cannabis sativa and 106kgs of various types of psychotropic substances.
According to him, 47 out of the 63 suspects arrested are being counseled by the command while 14 suspects had been convicted.

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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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