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COVID-19: Fayemi Pardons 30 Prisoners

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Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi has granted amnesty to no fewer than 30 inmates serving different jail terms in Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre as part of effort to check the spread of Coronavirus.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olawale Fapohunda, announced this yestreday.
He said the measure was taken in view of the danger inherent in the spread of COVID-19.
He said the decision was reached consequent upon careful consideration of the application for clemency from 45 inmates, saying the 30 beneficiaries went through a rigorous process of screening.
According to him: “The Ekiti State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy met on Wednesday, 15 April 2020 to consider applications for clemency from 45 prisoners in the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre.
“The Council considered these applications on merit and recommended 30 inmates who fell within the category of inmates stated in the public notice published by the Ministry of Justice on Monday, 13 April 2020.
“The Council considered four categories of prisoners which include persons held in pre-trial detention, particularly those for minor or low-risk offenses; women with children on pretrial detention or convicted for non-serious offenses with less than 18 months to serve their sentences; elderly prisoners or those with underlying life-threatening health issues; and inmates convicted for minor, low risk of offenses particularly those who have 18 months or less remaining of their sentence to serve.”
The Commissioner added the prisoners were released after exhaustive consideration of the recommendations of the Advisory Council by Fayemi.
He stated further his principal had directed that the beneficiaries of the Governor’s prerogative of mercy should be enrolled in the list of the vulnerable persons on the database of Ekiti State Covid-19 palliative programme.
On the fate of pre-trial detainees whose trials have been affected by the COVID-19 lockdown, Fapohunda said his office is currently in consultation with the leadership of the state chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) on the needs to facilitate criminal trial through the use of technology.

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Court Sentences Female Arms Courier To Death

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A Federal High Court sitting in Katsina State has sentenced a female arms courier, Hauwa’u Mukhtar, to death by hanging after finding her guilty of conspiracy to commit, aid and abet terrorism.
The conviction followed a successful prosecution by the Department of State Services, DSS, making it the second death sentence secured by the agency in June.
A post shared on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, said Mukhtar was arrested by DSS operatives on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park in Katsina State while attempting to transport 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to Ado, a notorious bandit kingpin operating in the Dunburum Forest area of Zamfara State.
Security sources indicate that the DSS subsequently arraigned the suspect on a two-count charge before High Court No. 3 in Katsina, presided over by Justice A. B. Bawale.
The court, after reviewing the evidence presented, including witness testimonies, exhibits tendered before it and the final arguments of both the prosecution and defence teams, held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge found Mukhtar guilty on both counts and sentenced her to death by hanging in line with the provisions of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.
The latest conviction comes barely days after another terrorism-related judgment secured by the DSS.

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Fubara Hart Emerges Overall Winner At Python Golf Club Kitty

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The Python Golf Club Port Harcourt witnessed a colourful gathering of eminent personalities and club members as it marked its latest kitty event alongside the 70th birthday celebration of elder statesman, Chief Anthony Osagwe-Ogo.
At the event, Amaopusenibo Kingsley Fubara Hart, a retired civil servant and ally of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, emerged as the overall winner of the prestigious golf kitty, earning multiple laurels for his performance.
The ceremony, which held at the club’s course along Port Harcourt–Aba Road, behind Treasure Park, attracted dignitaries, senior professionals, and members of high social standing, underscoring the club’s reputation as a gathering point for elite sports and networking activities in the state.
Speaking after his victory, Hart expressed joy over his performance and appreciation for the recognition accorded him by the club members.
He said his success was the result of consistent participation and commitment to the club’s daily activities, adding that the Python Golf Club functions as a close-knit community where members share both sporting and social bonds.
He also described the club as a platform that promotes discipline, fitness, and fellowship among its members, urging others to remain dedicated in order to achieve similar success.
According to him, celebrating a milestone such as a 70th birthday in good health is a blessing that should be appreciated, adding that life itself is an act of grace.
The event also featured tributes to Chief Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, whose 70th birthday formed part of the celebration. He was widely described by members as a respected elder statesman and a pillar of support to the club’s growth and development.
The chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr) Ikenna Okafor thanked God for the life of the celebrant, describing him as a father figure and highly valued member of the club community.
He noted that the large turnout of members and guests was a reflection of the esteem in which Chief Osagwe-Ogo is held, both within and outside the club.
In his response, the celebrant expressed gratitude to God for attaining the age of 70 in good health, while appreciating members of the club for honouring him.
He pledged continued commitment to contributing positively to humanity and to the development of the club, assuring that he would continue to live up to expectations.
The event featured highlights including a birthday cake cutting ceremony and the presentation of awards to distinguished and deserving members of the club.

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2027 Polls: Rivers PFN Calls For Stronger Christian Political Engagement

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The Rivers State chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has called for stronger Christian political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections, as part of efforts to strengthen Christian participation in the country’s democratic process.
The State Chairman of the Fellowship, Rev (Dr) Minaibi Dagogo Jack, made the call during a media briefing in Port Harcourt, where he emphasised that the group would critically assess political parties and candidates before guiding its members on voting decisions.
According to him, the PFN intends to engage political actors directly and take a collective position on candidates deemed to represent good governance and moral leadership.
“We will critically look at the candidates, have time to discuss with them, and we shall decide as leaders on who to direct our members to vote for,” he said.
Rev. Jack stressed that the Christian community must become more actively involved in politics to ensure the emergence of what he described as righteous and accountable governance in Nigeria.
He argued that continued political apathy among Christians has allowed what he termed “bad leadership” to dominate the country’s political space.
June 12 Democracy Day Criticism
Commenting on the recent June 12 Democracy Day celebration, the PFN chairman said the occasion has lost its meaning for many Nigerians due to worsening insecurity and governance challenges.
He said June 12, which symbolizes political freedom and democratic struggle, no longer reflects the realities on the ground.
“June 12 ordinarily should represent political freedom, freedom for the oppressed, and freedom for Nigerians as a people. But from a close look at political activities, particularly in Rivers State, the essence of June 12 has been defeated,” he said.
He also decried what he described as the collapse of internal democracy within political parties, alleging increasing interference and manipulation of opposition party structures.
“We are in a situation where internal democracy is no longer practised… a situation where opposition political parties will produce two, three, four candidates representing one party. This is not democracy; it is confusion,” he added.
Rev. Jack further disclosed that the PFN had concluded a three-day seminar aimed at sensitizsing youths against electoral violence and redirecting them toward productive engagement in business and nation-building.
He said the programme also focused on Nigeria’s political climate and the role of the church in promoting peaceful elections.
He also commended security agencies for recent rescue operations involving abducted children, while urging the federal government to improve the welfare and equipment of security operatives, including the adoption of modern surveillance tools such as drones.
He called for strong legal frameworks and oversight mechanisms to ensure state police institutions remain professional and independent of political interference.
“State police is good but must come with proper legislation so that governors will not take advantage of it,” he said.
He also appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward the rescue of abducted school children and other victims held by criminal groups, stressing that security remains central to democratic stability in Nigeria.

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