News
Kidnappers Free Pa Soludo
The police in Awka, Anambra State have told journalists how abductors of Pa Simeon Soludo, father of former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Charles Soludo, released the old man last night.
He was said to have been released at a location in Uga in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
According to the police, the kidnappers had earlier called the Soludo family to inform them to collect their father late last night.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Oshodi Glover, who was in the family house this morning confirmed: “It is very true we have seen him (Pa Soludo) now. He is hale and hearty. He was released last night.”
One of Pa Soludo’s children told newsmen that the kidnappers had earlier in the day called the family to come for their father at the said location late last night.
Another of his sons told our reporter: “We are all happy that our father is released, but we are still sober.”
He said he was in town to ensure he undergoes a thorough medical examination, to confirm his state of health.
However, DCP Glover, while answering reporters’ questions, refused to confirm or deny the payment of any ransom to the kidnappers before Pa Soludo was released.
There was speculation that N200 million was paid to the kidnappers before the old man was let off the hook.The internet was abuzz this morning with such speculation. But no Soludo family member was ready to confirm if such money was paid. And the police also denied such ransom was paid.
The DCP confirmed that five persons have been arrested in connection with the kidnap saga while one of the abductors managed to escape.
As at the time of going to press, journalists were bared from speaking to Pa Soludo. His photograph was not allowed to be taken. The police insisted that he needed to recover from the shock. Visitors were not allowed to see or talk to him.
Pa Soludo was abducted by a five man gang of gun wielding kidnappers who stormed his family house in Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State in a black Mercedes Benz car at about 7.30 p.m on October, 27 2009.
The kidnapers initially demanded N500 million as ransom but they came down to N300 million later. There were speculations that the old man was abducted by agents of the political opponents of Charles Soludo, who lost out when the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, decided to nominate the former Central Bank Governor as the party’s standard bearer in the poll scheduled for February next year.
The politicians however denied the accusation, accusing Soludo in turn for organising the kidnap of his father to paint the opposition black and evil. Last night, it was the former CBN governor who broke the news of his father’s freedom in a text message:“To God be the glory, my father has just been released by kidnappers. We are emboldened by this experience to dedicate our life to the service of our fatherland and to find lasting solution to the problem of kidnapping. Those who sought to break our will must be told that the wind of change in Anambra is unstoppable.”
It will be recalled that in 2006, unknown gunmen shot the father in the eyes when his son was in the final stages of implementing sweeping reforms of Nigeria’s troubled banking sector.
Kidnapping for ransom, which occurs frequently in Nigerian especially in the Southern oil hub has recently spread across the vast West African country.
Most hostages are released unharmed after a few days or weeks, often when a ransom is paid, yet in some cases victims are killed.
In the first six months of this year, more than 500 people were abducted across the country with 10 of them killed, according to the Police Affairs Minister, Yakubu Lanre.
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
News
Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
-
Maritime4 days agoCustoms Deploys Seven Patrol Vessels, Boost Waterway Anti-smuggling
-
Sports4 days agoFinancial Issues Stall Chelle’s Eagles Contract Talks
-
Sports4 days agoNFF mourns ex-Eagles striker Eneramo
-
Sports4 days agoEuropean Giants Circle For Osimhen
-
Sports4 days ago
Four Private Clubs Gain Promotion To NPFL
-
Sports4 days agoW/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
-
Sports4 days agoTennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
-
Sports4 days agoChelle Confirms Financial Issues in Eagles Contract Discussion
