Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The North-East Zonal Office of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has sealed-up eight bakeries in Adamawa for refusing to observe approved standards in the production of bread and confectionaries.
The SON team, led by the Zonal Coordinator, Mr Cherry Achema-Alewu, on Saturday closed down the bakeries located within the twin cities of Jimeta and Yola, the Adamawa capital.
The affected bakeries are Faruk Special Bread, Lovers Bakery, Godwill Bakery, New Nigeria Bakery, Alheri Bakery, Sawaba Bakery and Adamawa Bakery all in Jimeta and Samti Bakery in Yola.
Achema-Alewu said the exercise was aimed at ridding the society of sub-standard products.
Bauchi
The Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, Most Rev. Oliver Doeme, has called on the country’s authorities to ensure free and fair general elections in 2011.
The Bishop made the call in his homily during a thanksgiving mass in honour of the late Bishop of Bauchi Diocese, Most Rev. John Moore in Bauchi on Thursday.
Doeme said that some of the aspirants warming p for the 2011 elections should not have been allowed to contest, but expressed the hope that there would be no rigging.
Borno
Three policemen on Friday at a Maiduguri High Court identified three suspects as members of the Boko Haram sect.
The three police men, who were testifying at the court presided over by Justice Yerima Sanya, said the suspects were arrested after the sectarian violence.
Emmanuel Johnson, a constable, said Hashimu Idris, an indigene of Argunun Local Government of Kebbi State, was arrested at Ngala border town while attempting to flee to Cameroon.
He said items recovered from the suspect included a bag
containing the Qur’an as well as audio and visual CD players.
Johnson said when the CDs were played, it was found to contain various statements condemning western education.
FCT
The newly-elected FCT Area Council chairmen on Friday said that they would give priority to agriculture, health and infrastructural development, to enhance grassroots development.
One of them, Alhaji Zakari Angulu, who is the Chairman of the Gwagwalada Area Council, told newsmen that he would prioritise the provision of road network.
Angulu pledged to build on the foundation he laid during his first term in office.
“The priorities of my administration will be to ensure rapid infrastructural development, especially in the area of good road network, which we started during our first term in office.
Gombe
Gov. Mohammad Goje of Gombe State on Friday inaugurated the newly re-constituted 14-member Governing Council of the state’s university.
He called on them to pay attention to mobilisation of resources for the running of the institution.
“You should pay attention to resource mobilisation and the ability to attract investment and external funding from individuals, corporate bodies, as well as notable foundations, not only in Nigeria, but across the world.
“We should remember that the topmost university in the world, Havard University in the United States, owes its success to its ability to attract funding from the private sector,” he said.
Kaduna
The Kaduna Diocese of the Anglican Church Communion said in Kaduna it realised about N804,610 from mangoe sales during this year farming season.
The Bishop of the Diocese, Idowu Fearon said this during the second session of the 18th synod of the Church.
Fearon said the sales were from the seven mangoe species grown on the church farm along Maraban Rido in the outskirts of Kaduna.
The Bishop said the farm had the capacity of trippling that yield if the irrigation system was boosted.
He expressed regret that in spite of the fine selection of trees on the farm, they were faced with the problem of irrigation.
Kano
Kano State Government has so far spent more than N4.8 billion on its rice development projects, the Commissioner for Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Alhaji. Ibrahim Garba, has said.
Garba who disclosed this on Saturday when he visited the Magaga Dam Irrigation project in Kabo Local Government Area, said the projects were aimed at boosting food security and poverty alleviation in the state.
He, however, said that farmers on whose lands the rice cultivation project would be executed, would not be able to plant crops on their farms this rainy season.
Kebbi
The Kebi Police Command in Birnin Kebbi on Friday warned politicians against violation of rules and regulations guiding conduct during election period.
The Commisioner of Police, Mr Dallatu Sa’Ad, told newsmen that the command would not condone any act contrary to the rules during the forthcoming 2011 general elections.
He gave the assurance that the command would remain vigilant and make sure that people obeyed the rules before, during and after the 2011 elections, especially maintenance of peace and order.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government has been urged to redeem its pledge of N20 million assistance to the victims of the recent Katsina timber market fire disaster.
The Chairman of the State Timber Sellers Association, Alhaji Halle Muazu, made the plea in Katsina on Friday in an interview with newsmen.
He said the appeal became necessary in view of the fact that five weeks after Governor Ibrahim Shema pledged to support the victims with N20 million, nothing was released to them from the state government.
Muazu said: “Because of the fire disaster, which affected 87 timber sellers, most of the victims are now out of business.
“Hence the need for the state government to redeem its pledge so as to enable the victims to resume their businesses”.
Kogi
Following violent youth restiveness in Ejule, Ofu Local Government of Kogi, a traditional ruler, the Ogohi-Ejule, Chief Akwu Obaje and four others have been remanded in prison custody.
The community leaders were on Friday remanded on the orders of a Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court, for various alleged offences ranging from culpable homicide to illegal possession of firearms.
The Ogohi is facing charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide following the alleged killing of one Blessing Sunday and the missing of Musa Baba during a violent clash between two rival youth groups.
Kwara
The Kwara Government has said that community development is a panacea to sustainable growth as government alone cannot provide all the infrastructural needs of the people.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Chief Joel Ogundeji, stated this in Hudum Oro in the Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara on Wednesday while inaugurating a N50 million road constructed by Chief Matthew Jolayemi, an indigene of the town to commemorate his 70th birthday.
Ogundeji said communities would enjo speedy growth and rapid development if the people were ready to commit their resources, instead of waiting for government.
Lagos
Amanze Uchegbulam, the Chairman, Lagos State Sub-Seat of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for FIFA U-17 World Cup, on Friday returned N1.8 million to Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State.
The committee returned the money as the unspent amount given it to manage the sub-seat during the tournament hosted by Nigeria from Oct. 24 to Nov. 15, 2009.
A statement by Hakeem Bello, the governor’s spokesman, made available to journalists on Saturday in Ikeja, said that the money was returned on Friday when the committee presented its report.
The statement quoted Uchegbulam as saying that the amount was the balance of the money given to the committee.
He thanked the Governor for his support.
Oyo
Prof. Eyiwunmi Falaye, Dean, Students Affairs, University of Ibadan (UI), on Friday said cultism and other social vices have been eradicated in the institution.
Falaye told newsmen in Ibadan that vices which had negatively impacted on the development of some institutions were no longer tolerable at the premier university.
He said the prevailing peace in the institution was a result of the institution’s unique admission method which involved an on-the-spot assessment of intending students’ character.
The dean also said students were informed of their responsibilities and rights during the orientation courses organised for them.
Plataeu
The Plateau Police Command has appealed to relations and victims of the January Jos crisis who could not make statements to come forward for pre-trial interview with the prosecution counsel.
In a statement on Saturday, in Jos, signed by the Command’s PPRO, ASP Mohammed Lerama, the command said, in the same vein, witnesses who could not make statements to the police could now do so.
According to the command, it held a pre-trial meeting with the Federal Directorate of Public Prosecution (FDPP) Abuja, and officers and men of the state CID on Thursday in Jos.
Sokoto
Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State on Thursday inaugurated the 17-kilometre Wurno-Huchi-Nassarawa-Tambagarka road constructed by the government at N1.36 billion.
The road, which links several villages in Gwadabawa, Kware, Wurno, Gada and Illela Local Government Areas, also has a four-metre span bridge at Huechi.
Speaking at the event in Wurno in Sokoto State, the governor said the road was constructed in fulfillment of his campaign promises to the people.
Zamfara
The Zamfara Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has petititioned the State’s Police Command over the dramatic abduction of a Gusau High Court Judge, Justice Musa Anka.
Our correspondent reported that Anka was on Monday whisked away from his Tudum Wada, Gusau residence at about 10.00 p.m. by unknown gunmen, suspected to be operatives of the State Security Service.
The NBA Chairman, Alhaji Bello Umar, told newsmen in Gusau on Wednesday that the association had taken up the issue.
Nation
Zabbey Emerges Social Impact Man Of The Year 2025 …Reaffirms Commitment To Ogoni Transformation
The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, has been named Social Impact Man of the Year 2025 by Daily Independent Newspapers.
The award was presented at the Independent Awards 2025 Silver Jubilee Edition held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, as part of activities marking the organisation’s 25th anniversary of editorial excellence.
Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Independent Newspapers, Steve Omanufeme, said the award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and transformative impact in their respective fields. He explained that recipients emerged through a rigorous process involving public voting, editorial board scrutiny, and assessment by a panel of judges.
Omanufeme noted that Zabbey’s selection reflects his outstanding contributions to environmental restoration and community development in Ogoniland through the Ogoni cleanup project.
With over two decades of experience spanning research, advocacy, capacity development, and administration, Zabbey has, within three years of leading HYPREP, implemented people-focused initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and restoring degraded ecosystems.
Under his leadership, the project has reportedly created more than 7,000 direct jobs and facilitated the training of thousands of youths and women in high-demand skills, including mechatronics, cybersecurity, commercial diving, underwater welding, and data analytics.
HYPREP has also trained over 5,000 beneficiaries across 21 vocational skill areas, providing start-up kits to support entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
In the area of environmental sustainability, the agency has established 31 environmental clubs in secondary schools and trained 2,500 youths with International Maritime Organization (IMO) certification to support shoreline cleanup and mangrove restoration efforts.
The project has recorded significant ecological milestones, including the cleanup of over 1,000 hectares of shoreline and restoration of 560 hectares of mangroves. This progress contributed to the designation of Ogoni mangrove wetlands as a Ramsar Site of international importance.
Beyond environmental remediation, HYPREP has expanded its social intervention programmes to include educational grants and scholarships for over 1,000 students, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, and skills training for persons living with special needs.
Infrastructure and healthcare development have also featured prominently, with ongoing projects such as the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, a Cottage Hospital, the Ogoni Power Project, and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration. The agency has further strengthened emergency healthcare delivery by donating five ambulances to medical facilities in the region.
Additionally, potable water has been provided to more than 40 communities, alongside the construction of wind-powered water systems in underserved areas.
Speaking on the award, Zabbey described it as a validation of HYPREP’s integrated approach to environmental restoration, healthcare improvement, and economic empowerment.
“We remain committed to delivering a cleanup that not only restores the environment but also improves livelihoods in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
HYPREP, in a statement, expressed appreciation to the management of Independent Newspapers for the recognition, the Federal Ministry of Environment for its oversight role, and the Ogoni communities for their continued support and collaboration.
The agency was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland and restore areas impacted by oil pollution.
Nation
Rivers State Judiciary Counters NBA National Position over Contempt Ruling, Says Judge Acted Within the Law
The Rivers State Judiciary has faulted the Nigerian Bar Association National over its March 26, 2026 press release condemning the jailing of a lawyer for contempt, insisting the trial judge acted lawfully to protect the court’s integrity.
In a rejoinder issued by Chief Registrar High Court,David D. Ihua-Maduenyi, Esq., the judiciary said it was necessary to “set the records straight” following reactions to the NBA’s statement on the contempt conviction of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin.
Titled: “JUDGES MUST NOT BULLY LAWYERS OR
ABUSE POWER TO PUNISH FOR CONTEMPT AS A TOOL
FOR INTIMIDATION OF LAWYERS”
RE: IN THE MATTER OF CONTEMPT OF COURT BY MRS.
LOVINAH UGBANA BENJAMIN
IN SUIT NO.
PHC/301/2016 CORAM C. NWOGU J., OF THE HIGH
COURT OF RIVERS STATE.
The state judiciary explained that case in question is Suit No. PHC/301/2016 before Justice Chinwendu Nwogu of the Rivers State High Court, where Mrs. Benjamin served as defence counsel.
The statement read thus
“We are compelled to make this rejoinder regarding the
incident of the conviction for contempt and subsequent
unconditional discharge of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin,
Learned Counsel for the Defendants in the above suit by Hon.
Justice Chinwendu Nwogu of the High Court of Rivers State in
order to set the records straight, and not allow the
misinformation, misconception and reactions arising from the
NBA National Press Release in the matter to fester as reality or
truth.”
In the suit under reference wherein the said Learned
Counsel appeared for the Defendants, the Learned Counsel
attempted to mislead the Court by her signed and filed final
written address, by knowingly and falsely presenting non-
existent facts and evidence of a witness. When confronted by the
Court, she admitted that what she stated in her final written
the address was not true and she was unapologetic.”
“The to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Court, which the
said Learned Counsel treated with clear and brazen contempt, the
Court after following due process, convicted her for contempt and
sentenced her to prison for 3 days only, instead of the 3 months
statutory term due to passionate plea from the Bar.”
“According to the statement the suggestion of the NBA National in paragraph 10 of the
Press Release under reference that “where a court considers
counsel’s conduct improper, the proper course is to invoke
recognised disciplinary mechanisms, including referring
counsel to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee
(LPDC), rather than resorting to summary punitive measures”,
is not an invariable rule because the act of the Defence Counsel
constitutes contempt in facie curiae which the Court can punish
instantly, hence the action of the Judge is not an abuse of power
or an act of intimidation.”
“Nevertheless, due to the numerous calls from respected
members of the Bar to the offices of the Chief Registrar and the
Honourable Chief Judge for the release of the said Learned
Counsel, and the intervention of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch
delegation led by its Chairman, Mrs. Cordelia U. Eke to the Judge.
in his Chambers in the morning of 26/03/2026 where the
delegation upon learning the true facts of the incident, apologised
and pleaded for the release of the said Learned Counsel.
“The Judge
having accepted the apology signed a production warrant and
upon her production in court and oral application by Mrs. Cordelia
U. Eke, discharged her unconditionally that same morning.”
The statement further stated that It is therefore shocking to read later that day the NBA
National Press Release signed by its President and Secretary, Mazi
Afam Joseph Osigwe (SAN) and Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara respectively,
fiercely threatening and hastily advocated the following ultimata and
the immediate release of the affected
Counsel.
:That the Hon. Chief Judge of Rivers State
immediately investigate the circumstances
surrounding this incident and take
appropriate administrative action.
That appropriate disciplinary steps be taken
by the National Judicial Council, where
necessary.
That the remand of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana
Benjamin under the circumstances be
condemned and set aside”
“That all NBA branches in Port Harcourt and
its environs and all legal practitioners
boycott the proceedings before the Court of
Hon. Justice Nwogu for a period of 7 days if
Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin is not
released within 24 hours.
“It seems to us that it is either the NBA Port Harcourt Branch
leadership did not relate the true position to the NBA National or
if they did, the NBA National decided to speak daggers, not peace
to impugn the Judge as a villain.
“We find the position of the NBA National on this subject very
offensive and embarrassingly raising a feeling of acrimony against
the Judge in particular, and the High Court bench of Rivers State
in general. We categorically state that the Hon. Justice Chinwendu
Nwogu is one of our respected and respectful Judges with
unblemished integrity.
We view this Press Release as an isolated departure from the
enterprising and amiable leadership of the NBA National,
especially its President, whom we hold in high esteem and
admiration.”
“Whilst we appreciate the concern of the NBA National in
bringing attention to the event of 25th March 2026, we assure that
the Bench and the Bar in Rivers State remain veritable partners
in the administration of justice.
“We firmly restate that the Bench in Rivers State holds the Bar
in high esteem and this event would not disrupt the cordial
relationship between the Bench and the Bar.”
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