Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Armed policemen averted an attempt by some youths to burn down Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation in Yola yesterday.
The mob stormed the station over a popular Hausa language entertainment programme.
In the programme entitled, “Taba Kidi Taba Karatu,” its producer, Alhaji Adamu Katakore interviewed a lady who identified herself simply as Hajiya.
She claimed to have contacts with three Holy prophets and that she was the mother of one of them.
General Manager of the ABC, Mr Ayuba Tumba, described the incident as unfortunate.
“We saw hell. The timely intervention of the police saved the station and its staff.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ms Altine Daniel, confirmed the incident and called for calm, saying the police were investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, normal broadcasting has since resumed in the station.
Bauchi
A Bauchi High Court yesterday struck out a criminal case filed by the state government seeking an order to arrest Alhaji Ahmed Muazu, the former Governor.
Delivering judgment in Bauchi, Justice Kunesa Hamidu, said the ex-parte motion filed by the state government against Muazu lacked merit and therefore, struck out the case.
He said the grant of an order to arrest Muazu was a discretionary power, which ought to be exercised pending the determination of a substantive case before the court.
Hamidu said that in line with the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), to issue an order for the arrest of an accused could only be exercised when the court believed that the accused had absconded or will not obey court summons.
He observed that an affidavit of service tendered as exhibit before the court, which states that “all efforts made to serve Muazu proved abortive because his security and thugs refused to allow the bailiff to go near him,’’ was contrary to the CPC.
Ekiti
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr Adeniyi Olajide, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate for the Moba Constituency 1 by-election held on Wednesday in Ekiti State, as the winner.
Announcing the results in Otun-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area of the state, the INEC Returning Officer, Mr David Arabambi, said Olajide polled 4,837 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Mr Gboye Afilaka, who got 2,568 votes.
The Labour Party candidate, Mr Babatunde Yinka, had 239 votes.
The election took place in 49 polling units in five wards which had 25,753 registered voters.
The seat became vacant following the death of the former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Saliu Adeoti (ACN), on October 27 after a protracted illness.
FCT
The FCT Command of the NDLEA yesterday paraded a 20-year-old student of Delta State University who was caught with 498kg of Indian hemp.
The FCT NDLEA Commander, Mrs Omolade Omole, who paraded the suspect in Gwagwalada, said he was arrested on the Abuja-Lokoja road.
She said the suspect was conveying the drug in a 406 Peugeot car with a fake Federal Government registration number, FG 28D50.
Omole said the drug was being conveyed from Akure, Ondo State, to Maiduguri before it was intercepted in Abuja.
She said two 406 cars with fake Federal Government registration numbers were used in the trafficking, with one of them escaping.
“Immediately we intercepted the second 406 car, we sent intelligence report to our offices in Maduguri, Jos and Yobe.
“The first vehicle has also been intercepted in Maiduguri with 450 wraps of Indian hemp.
“Efforts are being made to ensure that the suspect in Maiduguri and the one at large in Abuja are arrested,” she said.
Kaduna
Fifteen out of the 17 governorship aspirants in the North-West zone have been screened by the People Democratic Party (PDP), an official said yesterday in Kaduna.
The party began the screening of governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly aspirants nationwide on Tuesday.
The national secretariat of the party had set up a five-member committee to conduct the exercise for all those contesting in the 2011 general elections on its platform.
Mr Baba Lawal, the PDP Zonal Secretary and Secretary of the Screening Committee, told newsmen at the end of the exercise in Kaduna that two aspirants did not appear before the committee.
Lawal said the exercise was scheduled to last for two days in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the party’s guidelines.
He gave the names of the governors of Zamfara and Kaduna states, Alhaji Mahmuda Shinkafi and Mr Patrick Yakowa, as well as Hajiya Mairo Habib as the early aspirants who kept to time.
Others who appeared before the committee were the governors of Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina and Jigawa, Alhaji Sa’idu Dakingari, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema and Alhaji Sule Lamido respectively.
Similarly, a former Minister of State for Information, Alhaji Ikra Bilbis, from Zamfara, is challenging the incumbent governor.
Besides, Alhaji Suleiman Hunkuyi and Alhaji Shu’aibu Mikati from Kaduna State as well as Alhaji Rabi’u Kwankwanso from Kano State honoured the invitation.
Other contenders from Kano State who were screened included Alhaji Bello Mohammed, Alhaji Adamu Suma’ila, retired Col. Habibu Shu’aibu and Alhaji Mohammed Kabir.
However, Rep. Faruk Lawal and Alhaji Yaro Farakwai from Kano and Kaduna states respectively could not make the screening for unknown reasons.
Lagos
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola, yesterday urged Lagosians to work hand-in-hand with the government to ensure the total eradication of polio in Nigeria.
Speaking in Lagos at a stakeholders Town Hall Meeting on the eradication of polio, Fashola said that the responsibility of immunising children should not rest solely on the shoulders of their mothers.
“Both parents should be concerned about taking their newborns to the nearest primary healthcare centre to have them vaccinated,” he said.
The governor urged parents to boil and filter water before drinking it and ensure that toilets and bathrooms are kept clean.
“It is a continuing agitation and the battle is not won until we kick polio out of Nigeria,” he said.
Plateau
The Federal Government has blamed the incessant crises in some parts of Nigeria on the proliferation of small arms.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Salamatu Suleiman said this at a sensitisation workshop on small arms in Jos, yesterday.
She said government was worried about the persistent ethnic and religions crises; hence it was taking steps to end the proliferation.
“It is sad that small quarrels that should be settled quietly snowball into violent dimensions simply because there are arms in circulation.
“Our community leaders and other stakeholders need to sensitise their wards on the dangers and negative effects of these small and light weapons they are holding and using,” she said.
Suleiman said it was to check the trend that the Federal Government, in 2008, endorsed the ECOWAS Convention on Control and Prevention of Small and Light Weapons (SALW).
”It is high time we rose to the challenge and take concrete and practical action to curb the menace of proliferation of SALW in Nigeria so as to bring about meaningful development,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Martins Uhomoihi, said that an estimated 630 million illegally acquired SALW were in circulation.
“The sectarian crises in Jos, the Niger Delta as well as the ‘boko haram’ attacks are results of these dangerous weapons,’’ he observed.
Sokoto
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Sokoto says intelligence officers have been deployed in the metropolis to carry out surveillance during the Christmas period.
Altai Amino Kofar-Soro, Sokoto State Commandant of the Corps, told newsmen in Sokoto yesterday that the measure was to enhance security in the state during the period.
Kofar-Soro said that NSCDC, alongside other security outfits, were working hard to sustain the peace in the state.
According to him, units commanders in the 23 local government areas of the state have been briefed on security methods to be adopted in their respective areas of jurisdictions.
“We are working like a family to ensure peaceful co-existence among the good people of Sokoto State,” he said.
Kofar-Soro called on the people to support the efforts of the security agencies by reporting any suspected character to the nearest security office for prompt action.
“We are battle ready to ensure peace, progress and political stability in our areas of assignment,” he said.
The commandant also solicited the support of stakeholders in promoting security situation in the state.
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.”