Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Police Command said on Thursday that it had yet to receive official information on the alleged attack by unknown gunmen on a youth leader Uba Boris.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Mohammed Barau, told newsmen in Bauchi that the command had yet to receive the information, hence no arrest was made.
He said that the case, which was said to be reported to an out station in the metropolis, had to be officially sent to the command before they could go through it and take possible action.
Unknown gunmen on Tuesday night attacked the youth leader in his residence injuring him on the head, hands and thigh.
Ekiti
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has explained that the States Peer Review Mechanism (SPRM) it recently introduced is aimed at assisting state governments in accelerating their developmental programmes.
The Director-General of the forum, Mr Asishana Okaure, gave the explanation in Ado-Ekiti when he led officials of the forum on a visit to Gov. Kayode Fayemi.
He said the exercise was undertaken through periodic reviews of progress made in the implementation of the state governments’ development programmes.
“It is our hope that through participation in the peer review process, state governors will be able, not only to learn from their peers about innovative and good practices, but to also adopt them in their respective states.’’
FCT
Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State has solicited the Federal Government’s intervention to contain the threat posed by effluent discharge from Shanawa Industrial Estate in the state capital.
The governor made the call on Wednesday when he paid a courtesy call on Mrs Ibukun Odusote, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office (EFO).
A statement signed by Mr Tolu Makinde, an Assistant Director in the office, quoted the governor as saying that effluent discharge from the estate posed a serious danger to public health.
According to the statement, made in Abuja, Kwankwaso warned that effluent discharge could contaminate underground water in the area.
Jigawa
Twenty people have died from a disease outbreak suspected to be gastro-enteritis in four local government areas of Jigawa, according to community leaders and health workers.
Villages in Ringim and Taura local government areas were among the worst hit, our correspondent learnt.
The village head of Larbar-Gurugunya in Taura Local Government Area, Alhaji Bashir Abdullahi, told newsmen that 15 people had died in his village in the last two weeks.
Abdullahi identified the lack of potable water and health centres as major factors responsible for the deaths.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Environment Protection Authority has arrested more than 1,000 stray animals, the General Manager of the Agency, Alhaji Sani Aminu, has said.
He told the newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday that they were arrested within the last 12 months.
Aminu said that the animals, comprising dogs, sheep, goats, cows and pigs, were arrested for disturbing traffic flow and causing accidents in the metropolis.
He said that about 400 were claimed by the owners after paying penalties.
Aminu said recent increase in public complaints contributed to the massive arrest, explaining: “We receive more than 20 complaints a day on the menace of the animals.’’
The general manager said the animals also contributed to the unkempt nature of some streets in Kaduna, thereby causing environmental pollution which had been threatening the health of the residents.
Kano
Supporters of former Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, say the ban on political rallies and gatherings is unfair because they have the right to uphold their ideology.
One of the supporters Malam Abdulmumin Wudilawa, told newsmen that the blanket ban was an indication that the present administration wanted to dominate the political activities in Kano state.
Wudilawa expressed dismay over the ban, saying that they were not embarking on a political rally or a meeting; rather they mobilised the supporters of Shekarau to welcome him back from Saudi Arabia.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Community and Social Development Project has disbursed N50.9 million in development funds to 10 communities in Yauri and Birnin Kebbi, its Acting General Manager, Alhaji Bello Alkali, said on Thursday.
Alkali told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the funds were disbursed at designated centres after a free pre-disbursement training conducted for members of the project management committees.
He said that at the Yauri centre, five communities — Kangungun Zamare, Ijima, Umama, Gamji and Runtuwa Dikko Mayala — were engaged in the two-day training workshop.
The acting general manager said the communities were expected to execute water, school and road projects, noting that 48 members of the project management committee participated in the training on how the projects should be executed.
Niger
The police in Niger State on Wednesday said that it would soon charge 54 suspected criminals arrested recently within the state to court for various offences.
Mr Richard Oguche, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, made the disclosure while briefing journalists at the police headquarters in Minna.
He said 44 of the suspects (males) were arrested by a joint team of police and army at black stone, Zuma rock, Madalla.
The police spokesman said that the police recovered cutlasses, table knives, daggers and charms on them, adding that they were also smoking dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp in the guise of celebrating sallah.
He added that six other male suspects were arrested at the Barkin Sale area of Minna with dried leaves also suspected to be Indian hemp and other substances suspected to be hard drugs.
Plateau
Commercial activities are gradually picking up in Jos, after the recent violence that left many death and several others injured.
The markets were deserted as people were scared of going out for fear of being attacked.
The situation, which was compounded by state government workers’ strike is, however, returning to normal after the suspension of the industrial action.
Our correspondent who went to some markets in the metropolis observed that shop owners were back for business.
Mr Sylvanus Chukwuma, a textile dealer at the Terminus market told newsmen that he was tired of staying at home after spending all that he had on him before the hostilities started.
“With the presence of the security men in the markets, those that hate peace will be scared,’’ he said.
Mr Cyril Obiakor, the Chairman, Kabong Market Traders Association, told newsmen that although they still operated in fear, the level of patronage had increased significantly.
Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has identified lack of mutual understanding between Muslims and Christians as the biggest hindrance to peace and stability in Nigeria.
The Sultan made the observation in Sokoto on Wednesday when he received a delegation of members of Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria, led by the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Augustine Kasujja .
According to him, there must be understanding between Christians and Muslims as God has created us together with diverse backgrounds for us to coexist peacefully.
Abubakar further said that Nigerians should continue to be their brothers’ keepers in spite of the differences in religious, ethnic or political leanings.
Abubakar gave the assurance that his doors would remain open to all Nigerians, be they Christians or Muslims.
Yobe
The Yobe Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Idi Gubana, said on Wednesday that swamps of birds had migrated into the state, ravaging farmlands in Damaturu, Giedam, Yusufari and Yunusari local government areas.
Gubana told newsmen in Damaturu that the birds had already destroyed several farmlands.
He said that the ministry had drafted pest control officers to the affected areas to control the situation to save the remaining farms.
He expressed fears that the pests may migrate to other areas of the state to cause more havoc on farms.
“The ministry had deployed manpower and chemicals to the neighbouring communities of the affected local governments to check the spread of the pests,” the commissioner said.
Zamfara
Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara says the government is working on a bill for an act that would make cotton production a criteria for receiving agricultural support and other incentives.
Yari disclosed this in Gusau on Thursday when he received representatives of farmers from Maru, Tsafe, Maradun and Gummi local governments areas.
He said his administration was committed to harnessing the agricultural potential of the state to develop the economy.
“The state has great potential in agriculture, particularly in cotton production, which can earn us hard currency, rejuvenate our economy and address our pervasive poverty,” he said.
Yari said the government would forward the bill to the state Assembly, adding that it would boost commercial production of cotton, if passed into law.
The governor promised that his administration would provide farmers with high yielding cotton seeds, fertiliser, and modern farming equipment to ease farming activities.
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.”
