Nation
THE STATES
Benue
Justice Theresa Igoche of Makurdi High Court in Benue State
has sentenced two students, Vershima Kaachi and Akaazua Akpen, to death by
firing squad for armed robbery.
The convicts were arrested on the eve of Christmas in 2007
for criminal conspiracy and armed robbery, contrary to Sections 5(b) and 1(2)
of the Robbery and Firearms Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990.
In his testimony, the victim of the offence, Jonathan
Usenge, told the court that five armed men came to his house, attacked and
robbed him of some valuable items on that day.
He stated that the robbers collected his Nokia 1600 phone
valued N12,700.00, two torch lights valued N350.00 and a sum of N16,500.
Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo has urged the 2,555
intending Muslim pilgrims from the state to shun vices and be good ambassadors
of the country while in Saudi Arabia.
Dankwambo made the call in his farewell address to the
pilgrims at the Hajj camp, Lawanti in Akko Local Government Area of the state.
The governor enjoined them to exhibit exemplary character
and cooperate with Hajj officials to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
“As usual, government has subsidised Hajj fares for all
intending pilgrims from the state.
Jigawa
A lawmaker, Abdullahi Sarki, says he has set up an
enlightenment committee in Miga Local Government Council of Jigawa State to
sensitise communities on flood disaster.
Sarki (PDP-Miga constituency) told newsmen in Dutse that the
committee was gathering data on weather predictions by the Nigeria Metrological
Agency (NIMET) and would disseminate the information to rural communities.
He said that the exercise was aimed at educating the
communities on the and precautionary measures to be taken to mitigate the
effects of flood disaster.
The legislator added that he had also distributed relief
materials to displaced persons in the affected communities in his constituency.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has evacuated 118 Kaduna State
students from Mubi, following the recent killing of some students at the
Federal Polytechnic, Mubi in Adamawa.
The Senior Special Assistant on Students Affairs to Governor
Patrick Yakowa, Mr Bagudu Joseph, said the evacuation followed a Save-Our-Souls
(SOS) message by the students over a 14-hours ultimatum by the school
authorities for students to vacate the campus.
Joseph said the government had employed the services of the
Adamawa Sunshine Transport Company to move the students out of the state.
He said that 82 of the students returned to Kaduna while the
others alighted in Jos, Saminaka and other places where their families resided.
Kano
The Kano State Police Command Have Arrested Eight Suspected
Gunmen In Connection With The Killing Of The Two Policemen.
The State Police Commissioner, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, confirmed
the arrest of the suspects to newsmen in Kano, saying that they were in an
uncompleted building at Kofar Dawanau quarters in Dala local government area of
the state.
“The area was condoned off by the security operatives and we
succeeded in arresting eight suspects.
‘’Three AK 47 rifles were recovered from the uncompleted
building where the suspects were arrested.’’
Kwara
The Kwara State Government has said it would ensure a
successful hosting of the 26th National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST)
billed for between October 13 and October 20 in Ilorin.
The state’s Commissioner for Social Development, Culture and
Tourism, Mrs Rahmat Adeshina-Abaya, said this in an interview with newsmen.
She said everything was being put in place, especially the
provision of accommodation for more than 7,000 people coming from different
parts of the country.
“ As you know that Kwara is a state of harmony, peaceful and
accommodating, we are hosting NAFEST in which we are ready for about 7,000
people that are coming from different parts of the country.
Kogi
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yomi AwoniyI, has said
that the state has now come to terms with the reality of the level of damage
done to it by the flood.
This is contained in a statement issued by his Press
Secretary, Mr Michael Abu, in Lokoja.
It stated that Awoniyi made the observation when he made
another round of visit to flooded areas in the state.
He said that the process of rebuilding the washed-away
roads, providing nets, fishing boats among other items to enable the displaced
persons to resettle after the flood remained enormous.
According to him, Ibaji Local Government Area has been
completely cut off from the other parts of the state.
Lagos
Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has
urged members of the public in Niger to report criminals to security agencies.
Abubakar made the call in Lapai, Niger, after the Board of
Trustees meeting of foundation endowment fund for the Ibrahim Badamasi
Babangida University.
The former Head of state is the chairman of the board.
The call followed the recent killing of three policemen by
unknown persons in Minna, the Niger State capital.
“It is unfortunate that we have decided to go and start
killing ourselves unnecessarily; all the criminals are among us.
Nasarawa
Nasarawa State Government has expressed its commitment to
restore water supply to Keffi Local Government Area and environs.
The Nasarawa State Commissioner of Water Resources and Rural
Development, Mr Samuel Alu, said this in Garaku during an inspection visit to
the site of the ongoing rehabilitation of pipes.
He said that the state government had awarded contract for
the rehabilitation of the pipes to SCC Nigeria Limited and that the company was
given one week to complete the work.
While assuring the people of the government’s commitment to
fulfil its campaign promises, Alu said that the work would be completed within
one week.
Ogun
The management of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY),
Abeokuta, Ogun State has absolved itself of complicity in the N1.1billion
alleged scam reported in the institution’s branch of Non Academic Staff Union
(NASU).
The institution’s spokesman, Mr Sulaimon Adebiyi, said in a
statement in Abeokuta that no member of the institution’s management was linked
to the alleged scam.
He said three executive members of the school’s branch of
NASU were arrested by EFCC operatives for allegedly mismanaging N1.1billion.
The money, which was secured as loan from a consortium of
banks by the union, was to be given as loans to members.
Osun
A 28-year-old man, Suleiman Hasssan, has appeared before an
Osogbo Senior Magistrates’ Court in Osun State, charged with inflicting teeth
bites on two police officers, who were discharging their duties.
The police Prosecutor, Insp. Solomon Oladele, told the court
that the accused on October 4, at about 5 p.m. at Oluode Area of Osogbo
assaulted Sergeant Afolabi Taofeek and Corporal Adetula Samuel, while resisting
arrest.
Oladele said the officers were on assignment to arrest the
accused when he was reported for being in possession of hard drugs, but that he
turned violent and in his bid to resist arrest bit the officers thereby
inflicted injuries on them.
He added that the accused was also found in possession of
weeds, suspected to be Indian hemp when he was finally arrested.
He said the offence committed was contrary to and punishable
under section 356 and 430(1) of the Criminal Code cap 34 Vol. 11 Laws of Osun
2003.
Oyo
The Oyo State Government has appealed to the Federal
Government to increase its education intervention fund to accommodate the large
number of pupils in the state.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Moses Adeyemo made the
appeal in Ibadan while receiving the Senate Committee on Education led by Sen.
Uche Chuckwumerije.
“The state appeals for the raising of the education
intervention fund given to us so as to accommodate our large number of
pupils,’’ Adeyemo said.
He said the appeal was necessary for development to thrive,
adding that education was the bedrock of meaningful development in any society.
Plateau
Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang has approved the
appointment of Mr Francis Bot as his Chief of Staff.
The Director of Press Affairs to the Governor, Mr James
Manok, said in a statement in Jos that
Bot’s appointment was with immediate effect.
Our correspondent reports that Bot replaced Mr Gyang Pwajok,
who resigned in September to contest the Plateau North Senate seat.
Pwajok won the election held on Saturday.
Until his appointment, Bot was the state Coordinator,
Millennium Development Goals.
Sokoto
The Chairman Of The Nigeria Bar Association (Nba), Sokoto
State Chapter, Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar, Has Called On The Federal Government
to identify the sources of arms importation in the country.
He told newsmen in Sokoto that this would serve as a measure
to checkmate illegal possession of arms as well as put an end to the senseless
killings going on in parts of the country.
“ I strongly suggest that a high powered committee of
seasoned security personnel should be constituted to find out all those
involved in illegal arms importation.”
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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