Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa Government said it would promote health
tourism by inaugurating Adamawa-German Diagnosis Centre at Yola in 2013.
Governor Murtala Nyako made this known in Yola while receiving a traditional ruler, the Gang Wari of Ganye, Alhaji Umaru Sanda, who paid him homage.
Nyako said that the development would not only improve health service delivery in the state, but also generate revenue and reduce high cost of foreign health tourism.
“Latest high medical facilities including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and laboratory diagnostics facilities are provided at the centre and will start operation very soon,” Nyako said.
Bauchi
Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has described the
death of the Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Haruna Rashid as a great loss not only to Dukku, Gombe State, but to the northern Nigeria as a whole.
He said that the late Emir had contributed immensely to the peace and unity of the region and the country as a whole while he was alive.
In a statement, Yuguda said that the fatherly advise of the octogenarian monarch would be missed by all.
“At times like this when the country is going through political transformation, advise from elder statesman like the late Emir was needed in order to shape the political future of the country.’’
Ekiti
One Emmanuel Ene last Thursday appeared before an Ado-
Ekiti Magistrates’ Court charged with stealing jewellery and money belonging to one Ojo Oke at Anisulowo Hotel, Ado-Ekiti, in Ekiti State.
Police prosecutor, Caleb Leranmo told the court that the accused committed the offence on November 30.
“The accused stole jewellery worth N1 million, 25 pounds sterling and 400 dollars, property of Ojo Oke, in the hotel.
Counsel to the accused, Mr Emmanuel Adedeji, prayed the court to grant his client bail, saying that he would not jump bail.
FCT
The Police in Abuja last Thursday arraigned a commercial
bus preacher, Chukwuemeka Okere, 36, before a Karu Senior Magistrates’ Court for alleged cheating and being in possession of stolen items.
Police prosecutor, Eze Okechuckwu told the court that on December 10, Okere, who resides in Nyanya Gwandara area of Abuja, lured Zamani Zuneya of Garki II, Abuja, to a hill in Kubwa under the pretence of preaching to her.
“While praying for Zuneya on the hill, he stole her bag containing two cell phones and N15,000.
“During police investigation, one of the cell phones was recovered from the accused,” he told the court.
Gombe
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Gombe
recently said that four persons died in an accident during Christmas celebrations in the state.
The Gombe State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Kuteb Galadima, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen.
Galadima, who attributed the accident to over-speeding, stated that it occurred on Christmas Day at Lafiyawo Village in the Akko Local Government Area of the state.
Galadima explained that the accident involved a Peugeot 406 car with the registration number: RBC 861 AA, which hit a tree a few kilometres outside the state capital.
Kaduna
The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Kaduna
State, recently pledged to support Governor Mukhtar Yero in the restoration of peace and unity in the state.
A delegation of the party, comprising the Senator representing Kaduna Central, Sen. Sani Saleh, its state Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Yaro and other members gave the pledge while on condolence visit to the governor in Kaduna.
Saleh said the visit was to commiserate with the family and people in the state over the “sudden and shocking” demise of the late governor.
Kogi
The Legal Aid Council said that it provided free
legal representation to 5,063 persons in Kogi between 1993 and 2012.
A Senior Legal Officer in the council, Mrs Flora Imo, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen last Thursday in Lokoja.
She said that the free legal representation was in criminal and civil cases in High Courts and Magistrates’ Courts spread across the state.
The officer said that the council had also offered free legal advise to people and facilitated granting of bail to a number of suspects.
Kwara
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin,
Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, recently said the institution would integrate sign-language into its academic system.
Ambali said this when staff and students of the Centre for Supportive Services for the Deaf (CSSD) visited him as part of activities to mark the International Day for the Disabled.
The vice-chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Management Services, Prof. Yisa Fakunle, said the university was doing what it could to support the centre.
Ambali, who gave an assurance that the university would ensure effective functioning of the centre’s equipment, said the introduction of sign-language was to foster effective lecture delivery.
Lagos
An economist, Dr Henry Boyo, recently advised
the Federal Government to pursue people-oriented policies in 2013 to reduce cost of living of Nigerians.
Boyo, the Chief Executive of Technol Systems Ltd., told newsmen in Lagos that many of the economic policies of government in 2012 were “not too people friendly“.
“The monetary profile of any country depends on its monetary policy model.
“In 2012, inflation ate up substantial part of people’s earnings in Nigeria, “ he said.
Niger
Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State said the secu
rity threat by the Boko Haram group in the northern part of the country had stalled development in the region.
Aliyu made the remark during an interactive session with journalists at his residence in Minna.
He said that insecurity caused by the sect in the North had made it difficult for investors to invest in the region for fear of losing their investments.
“I am not satisfied with the slow pace of development in the northern region, but under my leadership as chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, we have given the region good leadership.
Osun
The Osun Commissioner for Health, Mrs Temitope Ilori,
says the state government has invited a team of ophthalmologists from Saudi-Arabia to carry out free eye surgery in the state.
Ilori, who announced this last Thursday at the treatment centre at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo, said more than 2,000 people had been registered for the exercise.
She explained that the team would comprise of 20 experts from Saudi-Arabia and indigenous medical doctors on the ground.
The commissioner urged residents to register their names and ensure they were screened so as to ascertain their day of appointment and the condition of their visual problems.
Oyo
The Oyo State Government has collaborated with the Uni
versity of Ibadan on joint inspection of all public schools in the state.
The inspection is to ensure quality control, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Adetokunbo Fayokun, has said.
Fayokun, in a statement issued in Ibadan said that the state had begun to reap the dividends of the education summit organised earlier in the year.
She said that some of the recommendations made by the summit had been implemented, adding that there was improvement in the education sector in the state.
Plateau
Senator. Gyang Pwajok (PDP- Plateau North), has filed an
appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, against the December 20, nullification of his election by an Abuja Federal High Court.
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Adeniyi Ademola, while delivering judgment in a matter filed by the Congress for Progress Change (CPC) against INEC and PDP, had nullified the October 6 by-elections and asked Pwajok to “stop parading’’ himself as senator.
The CPC had approached the court to determine whether the first respondent, INEC, had the power to reject the names of its candidate for the by-election.
Nation
Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist
Bikers were among prominent dignitaries who recently attended the burial ceremony of late Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor (née Lawson) in Omagwa Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The burial service, held at the St. Martin’s Anglican Church field, attracted a large turnout of religious leaders, business executives, political figures, celebrities, bikers’ groups, traditional rulers and community members from different parts of Nigeria. Also present were the Bishop of the Anglican Province of the Niger Delta, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, and popular businessman and socialite, Obi Cubana, among other notable personalities.
The remains of Mrs Grant Offor, a respected professional, philanthropist and devout Christian, were laid to rest amid an elaborate and well-coordinated funeral ceremony that reflected her wide-reaching influence and the high regard in which she was held by family, associates and the larger community.
The ceremony drew public attention due to its unique logistics, as two helicopters were deployed. An air ambulance helicopter conveyed the casket to the church field, while another helicopter transported members of the deceased’s family from Abonnema to Omagwa Community.
Dignitaries and mourners gathered in large numbers to pay their final respects.
In an emotional tribute, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor, described his late wife as everything to him, stating that her passing had created a deep void in his life and in the lives of their children. He disclosed that he committed his time, resources and efforts in a bid to save her life, adding that if money or human effort alone could prevent death, she would still be alive.
Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor was born on May 4, 1978, at the Ibiso Maternity Clinic, Port Harcourt, and passed away on November 15, 2025, after a prolonged illness that lasted nearly three years. She was born a twin and grew up in a family noted for service and leadership. Her father, the late Engr. Benoni Lawson, served as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), while her mother, Mrs. Irene Lawson, is a nurse.
She attended Port Harcourt Primary School and International Secondary School (ISS) before proceeding to the University of Science and Technology (UST), Port Harcourt, and later the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, where she studied Accountancy and graduated with honours. She was widely known during her academic years for her discipline, focus and reserved lifestyle.
After completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, Mrs. Grant Offor began her professional career in the banking sector, including service with the defunct All States Trust Bank, and later worked in other professional capacities. She earned a reputation for integrity, diligence and ethical conduct.
She was married to Engr. Grant Offor for over 20 years, a union blessed with three children. As a wife and mother, she was described as deeply devoted to her family, instilling values of faith, patience, kindness and discipline. Her home was known among close associates as one built on prayer, love and godly counsel.
A committed Christian, Mrs. Grant Offor was known for her strong faith and love for gospel music, particularly songs of healing and deliverance. Even while receiving specialist medical care in the United Kingdom, she reportedly remained steadfast in her belief, trusting in God until her final moments.
Adding to the show of solidarity, the President of the Rivers State Chapter of the Pantas Female Bikers Group, Mr. White Timano, disclosed that High Chief Engr. Grant Offor is a major sponsor of Uyo Micah’s Carnival, one of the group’s major events. He said bikers and supporters travelled from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta States to commiserate with the family and show support during the period of mourning.
Mr. Timano described death as inevitable and encouraged the family to remain strong, stressing that only God grants the grace required to endure such painful loss.
The church field was tastefully decorated, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The burial ceremony featured hymns, live music, scriptural exhortations, eulogies and tributes celebrating the life and legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor. Messages from notable personalities highlighted her contributions to family life, philanthropy, professional service and community development.
On behalf of the family, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor expressed appreciation to all who stood by them throughout the period of mourning, thanking guests for their prayers, presence and support.
The burial ceremony stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor, whose life of service, faith and quiet generosity left a lasting impact on many across Rivers State, the Niger Delta and beyond.
Nation
Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH
Asecurity guard has been reported missing following the demolition of a fence at a property located at No. 19D, Golf Course Layout, Old Government Residential Area (GRA), Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The incident reportedly occurred late Sunday night at the disputed property said to be owned by Ozone Global.
Eyewitnesses revealed that a group of men, some of whom were dressed in what appeared to be naval uniforms, arrived at the premises on motorcycles and allegedly pulled down the fence surrounding the property.
During the incident, a security guard on duty, identified simply as Abubakar, was allegedly taken away by the group to an unknown destination.
A relative of the missing guard, Musa, said efforts to get immediate help, including alerting a nearby police point, proved abortive as the incident had already occurred before any intervention could be made.
“I escaped because I noticed them early, but my brother was taken away. Up till now, we don’t know where he is or how he is doing. We are appealing to the authorities to help locate him,” Musa said.
Meanwhile, one of the intermediaries involved in the land transaction, Mr. Chimezie Bright, alleged that the incident may be connected to an ongoing land dispute over the property.
Bright claimed that the land was purchased by Ozone Global from one late Mr Felix Orie and that documents from the Rivers State Ministry of Lands and Housing indicate that the land was allocated to Mr Orie.
He further alleged that another claimant to the land, Mr. Mac Oruche, had allegedly challenged the ownership and opposed development on the property, despite the matter being the subject of a court case.
According to Bright, tensions over the property had previously resulted in disagreements during attempts to fence the land.
“We carried out due diligence before the purchase, including verification at the Ministry of Lands. However, the dispute has persisted,” he said.
Bright expressed concern over the alleged involvement of uniformed personnel in a civil land dispute and called for a thorough investigation into the incident, particularly the whereabouts of the missing security guard.
As at the time of filing this report, Abubakar’s location had remained unknown.
Efforts to reach Mr. Mac Oruche for his reaction were unsuccessful, while the police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Nation
OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe
The apex socio-cultural and development association of the ancient Ohafia Kingdom, the Ohafia Improvement Union Incorporated (OIU) has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, expressing grave concern over the arrests of several individuals from the Okon Aku community who were cooperating with a state-constituted Panel of Inquiry investigating the recent communal crisis in the community located in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
The union also called for the immediate release of those arrested.
In a letter dated February 6, 2026, and received at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, the union described the arrests as troubling and procedurally irregular, noting that the affected individuals had either testified or were preparing to testify before the government-sanctioned panel.
Those reportedly arrested include Udo Ukoha of Ndi Envoke; Okereke John, Udonsi Obin, Eteo Ayo, Idika I. Kalu, and John Ukwakwe of Ndi Owom; and Ukpabi Uche Idika of Ndi Ebin.
While emphasizing that it does not seek to prejudge the legal culpability of any individual, the OIU stressed that the timing, context, and manner of the arrests could undermine the credibility, independence, and integrity of the Panel of Inquiry.
“The arrest of individuals cooperating with an official inquiry poses a serious threat to the fact-finding process, creates fear among potential witnesses, and may discourage public participation,” the union stated, warning that such actions could obstruct efforts to uncover the root causes of the crisis.
The union further noted that panels of inquiry rely heavily on voluntary and truthful cooperation, and any action that instills fear in contributors risks eroding public confidence in the justice system, violating principles of fairness, transparency, and natural justice.
Consequently, the OIU urged the Office of the IGP to immediately review the circumstances surrounding the arrests, suspend any further actions perceived as targeting witnesses, and issue clear directives to guarantee the safety and freedom of all individuals participating in the inquiry.
The President General of Ohafia Improvement Union, Chief Prince Kalu Ikpemini, signed the petition, which was also copied to the Executive Governor of Abia State and the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Umuahia.
The union reiterated that the Ohafia community desires lasting peace and reconciliation, which can only be achieved through a transparent, fair, and uncoerced investigation into the Okon Aku crisis.
The Okon Aku communal crisis erupted in early January 2026, prompting the Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State to immediately establish the Panel of Inquiry to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the conflict, with the aim of preventing future occurrences.
It is against this backdrop that the Ohafia Improvement Union has raised an alarm over the arrests, calling for the immediate release of those detained and emphasizing the need to protect witnesses rather than intimidate them.
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