Nation
THE STATES
Benue
A Makurdi Magistrate’s Court has remanded nine
people in prison custody on charges of criminal conspiracy, attempted culpable homicide, inciting public disturbance and belonging to an unlawful society.
The Prosecuting Officer, Inspector James Zungwe, told the court that the case was transferred from ‘C’ Division Police Station in Northbank, Makurdi to the State Criminal Investigation Department on October 21 through a letter.
According to the letter, one Mujahid Garba, had reported at the station that some cult boys, numbering about 10, armed with cutlasses, knives and other dangerous weapons attacked him, his brothers and friends.
The complainant stated that one of the suspects, Tersoo Avine, gave him a deep cut with a knife on his head and the rest inflicted all kinds of injuries on his brothers and friends.
Borno
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
said on Monday that it had presented relief materials to the 233 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Kukareta Barracks in Damaturu.
It would be recalled that the barracks was affected by the Boko Haram attacks in October.
NEMA North East Information Officer, Mallam Abdulkadir Ibrahim, stated this in a statement in Maiduguri.
Ibrahim said that the gesture was to fulfil the agency’s mandate of providing succour to victims of disasters in the country.
He said that the materials were presented to the battalion during a visit by a team of NEMA officials led by the Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Kanar.
Ekiti
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA),
Ekiti State chapter said it would fight all forms of violence against women.
The FIDA President, Mrs Rita Ilebere said this in Ado-Ekiti at the FIDA week tagged: “Violence Against Women’’.
Ilebere said that the association had helped to reduce cases of rape in the state.
She said that victims of rape, child abuse and all assaulted women could now come out to report such cases without any reservation.
She urged them not to be afraid of coming out because of stigmatisation.
Ilebere said that the association was also helping to employ such people and make them useful to the society.
Gombe
A Pantami Magistrate’s Court in Gombe State has re
manded an 18-year-old man, Umar Abdullahi, in prison for insulting Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State on facebook.
The Magistrate, Alhaji Bello Sheriff, who ordered that Abdullahi of Tudun-Wada Quarters, Gombe metropolis, be remanded in prison, adjourned the case to November 26 for further mention.
Abdullahi, charged with defamation of character of the governor, had pleaded guilty to the charge after the First Information Report (FIR) was read to him.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Sardauna Wukuma, had told the court that the accused posted some abusive words in Hausa Language against the governor on facebook.
Jigawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
in Jigawa State said it arrested a drug-suspect in Gumel Local Government Area of the state.
The Commandant of the corps, Mr Muhammad Gidado, told newsmen in Dutse that the suspect was arrested on Monday at Bakin Kasuwa quarters in the local government area
Gidado said that the suspect, a 25-year old man, was believed to be involved in the distribution of prohibitive drugs in the area.
He said that when the suspect was arrested, he was in possession of Tramol capsules, Diazerperm, Exzol and D5 tablets.
Kano
The Managing Director of the Kano State Refuse Man
agement and Sanitation Board, Alhaji Abdullahi Bichi, says the government has begun a 24-hour refuse disposal and environmental clean-up.
Bichi told newsmen in Kano that the system was to ensure that high environmental health standard was maintained in Kano municipality.
The managing director said that staff of the board had been stationed at various strategic locations to work on two shifts.
‘’The administration is committed to an unalloyed and total eradication of all old harmful habits of refuse disposal and sanitation among its citizens, to have a healthy environment.
Katsina
Vice President Namadi Sambo led the Federal Govern
ment delegation to condole with Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State over the death of his father, Alhaji Shehu Shema.
The deceased died on Monday in Abuja after an illness at the age of 86.
He was buried in Katsina in accordance with Islamic rites on Monday at about 2.30p.m.
The Vice President was accompanied on the visit by Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State and his counterpart, Alhaji Sa’idu Dakingari of Kebbi.
Sambo prayed to Almighty God to grant the deceased eternal rest and the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Kogi
Kogi State Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, has
called for a cross border cooperation initiative to prevent conflict among states.
Awoniyi said this in a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr Michael Abu, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja.
He explained that the policy had the capacity to strengthen and develop good neighbourliness among border communities.
Awoniyi stated this at a two-day National workshop on Cross Border Cooperation held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Lagos
A businessman, Hebrew Adis, 34, has been charged
before an Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for defiling a 14-year-old girl.
Adis is facing a six-count charge of forceful penetration on virginity, causing grievous harm, having sexual intercourse without the victim’s consent, sexual assault, forceful dragging and deceiving the victim.
The accused, of Maracana Area of Olodi Apapa, Lagos, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Soji Ojaokomo, told the court that Adis committed the offences on October 8, at about 7:00 p.m. at No. 15, Rabiu Str., Maracana, Olodi, Apapa, Lagos.
Ondo
The Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Mr Jide
Adejuyigbe, says the present administration is committed to putting in place adequate infrastructure in public schools.
Adejuyigbe made this known in Akure at a workshop tagged: “ Training of Education Managers.’’
“I wish to reiterate this administration’s commitment to building good infrastructure in schools.
“We are also committed to building formidable young ones who will later take the mantle of leadership in the Sunshine State in years to come,” he said.
Taraba
The Taraba State House of Assembly has screened and
approved six commissioner-nominees sent to the House by the Acting Gov. Garba Umar.
Acting Governor Umar on Monday submitted the names of Hajiya Batulu Mohammed, Musa Tende, Mathias Danazumi, Iliya Ali, Ate Sale, and Sa’adu Shehu to the House for screening and ratification.
The nominees were collectively screened and cleared for appointment as commissioners by the legislature.
The Speaker, Mr Josiah Kente, urged the nominees to be diligent and upright in carrying out their responsibilities to the people of the state.
Yobe
A cross section of Damaturu residents have appealed
to authorities in Yobe State to relax the 12- hour curfew imposed across the state.
Security agencies reviewed the restriction of movement order three weeks ago following renewed attack by insurgents on Damaturu.
A 24-hour curfew was initially imposed on the state capital and later relaxed to 12 hours from 6.00 p.m to 6.00 a.m
Alhaji Musa Audu, a commercial motorist, told newsmen in Damaturu that the curfew had affected commercial activities generally in the state.
Zamfara
The Zamfara Government says that it has established 41
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres in public primary schools across the state.
The Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Murtala Jangebe, said this at a workshop on ICT for primary school teachers organised by the board in Gusau recently.
He stressed that the centres would expose the teachers and pupils of the schools to the global best practices in basic education, considering the low quality of computer literacy in the schools.
Besides, Jangebe said that the workshop would train over 100 primary school teachers across the state in various computer skills so as to further upgrade the teachers’ professional development.
L-R: Executive Director, Services, Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (krpc), Dr Idi Mukhtar; Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, Mr Olufemi Adenaike and Managing Director, dialogue group, Dr Shehu Mahdi, at the Nigeria’s Democracy and emerging security challenges conference and award ceremony in Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: NAN
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.”