Nation
THE STATES
L-R: Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, widow of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mrs Amina Yakowa, chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Manir Ja’afaru and Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the one year Memorial Anniversary of the former Governor in Kaduna last Saturday. Photo: NAN
Benue
The Benue State Coordinator, All Farmers Association
of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr Kunti Adamu, has called on the government to provide loans and inputs to farmers, to assist them to embrace mechanised farming.
Kunti made the call in an interview with newsmen last Thursday in Makurdi.
He stated that if loans were given to farmers, this would encourage them to venture into large-scale farming, to boost food production in the country.
He also appealed to the government to organise workshops on quarterly to educate farmers on the latest developments in the agriculture sector.
Ekiti
The Director-General, Ekiti State Council for Arts and
Culture, Mrs Yetunde Fosudo, has lamented non-participation of states and low turn-out of foreign countries at the ongoing 2013 Ekiti Festival.
Fosudo told newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on the sideline of the ongoing festival that only two countries and 16 local governments were at the festival.
She said that only Senegal and Mali were participating in the festival, adding that she was disappointed with the low turnout of foreign participants.
Fosudo also expressed concern about the non-participation of states.
“There is no single state that participated in this year’s edition of the festival,’’ she said.
FCT
Three drivers were arraigned before a mobile court in
Abuja, charged with various road traffic offences.
The drivers are Nurudeen Kareem of Mpape, Abuja, and Samaila Mohammed of FCDA Quarters, Garki, Abuja and Alfred Sunday, an official of Zenith Bank, Garki, Abuja.
Kareem was charged with driving an overloaded vehicle, Mohammed was charged with driving without fastening the seatbelt, while Sunday was charged with using his mobile phone while driving.
All the accused pleaded guilty to the offences and the magistrate, Mr Emmanuel Iyana, ruled that the offenders should pay N10,000, N5,000 and N4,000 fines respectively or have their cars impounded.
Kaduna
Northern artists in the country last Thursday converged
in Kaduna to celebrate creativity of the music industry in the North.
The event that was organised by Top Entertainment attracted fun-loving people from across the city.
Artists that performed at the event are, Emilly, Henzee, Marvellous, Skinny Boy, and comedian Mc Basket Mouth.
Mr Ibrahim Jika, Chief Executive Officer of Top Entertainment, told newsmen that the idea was to bring music promoters, marketers and upcoming artists together to give young artists the opportunity to exhibit their talents.
Katsina
Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State last Thurs
day signed a law which prescribed 14 years’ imprisonment, without option of fine, for those found guilty of homosexuality, lesbianism and sexual harassment.
The State House of Assembly recently amended Sections 284 and 285 of Penal Code Law, Cap. 96, Laws of Katsina State, 1991, to provide for stiffer punishment for those found engaged in the illegal acts.
The law states: “Whoever has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with 14 years’ imprisonment and liable to N10,000 fine.
“Any woman, who employs means of satisfying her sexual desire through bodily contact with another woman or otherwise, with or without her consent, shall be liable to 14 years’ imprisonment together with N10,000 fine.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Ministry of Environment said last Thurs
day that it would conduct an environmental audit to ensure compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment guidelines.
The Permanent Secretary in charge of the ministry, Alhaji Sanusi Katune, gave the hint in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
Katune observed that many construction companies failed to comply with the legal requirements of conducting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before executing their projects.
Lagos
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association
of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) says the delay in the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Bill is crippling investments in the oil and gas sector.
The National Public Relations Officer of PENGASSAN, Mr Oluseyi Gambo, made the observation in an interview with newsmen last Thursday in Lagos.
He said the inaction on the bill had limited foreign investment in the industry.
Gambo said the association was optimistic that the bill would become a law to fast track development in the oil and gas sector.
Nasarawa
Nasarawa State Government has called for support from
Lafia Emirate Council in its effort to tackle the problem of erosion and flooding in the state.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, made the call during a courtesy call on the Emir of Lafia, Dr Isa Mustapha, in Lafia last Thursday.
Muazu said the recent disaster prompted him and his management team to embark on advocacy visit to the Emir of Lafia and the affected areas, to find solution to the problem. At the emir’s palace, Muazu said he came to seek for royal blessings and support from the emirate council to curb the problem of flooding that had ravaged the metropolis.
Niger
A Minna Chief Magistrates’ Court last Thursday ordered
the remand in prison custody of a 17 year old student, Abubakar Suleiman for act of indecency.
The accused was arraigned in court on a one count charge of act of gross indecency contrary to Section 285 of the Penal Code. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Gunduma Ibrahim, had told the court that one Rabia Ibrahim, of Sani Mambo Street, Suleja, reported the matter at the station on December 1.
Ibrahim said that on November 30, the accused entered the complainant’s residence and met her three years old daughter inside the house.
Ondo
Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State last Thurs
day said the state government had taken steps to ensure that farmers enjoyed the full benefits of cocoa production.
Mimiko made this known when he was honoured as the Nigeria Cocoa Ambassador by the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN).
The association also recognised the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, as a merit award recipient.
Mimiko, who thanked CFAN for the honour, said efforts were on to ensure that farmers were not short-changed in the entire cocoa chain, production to marketing levels.
Osun
An Osogbo Grade II Customary Court last Thursday
dissolved a 22-year-old marriage between Ruth Abimbola and her husband, Elijah on grounds of unfaithfulness and marital unrest.
The President of the court, Chief Bolarinwa Popoola, who dissolved the marriage, held that the respondent’s absence in court was an indication that he had no interest in the relationship.
“The marriage, is therefore, dissolved and the court grants the custody of the four children to their father as they are of age,’’ he ordered.
Oyo
An Ibadan-based lawyer, Mr Muhammed Jubril, last Thursday urged the National Assembly to enact laws that would make the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) completely independent.
He made the call, while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan.
Jubril said that the EFCC, since its establishment in 2003, would have performed better without undue interference from the Federal Government.
“Unfortunately, the EFCC is today seen as a tool in the hands of the government to hunt a selected few who are not in the good books of the government.
Zamfara
A Base Ammunition Depot of the Nigerian Army, Gusau, said it had repatriated 226 foreign donkeys to Niger Republic.
The Commandant of the depot, Major Hamman Saleh, told journalists while loading the donkeys at the Tsafe military check point, Zamfara, that the donkeys were intercepted in the bush on Monday along with their 49 owners.
Saleh said due to the security challenges in the country, the donkeys and their owners were apprehended and searched to detect possible concealed weapons.
He, however, said that only axes and cutlasses were found in their possession, adding that the intruders, however, gained entry into the country illegally.
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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