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THE STATES

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Bauchi

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), North-
East Zone, has said delegates to the proposed national conference should be elected so as to be accepted and trusted by Nigerians.
The association’s Zonal Chairman, Rev. Shuaibu Byel, said in Bauchi that delegates that were appointed would only be loyal to whoever appointed them to the conference.
Byel said that groups which are responsible for electing their delegates would hold them accountable to their interests and also ensure that such was protected.
The CAN official faulted the Federal Government’s resolve to nominate as many as 492 delegates, and pointed out that nominations would cause serious disagreements.
While noting that there were 55 ethnic groups in Bauchi State who would want to be represented, he said no random nomination could give them a fair representation.

Ekiti

It may soon become a crime punishable under the
law for any husband to abandon his wife after childbirth in any part of Ekiti State.
The wife of the state Governor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, gave the indication in Ado-Ekiti while on a sympathy visit to one Mrs. Bosede Omole.
Omole’s husband had run away after she was delivered of triplets at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.
Fayemi condemned the manner in which mothers were usually abandoned by their husbands soon after delivery of new babies, especially multiple births.
“Such a behaviour is not only callous and wicked, but a betrayal of the marriage trust between couples,’’ she said.

FCT

The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Com
mission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has advised politicians to guard against utterances that can trigger violence as the 2015 elections are gathering momentum.
Jega made the call at a forum on 2015 elections’ coverage organised by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Abuja, recently.
He expressed concerned over lack of civility in the conduct of some politicians, urging them to give priority to national interest in ensuring peaceful political atmosphere before, during and after 2015 elections.
“ The attitude of political class is one of our biggest challenge in INEC, politicians have a responsibility to change their behaviour to stop overheating the polity,’’ Jega said.

Jigawa

The Jigawa State Government says it has earmarked
N76 million for the renovation of Dutse Open Air Theatre.
The Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Alhaji Ibrahim Babandi, said this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Babandi said that the theatre was being renovated in order to raise its standard.
He explained that the gesture would assist in promoting and sustaining the traditions and cultures of the people of the state.
The commissioner said that an archive library would be built in the theatre so as to document historical events in the state.

Kaduna

The New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC),
Kaduna, has awarded a N740 million contract for the building of a 3-storey shopping complex to Lubell Nigeria Limited.
The Group Managing Director of the company, Dr Ahmed Musa, said the Multi-Purpose Shopping Mall would be built along  Muhammadu Buhari Way, Kaduna.
Musa said the building would have 51 spaces of different sizes, adding that space would be provided to accommodate a Bank, a restaurant and at least 62 cars.
He said the building was expected to be completed within 65 weeks.

Katsina

The Katsina State Government has constituted a com
mittee to verify complaints on the payment of pension to retired civil servants in the state.
This is contained in a statement issued in Katsina by the Press Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Sani Kabomo.
According to the statement, the committee will be headed by Justice Sadiq Abdullahi Mahuta, a retired Chief Judge of the state.
Other members of the committee included the Chairman, State Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Abdulkarim Abubakar, as well as Alhaji Danyaya Mashi, Alhaji Labiru Musa and Alhaji Sada Abubakar.

Nasarawa

The police have arraigned Ibrahim Abdullahi and
Lawal Jibril, both of Mararaba in Nasarawa State in a Mararaba Upper Area Court, Nasarawa State for criminal conspiracy.
The two men are facing a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, intimidation and mischief.
The prosecutor, Joseph Ahua, told the court that Isah Kogi of Masaka, Nasarawa State and Nurudeen Shamsudeen of Jikwoyi, Abuja, reported the matter at ‘A’ Division Police Station, Nasarawa State, on February 1.
He said that on the same date at about 8 a.m., Abdullahi and Jibril conspired and destroyed the foundation of Shamsudeen’s building valued at N205,400, situated behind Medical Centre, Mararaba.
Oyo

The wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence
Ajimobi, has given automatic employment to 88 outgoing corps members under her pet project, Educate A Rural Child (ERC), for their dedication and selflessness during the service year.
Mrs Ajimobi who announced this at a reception organised for the outgoing Batch “B” corps members who served in her office said that the appointment was, however, subject to their willingness to stay in the state to continue with the work they had been doing in encouraging rural pupils.
The benefiting corps members were volunteers under the ERC project put in place by the governors’ wife to bridge the gap in the quality of education to rural children.
Ajimobi said that incoming corps members, who would be ready to go to rural areas and work with ERC, would get stipends monthly from the ERC in addition to their state allowances.
She said the purpose of recruiting corps members, under the ERC, to interface with children, parents and teachers in rural areas had been achieved.

Plateau

The Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources,
Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has donated N10 million to Plateau State Fadama III Farmers’ to aid them in establishing Fadama Micro-finance Bank.
The bank is a brain child of the Fadama III farmers who contributed five percent of their savings to set it up, to enable them to get a one digit interest loan to finance the farming business.
Adesina made the donation on behalf of the ministry  in Jos during a visit to assess agriculture facilities in Plateau.
The minister lauded the initiative by the farmers, comprising 75 percent women, and assured them of the Federal Government’s support.

Zamfara

The police in Gusau has confirmed the killing of
16 persons, including a policeman, by armed bandits in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Lawal Abdullahi, told newsmen that about 150 armed hoodlums riding on motorcycles perpetrated the act.
He said the hoodlums had invaded the three villages of Tungar Rakumi, Mallamawa and Kangarawa on Saturday night.
The police spokesman said 12 persons were killed in Tungar Rakumi alone, while the rest four were killed in Mallamawa and Kangarawa.

L-R: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga, Minister of FCT, Sen. Bala Mohammed, former Governor Of Yobe State, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim, President Goodluck Jonathan, Managing Director, Suntrust Investment Ltd, Alhaji Mohammed Jibril and Minister of Steel and Solid Minerals Development, Mr Musa Sada, at the inauguration of FMBN Aviation Village in Abuja last Thursday. Photo: NAN

L-R: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga, Minister of FCT, Sen. Bala Mohammed, former Governor Of Yobe State, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim, President Goodluck Jonathan, Managing Director, Suntrust Investment Ltd, Alhaji Mohammed Jibril and Minister of Steel and Solid Minerals Development, Mr Musa Sada, at the inauguration of FMBN Aviation Village in Abuja last Thursday. Photo: NAN

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Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist

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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.

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Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH

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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.

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OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe

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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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