Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered that
Ayodele Ojo, 45, be remanded in prison custody over alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl in Ijero-Ekiti.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Bamikole Olasunkanmi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on February 18 when he unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the teenager at Ijero-Ekiti.
He said the offence contravened Section 221(1) of the criminal code, cap. C 16, Laws of Ekiti State 2012.
Bamikole said he had duplicated and sent the case file to the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.
The plea of the accused was not taken and his counsel, Mr Tosin Osundahunsi, sought for an adjournment.
FCT
The House of Representatives has mandated its Com
mittee on Gas to investigate the alleged non-remittance of funds from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Bonny, to the Federation Account.
The committee, which would investigate the non-remittance from 2004 till date, had three weeks to summit its report.
This resolution was sequel to a motion by Rep. Aminu Suleiman (APC- Kano) which was unanimously adopted without debate when put to vote by the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal.
Suleiman said that NLNG Bonny had breached Section 162(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which makes it mandatory for all ‘revenue’ collected by the government of the federation to be remitted into the Federation Account.
Kano
The Nigeria Environmental Standards, Regulations and
Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has solicited the support of media organisations in the dissemination of its activities.
NESREA’s Northwest Zonal Director, Dr Ahmed Kasim, made the call during a familiarisation visit to newsmen in Kano recently.
“Our activities will have more impact on individuals, groups and corporations with the full support of the media.
Kasim said the agency would continue to open its doors for consultations and advise from media organisations operating in the state.
Malam Muntari Tukur, NAN Kano correspondent, told Kasim that the agency would accord him the same good relationship it had with the former director.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government said that local government
councils would be provided additional funds to combat criminal activities in their respective areas.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Nurudden Kangiwa, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the gesture would help to enhance peaceful coexistence in the state.
Kangiwa said prompt release of funds to the councils on security matters would be accorded priority.
Kangiwa, however, urged the councils to extend support to vigilante groups in their areas by providing them with stipends and working tools.
The SSG said the state government would continue to collaborate with stakeholders on security to ensure a secured and peaceful environment through the 24-hour joint security patrol of the state.
Kogi
The Kogi State Government said it was in the process of
constructing public toilets in strategic areas in Lokoja to check open defecation in the state capital.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Mike Abu, the Chief Press Secretary to the state Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, in Lokoja, recently.
It said that the decision was announced by Gov. Idris Wada at a meeting with the members of the organising committee of the National Environmental Sanitation Day 2014 headed by the Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Malam.
The statement said that the decision was to check indiscriminate open defecation by residents.
Kwara
The Chairman, Baruten Local Government Area of
Kwara State, Malam Mohammed Omar-Bio, has solicited the assistance of the state government for victims of the rainstorm in the area.
Omar-Bio made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Kosubosu, headquarters of the council after an on-the-spot assessment of places affected by the rainstorm.
He said that a childless octogenarian, Mrs Kumbayeruma Gaaku, was among victims of the devastating rainstorm that wreaked havoc in the area.
“The effect was so much, particularly the house of an old woman, who has no child; I can assure you that we shall definitely do something to alleviate their sufferings.
“When we get back to the office, I and other members of my team will put heads together and see what we can do; very soon, you shall hear from us.
Lagos
A 24-year-old man , Valentine Ezike, charged with
obtaining N116, 000 on the pretext of procuring a Dubai visa for his client, has appeared before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused, who lives at No. 22, Francis Odoni St., Ajangbadi, Ojo, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and theft.
The Prosecutor, ASP Godwin Eze, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in February 2013, in Ojo.
He said the accused obtained N116, 000 from one Mr Peter Chidiebere, with the promise to assist him to get a Dubai visa.
Nasarawa
The Acting Provost of College of Agriculture, Lafia,
Nasarawa State, Dr Mohammed Salihu, has warned new students of the institution to shun cultism and indiscipline.
Salihu gave the warning in Lafia at the matriculation of 4,000 students for the 2013/2014 academic session.
The acting provost also urged the students to strive for academic excellence in order to justify their parents’ investments in them.
Salihu also warned the students against vices such as examination malpractice, indecent dressing and drug abuse.
Ogun
The Ogun State House of Assembly says it is
taking steps towards the establishment of state lottery board.
The Speaker of the assembly, Mr Suraj Adekunbi, stated this in Abeokuta at a Public Forum on the Bill for an Act to establish Lottery Board for the state.
The speaker said when passed and assented to, it would also regulate public on-line lotteries.
Adekunbi, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Tola Banjo, said the need to protect the interest of citizens and regulate the activities of operators necessitated the bill.
Plateau
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zone 4, Jos,
said recently that it had recorded “significant reduction in fatal accidents’’ in the early part of this year in the zone.
“The zone, which comprises Nasarawa, Plateau and Benue states, has recorded less accidents when compared to the early part of 2013 accident rate,’’ the corps said.
Mr Yakubu Attah, the FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO), disclosed this while briefing newsmen on their activities in Jos.
“In January 2014, the zone has recorded 38 fatal accidents that claimed the lives of 55 people while 434 people sustained injuries.
Taraba
The Acting Governor of Taraba State, Garba Umar, has
urged the people to live peacefully with one another to achieve peace in the state.
Umar disclosed this in Jalingo at the inauguration of projects recently.
According to him, living in peace would enhance development in the state.
“As this administration makes concerted efforts to improve living standards, let me reiterate the fact that our objective can only be achieved if we continue to give peace a chance.
Yobe
Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State has directed
political office holders to interact with people at the grassroots to assess the impact of government’s programmes on the lives of the citizens.
He gave the directive in Damaturu while swearing into office two former national legislators and two former commissioners as special advisers.
Gaidam said the advisers were appointed to tap their potentials for the socio-economic development of the state.
“We are glad to have the right calibre of people into the offices to fast track and move the state forward,’’ he said.
Asiwaju of Egbe, General Yinka Adeniyi (rtd) (left), presenting an award to Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State (right), at the inauguration of the revitalised ECW Hospital in Egbe, Kogi, last Saturday.
The Head of the Department of Anatomy at the University of Port Harcourt’s College of Health Sciences, Prof Gabriel Sunday Oladipo, has underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to develop a comprehensive forensic science infrastructure, warning that the nation’s ability to investigate and solve crime is being hampered by lack of scientific data and systems.
In his inaugural lecture titled, “Man: Fearfully Different, Wonderfully Made,” delivered as part of the 207th Inaugural Lecture Series of the university, Prof Oladipo highlighted that while no two individuals are exactly the same, the country currently lacks the robust systems needed to collect and manage biological and anthropometric data that could support criminal investigations.
He explained that the natural variations among humans — from fingerprints to physical measurements — form the foundation of personal identification in forensic work. These biological differences, he said, are essential for distinguishing one person from another, especially in the context of criminal investigations where clarity of identity can mean the difference between justice and impunity. Without this scientific foundation, he argued, law enforcement agencies lack a critical tool in the fight against crime.
Experts have noted that Nigeria’s forensic science capacity has historically lagged behind needs, with only a few forensic facilities available and many law enforcement agencies struggling to access or use scientific evidence effectively. One review of the state of forensic investigation in Nigeria found that outdated facilities and limited adoption of modern forensic methods have left many cases unsolved or poorly investigated, even as crime rates rise across the country.
In Lagos, efforts to improve forensic capabilities have focused on DNA analysis, with the Lagos State DNA Forensic Centre — the first of its kind in West Africa — providing critical support for criminal investigations and helping to identify human remains, link related cases, and assist with paternity testing. However, such initiatives are yet to be replicated at a national scale, leaving many regions without access to these vital scientific tools.
Prof Oladipo’s lecture went beyond academic theory to propose concrete actions. He called for the establishment of a National Institute of Forensic Science responsible for creating and managing a nationwide anthropometric and forensic data bank. This repository, he stressed, would significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to track crime, assist law enforcement agencies, and improve the administration of justice by providing reliable scientific evidence for investigative and legal processes.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening research and training in forensic science. Many Nigerian universities currently lack the funding and infrastructure to offer complete undergraduate or postgraduate programs in areas such as forensic anthropology, DNA analysis, and crime scene investigation, a gap that forces aspiring experts to rely on collaborations with institutions abroad. By fostering a research-friendly environment and securing greater support from both government and private sectors, Nigerian institutions could produce homegrown experts capable of advancing forensic science in the country.
Awareness of forensic science’s role in criminal justice remains low among the general public and even among some security professionals. Studies have shown that a significant portion of Nigerians are unfamiliar with basic forensic concepts or the existence of tools such as DNA profiling and national forensic databases — tools that are common features of criminal justice systems in countries like South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Prof Oladipo also urged regular training and retraining programs to keep forensic practitioners updated with evolving scientific methods. According to him, continuous professional development is critical in a field where technological advances — from biometric databases to digital forensic tools — are transforming how crimes are investigated and solved.
The lecture was attended by academics, students, and professionals drawn to the intersection of science, identity, and justice, all of whom heard the professor make a compelling case for scientific innovation and institutional reform as central to Nigeria’s effort to contain crime and strengthen its justice system.
The event not only showcased Prof Oladipo’s expertise in human anatomy and forensic psychology but also positioned forensic science as a strategic national priority — one that could bring clarity to investigations, support victims and their families, and ultimately enhance public safety across Nigeria.
The University of Port Harcourt Women Association (UPWA) on Thursday staged a vibrant and memorable edition of its Annual Inter-House Sports Competition at the University of Port Harcourt Sports Village, drawing an impressive turnout of pupils, parents, staff and invited guests.
The event, organised by the UPWA International Group of Schools, brought together children from the pre-nursery, nursery and secondary sections in a colourful celebration of youth athleticism, discipline and teamwork. The arena came alive with cheers and excitement as pupils, clad in their various house colours, marched in a ceremonial parade before proceeding to compete in a wide range of track and field events, relays, novelty races and other team-based activities designed to promote physical fitness and healthy competition.
Declaring the competition open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, commended UPWA for sustaining a tradition that continues to nurture young talents beyond the classroom. He noted that sports remain a critical component of holistic education, helping to build resilience, confidence, leadership skills and social interaction among children.
In her remarks, the President of UPWA, Professor Udeme Georgewill, expressed appreciation to parents, teachers and members of the organising committee for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the success of the programme despite prevailing economic challenges. She described the event as a reflection of unity and collective effort within the school community.
“This is the first time White House is emerging overall winner, and that shows remarkable improvement and great sportsmanship,” she said. “We all had fun. It is not easy putting an event like this together considering the economic situation, but we are grateful to the parents for being part of this journey. The excitement everywhere is truly heartwarming.”
The competition featured spirited participation from the various houses, including Purple House, San Chicago Red House and White House, with pupils demonstrating strength, speed, coordination and teamwork. Parents and supporters filled the stands, cheering enthusiastically and adding colour to the spectacle, while teachers ensured orderliness and safety throughout the proceedings.
Professor Georgewill emphasized that the true essence of sports lies not merely in winning trophies but in participation and personal growth. “Sports is not just about winning. It is an avenue for growth, discipline and opportunity. The fact that a child is able to participate is already a win. Losing this year does not mean you cannot win next year. Keep trying,” she encouraged, urging pupils to see both victory and defeat as stepping stones to greater achievements.
She further observed that while there are many competing interests in the Nigerian sports sector, consistent grassroots investment remains essential for discovering and nurturing future champions.
The colourful ceremony culminated in medal presentations, trophy awards and group photographs, with UPWA executives, including Vice President I, Professor Adedamola Onyeaso, joining the participating teams to celebrate the day’s achievements.
The annual inter-house sports competition continues to stand as one of UPWA’s flagship events, reinforcing its commitment to balanced education, character formation and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among its pupils.
