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THE STATES

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Bauchi

The Police command in Bauchi said it had arrested 10
suspected rustlers in the state.
The Spokesman of the command, DSP Haruna Mohammed, said this while briefing newsmen in Bauchi.
Mohammed said the rustlers include Yusuf Abdulkadir, Dare Karimu, Mamuda Sulai, Abdulkadir Usman, Ali Sulai, Maiwada Jahono, Buba Ali, Hassan Sale, Sale Jakudu and Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed.
He said the suspects were arrested on Dec. 10, at about 2:40 p.m. by police detectives attached to Dass Division with the help of Danga Vigilante Group.
Mohammed said the suspects had before their arrest engaged the police in fierce exchange of gunfire at Dajin Village,Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas.

Benue

Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State said he had
kept his promise to the people of Masev, Ihiarev, Nongo Development Association (MINDA) by ensuring that Mr Terhemen Tarzoor, a youth from the area, would succeed him.
Suswam stated this while playing host to MINDA Youths Emancipation Moment at the Government House, Makurdi.
our correspondent  reports that Tarzoor won the December 8 governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
“We in Benue have decided to hand over power to the youths because they represent our future.
“The same thing is happening in the United State of America, Britain, among others, where youths are doing very well in leadership positions by ruling the biggest countries in the world, he said”.

Ekiti

An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ekiti State,
has  remanded three accused persons, Sunday Daramola,20, Tope Olatunji,27, and Seun Adeniyi, 20, in prison for allegedly raping a teenager.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Bamikola Olasunkanmi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Dec.8 at Okeoja St., Igbemo -Ekiti.
Olasunkanmi alleged that the accused persons, on the said date, unlawfully gang raped the girl, inflicting grievous harm on her.
According to him, the offence is punishable under Section 516 and 358 of the Criminal Code Law, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
He added that the case file had been forwarded to the office of the State Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.

Kano

The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO)
has concluded all the necessary arrangements to import 100, 000 pre-paid meters for distribution to customers in 2015.
The Managing Director of the company, Alhaji Jamilu Gwamna, made this known at Customers’ Interactive Session on Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) in Kano recently. Our correspondent reports  that the forum was organised by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to sensitise electricity customers on the CAPMI.
He said the measure was necessary in order to reduce incessant complaints by customers on crazy billing as well as to ensure effective service delivery.
“Even though, they may not be enough, but we can start with this number since we will continue to bring them in batches,” he said.
Gwamna said the company had also planned to invest in solar power but the issue of land was the major challenge facing the company.
Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly  has voted in
favour of autonomy for local government councils in the country and the abolition of states’ electoral commissions.
In a unanimous decision, the house said that scrapping electoral commission in the states and autonomy for local government councils were in the interest of peace and grassroots development in the country.
our correspondent  reports that the decision was part of the assembly’s contribution to the amendment of the nation’s 1999 Constitution.
Presenting the matter earlier, Speaker of the assembly, Alhaji Musa Mohammed, urged members to consider the bill above personal interest.
Moving the motion on both issues, the Deputy Majority Leader of the house, Mr Yahaya Usman, said, “My colleagues, in the interest of peace and speedy development across the country, there is need for the autonomy for local governments.
“This is because local governments are closer to the people at the grassroots.

Niger

The Niger State Government says it has distributed 128
motorcycles to agricultural extension workers in the state, to ease their mobility.
Managing Director of the Niger State Agricultural and Mechanisation Development Authourity (NAMDA), Alhaji Baba Madugu, made this known in Minna.
He said that the programme was in collaboration with the international donor agencies, adding that it would improve the dissemination of modern technologies among rural farmers.
Madugu said that female extension workers would also get 20 per cent of the motorcycles.
“This is the second phase of the distribution of 128 units of motorcycles to our extension workers, who are the front line staff of delivering the mandate of NAMDA.

Ogun

Mr Tunde Awolana, the General Manager of Ogun State
Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC), said the corporation required N608 million to function effectively in 2015.
Awolana disclosed this in Abeokuta while defending the 2015 budget proposal of the corporation before the Ogun House of Assembly.
He said the corporation was expected to generate N200 million as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) with a recurrent expenditure of N298 million and N310 million for capital expenditure.
The general manager explained that the capital projects would include improving the signal strength of its AM and FM channels in order to increase the audience base and media rating.
On her part, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Yewande Amusan, presented a total expenditure of N547 million for 2015.

Sokoto

Sokoto State Government has  donated six 36-seater
buses to three tertiary educational Institutions in the state.
The institutions include the state university, state polytechnic and the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto.
Presenting the vehicles in Sokoto, Wamakko said each of the institutions was given two buses.
He said the vehicles were provided to alleviate transportation problems of the Institutions, adding, “the buses will also help in boosting  their sources of revenue and reduce heavy dependence on government.
“I must express my  appreciation to the various  leaders of the institutions for their contribution in boosting standard of education in the state.”

Taraba

The Taraba State Command of the Nigeria Immigration
Service (NIS)  has repatriated 11 nationals of the Niger Republic who were residing in the state illegally.
The NIS State Comptroller, Mr Habibu Haruna, disclosed this at a news briefing in Jalingo.
Haruna said the immigrants were arrested because they entered into the Takum axis of the state without valid traveling documents.
He said the aliens did not have the required traveling documents as stipulated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The comptroller, who was represented by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Solomon Gisilambe, said that the presence of the foreigners raised fears amongst residents of Takum.

Zamfara

The Zamfara State Eye Centre, Gusau, has treated 15,000
patients of various eye diseases from 2012 to date.
The Assistant Chief Nursing Officer in charge of the centre, Alhaji Lawwali Hassan, said this in an interview with in Gusau on recently.
Lawwali said that the centre had recorded many successes in the treatment of various eye diseases.
According to him, the centre was owned by the state government but funded by Sightsavers International which provided medication and other components needed for the operation.
“The centre is established within King Fahd Abdul’aziz Women and Children Hospital, Gusau, and the patients mostly treated are those suffering from cataract, while others are with trauma and foreign body removal.

L-R: Governor  Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Governor  Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State and PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu, after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja

L-R: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State and PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja

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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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