Connect with us

Nation

THE STATES

Published

on

FCT

The Police have arraigned a 60-year-old man, Alhaji
Bashir Mohammed, in a Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court, Wuse, Abuja, for failure to produce a suspect.
Mohammed, a businessman who resides at Deidei, Abuja, was said to have stood for bail for Abdullahi Saidu of Wuse zone 1, Abuja, but failed to produce him when asked to.
He is facing a one-count charge of shielding an offender.
The prosecutor, Insp. Abdullahi Adamu, had told the court that on October 4 the accused stood for bail for Abdullahi Saidu at Wuse Police Station and promised to produce him on October 9.
He said that when that date came, the accused and the suspect were nowhere to be found until he was seen at Wuse market and arrested.

Kano

A 27-year-old man, Murtala Abdullahi, on Wednes
day, appeared before the Nomansland Magistrates’ Court in Kano, charged with criminal conspiracy and buying stolen vehicle.
According to the First Information Report, the theft was reported at the Bompai Police Division, Kano, by Usman Audu of Farawa Quarters, Kano, in August.
The report indicated that Audu alleged that Abdullahi criminally conspired with one Abdullahi Ibrahim and two others simply identified as Surajo and Shuaibu, all of Kunchi Local Government Area of Kano State to commit the offence. It added that Ibrahim, Surajo and Shuaibu, now at large, sold a stolen Honda Civic car with registration number AE240DAL to Abdullahi at N500,000, an offence which contravened sections 6 (a),(b),(c) and 5 (1) of Robbery and Firearms Special Provision Act.However, the accused denied committing the offences but the Magistrate, Mr Ibrahim Khaleel, ordered that he be remanded in prison and adjourned the case until Dec. 22 for further mention.

Kaduna

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has rejected
autonomy for local governments and the scrapping of state electoral commissions as proposed in the amendment to the 1999 Constitution.
Our correspondent reports that the assembly also rejected amendment to the provisions on indigenes and citizens by birth.
It, however, adopted all other recommendations as presented to it by the National Assembly.
The members had voted clause by clause in line with the recommendation of its special committee on the review of the constitution.
Mr Kantiok Ishaku, the Chairman of the seven-man committee had urged the members to place national interest above all other considerations in considering and voting on the sections sought to be altered.

Kwara

Sen. Simeon Ajibola, who won the PDP governor
ship ticket for the 2015 elections in Kwara, remains the flagbearer of the party, his campaign outfit has said.
The Director General of the Ajibola for Governor Campaign Organisation, Mr Shuaib Olanrewaju, made the clarification in an interview newsmen in Ilorin.
Olanrewaju said that contrary to the rumour making the rounds, Ajibola remains the authentic flag bearer of the party.
He said the clarification was necessary against the background of postings in the social media insinuating that the governorship ticket had been withdrawn from Ajibola.
Olanrewaju said the state and the 16 local government executive bodies of the party as well as other contestants had already congratulated Ajibola on his victory.
He recalled that Gov. Gabriel Suswan of Benue, who supervised the December 11 rescheduled primary election had submitted the result to the national headquarters of the party, adding that it had been accepted.

Kebbi

The Federal Ministry of Finance has commenced the train
ing of 95 unemployed graduates in Kebbi State who were selected for the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS).
Mr Edward Aleko, communication specialist of the scheme, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that 400 graduates across the state would be trained during the first phase of the scheme.
He said that 50,000 graduates are expected to benefit from the training meant to reduce unemployment in the country.
Aleko said: “The GIS was instituted by the Federal Government to cushion the hardship faced by unemployed graduates.
“It will also help to reduce vulnerability of unemployed graduates and build the manpower and capacity required for national development.

Nasarawa

A Grade 1 Area Court in Aso Pada, Mararaba, Nasarawa
State, has sentenced a 32-year-old businessman, John Daniel, to 24 months imprisonment for breach of trust and cheating.
The presiding Judge, Mr Albert Maga, convicted the businessman after he pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of breach of trust and cheating.
Maga, however, gave the convict an option to pay N6,000 fine or remain in Keffi Prison for 24 months and also ordered him to give N140,000 as compensation to the complainant.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Adaji, had told the court that the matter was reported at the ‘A’ Divisional Police Station, Mararaba, on December 15 by Mrs Ego Godwin of down Quarter, Mararaba. Adaji said sometimes in January 2014, the convict of same address came to the complainant and asked her to join a contribution of N8,000 with over 20 other people, which she accepted.
He said the convict told her that she would receive N140, 000 as her contribution in June 2014, but that she went for her husband’s burial and therefore could not receive the money.
Adaji added that when she came back, the convict refused to give her the money and converted it to his personal use without her consent.

Niger

The Nigeria Customs Service has handed over various il
licit drugs it recovered from the traffickers to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for destruction.
Mr Mohammed Biu, the Customs Area Controller in charge of Niger, Kogi and Kwara zones, presented the drugs for destruction in Minna.
“This is part of the established synergy customs has with other security agencies to assist in proper investigation since it is not in our purview to investigate such matter,’’ he said.
Biu said that his officers intercepted seven cartons of Taramol, Taramadol and Jonaviga tablets worth N1.2 million on September 24 along Mokwa-Kaduna Road.
Lagos

Lagos State Government last Thursday urged opera
tors of health facilities and healthcare providers in the state to ensure adequate prevention and control of infection to improve service delivery.
Dr Yewande Adeshina, Special Adviser to Gov. Babatunde Fashola on Public Health, said this at the seventh stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA).
Our correspondent reports that the programme was organised for operators of health facilities and healthcare providers in the state.
Adeshina said that there was the need to put in place a mechanism that would ensure holistic prevention and control of infections from one patient to another.

Ogun

Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun state says the insti
tution embarked on entrepreneurial training that would make its graduating students to be job providers for the nation.The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samson Ayanlaja, said this at the 6th convocation ceremony and conferment of honourary first degrees, doctorate degrees and presentation of prizes for 2013/2014 session in Ota.
Our correspondent reports that 310 graduating students participated in the ceremony.
They comprised 14 students bagging first class honours, 79 in second class upper division, 127 in second class lower division, 59 with third class, six receiving ordinary pass and 25 postgraduate students.

Ondo

The Nigeria Union of Journalists  (NUJ) Zone-B, has
advocated autonomy for the third tier of government in Nigeria in the on-going  amendment of the 1999 Constitution. According to a statement in Akure by Mr Dele Atunbi, Vice-President of the zone, granting of autonomy to the local government is in the spirit of true federalism.
“Local government autonomy will bring about rapid transformation at the grassroots, unlike the present situation of stunted growth and inaction.
“Grassroots development will reduce tremendously rural urban drift and congestion in our city centres.
“Reduction in rural  urban drift will equally reduce organised crimes in the country and ensure the success of the youth in agriculture programme of the Federal Government.
“This will in turn bring about food security as well as generate more activities at the grassroots, “ the statement said.

Executive Secretary, National Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Mr Kennedy Opara (Left), presenting a Gift to Gov. Saidu Dakingari of  Kebbi State, during his visit to Birnin Kebbi recently.

Executive Secretary, National Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Mr Kennedy Opara (Left), presenting a Gift to Gov. Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi State, during his visit to Birnin Kebbi recently.

Continue Reading

Nation

Rumuaholu Community Denies Land Grabbing Allegations, Accuses Obio/Akpor Chairman of Interference in Land Dispute

Published

on

The Ekeanyanwu family of Rumuaholu Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State has strongly refuted allegations of land grabbing levelled against it, describing recent media reports as false, misleading, and deliberately fabricated.
The family made its position known during a press briefing held on Wednesday at the residence of Dr. Colonel Ogwumerum Eke in Rumuaholu. The briefing was attended by community leaders, stakeholders, and family representatives.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. Eke dismissed claims attributed to the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Gift Worlu, which allegedly labelled the family as land grabbers. He described the allegations as baseless, frivolous, and lacking any factual foundation.
According to Dr. Eke, the Ekeanyanwu family remains the legitimate owner of the parcel of land known as Ohia Agbada, comprising approximately 6,000 plots situated along the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road corridor. He further maintained that Victory Estate, located within the disputed area, belongs exclusively to the Ekeanyanwu family and not to the Rumuosi Community as claimed by the council chairman.
Dr. Eke stated that ownership of the land had been affirmed by the courts, citing Case No. CCC/22/2015 at the Choba Customary Court. He explained that while the suit was instituted against another family in Rumuaholu, the Rumuosi Community sought to be joined in the matter but their application was rejected by the court.
He further disclosed that the family currently holds 15 subsisting court judgments in its favour relating to the disputed land, including judgments from the Customary Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal.
The family spokesman alleged that the Obio/Akpor council chairman, in collaboration with the local Anti-Land Grabbing Committee, was attempting to undermine the court decisions and dispossess the family of its land through what he described as “backdoor means.”
Dr. Eke accused the chairman of assuming the role of an appellate authority over matters that had already been conclusively determined by competent courts.
Expressing concern over recent developments, he alleged that individuals acting under the influence of the council chairman had destroyed properties worth millions of naira within Victory Estate. He described the action as a direct affront to existing court judgments and the rule of law.
Displaying copies of court judgments during the briefing, Dr. Eke questioned the rationale behind branding judgment creditors as land grabbers, insisting that those challenging the court rulings were the real offenders.
He called on members of the public to disregard what he termed misleading radio announcements purportedly made by the council chairman and urged government institutions and security agencies to uphold the sanctity of court judgments.
Also speaking at the briefing, Elder Prince Ndaokani, Principal Oji Owhor of Rumuaholu Community, supported the Ekeanyanwu family’s claims. He maintained that the disputed land originally belonged to Dr. Eke’s late father, who, according to Ikwerre native customary law, acquired ownership through the clearing and development of the land.
However, the allegations were dismissed by the Chairman of the Obio/Akpor Anti-Land Grabbing Committee, Chief Alex Wali, who responded on behalf of the local government council.
Chief Wali declined to engage directly with the claims made by Dr. Eke, stating: “That man cannot be gifted with our valued response to his tirades. People like that should not be in public but should be rotting in jail for heinous crimes against humanity.”
He maintained that nothing would prevent the council chairman from carrying out his constitutional responsibilities as the chief executive and chief security officer of the local government area.
According to him, the protection of lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of government at all levels, and the council would continue to discharge its duties in that regard.
The dispute is the latest chapter in a long-running land ownership controversy in the area, with both sides maintaining opposing claims over the disputed property.
By Akujobi Amadi
Continue Reading

Nation

Asarama Kingdom Condemns Gruesome Murder of A Commercial Vehicle Driver

Published

on

The Asarama General Assembly in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State has condemned the gruesome murder of a commercial vehicle driver by some identified criminal elements in the community.
It would be recalled that on Thursday the 28th of May  2026, the kingdom was thrown into mourning, following the gruesome murder of a commercial vehicle driver by some criminal elements
The Assembly which said this at a media briefing in Port Harcourt also called for the establishment of a Mobile police and police anti cultism departments  at the Asarama Police Division.
The Okangh Ama /Paramount Ruler of Asarama kingdom HRM king Appolus J Nteijaewaye who read the text for the briefing onbehalf of The Asarama General Assembly at the briefing said the community condemned in totality the gruesome incident.
He said the kingdom also extends its condolences to the bereaved family of the murdered driver, stressing that as a kingdom it would leave no stone unturned to ensure that such an incident never occur within it’s territorial space again.
The General Assembly also commended the prompt intervention of the Nigerian police Force which led to the arrest of some members of the criminal gang, adding that even though the crime was committed at Asarama, some of those allegedly involved were not indigenes of Asarama kingdom.
“As a kingdom we use the sober moment of this unfortunate incident to further commend the prompt reaction of the leadership and men of the Nigeria Police Force in Rivers state that led to their effective results aimed at eliminating criminality and deterring the evil ones in our society “
The Community also described the incident as a pointer to the level of vulnerability of not only Asarama kingdom but the entire society, against the background that the sanctity of life ought to be sacred and protected by individuals, groups, communities and governmental institutions”
Meanwhile ,The Asarama General Assembly has called for the establishment of a Mobile Police  as well as police anti cultism departments at the Asarama Police Division
It said this has become necessary inview of the strategic location of the kingdom as a gateway to the rest of Andoni communities and Opobo -Nkoro Local Government Area.
“Owing to the peculiarity of our geographical location especially the amphibious nature of Asarama kingdom, intricately linked with its neighbouring inter ethnic Ogoni and Opobo -Nkoro Local Government Areas in general and intra Andoni communities in particular, the relevant authorities should urgently approved special mobile police force,Anti cultism and Marin units to be attached to the Asarama Divisional headquarters”
The kingdom also decried the continuous neglect of the Asarama police Division, since it’s establishment adding that the division up till date,does not have a single firearm as well as enough personnel
It said this situation has exposed the community to activities of criminal elements.
“The sordid state of the only security outfit that ought to police our territory and beyond now seems to complicate the delicate insecurity that we are already exposed to, first as a nation and second as a people inhabiting an intricate amphibious gateway kingdom
“Consequently we hereby cry to the appropriate authorities to urgently equip the Asarama Divisional Police headquarters with adequate men arms and ammunition “the Community said.
John Bibor
Continue Reading

Nation

Rivers Commissioner Commends WAEC Conduct, Vows Sanctions for Malpractice

Published

on

The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has commended the orderly conduct of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the state and urged schools to sustain the standard.

Dr. Nwagor gave the commendation on Tuesday during a monitoring tour of selected secondary schools in Port Harcourt and environs where the WAEC exam is ongoing.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by directors and monitors from the Ministry of Education, said he was impressed with the peaceful atmosphere at the centres visited.

“The students conducted themselves properly and wrote their papers under conducive conditions. Invigilators and supervisors also performed their duties professionally,” he stated.

Nwagor noted that the Rivers State Government had invested heavily to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the examination across the state

He urged candidates to reciprocate government’s effort by shunning all forms of examination malpractice and focusing on their studies.

“Government has done so much to ensure successful examinations in our schools. Students should take advantage of it by remaining focused,” the commissioner said.

While no case of malpractice was recorded in the centres inspected, Dr. Nwagor warned that any principal, teacher, invigilator, or official caught aiding malpractice would face strict sanctions in line with regulations.

He also commended school administrators, teachers, WAEC officials, and security personnel for upholding the integrity of the process.

Centres visited included County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche; Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri; Government Secondary School, Borokiri; and Pabod Model Secondary School.

Continue Reading

Trending