Nation
THE STATES
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.
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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