Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Con
gress (APC ), Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), has promised enabling environment for Nigerian youths to excel, if elected president on February 14
Buhari gave the assurance at the APC Presidential campaign rally held in Yola last Monday.
He said a World Bank statistic indicated that 60 per cent of Nigerian citizens were under thirty three years and were jobless.
“Sixty per cent of Nigerian citizens are youths who have no job opportunity,” Buhari said.
According to him, the top priority of his government, if elected, was to ensure security of lives and property and to create job opportunities for the youth through agriculture and mineral resources potentials.
Buhari said that APC government would bring positive development to the people of Nigeria.
He sympathised with the internally displaced persons in the state and assured them that they would go back to their respective places of abode if the APC formed the government in February.
FCT
The police yesterday arraigned a driver, Ameobi Ndukwe
before a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court, Abuja for allegedly receiving a stolen property.
Ndukwe, 25, who resides at Sabon Lugbe Abuja, was alleged to have bought some clothing materials alleged to have been stolen.
He was arraigned on a one-count charge of receiving stolen property.
The prosecutor, Inspector Usman Owuna told the court that on November 8, 2014 at about 6.25 a.m, one Ms Juremi Shekwoyemi of Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, reported the matter at the Iddo Police Station.
Owuna said that on July 19, 2014 some unknown persons broke into the complainant’s shop and made away with some items which he listed as wrappers, earrings, necklaces among others.
He informed the court that during police investigation, some of the stolen materials were discovered in a tailoring shop owned by one Mohammed Kekere.
Kano
The Kano State Government last Monday said it had
approved N62 million for full take-off of the State Informatics Institute in Kura.
The Commissioner for Justice, Mr Maliki Umar, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state’s Executive Council meeting in Kano.
“The council approved N10 million for the continuation of enforcement of law on the streets, as well as decongestion and illegal motor parks in the metropolis.
“The Council also approved N14.9 million for replenishment of operational funds for task force on drugs abuse and illicit trafficking committee.”
The commissioner reiterated the state government’s determination to develop infrastructure in the state as part of initiatives to improve the welfare of the people.
Kebbi
Some traditional leaders of border communities in Kebbi
State, last Monday pledged to promote peaceful coexistence with their neighbours in Benin Republic.
The district heads of Illo, Alhaji Muhammadu Wankoi and that of Kasati, Alhaji Muhammadu Dobvi gave the assurance when Gov. Saidu Dakingari visited Bagudo Local Government area.
The governor was in the area to inspect some projects being undertaken by the state government.
The district heads in their separate remarks said they would encourage their subjects to always portray Nigeria in positive manner and shun anything that would create conflict.
They commended Dakingari for the projects sited in their areas and further urged him to construct new official residence for them and allocate official vehicles to them to enhance their status.
Earlier, the governor said the state government had constructed a new road to link the community with their neighbours in Benin Republic to promote social and economic relations.
Kwara
The Hausa community in Kwara State has accused the
state government of marginalisation in the implementation of policies and programmes.
The head of the community, Alhaji Mukhtar Tawakalitu, told newsmen last Monday in Ilorin that majority of the members of the community were born in the state and deserved to be recognised as indigenes.
“We see Kwara as our state because majority of us were born here, grew up here, do our businesses here and married here,” Tawakalitu said.
He said members of the community had not benefitted from the administration of Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed.
Lagos
National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC),
Chief Bola Tinubu, on Monday described the party’s governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, as one of the most brilliant minds in financial accountancy.
Tinubu spoke at the APC governorship campaign rally in Ojo area of the state, urging the people to give Ambode their votes in the Feb. 28 governorship election.
He said that Ambode was a credible candidate who should be given the chance to continue with the excellence for which Lagos was noted.
“Today we present one of the most brilliant minds in financial accountancy; one of the most intelligent in financial management.
“He is tested, trusted, capable, visionary and an achiever,” he said.
Tinubu said that Ambode performed well when he was the state’s Accountant-General.
“Lagos State progressed when Ambode was the state’s Accountant-General.
“You need creative, great, visionary leaders and an intelligent government to manage the economy.
“That is why a disciplined Buhari and a visionary Ambode will want to create a better economy for Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
Nasarawa
Most Rev. Mathew Audu, the Catholic Bishop of Lafia
Diocese in Nasarawa State, has condemned the alarming rate of divorce in Nigeria.
The clergyman voiced his displeasure in an interview with newsmen last Monday in Lafia.
He said that he was shocked to learn that the rate of divorce in Nigeria had risen to above 30 per cent yearly.
He expressed concern why couples quickly resorted to divorce.
He said that instead of preaching against divorce, some clerics were preoccupied with counselling new and old couples on ways of sustaining their love.
He said that the high rate of divorce was not a good development as the church does not permit divorce since it is forbidden by God.
Ogun
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
yesterday said it had distributed over 672,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ogun State.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr Timothy Ibitoye, said this in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, during a visit to Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland.
Ibitoye said the figure represented 50 per cent of the 1.22 million cards received for the registered voters in the state.
He said eligible voters yet to obtain their cards should be patient as the commission would distribute the outstanding cards before February 14.
Ibitoye, however, warned that the commission would insist on its policy of “no PVC, no voting.”
He said smartcard readers would be used at the general elections for accreditation of voters, adding that no one should be seen with more than one card.
Ondo
The Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue said it gen
erated N13.2 billion from various internal sources in 2014.
Its Chairman, Mr Akinlolu Akinsehinwa. said this yesterday in Akure in an interview with newsmen.
Akinsehinwa said the board recorded success in 2014 because of its repositioning, dynamism and sensitisation.
“We made people see reason on tax payments and the infrastructure provided through tax.”
The chairman re-iterated the board’s commitment to generate more money through tax this year.
“We are looking into all remote areas for coverage and we will come up with some strategies and widen our scope to get more tax.
“At the end, we will get a lot of money and make the collection easy and convenient because tax payment is not meant to make life more difficult but better,” Akinsehinwa said.
Sokoto
The APC gubernatorial candidate in Sokoto State, Aminu
Tambuwal last Monday received 2400 supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) who defected to APC in Kebbi Local Government Area of the state.
Tambuwal received the defectors at the party’s gubernatorial campaign rally held in Kebbi town, headquaters of Kebbi Local Government Area of the state.
He called on the defectors to work towards promoting the lofty ideals of the party in the rural areas.
Tambuwal also called on the youths in the area to shun all kinds of violence by ensuring peaceful conduct of the forthcoming elections.
He said that the youths were a global catalyst for political development of any society, adding that they should be properly groomed to enable them contribute towards the socio economic and political growth of the country.
Nation
Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist
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.
Nation
Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH
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.
Nation
OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe
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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