Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa State Command of the Nigeria Immigra
tion Service (NIS) has arrested 280 illegal aliens in the state.
The Comptroller of the service in the state, Mr Ubi Ikpi, told newsmen in Yola that the arrest was part of the command’s renewed efforts to rid the state of illegal aliens and enhance security.
“It is pertinent that we rid Adamawa of miscreants because it is very possible they can compound the security situation in the country since they don’t have valid papers and identifiable places of abode,” Ikpi said.
He said those arrested were from neighbouring African countries, adding that they would be documented and screened for subsequent deportation.
He urged the general public to support and cooperate with the command by identifying and reporting illegal aliens and criminals to the appropriate authorities.
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Chapter of the National Union of Road
Transport Workers (NURTW) says it has embarked on a campaign to sensitise and warn its members against engaging in election malpractice.
The union’s Chairman, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi .
Adamu explained that NURTW would play a critical role in the coming general elections, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said that the union would transport all INEC staff and election materials to the various polling units across the country.
“Because of the vital role we have to play, there was the need to consistently sensitise our members and warn them against being used by politicians to divert election materials or participate in any form of election malpractice or violence”, he said.
Benue
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has de-
cried the poor usage of crash helmets and seat belts by motorists in Benue State.
The Sector Commander of the commission in the state, Mr Habu Daudu, told newsmen in Makurdi that most motorists preferred to pay fines to the use of such protective devices.
“Most motorists in Benue and indeed, most states in the Northern parts of the country, prefer to pay fines instead of using helmets,” Daudu said.
He attributed the trend to “attitudinal problems”, stressing that most of the time, “it is discovered that some even have the helmets but will deliberately leave them at home”.
The sector commander, therefore, advised motorists to always use such protective devices to safeguard their lives in times of accidents.
He also warned drivers in the state to avoid making phone calls while driving.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it arrested 29 persons for allegedly hawking petrol on roadsides in the state.
The state Commandant of the Corps, Mr Muhammed Gidado, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
He said petrol hawking had been identified to be the cause of frequent fire outbreaks in parts of the state.
Gidado said that selling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in open places in the state had been banned.
“This measure is informed by the public outcry on the practice which often causes fire outbreak and artificial scarcity of fuel.’’
He said 25 persons suspected to have engaged in roadside hawking of petrol and five filling station managers were arrested by his men.
“The 29 suspects were nabbed at different locations in Dutse and its environs after three weeks warning against such practice”, he said.
Kaduna
More than 70, 000 farmers in Kaduna State have ben
efited from the World Bank-assisted West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP).
WAAPP’s Desk Officer in the state, Mr Umar Bashir, disclosed this in Kaduna in an interview with newsmen.
Bashir explained that the programme involved the distribution of quality seeds to farmers to enhance agricultural production.
He said that more than 56, 918 kilogrammes of seeds were produced and distributed to farmers under the programme in the last one year.
Bashir said the project also involved community multiplication programme in which farmers were selected to produce seeds for distribution to communities.
Katsina
A Senior Magistrates Court in Katsina State has or
dered a 65-year-old man, Sale Sani and two others standing trial for raping a 10-year-old girl, to be remanded in prison custody.
The Chief Magistrate, Hajiya Nafisat Lawal had fixed March 10 for the mentioning of the case after the police had formally charged the three for allegedly raping the girl.
The two others involved in the rape case are Bala Mati and Abdulkarim Bawale, all aged 55.
The prosecutor, Insp. Hashimu Musa told the court that the three old men committed the offence at Muduru village in Mani Local Government of Katsina State.
Musa said that the victim’s father Malam Lado reported the case to police on January 23, accusing the three of luring his daughter and raping her at Mati’s house located in the village..
He said that the police subsequently arrested the accused persons and transferred the case to the state Criminal Investigation Department for further action.
Kogi
Fifteen Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kogi
State have received N70 million soft loan to expand their operations.
The loan, which was given under the Kogi State/Bank of Industry N2 billion Matching Fund for SMEs, will attract five per cent interest with payback period of three years.
Distributing the cheques to the beneficiary companies in Lokoja, Governor Idris Wada said that the gesture was in line with his administration’s transformation agenda to industrialise the state and create jobs for its teeming youths.
Wada described small and medium scale enterprises as the engine room for rapid industrialisation and sustainable economic development.
He said the government would continue to rely on the sector in its quest to alleviate poverty and generate employment for the people.
Nasarawa
The traditional council in Akwanga Local Government
Area of Nasarawa State, will set machinery in motion to investigate all plots of land sold in controversial circumstances in the area.
Residents, who are involved in the illegal act would be prosecuted, Chief Samson Gamu-Yari, the Chun-Mada of Akwanga, has warned.
Gamu-Yari, who is also the chairman of the traditional council in the area, gave the warning in Akwanga while addressing Village and District Heads.
“We will set machinery in motion to investigate lands sold in controversial circumstances and make sure that all those involved in the illegal act are brought to book.
“This meeting was called to address land disputes that occurred in Gwanje Village which led to the death of two persons; including a police officer,” he said.
Oyo
The Oyo State branch of the All Farmers Association of
Nigeria (AFAN) has urged the state government to involve stakeholders in the agriculture sector in its policy formulation.
The Chairman of the association, Mr Olumide Aina, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
He said politicians were usually involved in formulation of agricultural policies rather than the actual farmers in the state.
“Majority of government policies were not evolved by experts, rather they were the products of politicians who call themselves farmers but know nothing about farming.
“But if stakeholders in the agriculture sector are carried along in policy formation, we are sure that agricultural problems will be half-solved, if not completely solved,” he said.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command says it has com
menced a 24-hour patrol of all schools across the state to protect lives and property.
The Spokesman of the command, Mr Al-Mustapha Sani, disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto.
“This is part of sustainable and proactive measures by the command to ensure that all schools across the state are more secure.
“It is also to provide a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning in the schools,’’ Sani said.
He said the command had recently organised a seminar for school principals, headmasters and proprietors of private schools on the need to be security-conscious.
“They can also go a step further by engaging the personnel of reputable private security guards in this direction,’’ the police spokesman said.
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Hassan-Kuka (left), with Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, during inauguration of the Governing Board of Nasarawa State University in Lafia recently. Bishop Kuka is the Chairman of the Board.
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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