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THE STATES

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A Yola High Court presided over by Justice Ambrose
Mammadi, has fixed February 18, 2016 for ruling in a suit challenging the suspension of Alhaji Abdulrahman Abubakar as member of Adamawa State House of Assembly.
Mammadi will rule on the plenary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit, as well as pass judgement on the suit already argued before him by the parties involved.
Abubakar, who represents Mubi South constituency, had in 2015 dragged the Speaker, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa and the Assembly to court over his suspension for three months and dissolution of the House Committee on Finance, which he chaired.
The state Attorney General was later joined in the suit as 3rd respondent.
In his argument before the court, counsel to Abubakar, Mr Ever Odo, argued that both the speaker and the assembly erred in law, as they have no powers to suspend his client for 30 days.

Jigawa

The Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board
(SUBEB) says it has concluded arrangements to rehabilitate 10 schools in Malammadori Local Government Area of the state.
Malam Mukhtar Mukaddari, the Education Secretary in the area, told newsmen in Malammadori that the board would renovate and construct additional classroom blocks in the selected schools.
Mukaddari said the project would be executed in both primary and post-basic schools under the 2014/2015 SUBEB project.
He listed the benefitting schools to include Chac-Chanda, Baguwa, Shayya, Dakindo and Kampala.

Kano

Former Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority
(NPA), Alhaji Aminu Dabo has advised Nigerian youths to avoid acts capable of destroying their future.
He made the call when the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) presented him with an award in Kano recently.
He said the advice was necessary in view of the fact that they were the future leaders of the country.
He advised that “as future leaders of Nigeria, youths are supposed to exhibit good conduct and avoid anything that will destroy their future.
He commended the Association for finding him worthy of the award and urged members to face their studies with the seriousness it deserved to enable them to contribute their quota toward the development of the country.

Kebbi

The Emir of Zuru in Kebbi State, Alhaji Sani Sami has
urged Gov. Atiku Bagudu to intensify efforts at improving the education sector in the state.
The emir gave the advice while receiving members of the Old Boys Association of Government Secondary School, Zuru, who paid him a courtesy call in his palace.
He said that the education sector in the state had remained backward for too long.
Sami said that the education sector had suffered considerable neglect over the years.
“Structures are decaying, science laboratories are lacking and students receive lessons sitting on the bare floor, hence affecting students’ performance in external examinations,’ he said.
The emir, however, commended the association for organising an annual general meeting, charging members to task themselves for the overall development of the college.

Kogi

Seven registered voters in Kogi State have sued the Federal
Government  in the Community Court of Justice of ECOWAS, alleging inconsistency in the election of Yahaya Bello as the state governor-elect.
The suit with registration number ECW/CCJ/APP/02/16 filed at the ECOWAS Court headquarter, Abuja was made available to newsmen.
The plaintiffs named as “citizens of Nigeria and registered voters in Kogi State’’ include; Sule Audu, Ikeleji Agada and Labaran Dadio.
Others are Isaka Isa, Abdul Audu, Ademu Abdullahi and Sulaiman Abdul.
The suit filed by the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Festus Ogwuche named FG as the sole defendant.
Lagos

An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court has granted bail in the
sum of N250,000 to a driver, Shakiru Akinsola, for allegedly causing the death of a pedestrian.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Tajudeen Elias, also ordered the accused to produce two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case till January 25, for mention.
Akinsola, 25, who lives at No 2, Shola Olamide Close, Runsewe Estate, Ahmadiyya Ijaiye, a suburb of Lagos, was arraigned for reckless driving.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Benedict Eigbokhon, told the court that the offence was committed on December 27, at Capitol Junction on Old Agege, Area of Lagos.
Eigbokhon said the accused drove in a reckless way and caused the death of one Nwafio John, a 52-year-old man.
“After the accused knocked down the man, he wanted to run away, but was caught by the people at the scene,’’ he said.

Nasarawa

A 37-year-old businessman, Nasiru Alidu, charged with
forgery has been remanded in prison by a Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court in Nasarawa state.
The order to remand the accused in prison given by the judge, Mr Albert Maga, was sequel to the prosecution’s objection to his bail application.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Adaji, had told the court that investigation on the case was ongoing and that letting the accused to go on bail may impede the process.
“It will take time to investigate this matter and letting the accused go on bail may impede the investigation,” Adaji said.
Alidu, who resides at Kudnawi Area of Mararaba is facing a three-count charge of criminal breach of trust, forgery and cheating.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The judge upheld the prosecution’s objection and ordered that Alidu be remanded in prison.

Niger

As part of effort to boost rice production in Niger State,
the Agricultural Graduates Association of Nigeria (AGAN) said it had started collecting names of its members interested in collecting bank loans for rice production.
“We have started collecting list of members who have access to at least one hectare of land,’’ Alhaji Hussaini Iliyasu, the Chairman of the association in the state, disclosed this to newsmen in Bida.
Iliyasu said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had agreed to guarantee a N1.8 billion loan from commercial banks for the farmers under the Federal Government Rice Support Programme.
“We are currently working with some commercial banks towards accessing the loan for our activities. We have reached 80 per cent success with the banks.

Ogun

The Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of
Ogun State, Mr Kayode Ojumo, has advised residents to desist from dumping refuse indiscriminately in order to maintain a clean environment.
Ojumo, who gave the advice during a tour of the area, noted that indiscriminate dumping of refuse had prompted Gov. Ibikunle Amosun to close down some shops and markets in the area early this year.
According to him, this measure is part of efforts to avoid the outbreak of diseases and ensure a healthy environment that will attract investors to the area.
Ojumo said the Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, had also visited the local government earlier to sensitise them on the importance of a clean environment.

Ondo

Oba Adegoke Adewusi, Olufon of Ifon has lauded the
mega primary school initiative by Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State.
Adewusi gave the commendation while receiving the management of Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area recently.
According to him, the concept has enhanced education in the state.
The monarch thanked Mimiko for citing one mega primary school in the community, adding that the school was not only for academic activities, but also served as a tourist attraction in the town.
“Whenever the school is posted on social media, it always generates positive comments from sons and daughters of the community within and outside the country’’, he said.

Zamfara

The Zamfara State Government said that it would adopt
the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as part of its efforts to eradicate corruption in the state.
The state Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Umar Bukkuyum, made the disclosure at a news conference in Gusau.
Bukkuyum said the state government had set-up a seven-man committee toward achieving the objective.
He said the committee to be headed by the government would also have the commissioners for Finance, Commerce and Industry as well as Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as members.
Others are commissioners for Works and Transport and Science and Technology while the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Abdullahi Shinkafi, would serve as secretary.

Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria, Dr Villari Alexandruk (left), in a handshake with Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State, after the envoy presented his country’s symbol of power to the Governor in Katsina on Thursday

Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria, Dr Villari Alexandruk (left), in a handshake with Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State, after the envoy presented his country’s symbol of power to the Governor in Katsina on Thursday

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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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