Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Executive Secretary of National Human Rights
Commission (NHRC), Prof. Ben Angwe, has urged affected states to hasten the evacuation of their returnee indigenes from transit camps in Adamawa State.
Angwe made the call in Yola when he visited transit camps in Fufore and Malkohi to address hundreds of Nigerian returnees from Cameroon and Central Africa Republic.
He said many of the returnees had spent many weeks in the camps waiting to be evacuated, noting that NHRC was concerned about the welfare of the returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the camp.
“We have a responsibility from the NHRC for the promotion, protection and enforcement of all Nigerians’ rights, including the right of vulnerable Nigerians, such as the IDPs.
“We are working with other stakeholders like NEMA,, United Nations Human Rights Commission, Red Cross and various state emergency management agencies to ensure that,” Angwe said.
FCT
The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission
(NUC), has condemned the rate at which Nigerian students seek admission in foreign universities.
Okojie made his feeling known at the communication’s session of the Capacity Enhancement and Sustainability Workshop for the African Centres of Excellence (ACEs) in Nigerian Universities in Abuja recently.
According to Okojie, Nigerian universities remain among the best in the world as their products are acquitting themselves creditably well.
He cautioned Nigerian media against running down Nigerian universities with negative reports instead of promoting their positive sides.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State government has awarded scholarship
to 30 female students from the State to study medical courses in Uganda.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr Shehu Adamu, said in a statement in Kaduna that the students would depart for Uganda before the end of January.
He said the aim was to encourage girl-child education by enhancing access to educational opportunities.
Adamu also announced that all teachers on deputy director level serving outside classrooms must return to classes before being promoted as director henceforth.
He said the policy, which came into effect from January 1, was to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in public schools.
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 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.
Kwara
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Kwara
State, said that it would collaborate with security agencies to curb sale of petrol in black markets.
The Operations Controller, Mr Philips Salvation told newsmen in Ilorin that the DPR would also seek the support of the media and other stakeholders to ensure proper monitoring of filling stations.
Salvation stressed that the sale of fuel in black market, especially within the vicinity in filling stations, was purely a security issues which cannot be solved by the department alone.
“Eradication of black market joints is a collective effort of the law enforcement agents, media, and unions in the oil sector which the department will champion,” he said.
Lagos
A 25-year-old, driver, Olakunle Adetunde has appeared in
an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly beating up a police woman.
Adekunle, who lives at 1 Adeyemi Close, off Oke Aro Bus-Stop, Ogun State, was arraigned on a three-count charge of assault, breach of peace and unlawful obstruction of duty.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Idowu Onime, told the court that the offence was committed on December 23 at Pen Cinema Roundabout, Agege, a suburb of Lagos.
Onime said that the accused beat up Sgt. Alonge Bridget, when he was arrested for disobeying traffic rules.
“He tore the woman’s uniform and left her half naked,’’ he said.
Niger
A Minna Magistrates Court has sentenced the Manager of
Mary Raphael Electronics to three months imprisonment for non-payment of waste disposal bill.
The state counsel, Jibrin Alfa, told the court that the accused had refused to comply with demand notice to pay N12,000 as waste disposal bill served on him on August 31, 2015.
Alfa said the action contradicted Section 143 of the state criminal procedure code.
He said that the offence was punishable under Section 36 sub-section 1 and 2 of the Niger State Environmental Protection Agency Laws.
Ogun
A university teacher, Prof. Jonathan Osemeobo, has urged
the Federal Government to evolve policies which would promote sustainable forest management.
Osemeobo, who is the Dean of College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Bells University, Ota, Ogun State, made the appeal at the institution’s second inaugural lecture.
He said the ability of the Federal Government to make consistent forest policies would lay a good foundation for the nation to diversify its revenue base and reduce dependence on oil.
In a lecture entitled, “Crisis in Forest Conservation in Nigeria: Threats to Livelihood and Human Survival,’’ the lecturer said government needed to partner with stakeholders in forest management.
“Policy inconsistency has often led to policy failure which has great repercussions on the nation.
Oyo
A consultant Haematology Oncologist,Prof. Olufunmilayo
says succour has now come to leukemia patients with the discovery of a drug, capable of curing the disease.
Falusi-Olopade, who is the Director, Centre for Clinical Cancer Genetics, University of Chicago, Illinois, USA, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
She said that the new drug has the potential for breakthrough in treating ChronicLymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), which is the most common, with fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
“When this drug was first developed, they made sure everyone had access to it in Nigeria and everywhere else in the world.
Plateau
The Plateau State Commissioner for Tourism, Mr John
Mwankon has warned residents who have illegally possessed government land to stay off such property or face the wrath of the government.
The commissioner made the call during his inspection of the ministry’s outlets and parastatals in Jos recently.
He said that it was unfortunate that lands reserved for government projects had been illegally possessed or not maintained by occupants and had defaced the Plateau master plan.
He said that part of the reserved area for the tourism ministry which also houses the indoor theatre in the heart of the town had been illegally occupied.
He expressed worry that most of the outlets he visited were dilapidated or totally abandoned.
Yobe
The Yobe State Commissioner for Justice, Alhaji Ahmed
Goniri, says the independence of the judiciary in the state has led to improvement in the administration of justice and industrial harmony in the sector.
Ahmed made this known in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
“The judiciary just like the legislature in the state enjoys freedom without interference from the executive arm of government, thereby promoting independence among the three arms of government.’’
The commissioner said government provided quarterly allocation of funds to the judiciary for financial independence.
“Government allocates funds to the judiciary quarterly in accordance to their budgetary provisions and revenues accrued to the state.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji
Saidu Umar, says that the government has begun the full implementation of the Treasury Single Account ( TSA).
Umar told newsmen in Sokoto that the ministry had issued a circular to all ministries, agencies and parastatals on the need to close all dormant accounts operated before now.
He said that the measure was aimed at blocking all loopholes of siphoning public funds and other revenues due to the state government.
The commissioner explained that with the new implementation policy, government would have full control over its internally generated revenue and ensure the checks and balances of its finances.

Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari (8th left), wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo (6th right), wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Gimbiya Dogora (7th left), with wives of State Governors, after their meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
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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