Nation
THE STATES
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos (left), condoling the widow of Dr Tunji Braithwaite, Mrs Grace Braithwaite, during a condolence visit to Braithwaite’s family in Lagos, recently. With them is Dara Rhodes.
Bauchi
Bauchi State Police Command has arrested three women
suspected to be “specialists” in child trafficking.
Public Relation Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Haruna Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Bauchi.
He said the suspects were arrested by detectives of the command on March 25.
Mohammed one of the suspects from Plateau, was arrested for selling a 17-month-old baby to a woman from Imo State at the cost of N200,000.
He also said the woman also sold a 14-month-old-baby to another woman, who hailed from Benue, at the cost of N80,000.
He said that the two babies had been recovered.
Borno
The Borno Government has appealed to the Comman
dant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Mr Abdullahi Gana, to employ more youths from the state.
The call is contained in a statement issued by Malam Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Kashim Shettima in Maiduguri.
The statement noted that Governor Shettima made the appeal when he visited Gana in Abuja and appealed that the gesture would help to fill the vacuum left by indigenes of the state who died while serving the organisation.
“Shettima submitted a comprehensive data of about 90 Borno youths who died either through natural causes or got killed in the course of serving the NSCDC to Gana,” Gusau stated.
Ekiti
The National Coordinator, Wireless Application Ser
vice Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) Mr Chijioke Ezeh, has called for favourable revenue share for Value Added Service (VAS) providers in the country.
In an interview with our correspondent on Monday, in Lagos, Ezeh said that the current revenue sharing formula was not favourable to VAS providers.
Our correspondent reports that there is currently a revenue share of 60 by 40 per cent, between the telecommunications network providers and the VAS providers.
He said that such revenue share might run down the businesses of VAS companies, which in turn would affect job creation.
Ezeh called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to look into the area of revenue-sharing among mobile operators and VAS providers in its proposed regulations to guide the sector.
FCT
The Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT),
has called on Muslim parents and guardians to inculcate good moral values into their children at infancy.
The Chief Missioner of NASFAT, Sheik Abdullahi Akinbode made the call in Abuja at the public presentation of a book titled; “Read Arabic with Ease,’’ Book 1 and 2 ‘ written by Hajiya Amina Abdulganiyu.
He said that it was imperative for parents to expose their children to good virtues at the early stage of their lives to ensure decency in the society.
He said that the failure of some parents to train their children well often produced bad people who became problem to the society.
Gombe
The Gombe State Ministry of Women Affairs and So
cial Welfare says it has handled 66 cases of child abuse in the past eight months.
Director of Child Development in the ministry, Mr Jenis Maiyamba, disclosed this in Jos at the sidelines of a Child Protection System Strengthening Meeting organised by UNICEF.
He told newsmen that the cases involved rape, drug, abandonment and forced marriages, among others.
According to him, 20 of the cases bordered on sexual abuse and rape, five cases each of drug and physical abuse, four cases each of forced marriage and abandonment and one case of human trafficking.
Jigawa
Buji local government area of Jigawa said it had
screened 27 prospective pilgrims for the 2017 Hajj.
The Information Officer of the council, Alhaji Ali Safiyanu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Safiyanu said that the council was allotted 27 Hajj seats by the state’s Pilgrim Welfare Board.
He explained that the committee had taken adequate measures to ensure that only indigenes of the council participated in the screening.
The spokesperson pointed out that the gesture was to ensure that only the indigenes were given the seats.
Kano
The Legal Aid Council in Kano said it received no
fewer than 64 cases from aggrieved individuals in February.
The Coordinator of the council in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
Umar said 42 of the cases were criminal, while the remaining 22 were civil cases.
He said the council had disposed eight of the criminal cases and nine civil cases, while the remaining were pending in various courts.
“Some of the complainants prefer to solve their cases at our office. Complainants are always encouraged to resolve their cases out of court to ensure amicable solution.”
Kaduna
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in partner
ship with a U.S based firm, JAF Technology Solutions, is to train corps members in Kaduna State on use of technology to develop businesses..
The NYSC State Coordinator, Mohammed Momoh disclosed this while briefing newsmen recently.
Momoh said the NYSC , as the largest body of youth motivators in the country, would train corps members to make them job creators instead of job seekers.
He said that the scheme would partner with genuine individuals and organizations to add value to all corps members.
“The scheme would compliment efforts of the Federal Government to provide employment opportunities for young Nigerian graduates through Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneur Development (SAED) programme.
Lagos
The Lagos Police Command has commended residents
of the state for their collaboration in fighting crimes, particularly during the Easter celebrations.
A statement by the spokesperson of the command, SP Dolapo Badmos, stated that the celebration was observed without any major crime owing to the efforts of the residents.
“The Easter celebration period was peaceful and crime free.
“This wouldn’t have been achievable, but for the active partnership between the Lagos state police command and members of the public.
Ogun
A 32-year-old man, Bashiru Azeez, has been docked at
an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun for allegedly collecting N49,500 under pretence from one Bosede Adebisi.
The accused, who lives at No. 12, Ilo-Awera St., Ota, is standing trial on a one -count charge of collecting money under pretence.
The Prosecutor, Sgt Chudu Gbesi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on February 9 at about 4:00 p.m. at Atan Garage, in Ota.
He said that the accused collected N49,500 from one Bosede Adebisi under the pretext to supply seven bags of rice, an agreement he did not fulfil.
Gbesi said that the offence contravened Sections 390 and 419 of the Criminal Code Vol.11, Laws of Ogun, 2006.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Senior Magistrate, Mr S.O. Banwo, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety in like sum.
Oyo
Sen. Rilwan Akanbi (APC-Oyo South), has said that
the 2016 national budget passed by the Senate would ensure rapid economic growth.
Akanbi gave the assurance during a town hall meeting he held with Owala, Temidire, Isokan, Akataapa and Ekerin communities at Owala playing ground, Ologuneru in Ibadan.
He urged the people to be patient with and support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the nation’s dwindling economy would soon be revived.
“The last administration mismanaged so much of our resources not minding the future of the country.
“The president had since the inception of his administration been confronted with transforming the economy.
“He has shown more commitment to rejuvenating the economy and Nigerians would soon smile. I implore you all to give him maximum support in achieving this,” he said.
Plateau
The Special Task Force (STF) in charge of security in Plateau has advised citizens to remain vigilant after the Easter celebration which was generally peaceful.
Capt. Ikedechi Iweha, STF Spokesperson, in an interview with newsmen in Jos also advised the people not to let down their guard.
Iweha said that Easter celebration had come and gone but there was still need for the people to be security conscious.
“The people must be vigilant and report any suspicious persons, movement or objects to security agencies for prompt action.
“The STF, on its part, will sustain its efforts toward ensuring that all Plateau citizens stay peacefully with one another,’’ he stated.
Meanwhile, the Plateau Police Command has urged citizens to continue to cooporate with security agencies even after the festive period to sustain the existing peace in the state.
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.”