Nation
THE STATES
L-R: Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Adebule, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, his wife, Bolanle and Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Kabiru Rurum, during a visit by Governor Ganduje to Lagos State Government House, yesterday.
Borno
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, has directed
the state Specialist Hospital to provide free medical services to the victims of a suicide bomb attack in Maiduguri.
Our correspondent reports that the incident happened at the entrance of the Musa Usman Secretariat. Shettima, who gave the directive when he visited the victims at the hospital, described the incident as shocking.
The governor attributed the renewed suicide bombings to the current military operation in Sambisa forest, a hideout of the Boko Haram terrorists.
He advised residents to be vigilant as the fleeing terrorists are trying to sneak into the town to cause mayhem.
Earlier, Alhaji Ahmed Satomi, Chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) told the governor that two persons including the suicide bomber died during the attack.
Ekiti
The management of College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti,
Ekiti State, has approved the establishment of 11 new academic programmes for the institution.
Mr Temitope Akinbisoye, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the college, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti.
Akinbisoye said that the Provost of the college, Dr Mojisola Oyarekua, said the new academic programmes were established to create opportunities for people to acquire education irrespective of their status and background.
He quoted the Provost as saying that the programmes which would run for both diploma and certificate, were also set up to enhance manpower development.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State chapter of the Jama’atul Nasril Islam
(JNI), has commenced the training of its 450 members on security, safety and First Aid.
The Secretary of the group, Malam Muhammad Babangida, told newsmen in Dutse that the programme was to complement government’s efforts to provide security, safety and disaster control in the state.
“The JNI feels it should contribute its quota to national security, health and disaster control through full participation in security and social responsibilities in the society,” Babangida said. “The beneficiaries will be trained on modern security approach, improved peace, conflict prevention, peace building, first-aid, accident prevention and environmental hazard.
Kaduna
Sight Savers, an NGO, says it has taken the fight against
five Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) to rural areas in Kaduna state.
Dr AbdulKadir Isa-Randagi, the Programme Manager of the organisation, made this known to newsmen shortly after a visit to the Emir of Zazzau in Zaria, Kaduna state.
Isa-Randagi said the programme was designed to reach the grassroots through traditional rulers to effectively achieve the set goals.
He listed the diseases as Onchocerciasis (River Blindness), Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephanthiatis), Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), Soil Transmitted Helnicathes (Intestinal Worms) and Trachoma (Blinding Eye Disease).
Kano
A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Kano has sentenced a
22-year-old man, Bilyaminu Danladi, to 20 months imprisonment for causing hurt and being a member of unlawful society.
Danladi of Sheka Quarters Kano was charged with joining unlawful assembly and causing hurt while armed with deadly weapon, contrary to Sections 242 and 103 of the Penal Code.
The Chief Magistrate, Ibrahim Khaleel, sentenced Danladi after he pleaded guilty to the two-count charge.
Khaleel sentenced the convict to nine months imprisonment or a fine of N15,000 for the first count charge, and six months imprisonment or a fine of N10,000 for the second count charge. He also ordered the convict to pay N50,000 as compensation to the victim to buy drugs or five months imprisonment.
Kebbi
The Chairman of Kebbi State Council of Ulama Malam
Umaru Ikah, has died on Wednesday at the age of 66.
A Government statement signed by Alhaji Abubakar Dakingari, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said that the deceased died in Birnin Kebbi while returning from his farm.
Our correspondent reports that Ikah, a renowned Islamic scholar, was survived by four wives, 45 children and grand children.
Until his death, late Sheikh Umaru Ikah, was the Sarkin Malamai of Gwandu Emirate, and was the leader of preachers committee of the 2015 Hajj delegation of the state.
Kogi
Kogi State House of Assembly has invited all heads of
tertiary institutions in the state to appear before it on allegations of massive extortion of students under their management.
The resolution followed a motion moved at the House plenary by Lawi Ahmed (PDP-Okene 1) accusing heads of the institutions of connivance with their lecturers in the extortion game on students.
He told his colleagues that the students were forced to buy some unrecognised educational materials under threat of failure.
The legislator said such antics ran contrary to the operational rules of the institutions which are charged with providing needed environment for students to develop in character and learning for which they are awarded certificates at the end of their various programmes.
Moving the motion, he expressed regrets that the institutions had been turned into “extortion grounds where lecturers take advantage of their positions to intimidate and extort money from hapless students’’.
Lagos
A landlady, Modupe Akinbolade, 55 and her daughter,
Abimbola Akinbolade, 32, have been docked before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly beating up Modupe’s tenant.
The accused trader and her medical doctor daughter who live at 14, Jisco Close, Ikola in Ipaja, a suburb of Lagos, are being tried for conspiracy, assault and causing a breach of the peace.
The prosecutor, Insp Clifford Ogu, told the court that the accused committed the offences on April 19 at Modupe’s residence.
Ogu said that a fight ensued between the complainant, Mrs Chinyere Mbadikwe and her landlady, Modupe Akinbolade, over the cleaning of the compound.
“The two were fighting when the landlady’s daughter came in and joined the mother to beat-up the tenant.
Osun
The Osun State House of Assembly has passed the
state’s 2016 budget estimate of N141 billion.
The passage of the budget followed a motion by Mr Kamil Oyedele, the Chairman of Finance and Appropriation Committee during plenary in Osogbo.
The budget has N79.18 billion representing 56.06 per cent as Recurrent Expenditure and N62.09 billion representing 43.95 as Capital Expenditure.
Also, it estimated recurrent revenue at N99.47 billion, representing 70.41 per cent, while the capital revenue expectation is N41.80 billion, representing 29.59 per cent.
Oyo
A Dentist, Dr Yemi Ajala said that continuous toothache
and sharp pain without obvious cause could be signs of tooth decay.
Ajala told newsmen in Ibadan that tooth decay was a decay of the outer part of the surface of the tooth as a result of bacterial action.
“The mouth is full of different types of bacteria that live on teeth, gums, tongue and other places in our mouths.
“Some bacteria are helpful, while some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. These can lead to a hole in the tooth called a cavity.
“If not treated, tooth decay can cause pain, infection, and severe damage to the tooth,” he said.
Plateau
The Plateau State Government has approved the recruit
ment of 4, 850 ad hoc teachers as part of efforts to address the acute shortage of teachers in the state.
Prof. Mathew Sule, the Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), told newsmen in Jos.
He said that the move was to address staffing deficit that had affected the quality of education in the state.
“Staffing deficit in public primary schools in Plateau has been a major concern and priority to the administration of Governor Lalong; he said.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State House of Assembly has passed a law
to repeal the Sokoto State Road Traffic Law of 1996.
In its place the assembly approved the enactment of Sokoto Roads Traffic Management Law, 2016.
Our correspondent reports that the assembly took the decision after ratifying the report of its Committee on Works and Transport during its sitting.
The report, presented by the committee’s Chairman, Alhaji Sani Yakubu, said that the new law would create “one management, administrative and enforcement agency for the state”
This will also empower it to enforce road traffic law and regulations, environmental and other public health laws and regulations, as well as providing supplementary/vigilante security 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.”
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