Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Police Command says it has arrested over 150 suspected thugs popularly called Sara Suka within seven days.
According to a statement signed on Monday by the State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Garba Umar, the arrest followed renewed strategies perfected by the command.
Umar said that the suspects were arrested at various black spots within the Bauchi metropolis.
He said that knives, machetes Shisha pots, packets of Tramadol tablets and other assorted drugs, suspected to be hard drugs were recovered from the suspects.
According to him, other items recovered include, seven packet of vulcanising solutions, 34 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and six motorcycles suspected to be stolen.
Umar noted that some self-centered politicians in the state had perfected plans to disrupt the prevailing relative peace in the state their selfish interests.
Benue
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue has commended the Nigerian Military for effectively tackling insurgency in the North-East.
Ortom made the commendation in Makurdi on Tuesday when the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, Sadique Abubakar, visited him.
He said that posterity would not forget the military personnel who paid the supreme price for the country.
Ortom commended President Muhammadu Buhari for giving topmost priority to security in his administration.
He urged all security agencies in the country to work together for the overall benefit of the society.
The governor urged the people of the state to always provide intelligence reports to the security agencies to assist them to fight crime.
Borno
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) said last Tuesday that it was working towards re-opening of its Orientation Camp in Maiduguri following return of relative peace to the State.
Director- General of NYSC, Brig:-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure, gave the hint while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Kazaure said NYSC was eager to re-open the camp following the return of peace to the state ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency.
“There is relative peace now in the state, so we will like to come back as soon as possible. Remember, the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are still occupying the Orientation Camp”, he said.
Kazaure said the camp would be re-opened once the IDPs were evacuated from it.
” It is only in Borno that our corps members have yet to have their orientation camp in place.
FCT
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decried the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl by a traditional ruler in Katsina State.
The commission also described as worrisome the reported defilement of a seven-month-old baby by her 55-year-old stepfather in Musawa Local Government Area of the state.
The acting Executive Secretary of the commission, Mrs Oti Ovrawah, made the assertion in a statement signed by the commission’s Chief Press Officer, Fatimah Mohammad, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ovrawah called on the Katsina State Government to ensure that the traditional ruler and the step-father were investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law to serve as deterrent to other Nigerians.
She called on the Police, judiciary and other stakeholders to be more diligent in ensuring that all reported cases of rape were thoroughly investigated.
Jigawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa says it has arrested 27 suspects, including six nationals of Niger Republic, for allegedly burning down its office in Maigatari Local Government Area of the state.
The corps’ spokesman, Mr Adamu Abdullahi, confirmed the arrest to newsmen in Dutse last Tuesday.
Some suspected hoodlums had on March 30 allegedly razed down the NSCDC’s office in Maigatari town.
“As I told you the other time, we had identified those suspected to have participated in burning down our office in Maigatari.
“So, yesterday in the night, we sent our men to the area and were able to arrest 27 suspects”, he said.
Kaduna
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) last Tuesday said it had evacuated no fewer than 139 destitutes from Kaduna metropolis between March 17 and April 3.
The command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Orndiir Terzungwe, told newsmen in Kaduna that the age of the destitutes ranged from Six to 17 years.
Terzungwe said that the destitutes were initially kept at the State Rehabilitation Centre in Makera, Kaduna South Local Government Area, but were finally taken to Makarfi.
“Those who are from the state have been moved to Makarfi rehabilitation camp in Makarfi Local Government Area, where they will be properly rehabilitated.
“After rehabilitation those from the State will be taken to their local government areas of origin.
Kano
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Mr Rabiu Yusuf, has warned officers and men against demanding for money or any form of favour before granting bail to the suspects.
Yusuf also cautioned them against illegal investigation of cases, unlawful detention of suspects and prolonged detention, saying that they should respect human rights in the course of all investigations.
The police chief spoke at a lecture/ parade with officers and men working at State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Divisional Crime Officers and Investigation Police Officers (IPOs) in the state.
Yusuf, according to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Magaji Majiya, said that the era of bribery and corruption was over in the police circle.
Katsina
The Police Command in Katsina State has warned against acts that could portray its officers and men in bad light.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Usman, gave the warning while addressing police officers and men at Mai’adua on Tuesday.
Usman said he would sanction any officer found to have indulged in behaviours that could damage the reputation of the police.
He, however, assured them that their welfare would be taken care of ” to motivate you for effective performance”.
He urged the Mai’adua Local Government to report activities of criminals in the area to police for prompt action.
The commissioner lauded the Federal Government over the recent recruitment of 10,000 policemen which he said would enhance effective policing.
Kogi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last Tuesday said its decision on the November 21, 2015 governorship election in Kogi was not influenced by any external force.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated this while responding to issues at a stakeholders’ conference organised by the commission to validate its 2017-2021 Strategic Plan in Abuja.
Yakubu said that it was untrue that INEC’s decision to allow a particular political party to contest the election without a running mate for its candidate was at the instance of Attorney-General of the Federation.
He said that the election held on a Saturday had already been declared inconclusive before the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Chief Abubakar Audu, died on Sunday.
Lagos
The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has called for removal of the inscription “Bail is Free” from police stations and law courts, saying that it is misleading.
In a statement in Lagos on Tuesday, the state Chairman of CLO, Mr Ehi Omokhuale, said that bail had not been free, and that the public should be properly informed.
“The CLO upholds that the “Bail is Free” inscription in our police stations and law courts is not only an institutionalised fraud against the citizenry, but a practice that makes our human rights stance a laughing stock in the eyes of the civilised world.
“We demand, therefore, that bail fees charged by the police and our law courts for the different offences should be published and the “Bail is Free” inscription replaced with “Bail Fees” Omokhuale said.
He also called on the state police command, local governments in the state and Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) to curb extortion among their men and agents.
Niger
The Child Right Protection Agency in Niger last Tuesday received a 9-year-old boy found sleeping on the street in Minna from a good Samaritan, Malam Umar Tanko.
Tanko, who presented the boy to the Agency said the boy was found along Bosso Road, Bosso Local Government Area in Niger.
Tanko said the boy, found with bruises on his body, identified himself as Bayo from Ogun.
He said Bayo, who speaks only Yoruba, was seen sleeping in front of a shop near his house on March 29.
“When I asked what he was doing outside at night, he responded in Yoruba. I don’t understand the language, so, I called my younger brother who interpreted what the boy was saying.
Ogun
The Ogun State Government is to amend the law establishing Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE), Omu- Ijebu.
Chairman, Ogun State House Committee on Education, Mr Victor Fasanya, said this during oversight visit to the institution on Tuesday.
He explained that the aim was to address the issue of two state institutions named after the late social crusader, Tai Solarin.
He added that the amendment was to effect adjustment in the institution’s name in fulfilment of the recommendations of the National Council of Colleges of Education accreditation team.
According to him, this is to ensure full accreditation of all programmes run by the institution.
The lawmaker commended the management of the institution for upgrading its facilities which had aided teaching and learning as well as adding beauty to the college.
Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State last Tuesday day approved the appointment of Alhaji Chika Sanyinna as the new General Manager of the State Transport Company (SSTA).
The governor also approved the appointment of six new Director-Generals including the immediate past General Manager of the transport company, Alhaji Ladan Balarabe.
According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam in Sokoto, the governor urged Sanyinna to reposition the company and make it a model.
He also urged him to justify his appointment by adopting innovative measures that would enhance the growth and development of transport sector 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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