Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Governor Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa State last Wednesday urged the military to intensify security on the Borno-Adamawa border, to check any attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents on Adamawa communities.
Bindow, made the call at the swearing-in ceremony of two newly-appointed Permanent Secretaries in the state.
They are: Mr Kennedy Batimaus, who until his appointment was a deputy permanent secretary in Ministry of Youths and Sports, and Abubakar Saliyu, a former Provost, College of Nursing and Midwifery, Yola.
The governor also advised residents of the border communities to be on alert and communicate any suspicious characters to the security agencies.
He said the insurgents were struggling to prove that they were not defeated, when the Federal Government had already decimated them.
Borno
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has decorated 65 soldiers with gallantry medals for outstanding performance in the counter-insurgency campaign.
The spokesperson of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Emmanuel Kingsley, announced this in a statement released last Wednesday in Maiduguri.
Kingsley said that Buratai had last Tuesday decorated two officers and 63 soldiers in recognition of their prowess.
“Two officers and 63 soldiers serving under the 151 Task Force Battalion, 21 Brigade Nigerian Army, Operation Lafiya Dole, were decorated for their gallantry and bravery in the face of the enemy.
“On 10th July, the soldiers came under Boko Haram insurgents’ attacks on two separate occasions, but they were able to manoeuvre their way out of the ambush”, he said.
FCT
Protesters under the aegis of “OurMumuDonDo,” have vowed to continue the action, saying that no amount of intimidation would deter them.
In a statement in Abuja last week, by its Special Assistant on Media and Public, Mr Ezrel Tabiowo, the group said that nobody could discourage or intimidate its members on the mission.
It stated this at the backdrop of alleged harassment of its members by the Police during its peaceful sit-out on Tuesday in Abuja.
It also condemned reports credited to the Senate, distancing itself from the protest.
The Senate had said that President Muhammadu Buhari had not violated any law by being away from the country for health reason for a long time.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board last Wednesday, said a total of 4,437 pilgrims from the state are now in Saudi Arabia for the 2017 Hajj.
The board’s spokesman, Yunusa Abdullahi, told newsmen in Kaduna that the remaining 2, 163 intending pilgrims would be transported in the next few days.
He said so far, 3,116 males and 1, 321 females were transported by the two airlines engaged by the board.
Abdullahi explained that Med-View Airline had transported 2, 230 intending pilgrims in seven flights while Max Air had transported 2, 209 pilgrims in four flights.
The spokesman told newsmen that Governor Nasir El-Rufai had visited the Hajj transit camp where he expressed satisfaction with the ongoing airlift operation.
Kogi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says it has registered 61,075 new voters in Kogi State.
The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. James Apam, disclosed this last Wednesday in Lokoja at a meeting between the commission and leaders of political parties in the state.
He said that the new registrants were captured during the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise which started nationwide on April 7.
According to Apam, the voters comprised of 31,438 males and 29, 637 females.
The commissioner further stated that 2,189 cases of transfer of voter cards were treated while 3,060 damaged or defaced permanent voter cards were replaced for the owners.
Kwara
An Ilorin-based lawyer, Mr Jamiu Ahmed, has called on government at all levels to invest in road projects as a way of reducing accidents and save lives on Nigerian roads.
Ahmed made the call in Ilorin last Wednesday while speaking with newsmen.
He said that the numbers of lives and property lost to road crashes on the nation’s highways was worrisome and unacceptable.
The legal practitioner described the state of some Nigerian roads as “terrible,” adding that they had become nightmare and fast lane to death.
‘‘The lives of many innocent Nigerians have been lost due to the bad conditions of the road”, he said.
Lagos
The production and circulation of an anti-Igbo song in parts of Northern Nigeria is “embarrassing and unfortunate’’, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, a former governor of old Kaduna State, has said.
Musa told newsmen on telephone in Lagos that the content of the song did not reflect the true feelings of most northerners.
He described the promoters of the song, which calls for violence against the Igbos, as “criminals’’, whose objective is to threaten the peace and security in Nigeria.
The former governor stated that the song is a deliberate ploy by the originators to generate disaffection towards northerners.
Osun
Five hundred and forty Nigerians are set for deportation from Libya, beginning from August 10, the Director-General, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons(NAPTIP), Mrs. Julie Okah-Donli, has said.
Okah-Donli disclosed this last Wednesday in Osogbo, at the inauguration of the North-West Zonal Command Office of the agency.
She said that the deportees would be brought back to Nigeria in three batches of 180 each.
The NAPTIP boss said that more than 2000 Nigerians were deported from various part of the world from February till date, over various migration offences, including human trafficking.
Oyo
Residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to create additional Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) centres in every ward in the country to enable more eligible voters to register and vote in the future elections.
They made the call last Thursday, while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan on their assessment of the exercise.
The residents noted that many eligible voters were yet to register in the exercise due to long distance from their places of abode to CVR centres.
Mr Michael Owoyeni, who resides at Alaakia area in Ibadan, said many residents in his area, especially youths who had reached voting age were yet to register.
Taraba
The Taraba State Police Command last Wednesday confirmed that four suspected kidnappers were killed by a mob at Tella in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Spokesman of the command, Mr David Misal, told newsmen in Jalingo that the fifth suspect, Salisu Zakari, who narrowly escaped the mob action, was arrested and detained in the command.
He said the mob had forcefully removed the suspects from a local vigilante group station at Tella and hacked them to death.
“The incident occurred on August 6. Five people were sighted in Tella and were suspected to be kidnappers.
“They were arrested by a local vigilante group, but before being handed over to the police, a group of irate youths lynched them and threw their bodies into the river.
“One of the suspects escaped and was later arrested in Jalingo. He is presently in our custody,” he said.
Yobe
The Yobe State Police Command, has arrested officials of the state’s Pilgrims Welfare Board and Potiskum Local Government Council over alleged missing hajj fares paid by 41 intending pilgrims.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Jafiya Zubairu , a Deputy Superintendent of Police, confirmed the development to newsmen last Thursday in Damaturu.
According to him, officials from both organisations allegedly diverted deposits made by 41 intending pilgrims from the Potiskum Local Government Area, and could not secure visas for them.
The PPRO said: “The Criminal Investigation Department (ClD) arm of the command is currently investigating the matter.
“However, I cannot give the exact number of those involved and other details, as investigation is still going on.”
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Government recently announced Alhaji Muhammadu Bawa as the 18th Emir of Tsafe Emirate Council.
The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muttaka Rini, made the announcement in Gusau, the state capital.
Bawa replaced the former Emir, Alhaji Habibu Aliyu, who died last Wednesday at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, after a brief illness.
Until his appointment, Bawa was the Chairman, State Community and Social Development Projects (CSDP).
Bawa started as a secondary school teacher and became a principal of various government secondary schools in old Sokoto 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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