Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Federal Government is to register about five million Nigerians in the ongoing National Social Register (NSR) for the Poor and Vulnerable Households.
NAASCO Coordinator, Mr Peter Papka disclosed this at the inauguration of the Community Base Target (CBT) teams in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Represented by the Head of Monitoring and Evaluation, Atiku Abubakar, Papka said that about 1 million poor and vulnerable families would be captured in the exercise this year.
Papka said that about four million poor families would also be covered in subsequent years across the country.
FCT
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris says Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) lost over N500 million to activities of vandals in Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger States and Abuja from January to date.
Idris made this known while inaugurating the Anti-Electricity Vandalism Response Squad (AEVRS) in Abuja, recently.
He said that 233 cases of vandalism were recorded in the area during the period.
He, however, said that over the years, the police did a lot to prevent vandals from destroying electricity installations across the country.
“With the worsening state of the situation, it has become expedient to urgently develop an improved strategy to better protect the nation`s critical electricity infrastructure,” the police boss said.
Kaduna
The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) branch has said that it will take necessary actions to ensure that all entitlements of its members are paid.
Alhaji Abdulmuminu Ibrahim stated this shortly after he emerged new chairman of the union in an election held at the ABU main campus, Samaru, Zaria.
In his acceptance speech, Ibrahim said the new executives would continue to fight for the interest of ABU pensioners with the assistance of the national body.
“With the assistance of the national headquarters, we shall ensure that all pensioners’ entitlement is paid on time”.
“When we fully assume office, we shall swing into action to ensure that the arrears of 33 per cent are paid without further delay,’’ he assured.
Kogi
The Kogi StatePolice Command has confirmed the killing of two police officers and the abduction of an expatriate by unknown gunmen at a construction site in the state.
Spokesman of the state police command, ASP William Aya told newsmen in Lokoja that Insp. Ezekiel Negedu and Sgt. Gini John were killed while on guard duty on Obajana – Oshokoshoko – Kabba road.
Aya said that John died on the spot while Negedu died on arrival in hospital.
According to the police spokesman, about 15 gunmen emerged from a nearby bush and attacked the construction site of A .G. Dangote Company currently handling the rehabilitation of the 45-kilometre Obajana – Kabba Road.
He said that the abducted expatriate, Mr Jose Machada, a Portuguese civil engineer, along with other expatriates and Nigerians were inspecting the project when the gunmen struck.
Kwara
A clergyman, Rev. Joseph Agboluaje has attributed the present challenges facing Nigeria to leadership failure.
Agboluaje made the assertion in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.
According to him, the role of a leader in a society cannot be over emphasised as there is already leadership failure both in the church and the society at large.
“The nation is in dire need of leaders who will talk less and act more, leaders who will make our society better to live in.
“We need godly, visionary, humble and practical leaders who can help us achieve the Nigeria of our dreams”, he said.
Lagos
A confessional statement tendered before an Ikeja High Court has exposed how Pastor Nsikakabasi Akpan-Jacobs voluntarily confessed defrauding the wife of former Vice-President Abubakar Atiku Mrs Titi Atiku, of N918 million.
A retired detective with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Dickson Graymond insisted on the voluntariness of Akpan-Jacob’s alleged confessional statement while giving evidence during a trial – within – trial.
While being led in evidence by the EFCC prosecuting counsel, Mr Babatunde Sonoiki, Graymond said: “There are so many things that he confided in me that he refused to put into writing”.
“He admitted to me that Florence Doregos was Titi Atiku but he refused to put that into writing”.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government has sacked the Rector, Registrar and Bursar of the state Polytechnic, Lafia with immediate effect.
A statement by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Mohammed Abdullahi, issued to newsmen in Lafia also said the government would investigate activities at the institution since 2014.
The government directed the Rector, Silas Gray, Registrar, Labani Joseph and Bursar, Abdullahi Akya, to proceed on compulsory leave.
“The government has taken the decision in pursuant to its desire to reposition the state-owned tertiary institutions.
“And in compliance to the relevant laws establishing all the state owned tertiary institutions and as a Visitor to all the tertiary institutions in the state,” he said.
Niger
Herdsmen and farmers in Gurusu community of Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State have signed an agreement to promote peaceful co-existence among them.
The meeting that produced the agreement was held at the Emir’s Palace in Bosso, with the herdsmen, farmers and other stakeholders within the council area in attendance.
The forum was aimed at reconciling the parties over a portion of land between a Gbagyi man Malam Audu, and a Fulani man, Malam Bello, who had lived on the land belonging to Audu for 15 years in Gurusu village.
District Head of the council area, Malam Mu’azu Laka, commended the concerned parties for reporting the matter to the appropriate authority rather than taking the law into their hands.
Laka also lauded the parties’ agreement that led to the peaceful resolution of the matter, noting that the reconciliation had prevented the dispute from escalating.
Osun
The proposed M. K. O Abiola International Airport in Ido-Osun, Osun State would cost N69 billion under concession arrangement with AWOL International company, a state government official said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Mr Nurudeen Adeagbo said at a meeting with members of the state House of Assembly in Osogbov that the concession agreement would be to the advantage of the state government.
Adeagbo said the concession agreement was not in any way detrimental to the economy of the state, saying that it would be on ‘Build-Operate-Transfer” basis.
Plateau
The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) has sacked 150 workers in what its management said was part of a re-organisation aimed at optimum performance.
Among those sacked across its four states of Plateau, Gombe, Bauchi and Benue were marketers, linesmen, network engineers, cable joiners and electrical fitters.
Their sack letters signed by Head, Human Resources and Support Services, Abubakar Mohammed simply told the workers that their services were no longer required.
The letters said that they would be paid one month’s salary in lieu of notice, and warned them against impersonating as workers of the company.
Sokoto
Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal has advised the Federal Government to handover federal roads to states’ government for effective management of the roads.
Tambuwal gave the advice when he received the Senate Committee on Works led by its Chairman, Sen. Kabiru Gaya in Sokoto.
He said: “There is the need for the federal government to handover the roads to states, because state governments are closer to the people and we have more efficient methods of supervision.
“If this is done, it will go a long way in ensuring that the vast majority of major roads and highways in the country are well maintained.’’
Taraba
Taraba State University has gone into partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to train Taraba youths on skills needed to work under the Mambilla Hydro Power Project.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Vincent Tenebe disclosed this in Jalingo lrecently at a workshop on Effective Leadership organised by the university for elected local government chairmen and councillors in the state.
He stated that the youth would be trained as security guards, drivers, bricklayers, masons, mechanics, and facilities managers among others to enable them key into the project.
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.”