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Niger Delta

Navy Arrests 11 Mariners For Violating Maritime Law

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3 years ago

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The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bayelsa State has handed over 11 crew members and one fishing trawler who violated maritime law to the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
The crew members and the trawler, MV TRADE WIND, were apprehended on August 6, off Brass waters in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The Commanding Officer of the Base, Capt. Muhammed Alhassan, said those arrested were 10 Nigerians and a Ghanaian.
He said the mariners had switched off their Automatic Identification System and violated the no trawling zone of 5NM from shoreline.
The commanding officer urged all mariners to be law abiding as they carry out their activities within the Nigerian maritime environment.
“All mariners and their agents must be aware that the Nigerian Navy has the capacity to track any vessel within the Nigerian waters up to Exclusive Economic Zone through the FALCON EYE and RMAC system.
“So, mariners are warned to keep their automatic identification and communication system operational, as switching it off constitutes a violation of the Nigerian maritime law,” he said.
Alhassan said the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, had directed all Nigerian Navy operational units to strictly monitor all vessels and ensure compliance to maritime laws.
“The Nigerian Navy will not spare any offender that violates any of these laws within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“Today, I hereby hand over MV TRADE WIND to the representative of the Federal Department of Fisheries for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.
Responding, Principal, Fishery Officer, Monitoring and Enforcement Unit in Lagos Office, Mr Are Taiwo, said the mariner would be investigated and prosecuted, if found guilty.
He commended the Navy for safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.

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Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

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4 days ago

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December 8, 2025

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A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.
The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.
Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.
In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.
The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.
Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.
By: Enoch Epelle
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Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

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4 days ago

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December 8, 2025

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The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management  of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State
The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.
On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.
The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.
MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator,  Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.
LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama,  Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.
He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities
“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.
On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is  at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.
“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”
On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.
“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”
By: Chinedu Wosu
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Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

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1 week ago

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December 5, 2025

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The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians  to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.

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