Niger Delta

Four Bag 160Yrs Jail Term Over Ex-Commissioner’s Abduction

Published

2 years ago

July 8, 2024

Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Ogbia Town, headquarters of Ogbia Local Government Area of the state has sentenced four men who kidnapped a former Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment in the State, Mr Federal Otokito to 40years in-prisonment each.
Upon his kidnap in 2022, The Tide learnt the former Commissioner was taken to a forest in the Igbomotoru Community in the Southern-Ijaw Local Government Area of the state and demanded ransom payment.
Presided over by Justice S. W. Amaduobogha, the court while delivering judgment in the suit with registration number OHC/4c/2022, declared that Kingsley Obhesi 24yrs, Joshua Abi 32yrs, Gift Damene 38yrs, and Powell Inegite 36yrs are guilty as charged of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of fire Arms.
The convicted persons were arrested by operatives of the Operation Puff Adder led by SP Chris Nwaogbo and believed to be boys working with a prominent ex-militant leader from Southern-Ijaw Local Government area of the State.
The Police Prosecuting Counsel, Stella Jerry-Friday Esq, while briefing the court, stated that the convicts, heavily armed with guns and sundry amunitions, took hostage of Mr. Federal Opaminola Otokito on the 20th day of January, 2022 at Otuokpoti Community, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state, and unlawfully took him away against his will to Igbomotoru bush in the Southern Ijaw Area of the state with the intent to demand ransom or any other unlawful consideration and thereby committed an offence punishable under the laws of Nigeria.
Justice S.W. Amaduobogha, after hearing from the Police prosecution counsel and the defence counsels, declared that the investigative and prosecution team have done due diligence and proved beyond reasonable doubt the case of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of fire-arms against the convicts.
Meanwhile, a cross-section of members of the Otuokpoti Community, home town of the former Commissioner, have hailed the state Police Command for their diligent investigation and prosecution.
It would be recalled that Otokito was abducted in 2022 while still serving as a member of the State Executive Council when armed gunmen invaded his neighbourhood, shooting randomly into the air to frighten the locals.
Similarly, the Brass Judicial Divisional State High Court sitting in Yenagoa, the state capital has also sentenced two persins to five years in jail for conspiracy, unlawful possession of fire-arms and armed robbery.
The Tide gathered that the convicted persons, Believe Leisure (m) 36yrs, and Jacob Doukumo (m) 42 years, in the suit with registration number BYHC/BHC/CR/1/2023, were arrested by the men of the Operation Puff Adder of the Bayelsa State Police Command on the 24th of December, 2022 along Sangana creek in Brass Local Government Area of the State.
According to the Police Counsel, Stella Jerry-Friday Esq, the convicts were arrested on the charge of conspiracy to commit felony and armed robbery which is an offence punishable under Section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and firearms (special provision) Act.CAP R11, laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
He said the convicts, Believe Leisure, Jacob Doukumo and three others at large on the 24th day of December, 2022 at about 600hours at Sangana, Akassa in Brass LGA of Bayelsa State, while armed with a one single barrel gun and two machetes, attacked one Johnbull Newyear and one Jackson (surname), yet known, and robbed them of 30 horsepower Suzuki outboard engine valued at N600,000 only.
The prosecution counsel also informed the court that after diligent investigation by the operatives of the Operation Puff Adder led by SP Chris Nwaogbo, the duo were arrested and later remanded in custody.
According to him while Jacob Doukumo was present in court for sentencing, Believe Leisure died in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Okaka, Yenagoa while awaiting trial.
The Presiding Judge, Justice T.Y Abasi, found the accused guilty on the three count charges and sentenced them to five years imprisonment each.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Launches Medical Outreach For Children With Special Needs

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, has launched a free medical outreach for children with special needs in Delta South.

The event, which attracted scores of caregivers, medical professionals, and government functionaries, took place at Dom Domingos College, Warri.

It was organised by the governor’s wife’s pet project, “You Matter Charity Foundation”, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health.

In a speech at the event, Oborevwori said the initiative sought to promote public awareness about autism and other notable infants’ developmental conditions.

She said the programme also aimed ”to eliminate stigma and encourage inclusion of persons living with disabilities.”

According to her, the outreach is structured to cover the state’s three senatorial districts.

She noted that the programme took place earlier in Ughelli, Delta Central, where beneficiaries received medications and assistive devices, including educational materials to support learning among children with special needs.

Oborevwori, who thanked residents and local government chairmen in Delta South for their cooperation, also commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and medical teams for their dedication to the success of the programme.

She admonished parents and caregivers to continue to show patience, compassion, and understanding towards children with special needs.

The Tide’s source reports that health workers from the ministry and Primary Healthcare Development Agency participated in the programme.

In her remark, the Director-General of the foundation, Mrs. Lawrentta Ogbedo, said the outreach would reduce financial pressure on families that have children with special needs.

She underscored the importance of early diagnosis and consistent medical attention for such children.

The Chairman of Warri South LGA, Mr. Isaac Agbateyiniro, thanked the governor’s wife for the initiative, and described her kind intervention as ”timely and beneficial to struggling families”.

Also, the Chairman, Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Samuel Mariere, applauded the foundation’s effort in extending support to children with special needs in society.

Mariere said the programme had provided hope and practical support to many households.

The source reports that the event featured free medical consultations and treatment for children.

Also, health experts delivered talks on autism awareness, care strategies, and social acceptance.

Participants were also enlightened on the legal protections against discrimination for persons with disabilities.

Other highlights included the distribution of wheelchairs, medications, and assistive materials, among other items, to the beneficiaries.

Niger Delta

UniCal Commits To Nursing Education Dev In C’River

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Offiong Offiong, has reiterated the institution’s commitment towards supporting the growth of nursing education in the state.

Offiong, who made the statement recently in Calabar when members of the Basic Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Certificate Affiliation Committee visited him in his office, said as a federal university located in Cross River State, the institution would remain committed to the development of the state and the wellbeing of its residents.

The Vice Chancellor said UniCal would strategically collaborate with the state government to ensure improved healthcare education, professional training and standards.

“I commend the state government for expanding nursing institutions, this development has stimulated youth interest in health-related careers.

“We shall revisit the affiliation process to ensure compliance with national and international academic standards,” he said.

Offiong continued that curriculum review, adequate academic staffing and strict quality assurance measures would be given priority attention in the process.

He urged the state government to provide logistics support to students undertaking clinical postings in health facilities.

Leader of the delegation, Dr. Henry Ayuk, congratulated Offiong on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the university.

Ayuk, who’s also the Commissioner for Health in the State, commended the university for its contributions to the growth of the health sector.

He said the Bassey Otu-led government was committed to deepening collaboration with the university in order to strengthen nursing education and healthcare delivery.

The team leader expressed optimism that the partnership would boost professional training, institutional development and healthcare outcomes in the state.

Niger Delta

Agency Demolishes Illegal Roadside Structures In Delta N8 by … Clears Street Traders

Published

2 days ago

February 16, 2026

The Tide

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency has commenced the removal of illegal roadside structures and street traders across Asaba.

The enforcement drive targeted areas where traders and makeshift stalls have taken over roads, walkways and drainage channels.

Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said the action was necessary due to the growing safety concerns caused by unchecked roadside trading.

Ukah said the action formed part of a broader urban renewal programme aimed at improving sanitation, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.

He noted that the activities had disrupted traffic flow and exposed motorists and pedestrians to avoidable dangers.

According to him, the agency’s action is not directed at individuals but aimed at restoring order and enforcing existing regulations.

Ukah warned that the agency would not tolerate activities that deface the capital or threaten public safety.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe and orderly capital, saying a well-managed Asaba remains vital to the image of the state and its development.

Urging affected traders to relocate to approved government markets across the city, Ukah said the operation would continue and might be extended to other locations if violations persist.

Major locations affected include Akpu Junction, Marble Hill Junction, and the Arcade near Ogbeogonogo Market.

The Tide’s source reports that in addition to dismantling illegal structures, the agency intensified sanitation efforts along major roads.

Special attention was given to the Mammy Market and Traffic Light axis of Asaba to sustain cleanliness.

The agency’s Head of Environment, Mr. Isaac Nwosu, said the teams would ensure compliance and prevent a return of illegal roadside activities.

Nwosu called on residents and traders to support the agency by adhering to environmental regulations.