Nation
THE STATES
L-R: Rep. Uzor Azubuike, former Speaker, House of Representatives/ Chairman, Sub Committee on PDP Post Election Review, Rep. Emeka Ihedioha and Alhaji Adamu Waziri, during the PDP Post Election Review Committee and PDP stakeholders meeting for the South West in Ibadan, yesterday. Photo: NAN
Adamawa
The Medical Unit of the 28 Taskforce Brigade Com
mand of the Nigerian Army, Mubi, says that it has treated over 3,000 people of various ailments in Mubi area of Adamawa.
Brig Gen. Victor Ezugwu ,Commander of the Task Force, told newsmen in Mubi.that the gesture was part of activities marking the 2015 Nigerian Army Day celebration, slated for every July 6.
He said that the medical reach-out covered communities where soldiers were deployed to carry out counter insurgency operations.
” Under the programme we are targeting no less than 5000 people. “But so far , we have already attended to over 3,000 people, all in Mubi area.” Ezugwu said.
He listed pregnant women, elderly people and children of five years and below, as those that benefited from the gesture.
Bauchi
Bauchi State Police Command has advised people of the
state to be on the alert following Sunday’s twin blast in parts of neighbouring Jos metropolis in Plateau state.
The command gave the advice in a statement issued by DSP Haruna Mohammed, the command’s spokesperson, and made available to journalists.
“Against the backdrop of prevailing security challenges, the Bauchi State Police Command urges members of the general public to be security conscious of their physical and social environment .
“They should pay special attention to persons and objects, particularly at motor parks, shopping malls, markets, schools and places of worships etc.
“They should also report suspicious persons or objects within their neighborhood, especially on motorcycles and tricycles, to the nearest Police station, or through the emergency numbers 08151849417, for prompt response”, it advised.
Borno
The Nigerian Army has released 182 detainees recently
cleared of any association with the Boko Haram insurgents.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, presented the detainees to Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State at a ceremony in Maiduguri.
Minimah said the detainees were arrested few months back in Borno State and other parts of the country.
He said the military decided to release them after they had been cleared by an investigation panel.
Minimah said the detainees include 100 men, 24 women,18 teenagers and 40 children.
“We believe that the state government will work towards reintegrating them back to the society,” he said.
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered that
one Kayode Oke, 32, be remanded in prison for allegedly attempting to kill his mother.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Bamikole Olasunkanmi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 29 in Igede-Ekiti.
Olasunkanmi told the court that the accused on the said date unlawfully attempted to commit murder by chasing his mother with a cutlass.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 320 of the Criminal Code, Cap C 16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
He also said that the case file had been sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecution for legal advice.
FCT
The Senegalese Head of State and current ECOWAS
Chairman, Macky Sall, has condemned the terrorist attacks in Nigeria in the last few days.
A statement issued by the Chairman and made available to the newsmen in Abuja said the attacks had left more than 150 dead and many others injured.
“In these painful circumstances, the Chairman presents his heartfelt condolences to the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, the Government and brotherly people of Nigeria,” it stated.
It also quoted the Chairman as appealing for greater international mobilisation to end terrorism and violent extremism.
The statement also appealed for expeditious holding of the Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
It added that such summits were needed to map out a common strategy against the terrorist movements.
Gombe
The United Nations has commenced screening of 2,000
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) for the first phase of providing means of livelihood and early recovery support scheme to victims of Boko Haram insurgency.
The UN Resident Co-ordinator/UNDP on Resident Representative, Dr Daouda Toure, said in Gombe Monday while addressing the IDPs that the screening was to ascertain if they were actually victims of insurgency.
Toure said 500 beneficiaries would be selected from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, and the UN was partnering with the three state governments to ensure the success of the exercise.
Toure, who was represented by Mr Matthew Alao, UNDP’s Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Analyst, said the beneficiaries would be placed on a six-month or one-year skills acquisition programme.
According to him, all the beneficiaries would be accommodated and also paid allowances for the entire period.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has banned any form of
street begging and hawking in the state.
A statement signed by the media aide to the governor, Mr Samuel Aruwan in Kaduna, said the ban was with immediate effect.
The statement said that the order was to reinforce security in the state, following a suicide attack in Zaria, which claimed the lives of 25 people on Monday.
It emphasised that the ban on commercial motorcycle operation was still in force and government would deal decisively with offenders.
“All beggars and hawkers are to stay off the streets until further notice.
“Any beggar or hawker found on the streets will be arrested until these measures are relaxed,” it said.
Lagos
Some Nigerians in the Diaspora have urged the Federal
Government to be proactive in the global drug policy review and implementation.
The call by the group under the aegis of the United Nigerians in the Diaspora (UNID) is coming as the United Nations prepare for the periodic review of the global illicit drug policy in 2016.
UNID is a non-governmental organisation aimed at addressing youths’ challenges, providing succor to the downtrodden as well as collaborating with the governments in finding solutions to global and national social malaise.
UNID said in a statement by its President, Dr Paschal Okoli, that the unwholesome venture by Nigerians, especially youths in global drug trafficking had made it imperative for the Federal Government to maximise diplomatic overtures.
“The Federal Government must raise its voice in the global campaign against drug trafficking, production, use and against the killing of drug offenders, especially Nigerians in some Asian countries,” the statement said.
It said that the nonchalant attitude of government, especially Nigerian Embassies in the cases of alleged drug offenses, mostly in Asian countries had further embolden some countries to maltreat Nigerians.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has dis
tributed relief materials to 20 communities affected by the recent political clash in the state.
Speaking while distributing the items, the governor said that his administration was deeply concerned about the plight of the affected communities.
The items distributed include rice, beans, cooking pots, agricultural inputs such as fertiliser, herbicides and knap-sack sprayers, clothing materials, mattresses, roofing sheets and blankets.
He said that he made the donation in cooperation with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and National Emergency Management Agency.
Osun
A Senior Pastor at the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-
Itura, Oshogbo, Osun State, Pastor Israel Adubi, has called for fervent prayer to end insurgency in the country.
Adubi made the call in Osogbo last Tuesday in an interview with newsmen on the renewed onslaught by the Boko Haram in the North.
He also called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliations and political leanings, to come together and pray for divine intervention.
The cleric explained that the trend in insurgency in which young females were used as suicide bombers was dangerous and worrisome.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has dolled out foodstuff and clothing materials worth N9.7 million to indigent women ahead of the Sallah festival.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Alhaji Suleiman Sarkin-Fulani disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto.
He said the ministry had set up committees to distribute the items which included rice, sugar, wrappers, cash, among others.
The permanent secretary said apart from the women, patients on admission in hospitals and physically challenged persons would also benefit.
“The gesture is aimed at assisting the women to observe the ongoing Ramadan fast with ease.
“The clothing materials will also enable them to dress perfectly during the forthcoming Sallah just like other advantaged women,” Sarkin-Fulani added.
Taraba
The management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC),
Jalingo, has appealed to the striking resident doctors to call off their strike in the interest of patients.
Dr Wiza Inusa, the Medical Director of the hospital, made the appeal at a news conference on Tuesday in Jalingo.
Inusa said that the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) had embarked on an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of skipping allowances for their members.
He, however, explained that skipping allowances was a nationwide matter and should not be localised by doctors in the hospital.
“The resident doctors are pressing for the implementation of skipping allowances by the Federal Government which is okay.
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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.”