Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Controller of Adamawa Command of the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS), Mr Peter Tenkwa, has rejected the medical letter used by a Yola High Court in granting bail to convicted ex-Governor of the state, Mr Bala Ngilari, on health ground.
Justice Nathan Musa of Yola High Court, on Monday granted bail to Ngilari, currently in the prison for a five-year jail sentence, on health grounds, after he appealed against his conviction.
Tenkwa told newsmen Monday in Yola that he was not aware of the letter and had communicated to the prison headquarters.
He said the headquarters directed him to issue a query to officials involved in the matter, including the Deputy Controller of Yola Prison, Mr Abubakar Abaka and a Superintendent of Prisons, Mr John Bukar, in charge of health.
“Nigeria Prison Service, as I stated, knows nothing about this letter; whoever wrote that letter is on his own. I have been directed to query the officers involved.”
Bauchi
Some married women residing in Bauchi have attributed their improved health status to regular exercises with the active support and encouragement of their husbands.
Some of the women told newsmen in separate interviews in Bauchi on Tuesday that the new lifestyle had helped to stave off debilitating disease burdens.
They identified some of the diseases as High Blood Pressure and Diabetes.
Hajiya Zainab Abdulkadir, the founder of the gymnasium, told newsmen that her husband donated the facility to assist married women interested in exercising their bodies.
Abdulkadir noted that other available gymnasiums were for both men and women, hence the need to provide a facility for only married women.
Benue
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue has said the most recent killings in the State were not perpetrated by herdsmen, but criminal elements.
Ortom said this after the State Security meeting in Makurdi last Monday.
The governor also said the killings were not due to communal clashes, stressing that they were carried out by criminal elements bent on unleashing terror and mayhem on innocent citizens.
He, however, promised that the killings would soon be nipped in the bud; and the perpetrators arrested and prosecuted.
He further said that the criminals had been identified and that the security agencies would soon go after them.
“’We are not ready to surrender the state to criminals”, the governor vowed.
Ekiti
Two men, Ebenezer Temitope and Ojo Toyin, who allegedly burgled an apartment and stole three cell phones valued at N110, 000, were on Tuesday charged before a Magistrates’ Court in Ado-Ekiti.
The accused,Temitope, 22 and Toyin, 22, whose addresses were not given, are facing a charge of stealing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Oriyomi Akinwale, told the Court that the accused committed the offence on March 24, at about 2 am, at Ekute Quarters in Ado-Ekiti.
Akinwale alleged that the accused broke into the house of one Abosede Oladaiye and one Damilola Odunayo and stole their phones.
FCT
Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, has debunked allegations of corrupt practices levelled against the university administration, saying many people were not aware of the universities procedures.
Ambali stated his position in an interview with newsmen in Abuja last Tuesday.
The vice-chancellor said that the university followed laid down guidelines in appointments of staff, payment of entitlements to principal officers and reappointment of principal officers.
Katsina
A Katsina State High Court on Tuesday adjourned hearing in the alleged N11 billion scam brought against a former state governor, Ibrahim Shema, until June 6.
The former governor is charged with conspiracy, forgery and diversion of N11 billion public funds by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Standing trial with Shema are former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Sani Makana, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government Affairs, Lawal Safana and former State ALGON Chairman, Lawal Dankaba.
The offences contravene Sections 312 and 364, Cap 96 of the Penal Code, Laws of Katsina State, 1991.
When the case came up for hearing on Tuesday, Justice Ibrahim Bako said the adjournment was sequel to the defendants’ appeal, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to try the case.
Kwara
The Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP) has honoured Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara and seven others for their contributions to the development of agriculture in the state.
It is reported that the event, held at Landmark University’s Auditorium in Omu-Aran, Kwara on Monday, was part of activities to mark the society’s 42nd annual national conference.
The conference has: ‘Emerging Challenges Facing Animal Agriculture in Nigeria and the Way Forward,” as its theme.
Ahmed was represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Bamidele Adegoke.
The governor was honoured under the society’s agriculture leadership award for sustaining the legacy of his predecessor with regards to the Shonga Farm Initiative in poultry and dairy production.
Lagos
An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday sentenced a security guard to 10 years in prison for burglary and stealing goods worth N20.95 million from his employer’s house.
In her judgment, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Helen Omisore, jailed James Jacob seven years for burglary and three years for stealing with no option of fine.
The 20 year-old convict had pleaded guilty to the three-count charge of conspiracy, break-in and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Cousin Adams, told the court that the convict had on February 19 burgled the home of Oludayo Adeyinka and absconded with property worth N20.95 million.
“He used a saw blade to gain entrance by cutting the burglary of the toilet and disconnected the CCTV camera to avoid being identified.
Ondo
Two teenagers, Olusola Ogunsede, 18, and another, aged 17, were on Tuesday brought before an Okitipupa Magistrates Court in Ondo State over the alleged theft of 50 bunches of palm fruits worth N100,000.
The accused, of no fixed addresses and occupations, were standing trial in the court on a two-count charge of felony and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the accused on February 11 around 10:00 a.m., behind Mercury School, Ikoya in Okitipupa, conspired to commit the offences.
He said the accused entered the farmland belonging to one Wilson Ageh and stole the palm fruits, which were already harvested for transportation to the market.
Osun
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has inaugurated a five-man judicial commission of enquiry into the crisis that erupted between the Yoruba and Hausa in Ile-Ife on March 8 in which lives were lost and property destroyed.
A media aide to the governor, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, made this known in a statement in Osogbo on Monday.
The statement quoted the governor as urging members of the commission to investigate and determine the remote and immediate causes of the mayhem.
He also mandated them to recommend appropriate civil or criminal actions to be taken against the perpetrators and make appropriate suggestions to the state government in order to prevent a future occurrence.
Oyo
A don, Dr Musibau Babatunde, has advised lawmakers in Oyo State to make laws that would enhance the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.
Babatunde, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, gave the advice at a two-day workshop for members of the Oyo State House of Assembly in Ibadan on Tuesday.
The workshop was organised by Konrad-Adenaeur Shifting Foundation, Germany.
Plateau
A bill seeking to enact the Plateau Penal Code on Tuesday scaled through the second reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly.
Presenting the bill for deliberation at Plenary, Majority Leader of the House, Mr Henry Yunkwap, said that the bill, if passed into law, would capture penalties for contemporary crimes.
He said that Plateau needed its own penal code because the penal code of Northern Nigeria, being used in the state, had become “out-dated and obsolete”.
He further explained that the bill, which contained 398 clauses and 31 chapters, would address primary, secondary and tertiary crimes in the state.
The Head of the Department of Anatomy at the University of Port Harcourt’s College of Health Sciences, Prof Gabriel Sunday Oladipo, has underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to develop a comprehensive forensic science infrastructure, warning that the nation’s ability to investigate and solve crime is being hampered by lack of scientific data and systems.
In his inaugural lecture titled, “Man: Fearfully Different, Wonderfully Made,” delivered as part of the 207th Inaugural Lecture Series of the university, Prof Oladipo highlighted that while no two individuals are exactly the same, the country currently lacks the robust systems needed to collect and manage biological and anthropometric data that could support criminal investigations.
He explained that the natural variations among humans — from fingerprints to physical measurements — form the foundation of personal identification in forensic work. These biological differences, he said, are essential for distinguishing one person from another, especially in the context of criminal investigations where clarity of identity can mean the difference between justice and impunity. Without this scientific foundation, he argued, law enforcement agencies lack a critical tool in the fight against crime.
Experts have noted that Nigeria’s forensic science capacity has historically lagged behind needs, with only a few forensic facilities available and many law enforcement agencies struggling to access or use scientific evidence effectively. One review of the state of forensic investigation in Nigeria found that outdated facilities and limited adoption of modern forensic methods have left many cases unsolved or poorly investigated, even as crime rates rise across the country.
In Lagos, efforts to improve forensic capabilities have focused on DNA analysis, with the Lagos State DNA Forensic Centre — the first of its kind in West Africa — providing critical support for criminal investigations and helping to identify human remains, link related cases, and assist with paternity testing. However, such initiatives are yet to be replicated at a national scale, leaving many regions without access to these vital scientific tools.
Prof Oladipo’s lecture went beyond academic theory to propose concrete actions. He called for the establishment of a National Institute of Forensic Science responsible for creating and managing a nationwide anthropometric and forensic data bank. This repository, he stressed, would significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to track crime, assist law enforcement agencies, and improve the administration of justice by providing reliable scientific evidence for investigative and legal processes.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening research and training in forensic science. Many Nigerian universities currently lack the funding and infrastructure to offer complete undergraduate or postgraduate programs in areas such as forensic anthropology, DNA analysis, and crime scene investigation, a gap that forces aspiring experts to rely on collaborations with institutions abroad. By fostering a research-friendly environment and securing greater support from both government and private sectors, Nigerian institutions could produce homegrown experts capable of advancing forensic science in the country.
Awareness of forensic science’s role in criminal justice remains low among the general public and even among some security professionals. Studies have shown that a significant portion of Nigerians are unfamiliar with basic forensic concepts or the existence of tools such as DNA profiling and national forensic databases — tools that are common features of criminal justice systems in countries like South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Prof Oladipo also urged regular training and retraining programs to keep forensic practitioners updated with evolving scientific methods. According to him, continuous professional development is critical in a field where technological advances — from biometric databases to digital forensic tools — are transforming how crimes are investigated and solved.
The lecture was attended by academics, students, and professionals drawn to the intersection of science, identity, and justice, all of whom heard the professor make a compelling case for scientific innovation and institutional reform as central to Nigeria’s effort to contain crime and strengthen its justice system.
The event not only showcased Prof Oladipo’s expertise in human anatomy and forensic psychology but also positioned forensic science as a strategic national priority — one that could bring clarity to investigations, support victims and their families, and ultimately enhance public safety across Nigeria.
The University of Port Harcourt Women Association (UPWA) on Thursday staged a vibrant and memorable edition of its Annual Inter-House Sports Competition at the University of Port Harcourt Sports Village, drawing an impressive turnout of pupils, parents, staff and invited guests.
The event, organised by the UPWA International Group of Schools, brought together children from the pre-nursery, nursery and secondary sections in a colourful celebration of youth athleticism, discipline and teamwork. The arena came alive with cheers and excitement as pupils, clad in their various house colours, marched in a ceremonial parade before proceeding to compete in a wide range of track and field events, relays, novelty races and other team-based activities designed to promote physical fitness and healthy competition.
Declaring the competition open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, commended UPWA for sustaining a tradition that continues to nurture young talents beyond the classroom. He noted that sports remain a critical component of holistic education, helping to build resilience, confidence, leadership skills and social interaction among children.
In her remarks, the President of UPWA, Professor Udeme Georgewill, expressed appreciation to parents, teachers and members of the organising committee for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the success of the programme despite prevailing economic challenges. She described the event as a reflection of unity and collective effort within the school community.
“This is the first time White House is emerging overall winner, and that shows remarkable improvement and great sportsmanship,” she said. “We all had fun. It is not easy putting an event like this together considering the economic situation, but we are grateful to the parents for being part of this journey. The excitement everywhere is truly heartwarming.”
The competition featured spirited participation from the various houses, including Purple House, San Chicago Red House and White House, with pupils demonstrating strength, speed, coordination and teamwork. Parents and supporters filled the stands, cheering enthusiastically and adding colour to the spectacle, while teachers ensured orderliness and safety throughout the proceedings.
Professor Georgewill emphasized that the true essence of sports lies not merely in winning trophies but in participation and personal growth. “Sports is not just about winning. It is an avenue for growth, discipline and opportunity. The fact that a child is able to participate is already a win. Losing this year does not mean you cannot win next year. Keep trying,” she encouraged, urging pupils to see both victory and defeat as stepping stones to greater achievements.
She further observed that while there are many competing interests in the Nigerian sports sector, consistent grassroots investment remains essential for discovering and nurturing future champions.
The colourful ceremony culminated in medal presentations, trophy awards and group photographs, with UPWA executives, including Vice President I, Professor Adedamola Onyeaso, joining the participating teams to celebrate the day’s achievements.
The annual inter-house sports competition continues to stand as one of UPWA’s flagship events, reinforcing its commitment to balanced education, character formation and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among its pupils.
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