Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
The Ekiti State Coordinator for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Nwano Ukagha, has urged rural dwellers to feed more on fresh vegetables and fruits in order to stay healthy.
Ukagha, gave the advice during the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers, held at Ara-Ekiti, a community in Ikole Local Government Area last Tuesday.
She said that consumption of vegetables and fruits, which are readily available and cheaper to the rural people, would help them to naturally build their body system against diseases.
Ukagha said, it had been scientifically proven that human beings get easily attacked by diseases through the kind of food they eat.
She urged rural dwellers, especially mothers, to abstain from eating too much processed foods.
FCT
The Federal Government says it will make a case at the upcoming Africa Union (AU) conference on the need to bar illegal entry of herdsmen from West African countries into Nigeria.
Chief Audu Ogbeh, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said this at a town hall meeting in Abuja last Tuesday.
Ogbeh said the move had become necessary as a result of the incessant crisis between farmers and herdsmen across the states of the federation.
He expressed regrets that, most of the violent herdsmen who engaged in different crisis with farmers were foreigners from other neighbouring West African countries.
Kogi
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, said last Tuesday that policemen would soon be deployed to their communities of origin to enhance community policing.
The IGP told a security stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja that the bulk of the 150,000 policemen to be recruited over the next five years would serve in their respective communities.
Idris, who was represented by Shaibu Gambo, Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, said that the move was to take the police closer to the people.
He said that the police, was faced with shortage of manpower but promised more policemen and equipment for Kogi to further secure the people against rampaging armed robbers and kidnappers.
Lagos
A former Chief Accountant of Vanguard Newspaper, Bhadmus Abiodun, was last Tuesday sentenced to 14-years in prison by Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of an Ikeja High Court for forgery and stealing N3.1million.
The money belongs to the media house.
“The defendant is hereby sentenced to seven years in prison on count one.
“He is sentenced to seven years in prison each for counts two to eight.
“The prison terms for counts two to eight are to run concurrently,” Ipaye said.
Abiodun, a middle-aged man and a resident of No. 5, Tijani Ashogbon St., Bariga, Lagos was convicted of an eight-count charge of conspiracy.
Nasarawa
A Masaka Chief Magistrates’ Court in Nasarawa State, has ordered the release of 21-year-old Emmanuel Edeh, from Keffi prison, after spending one week there.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Victor Manga, had ordered that Edeh be remanded in prison for beating up his mother and insulting his father as well.
Manga, ordered the release of the youth after hearing from his father that his wife (Emmanuel’s mother) had not been herself since their son was sent to prison.
“My Lord, my wife has been sick since I told her that our son has been taken to prison, in order for him to learn his lesson.
Niger
Farmers in Niger State have advised the state government to decentralise the distribution of fertiliser so as to minimise diversion by middlemen.
“We want government to decentralise the distribution pattern, we suggest that the commodity be distributed through the 274 wards,”Chairman of their umbrella body, the All farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaji Shehu Galadima, said last Tuesday in Minna.
He said that the ward structures were the closest to farmers in the rural areas and would be the best selling points.
Galadima, also advised government to route the sales through farmers cooperative societies to ease the delivery of the commodity to the consumers.
“Currently, farming inputs are delivered to the wrong people. We must check that.
Ogun
An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday sentenced a 35- year- old man, Gbenga Adekanbi, to two years imprisonment for stealing a Bajaj motorcycle valued at N260,000.
Adekanbi, who lives at Ita- Oshin Bayinbo, Ijemo, Abeokuta, was arraigned on a charge of stealing.
He, however, pleaded guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, Mr Idowu Olayinka, sentenced him to two years imprisonment with an option of N60,000 fine.
The prosecutor, Inspector Olakunle Shonibare, had told the court that the convict committed the offence on May 2 at about 11:44p.m. at No. 11, Bodunde compound, Saje in Abeokuta.
Osun
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has promoted the immediate Jaaran of Ife, High Chief Adekola Adeyeye, as the Second- in-Command.
The Director, Media and Public Affairs, Mr Moses Olafare, Ooni’s Palace, said Adeyeye is now the third on the order of the hierarchy of Ife traditional council, (Ooni-in-Council).
Olafare, in a statement issued last Tuesday in Ile-Ife, said that the new position was the reward for loyalty, commitment to service and dedication to Ife Kingdom.
According to Olafare, the monarch described Adeyeye as a patriotic Ife indigene and great loyalist of the throne of Oonirisa, which he had served meritoriously for 30 years in various capacities.
He said that, the new Lowa of Ife started his full service at the palace in 1987 when he was seconded to the palace as an Emese (Traditional emissary) of Ooni.
Plateau
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State chapter, last Tuesday in Jos organised a memorial lecture for its members who died while on duty.
The lecture was mainly dedicated to the Plateau State Government’s press crew members who lost their lives on May 16, 2007 while on official duty.
The lecturer, Mr Joseph Ari, Director-General of the Industrial Trust Fund, spoke on “Journalism: Responsibility, Risk and Resilience in a Changing World’’.
According to Ari, a veteran journalist, journalists are the watchdogs of the society and may have enemies in the course of their duty.
“This lecture is dedicated mainly to eight of the Plateau State Government press crew who lost their lives on May 16, 2007 while on official duty in Shendam Local Government Area.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government says it will construct 1, 000 units of one-bedroom houses for low-income earners in the state.
Gov. Aminu Tambuwal disclosed this last Tuesday in Sokoto, when he received the Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Malam Mustaph Shehure, who paid a courtesy visit.
He said,” the aim was to improve the welfare of the people as well as provide opportunity to more citizens of the state to own houses.
“ Already, my administration has completed the 500 housing units it inherited from the last administration and have been inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari when he visited Sokoto in November, 2016.
“We hope to complete another 500 housing units at Gidan Man Ada, before the end of this year.
Taraba
The Taraba Police Command, on Tuesday confirmed the death of three persons in fresh herdsmen and farmers conflict in Bali Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesman, ASP David Misal told newsmen in Jalingo that the police had deployed additional personnel to Gazabu, Kungana, Tukun Ruwa, Utsua Daa and Kpenkpen villages, where the crisis occurred.
“Yes we received reports that since on Sunday, there has being series of attacks in the remote communities in Bali local government area of the state, but the command is on top of the situation.
“Due to the remoteness of the affected areas, we can confirm three deaths for now, but we will get back to you as soon as we get more updates,” he said.
Zaki David-Gbaa, the Chairman, Council of Tiv Traditional Rulers Forum in Taraba, claimed that 11 farmers had died since the crisis started.
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.”