Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Customary Court last Tuesday dissolved the eight-year-old marriage between one Rasak Bello and his wife, Aminat, over irreconcilable differences.
The President of the court, Mrs Olayinka Akomolede, who listened to both parties, dissolved the marriage, saying it had broken down irretrievably.
The union was dissolved on the grounds of lack of care for the petitioner and children, mismanagement of his business, fetishism, infidelity, stubbornness and frequent fighting.
The petitioner, Mr Rasak Bello, 43, a businessman, and a resident of No.7, Basiri Street, Ado-Ekiti, had earlier told the court that he had known the respondent for eight years and they conducted a traditional marriage.
FCT
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has described late NAF instructor pilot, Group Capt. Adanu Ochai, who died in a plane crash in Kaduna as a hero who contributed immensely to the nation.
Abubakar made the remark when he led senior officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased in Kaduna.
A statement by the NAF Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, last Tuesday in Abuja, said the air chief pledged to support the family left behind by Ochai.
Late Ochai was the sole pilot on board the NAF Air Beetle aircraft which crashed in Kaduna on August 24.
During the visit, prayers were said for the family of late Ochai as well as for the repose of his soul.
Gombe
Gombe State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) recorded “motor accident free” Eid-el Kabir, the Sector Commander, Malam Ibrahim Abubakar has said.
Abubakar made the disclosure lastTuesday in Gombe in an interview with newsmen.
He attributed the development to series of sensitisation campaigns embarked upon by the command.
“Our sensitisation campaigns yielded positive result; that was why we recorded crash free sallah.
“Since I came to Gombe State two months ago, we have not recorded any serious crash.
“Thank God the sallah celebration has come and gone, it was hitch-free no crash recorded.
“I am appealing to motorists to sustain the tempo by desisting from any act capable of causing crash,” he said.
Kaduna
A group of suspected kidnappers who abducted a director with the Kaduna State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is demanding N40 million ransom, an official in the ministry has said.
The victim, Mr John Gorah, was abducted at midnight last Sunday at his residence located in Mararaban Rido, Kaduna.
The Deputy Director, Higher Education in the ministry, Mr Steven Haruna, told newsmen in Kaduna last Tuesday that the kidnappers had contacted the victim’s family.
Haruna explained that the kidnappers stormed the victim’s house, fired multiple gunshots in the air to scare people and pulled down a section of the fence before taking Gorah away.
Katsina
The Emir of Daura in Katsina State, Alhaji Farouk Umar has commended the President of Niger, Alhaji Muhammadou Yusouffou for his efforts in strengthening and sustaining the bond of brotherhood and mutual relationship between Nigeria and Niger.
Farouk made the commendation in Daura last Tuesday when he hosted the visiting president at his palace.
He said the relationship between Nigeria and Niger predated political independence of the two nations, stressing that “we inter-marry and conduct business activities together for many years.”
The emir said President Muhammadu Buhari returned from his UK medical trip in good spirit, saying “we would continue to support his policies and programmes for the development of Nigeria and Africa.
Kebbi
Association of People with Disabilities in Kebbi State last Tuesday appealed to the state Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu to appoint members as special advisers for a sense of belonging.
The Chairman of the association, Malam Muhammad Argungu made the appeal in Birnin Kebbi when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the governor.
He said the appointment of members of the association as special advisers would ensure their access to government and enable them to contribute to the state’s policy and decision making.
He also appealed for award of scholarship to children of the members of the association schooling in tertiary institutions.
Kogi
The police in Kogi State have killed a suspected notorious armed robber and kidnapper on their wanted list for many years, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, said in Lokoja last Monday.
Inalegwu said that the suspect, identified as Lukman, was killed by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Obeiba in Ihima area of the state on Sunday afternoon..
He said the suspect was shot during an encounter with a team of SARS operatives.
Inalegwu said that Lukman was shot dead during a cross -fire with SARS men who came in from Abuja to arrest him.
Niger
The Police Command in Niger State says it has recorded “a no-crime, no-violence” Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Austine Agbonlahor, disclosed this during an interview with newsmen in Minna last Tuesday.
Agbonlahor commended residents of the state for their peaceful conduct during the celebration.
He said the feat was achieved through the cooperation the residents across the 25 local government areas of the state accorded police personnel.
He said the command would continue to initiate techniques that would guarantee safety and security of lives and property as well as create safe haven for legitimate businesses to thrive in the state.
Oyo
This year’s ministers’ conference of the Nigeria Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso (NBTS) will focus on renewing the spirituality and fellowship of participants in order to promote the country’s peaceful co-existence, social harmony, economic buoyancy and political stability.
The President of NBTS, Rev. Emiola Nihinlola said this at the seminary in Ogbomoso while shedding light on the theme of this year’s conference tagged: “The Dynamics of Competent Gospel Ministry”.
Nihinlola, a professor and Vice-Chairman, Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA), said the conference would also focus on the principles, methods and critical issues related to the work of the gospel.
Plateau
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Plateau State last Tuesday said it had arrested a 25-year-old man, Zulkifil Aliyu, who specialised in illegal narcotics trade within Jos metropolis.
The agency’s Commander in the State, Mr Ibrahim Bragi, confirmed Aliyu’s arrest to newsmen in Jos.
Bragi said that operatives of the agency arrested the suspect on May 19 at Laranto Village in Jos North.
He said during his arrest, the operatives found on the suspect 200 grammes of Tramadol tablets; 150 grammes of Diazepam tablets; 74 grammes of Exol tablets and 51 grammes of Cannabis Sativa.
According to him, the suspect in a confessional statement told the agency that he has been in the business for only three months.
The commander said the suspect confessed that he was getting his supplies from a man at Bauchi Road, and he in turn sold the substances as a retailer for profit.
Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, recently met with the President of Niger Republic, Muhammadou Yusouffou at the Presidential Palace in Niamey to discuss issues of common interest for improved relations.
Tambuwal’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam said in a statement that the two leaders discussed issues of cooperation for the benefit of their citizens.
Imam said the two discussed important issues that bordered on education, trade and cultural integration between Sokoto State and Niger Republic.
“Sokoto and Niger Republic have long standing cultural, religious and family ties.
“So, our visit to the Palais De Presidence is meant to enhance these ties and also explore other important areas of cooperation like education and trade,” he said.
Zamfara
Zamfara State Police Command last Tuesday said it had commenced massive search for three policemen who went missing after Monday’s attack on their outpost in Keta village, Tsafe Local Government Area.
A press release issued by the command’s spokesman in Gusau, DSP Mohammed Shehu, denied online media reports that the policemen and their DPO were kidnapped.
“No one was kidnapped as a result of the attack on the facility,” Shehu said, and called on the general public to disregard the report.
He explained that a police outpost was not managed by a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), adding that the three missing policemen ran into the bushes when the outpost was attacked.
The spokesman said “at the moment, combined units of Police Anti-Robbery Squad, Anti-Kidnapping and Mobile Force are combing the bushes in search of their colleagues as well as to arrest the gunmen.”
Nation
UNIZIK Honours Business Mogul, Ezekwe, For Philanthropism
Nation
Don Calls For National Forensic Data Bank To Combat Rising Crime
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.
Nation
UPWA Hosts Colourful Inter-House Sports Fiesta
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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