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Court clears Ayo Fayose of all money laundering charges

A Federal High Court in Lagos has discharged and acquitted former Ekiti State Governor, AyodeleFayose, of all charges in the long-running N2.2 billion money laundering case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

In a ruling delivered Tuesday morning, the court upheld Fayose’s no-case submission, declaring that the EFCC had failed to establish a prima facie case warranting him to enter a defence.

Fayose had faced trial for several years over allegations of money laundering and financial misappropriation during his time as governor of Ekiti State. However, the court found the prosecution’s case to be lacking in credible evidence.

“The prosecution failed to link the defendant to the alleged crimes in a manner that warrants this court to call upon him to open his defence,” the court ruled.

Earlier in the proceedings, the court had also granted Fayose leave to travel abroad for medical treatment, following a separate application.

Pastor arraigned for alleged peace breach, property interference

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has arraigned a pastor, Godwin Ikuru, before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Yaba for allegedly conducting himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace and unlawfully interfering with the use of private property.

Ikuru was arraigned before Chief Magistrate E. Kubeinje on a three-count charge filed by the police, bordering on alleged breach of peace and unlawful interference with private property.

The prosecutor, Mr. MorufuAnimashaun, a legal officer from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (ForceCID), Ikoyi, Lagos, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences on or about January 21, 2025, at No. 106, ObafemiAwolowo Way, Ikeja, in the Lagos Magisterial District.

The police alleged that Ikuru entered a parcel of land in the lawful possession of one AbibatBankole-Apena, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 52 of the Criminal Code Law, Ch. C17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015. The act also contravenes Section 340 of the same law.

Part of the charge reads: “That you, Pastor Godwin Ikuru, on or about the 21st day of January, 2025, at No. 106, ObafemiAwolowo Way, Ikeja, in the Lagos Magisterial District, unlawfully interfered with the use of a private property belonging to one AbibatBankole-Apena and thereby committed an offence.”

Ikuru pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Magistrate granted him bail in the sum of ₦250,000, with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned to August 6, 2025.

Bayelsa: Group urges GovDiri to dump PDP for APC

A political pressure group, the Concerned Bayelsa Stakeholders Forum, CBSF, has called on Governor DouyeDiri to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and join the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The group’s convener, Mr. Wisdom Ikuli, made the call on Tuesday in Yenagoa, encouraging stakeholders to back efforts to align Bayelsa more closely with the Federal Government.

Ikuli, who also serves as Governor Diri’s Technical Adviser on Print Media, explained that the CBSF is a non-partisan body comprising members from diverse political affiliations, including non-indigenes.

He stressed the need for Bayelsa to promptly align with the APC, claiming that numerous PDP members had allegedly colluded to deprive Bayelsa and the Ijaw people of the Presidency in 2015.

He claimed that there are plans to take advantage of the PDP’s internal disputes and ongoing court cases to disqualify candidates who emerge from the party ahead of future elections.

Ikuli emphasized that Bayelsa is now the only PDP-controlled state in the South-South and warned that it is dominated by a handful of individuals who could pose electoral threats ahead of 2027.

He disclosed that the CBSF would soon launch daily street rallies in Yenagoa to press Governor Diri to consider defecting to the ruling APC.

Ikuli maintained that the governor’s defection is crucial for Bayelsa’s interests and should be regarded as both non-negotiable and imperative.

He recalled that prominent Ijaw leaders such as Chiefs Dappa-Biriye and MelfordOkilo had advocated aligning with the centre to drive development, given the region’s geographic isolation.

Ikuli said past alignment with the PDP, while it ruled nationally, enabled Bayelsa to produce both Vice President and President in Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

He lamented that the Ijaws are now sidelined from key federal positions such as the Presidency, Vice Presidency, and Service Chiefs, which has diminished their political influence.

“In spite of their population and contribution, Ijaws remain marginalised due to lack of alignment with the ruling party,” Ikuli added.

He argued that the Ijaws, who contribute over 65 percent of Nigeria’s oil wealth, have become powerless because they are not aligned with the Federal Government.

Ikuli explained Nigeria’s North-South power rotation system, stressing that the South must complete its eight-year turn under President Bola Tinubu’s current administration.

He noted that Tinubu is committed to strengthening the South and has appointed several Ijaw sons and daughters into key positions.

Ikuli appreciated Tinubu’s appointments, including Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri as Oil Minister and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as NDDC Managing Director.

He also mentioned Chief EbitimiAmgbare as NDDBA Managing Director and PreyeAganaba as Executive Director at the South South Development Commission.

Ikuli thanked the President for approving the federal takeover of the Nembe-Brass Road Second Phase, a key project linking Bayelsa to the Atlantic Ocean.

He said this development shows Tinubu’s commitment to Bayelsa and urged the governor to show solidarity by joining Southern APC governors.

Ikuli further stated that aligning with the Federal Government is essential to actualize the Agge Seaport project, which would stimulate economic growth and secure prosperity for the state.

How Australian grandma, 56, welcomed twins with 39-year-old husband

Angela Peters, a 56-year-old mother of five and grandmother of 12 from Australia, has shared how she gave birth to twin girls with her 39-year-younger Nigerian husband, Bright Peters.

In an interview with The Sun UK on Monday, Peters said she first came across Bright in 2020 through a dating app where she was initially chatting with his older brother, Emeka, who lived in Senegal.

Although nothing developed with Emeka, she became interested after he sent a photo of his family, and she spotted Bright.

“It was like a thunderbolt – I knew this was the man I was meant to be with,” she said.

At the time, Bright was working as a cook in South Africa, while Peters was based in Australia.

After nine months of communication, she travelled to Nigeria in February 2021 to meet him in person. The couple got married just nine days later in a small civil ceremony in Lagos.

“The kids were horrified when I called to tell them, but I knew that once they met Bright, they’d understand,” she said.

Peters stated, “Raising my kids was the joy of my life, but over the years, I realised I wasn’t happy in my marriage.

“We divorced in April 2019, when I was 51, and being single after so long was both liberating and scary.

“I longed to be a wife again, but the last thing on my mind was having more babies.”

While already a mother of five with 12 grandchildren, Peters said she felt the desire to have children with her new husband after seeing how much he longed to be a father.

“When I told Bright that I was going through perimenopause and wouldn’t be able to have more children, he told me not to worry and that one day we’d have twin girls together.

“I laughed, knowing that was impossible,” she said.

Peters became concerned that Bright might never experience fatherhood. After facing legal age restrictions on IVF in Australia, she explored options in Nigeria, where doctors were willing to proceed despite her age.

She said, “So, at 54, I began looking into IVF, and was devastated to discover the cut-off age in Australia is 52. I asked my daughters if they’d be willing to be our surrogate, but they weren’t keen on the idea, and I even considered advising Bright to have a baby with another woman.

“Luckily, fate had other plans. In January 2023, during a visit to Nigeria, a friend of Bright’s suggested having IVF there. I was sceptical, but the clinics seemed great and the doctors weren’t worried about my age.

“They said they could arrange an egg donor and create embryos with Bright’s sperm, and I would be able to carry our baby. It felt like the answer to our prayers, but not everyone saw it that way.”

In December 2023, she discovered she was pregnant with twins, just as her husband had once predicted.

The couple welcomed two girls, Khorus and Knowyn, in August 2024.

Despite online backlash and health concerns raised by her doctor, Peters said the pregnancy was her easiest yet.

Peters documented her pregnancy journey on TikTok, with support from her children, some of whom were initially sceptical of the marriage but later accepted Bright.

“It was my daughters’ idea to film my pregnancy journey and put it on TikTok – we wanted to inspire other women who dreamed of becoming mums against the odds.

“Suddenly, I had people recognising me in public, which was strange,” she said.

Her 28-year-old daughter, Deina, in an interview with The Sun, said, “I had initial fears that Bright was a scammer, then I got the shocking news that they’d got married and wanted me to be their surrogate.

“So, hearing Mum was having IVF in Nigeria instead was a relief!

“I was worried about her being pregnant at 56, but she flew through it and put my mind at rest.

“She’s so incredible with the girls, it’s a wonder to see.

“Mum has proved that age isn’t a barrier to following your dreams.”

Peters said the twins have brought the family closer and encouraged other older women not to give up on motherhood if it’s what they want.

“To those who dream of motherhood later in life, don’t lose hope,” Peters stated.

Nurse banned for paying patient $3,000 to cut off ex-boyfriend’s penis, tongue

A Nurse, Karenjeet Warburton, has been banned for four years for paying a patient $3,000 to cut her ex-lover’s penis and tongue off and also burn his face with acid in Australia, Daily Mail reports.

Warburton had dated her ex-lover, a senior Queensland Police Inspector, Don McKay, between March 2020 and early 2021.

According to the Daily Mail, the decision was published last week after it was handed down to Karenjeet Kaur Warburton in March by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Tribunal member Julie Dick heard Warburton had approached a patient she thought “might be up for” severely injuring her former boyfriend, senior Queensland Police Inspector Don McKay.

She gave the patient, Andrew Bown, photos of the inspector and his home between April 1 and October 6, 2021, and handed over $3,000 for the proposed hit.

“She had paid a significant amount and offered an even more significant amount to the proposed assailant,”Ms Dick wrote in the tribunal decision.

“Warburton instructed a law enforcement participant to have Insp McKay’s ‘penis and tongue cut off, his face burnt with acid, his spine to be severed with a knife for the purpose of causing paralysis, or to break every bone in his body so that he could no longer walk or talk.”

Ms Dick noted that Warburton’s efforts only stopped when she was arrested.

Embittered lover arrested over acid attack on girlfriend for refusing marriage

She pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to procure grievous bodily harm and one count of attempting to procure a malicious act with intent and was sentenced to five years behind bars, to be suspended after 16 months.

When facing the health tribunal, the former nurse did not contest claims that she had committed professional misconduct by asking a patient to carry out her dirty work.

The tribunal banned Warburton from working in healthcare for four years, which included time she had already served behind bars.

“It is unfortunate that this serious behaviour has led to the respondent being in the difficult circumstances in which she now finds herself,” Ms Dick wrote in her ruling.

“The tribunal is aware she will have to reapply for registration.

“Upon doing so, she will be confronted with having no recency of practice and there will be other steps that she might have to take.”

Bown was charged with committing arson, attempting to procure a person to do grievous bodily harm to another person and possessing a dangerous item to assist another person in committing a crime.

He was sentenced to three-and-a-half years behind bars for his part in the plot by the Cairns District Court in November 2022.

No constitution is perfect – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said Nigeria needs right operators of the constitution, not a perfect constitution, to lead in good governance and promotion of welfare and wellbeing of the citizenry.

Obasanjo stated this in his remarks at the opening of a three-day National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy, organised by The Patriots, in collaboration with the Nigeria Political Summit Group, yesterday in Abuja.

Obasanjo, in his remarks read by the Secretary-General, Eminent Patriots, MrOlawaleOkunniyi, said that while a nation’s constitution must reflect its history, its constituents and the aspiration of its people, “no constitution is perfect.”

He noted that the operators of the constitution played a key role in the implementation and promotion of the wellbeing of the citizens.

“From my experience in operating our constitution, I will be the first to point out some areas of our constitution that need amendment. However, for me, no constitution can ever be regarded as perfect.

“But whatever the strength or weakness of a constitution, the most important issue, to my own understanding and experience, is the operators of the constitution.

“The best constitution can be perverted and distorted by the operators and we have experienced that all over Africa, Nigeria is not exempted.

“I am more concerned about the operators of the constitution to lead in good governance and promotion of welfare and wellbeing of the citizenry.

“No matter what you do to the Nigerian constitution, if the operators of the constitution, for the past one decade and a half, remain unchanged and continue in the same manner, the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians will continue to be sacrificed on the altar of selfishness.

“It will continue to be sacrificed on the altar of self-centeredness, corruption, impunity and total disregard of the constitution, decency, morality, integrity and honesty,’’ he said.

Obasanjo said at this crucial time, the operators matter more and the searchlight must be on them.

A former Governor of Akwa-Ibom, Victor Attah, in his remarks, also read by Okunniyi, stated that the 1999 Constitution was not a people’s constitution.

Attah said the summit was not another routine conference but an opportunity to confront the fundamental contradiction that Nigeria was governed by the will of the people, but by a constitution that robbed the citizens of their sovereignty.

He described the 1999 constitution as a military decree, imposed without the consent of the people

“The military suspended the 1963 Constitution which remains the last legal expression of our people’s collective will and agreed terms of condition for staying together,” he said.

The former governor said that the 1963 Constitution was suspended, repealed, proscribed or abrogated.

“We, from the South-South region, join other zones across this country who now agree that this union is not working as it is.

“It can only be sustained if it is restructured on the basis of equity, justice and mutual consent,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria’s democracy is not working, while people’s trust in the government has also declined.

This, he said, was due to the country’s departure from a functional federal system to an imperial, presidential, unitary system of government.

“We, in consultation with other leaders and The Compatriots – a group I chair – believe the following must be addressed.

“Sovereignty must return to the people. We must get rid of this unitary system and reinstate the federal system of governance that our founding fathers had agreed to.

“True federalism must guarantee maximum autonomy to the federating units.

“Cost of politics must be brought down to open space for inclusiveness and real leadership.

“Unicameral legislature with ministers appointed only from elected representatives,” he said.

Attah advised Nigerians to take advantage of the summit to address contending issues, saying: “We must not be afraid to change, rather be afraid not to change.

“Nigeria’s unity will only be preserved through fairness and justice – not force or fear.

“And if we miss this opportunity, the next chapter may be one of irreversible fragmentation. I believe and I know many of you also believe, that time is running out,” he said.

On his part, Sen. Gbenga Daniel, the Co-Chairman, Organising Committee of the summit, described the occasion as a significant step in Nigeria’s journey toward unity, progress and national development.

“This summit is a citizen-driven constitutional intervention, stemming from months and even years of relentless advocacy, extensive consultations and a growing sense of public urgency.

“We are here because the existing structure, established by the 1999 Constitution, has consistently proven to be inadequate in effectively addressing the core issues related to governance, equity, inclusion and national cohesion.

“Our agenda for the coming days is ambitious but aims to be straightforward and focused,” he said.

The former Ogun governor said the summit would scrutinise vital themes, including: the organisation and structure of the Nigerian federation, the role and functioning of local governments and traditional institutions and resource control and fiscal federalism.

He said that it would also look at electoral and judicial reforms, security concerns nationwide and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in a 21st century democracy.

“More importantly, we will work diligently to ensure that no voice is too small and that no group is left behind.

“This summit is multi-generational, spanning different regions, and inclusive of various sectors, truly embodying the Nigeria we aspire to build,” he said.

Daniel, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Navy, urged Nigerian youths, women, civil society actors as well as traditional and religious leaders to be involved in discussions.

Their involvement and voices, he said, were crucial in building a brighter, more inclusive and resilient future for all.

Daniel said the resolutions and proposals arising from the summit would be carefully documented, further refined and subsequently presented to both the presidency and the National Assembly for their considerations.

“Our intention is not to foster confrontation but to promote constructive collaboration and mutual understanding.

“It is imperative that we persuade our leaders—through reasoned argument, consensus-building and compelling evidence—that Nigeria is in dire need of a new constitutional framework that reflects the aspirations and realities of all its citizens,” he stated.

INEC trains political parties on candidates nomination portal

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has organised a two-day refresher training workshop on using its Candidate Nomination Portal, ICNP, for political party officials.

The training, which was held yesterday, was aimed at enhancing the capacity of political parties and minimizing procedural errors in candidate nominations.

Held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja, the training brought together key representatives from registered political parties, some of whom had previously been trained ahead of the 2023 General Election.

The workshop aimed to consolidate achievements from previous cycles and ensure a more efficient, transparent, and technologically seamless nomination process in preparation for upcoming bye-elections and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections.

In her welcome address, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, National Commissioner and Chairperson of the Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints Committee, LSC&CC, emphasized the importance of accurate and timely nominations in the electoral process.

“Nomination of candidates is not only a statutory obligation as provided in Section 29 of the Electoral Act, 2022, but it is the very foundation upon which elections are conducted,” she stated. “An error in the submission of personal particulars of candidates by political parties can be potentially detrimental to both the party and its candidate.”

She acknowledged that despite progress with the ICNP in reducing paperwork and improving compliance, political parties still face challenges such as incomplete form submissions, improper document attachments, and frequent turnover of personnel managing the nomination process.

“This refresher training is designed to bridge those gaps and ensure that both returning and newly appointed party officials have the knowledge and skills necessary for a smooth nomination process,” she added.

Samuel Omale, Assistant Director in the Legal Drafting and Clearance Department, outlined the purpose and strategic focus of the refresher training. According to him, the workshop was designed not just as a routine exercise, but as a timely intervention to deepen the capacity of political party officials ahead of upcoming FCT and bye-elections. “The objective,” he explained, “is to refresh political parties on the approved Guidelines for the Nomination of Candidates as outlined in the Electoral Act, 2022, while equipping them with practical knowledge of the nomination process.”

He further elaborated that the training sought to enhance parties’ familiarity with the Commission’s internal procedures, particularly through live demonstrations on how to make timely and correct submissions via the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal (ICNP). In addition to addressing common areas of confusion and past mistakes, the sessions also provided space for open dialogue between the Commission and party representatives, an opportunity to ask questions, seek clarifications, and find common ground.

Omale expressed optimism about the expected outcomes of the exercise, citing better understanding of the portal, improved accuracy in submissions, and the establishment of a more collaborative framework between INEC and political parties as key deliverables. “Ultimately,” he said, “this is about ensuring that we reduce errors and build confidence in the nomination process going forward.”

Participants were divided into two groups for more interactive and practical sessions. INEC’s Legal and ICT Departments co-hosted the training and will be available for follow-up guidance and support.

Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu urged party officials to maximize the training, noting that “our collective preparedness is a determinant of the overall success of the electoral process.”

The initiative reaffirms INEC’s commitment to using technology to strengthen electoral integrity, improve compliance, and build capacity among political actors to ensure credible and inclusive elections.

Finally, Atiku dumps PDP, says decision ‘heartbreaking’

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Atiku predicated his resignation on the “trajectory” the party has taken.

He is currently a key member of the opposition coalition.

Atiku’s resignation letter was dated July 14, 2025 and addressed to the PDP Chairman of his Ward, Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

He disclosed that the PDP has diverted from its founding principles.

The letter he signed reads: “I am writing to formally resign my membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the opportunities I have been given by the Party.

“Serving two full terms as Vice President of Nigeria and being a Presidential candidate twice has been one of the most significant chapters of my life.

“However, I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the Party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we stood for.

“It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognizing the irreconcilable differences that have emerged.

“I wish the Party and its leadership all the best in the future. Thank you once again for the opportunities and support.

“As a founding father of this esteemed Party, it is indeed heartbreaking for me to make this decision.”

Why I didn’t attend Buhari’s burial – Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general elections, has explained why he was absent at the burial of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday.

Obi was one of the conspicuous absentees at the ceremony which took place in Daura, Katsina State.

The Ex-Anambra governor has been criticized for not being at the event.

However, he has explained that he could not get a flight to Katsina.

Obi was able to make it to Daura on Wednesday, where he commiserated with the family of the late former President.

“It was difficult to come yesterday (Tuesday) because there was no flight,” Obi told Arise TV.

“Even if there was a flight, you couldn’t land in Katsina Airport. It was all closed, because there was a lot of dignitaries.

“Mourning continues until tomorrow. So, whoever comes today and tomorrow, is still part of the mourning.”

List of 46 proposed new states submitted to House of Reps

HOUSE OF REPS

THE House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has disclosed that it received 46 formal requests for the creation of new states, alongside 117 demands for new local government areas across Nigeria.

The proposals, submitted by various interest groups, span all six geopolitical zones.

Contents

North East

North West

North Central

South East

South South

 Below is the complete list of proposed states as released by the committee:

North East

  1. Savannah State — from Borno
  2. Kwararafa State — from Taraba
  3. Katagum State — from Bauchi
  4. Amana State — from Adamawa
  5. S/Sardauna State — from Taraba
  6. Muri State — from Taraba

 North West

  1. Gurara State —          from Kaduna
  2. New Kaduna State — from Kaduna
  3. Hadejia State —          from Jigawa
  4. Gobir State —          from Sokoto
  5. Kainji State —          from Kebbi and Niger
  6. Tiga State           —          from Kano
  7. Ghari State —          from Kano

North Central

  1. Edu State           —          from Niger
  2. Okun State —          from Kogi
  3. Okura State —          from Kogi
  4. South Plateau State — from Plateau
  5. Lowland State —       from Plateau
  6. Plateau State —       New carve from existing Plateau
  7. New Kogi State — from Kogi, Nasarawa, and Edo
  8. Ifesowapo State —       from Kwara
  9. Abuja State —       from the FCT
  10. Apa State           —      from Benue
  11. Apa-Agba State —       from Benue
  12. Ayatutu State —          from Benue

South East

  1. Orashi State —          from Anambra, Imo, and Rivers
  2. Orlu State           —          South East zone
  3. Anioma State —          South East zone
  4. Etiti State           —          South East zone
  5. Aba State           —          South East zone
  6. Adada State —          from Enugu

South South

  1. Atlantic City State —          from Rivers
  2. Bori State           —          from Rivers
  3. Iwuroha State —          from Rivers
  4. Obolo State —          from AkwaIbom
  5. Warri State —          from Delta
  6. Toru           –        Ebe State

Igbo not sole perpetrators of crime in Southeast, MASSOB faults Soludo

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has faulted recent remarks by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, in which he reportedly stated that 99.9 percent of criminals apprehended in the state are of Igbo origin.

Governor Soludo made the claim during an address to an Igbo assembly in the United States, suggesting that the Igbo people were largely responsible for their own security challenges.However, in a strongly worded statement issued by its National Director of Information, Samuel Edeson, MASSOB described the governor’s comments as “economical with the truth,” and accused him of ignoring the role of external aggressors, particularly armed herders and militants of Hausa-Fulani origin, in violent crimes across the Southeast.

The group cited several incidents across the region, including the killing of over 200 people at the Gariki Cattle Market in LokpaNta, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, and attacks in Nimbo, Eha-Amufu, Ugwogo-Nike (all in Enugu State), and Obinze in Imo State. According to MASSOB, these attacks were allegedly perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen.“It is disheartening to witness Governor Soludo seemingly forget the continuous cycle of killings, kidnappings, rapes, and other crimes against Igbo people in Anambra and beyond, committed by external aggressors,” the statement read.

The group also raised concerns about activities at locations such as the New Garki and New Artisan markets in Enugu, Ugwuoba Market, and Amansea in Awka, which they alleged have become hubs for criminal operations involving non-Igbo settlers.

MASSOB accused the governor of turning a blind eye to these incidents, claiming his remarks may be driven by political ambition as he prepares for a possible re-election bid.“Governor Soludo’s accusations, which appear to exonerate the Fulani herdsmen while blaming the victims, are deeply troubling and could sow division among the Igbo people,” the statement continued.

The group further alleged that political groups such as Ndi Aka Odo and NdiUdoGa Chi, which they claimed are linked to the state government, have contributed to insecurity in the region.

They called on Governor Soludo to adopt a more balanced and truthful approach to addressing security challenges in the Southeast and to avoid rhetoric that could undermine unity within the region.

“Falsehoods and divisive rhetoric will not bring the support the governor seeks, nor will they address the pressing realities faced by our people,” MASSOB concluded.

Abductors of Delta contractor demand N100m ransom

Suspected kidnappers have reportedly abducted a government contractor, Mr Lucky Ugbo, in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
It wasreported that the victim was kidnapped around 8.45 pm over four days ago at his residence, along Isah Road in the community and was said to have made contact on Sunday, demanding N100m ransom.
Community sources, who lived close to Ugbo’s house, told our correspondent that the operation was carried out by heavily-armed gunmen, who invaded Ugbo’s residence and took him away at gunpoint.
“The gunmen were heavily armed and were dressed like security agents. They laid siege in an uncompleted building close to his house and waited.
“He went out and was just entering his house when they stopped him as his wife came out to open the front door for him.
“The gunmen fired shots into the air indiscriminately, before marching their victim into the darkness on foot.”
Also, he said, “Many of us who live close by watched the incident from afar. We thought the gunmen were security agents.
“Since the incident, the kidnappers have called his wife twice, they called on Sunday and demanded N200 million ransom, and today, Monday morning, they called again and demanded N100 million as ransom.”
When contacted, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident.
He said, “Yes, it’s confirmed. The police are intensifying efforts to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victim.”

Buhari could have long died if he had used Nigerian hospitals — Ex-spokesman Adesina

A former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, has said the former Nigerian leader may have not survived his health challenges if he had relied solely on Nigerian hospitals for treatment.

Adesina stated this yesterday during an interview on Channels Television ahead of the state funeral for the late ex-president.

Responding to criticisms over Buhari’s repeated medical trips to the United Kingdom while in office, Adesina defended the decision, saying it was a matter of survival.

“Buhari always had his medicals in London, even when he was not in the office. So it was not about the time he was president alone. He had always had it there,” Adesina explained.According to him, the UK doctors had been managing Buhari’s health before his election in 2015 and were well acquainted with his medical history, making it unwise to change medical teams mid-treatment.

He argued that the decision to continue treatment abroad was based on professional expertise and the limitations of Nigeria’s healthcare system at the time.

“One has to be alive first to get certain things corrected or changed in the country. If Buhari had said he would do his medicals here as a show of patriotism or something, he could have long been dead because there may not be the expertise needed in the country,” he said.Adesina added that Buhari’s survival and ability to lead the country were directly linked to the quality of care he received abroad.

He maintained that the former president’s choice of overseas treatment should be seen within the context of necessity rather than luxury or disregard for local healthcare.

“He needed to be alive to be able to lead the country to a point where we would have that expertise. So those who complained about his frequent medical trips abroad don’t know that the man needed to be alive first before you can make a change,” he stated.

Anambra school wins UK innovation global competition

In a world steadily awakening to the raw genius emerging from Africa’s soil, a private school in Anambra State, Myrtle Vine Academy, has carved its name in golden letters by winning the United Kingdom-organised ‘Global Schools Connect’ competition for selected schools across the globe.

Myrtle Vine Academy, already known for its deep commitment to global relevance, stole the spotlight ahead of some United Kingdom-based schools and other schools from around the world when it represented Nigeria at the 2025 ‘Global Schools Connect’ competition, an event held in the United Kingdom.

The groundbreaking event held virtually on June 19 saw spirited participation from top-ranking schools on both sides of the Atlantic, reminding the world that true innovation often rises from quiet places.

Global Schools Connect is a high-profile UK-based programme that links schools across the world through collaborative, solution-driven projects, with awards like the “Director’s Award” given to young talents who dared to deliver change.

The students of Myrtle Vine Academy triumphed in a project titled ‘BizApp’, a creative solution born to confront Africa’s unemployment and production crisis head-on.

According to the organisers, it was designed to foster creative talents and sharpen the critical thinking, oratory and reasoning skills of students from all participating countries.

The school Director, EbeleNjoku, who expressed a palpable mood during the award celebration on Tuesday, hailed the team’s triumph as proof of the school’s enduring commitment to excellence, discipline, and global relevance.

Njoku said, “This victory is a validation of the quality of education and moral formation that Myrtle Vine Academy stands for. Our students have demonstrated not only academic brilliance but also the courage to engage in global challenges.

“We are proud of their achievement and trust that this marks the beginning of many more global successes for them and for Nigeria. It was a moment etched in history, one that echoed across the auditorium and resonated back home like the joyful toll of a village bell.

“In a time when African youths are often accused of fleeing their roots, these ones are choosing to plant and build. Myrtle Vine Academy is not just a school. It is a citadel of possibility, a launchpad for ideas that dare to transform a continent.”

Leading the school team was NjokuChimbundom, whose calm, yet commanding presence captured the essence of what it means to be a 21st-century changemaker.

Representing her group (Team Myrtaceae), alongside teammate Okolo Joan, Chimbundom presented “BizApp”, an innovation designed to reduce unemployment by at least 35 per cent while fostering a culture of sustainable local production.

Chimbundom highlighted that the “BizApp”, rooted in ‘Sustainable Development Goal 1 – No Poverty’, is more than an application. “It is a declaration of intent, a call to action”.

For her impact, Chimbundom received the prestigious Director’s Award for Social Enterprise, presented to an innovative young person whose entrepreneurial insight addresses national challenges with measurable success.

The same team was also celebrated in the Creative Impact Award category, where Okolo Joan was declared winner, with Chimbundom as runner-up. It was a sisterhood of excellence, a partnership in brilliance that illuminated the global stage.

The students were guided by inspiring teachers.

Myrtle Vine’s victory is no sudden bloom. In 2024, the school was first runner-up in the National Girls in ICT Challenge and recipient of the “Trailblazers Award”, personally handed over by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, DrBosunTijani, a forward-thinking technocrat championing youth-led innovation.

To crown their streak of excellence, Myrtle Vine was also honoured by Global Hub UK as one of the best private schools in Africa.

A rare feat for any school in Africa.

In May 2025, World Denvas, USA, a globally recognised educational research body, ranked Myrtle Vine Academy as the 11th best school in Innovation worldwide. Not just in Africa.

107 victims of Benue attack still hospitalised – SEMA

The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency,(SEMA), James Iorpuu, yesterday disclosed that 107 victims of the June 13 Yelwata attack in Guma Local Government Area of the state are still hospitalised and receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the attack.

Iorpuu, who doubles as Permanent Secretary of the Benue State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management/Benue State Emergency Management Agency, stated this in Makurdi when he jointly interacted with journalists alongside his counterparts from Nasarawa and Plateau states.

Iorpuu decried the incessant attacks on rural communities in the state and stated that the level of carnage in Yelwata by the armed marauders was massive.

Iopuu said, “So far 107 survivors of the Yelwata attack are still receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, Makurdi and other hospitals in that attack that claimed over 200 lives.

“And we pray that the Yelewata incident will not happen again in any part of Benue State.”The SEMA boss explained that his counterparts from Nasarawa and Plateau States had come to sympathise with the people and seek ways to synergise to put an end to armed men incursions in the North Central region.

“We are going to work together as a team and find ways to stop what is happening, especially the attackers who pass through Nasarawa State to attack us in Benue State,” Iorpuu said.In his speech, the Director General of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Ben Akwash, said they were in the state to condole the people over the attack in Yelwata and to find ways the three states could come together to put an end to the attacks.He also disclosed their plans to work together and prepare against flood disasters in their respective states.

Also, the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Sunday Abdu, condoled with the people of Benue.

He said, “So we want to assure you that Benue is dear to our hearts. This type of aggression visited on Benue is the same that is being visited on Plateau and other states in the North Central, and we pray to God to secure our families, our children, and women.“No doubt Benue has suffered a lot, and we have come here to encourage you and also to understudy Benue’s response to humanitarian situations.”

Abia community set to revive 53yrs aged long cultural festival

By Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia

Abia community, Ibekuaccient Kingdom, Umuahia, Abia state is set to revive 53 years old cultural festival known as ‘Izo Ahia Ibeku” last celebrated in 1972.

Stating that they have always used culture in the past to checkmate crime.

Speaking at Ibeku Egwu Asaa village square, Isieke, Chief Benjamin Apugo popularly known as OparaIbeku with other prominent leaders of the community said that the people of Ibeku land long time ago used to celebrate the festival known as IzoAhiaIbeku and the festival  dates back to the ancient times  and was last celebrated 53 years ago in 1972 .

According to Apugo a respected son of the soil, the people of Ibeku have decided to revive that Culture again and sequel to this, it will be celebrated on the 24th of July, 2024.

He said, “recently the people took a bold decision to revive some of their forgotten cultural heritages and to  strengthen existing ones like the popular Iriji,the new  yam  Festival .

Throwing more light, Apugo said Ibeku Ancient kingdom is one of the prominent  clans  that made up Umuahia North LGA of Abia State  and are known  for their rich cultural  heritage  and festivities .

He stressed that they have in the past, used culture to checkmate crime in the society  among other benefits attached  to the  culture of their people.

Apugo further noted that the festival will be used to connect to their brothers and sisters who long ago migrated to other zones.

Adding that distant relations of Ibeku land and other eminent personalities will be invited to the event .

He disclosed that the event would  hence forth  be celebrated  every 5 years for the sake of younger generation.

“The dressing of the festival shall be formal,  there would be drumming and dancing,  the importance of culture shall be emphasized”. Apugo added.

Reverse storage fee hike, cancel interim admin at Imo Int’l Market, Orlu, concerned trader appeals to GovUzodimma

By Doulas Mayor

Concerned trader Douglas Mayour, has expressed worries over the Supremacy tussle over the control of government revenue at Imo International Market, UzoubiUmuna, Orlu LGA, Imo State.

This, according Mayor, is coupled with the arbitrary storage fee increment, sanitation fee collection issues, and appointment of Interim or Caretaker Committees to run the affairs of the market.

He said all these have led to a swell of disquiet among traders.

He said: To forestall the grumbling rage from erupting into an avoidable volcanic upheavals, I, Mazi Douglas Mayor, a concerned trader of Imo Int’l Market, Orlu , hereby beckon on our performing Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, OnwaOyoko, to urgently intervene, by reversing the storage fee that was arbitrarily hiked by 400 per cent.

“The hike is from N6,000 per trader yearly to N24,000 which took effect from February 28th 2025. From the inception of the market in 2007, storage fee was N2,000 till the year 2019. From 2020 it was increased to N3,000 and was doubled in  2022 to N6,000 from where it was outrageously hiked to N24,000 which our traders cannot afford.

“OnwaOyoko, biko, compassionately reverse this N24, 000 increment to N6,000; and let  government bank account be made available where traders will lodge the fees. It should also be clearly started who collects storage fees.

“The traders should also know whether it is the Commissioner or Council Chairman that will receive the approved storage fees to be paid by the traders at the end of the year (as we are used to) not at the beginning or middle of the year.

“Secondly, there’s a vital need for our market to have substantive executives elected by traders themselves to run our market affairs.

Since the year 2022 when our last elected officers were dissolved, the market has been administered by appointed interim or caretaker committees.

“Worse still, is the appointment of a non-trader from outside our market to head the interim committee. This unwelcome development does not enhance smooth running of the market and its relationship with the publics.

“So, let the traders be encouraged to elect their market leaders which will greatly improve cordial relationship with government and its agents.

“Finally on sanitation fees collection:  each trader in the market pays N2,400 per year for refuse disposal, but the appointment and removal of the interim market officers breeds disruptions.

“For instance, sometime last month, the LGA Chairman petitioned for the removal of the heaps of the refuse at the market by the past appointees. Mr. Ugochukwu-led interim administration that lasted for only eight months and was unable to fully collect the sanitation fees from traders yet, contracted for the market’s refuge disposal to a great extent; whereas Mr. Ojo Harmony whose regime lasted for more than two years and were expected to dispose the rest of the refuse heaps failed to do so, should therefore be made to refund the fees he collected from the traders for it to be used appropriately.

“In submission, therefore, I crave our performing Governor Uzodimma’s indulgence to passionately look into the plight of traders at Imo Int’l Market Orlu and reverse the hiked storage fees to its former amount of N6, 000 which the traders can afford since the market operates at less optimum capacity due to insecurity that made most wealthy traders to relocate to other cities and towns leaving old men, women and others struggling for survival and in need of government support to get over the prevailing harsh economic realities. There is no need to over tax them.

“Furthermore, encouraging traders to elect their market leaders will greatly enhance the running of the market administratively, engender cordial relationship with government agents and contribute immensely to the growing of our economy, “he concluded.

Kidnapped Islamic cleric regains freedom

The Edo Police Command has announced the release of the Chief Imam of Uromi, Sheikh Moritada Obhakhoboh, from kidnappers’ captivity.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, in a statement released on Monday night, said that the release followed “intense and sustained pressure” on his abductors.

Yamu said the cleric, who was kidnapped on July 7 in the Angle 80 area of Uromi, was released unharmed and had since been reunited with his family.

He said the police operation was initiated immediately after the abduction was reported to the Uromi Divisional Headquarters on July 8.

Yamu noted that tactical teams, in collaboration with members of a local vigilance group, were deployed to track down the assailants.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives involved in the exercise, assuring that investigations were ongoing to arrest the perpetrators.

“No stone will be left unturned in identifying and apprehending those behind the kidnapping,” he said.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations against criminal elements in the state.

Artisan jailed four years over theft of N1.3m poultry feed mill engine

A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital, has sentenced a 28-year-old artisan to four years imprisonment for theft.

The convict, Tobi Babatunde, a welder, was arraigned on three-count charge of burglary and theft by the police over theft of a poultry feed mill engine valued at N1,300,000.

According to the police prosecutor, Nelson Akintimehin, Babatunde committed the crime between June 2024 and July 2025 at a poultry farm located at Mopol Barracks area of Owode in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

The prosecutor informed the court that Babatunde unlawfully entered the poultry farm owned by Veronica Titus and stole two electric motors from the poultry feed mill with each of the valued at N650,000.

Following the rejection of his plea by the court, Akintimehin prayed that Babatunde should be sentenced in order to serve as a deterrent to others.

With the offences violating sections 423 and 390 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ondo State, 2006, Magistrate O. Omotosho convicted the defendant and sentenced him to two years for the first count, with an option of a N200,000 fine and one year each for the second and the third counts with N50,000 fines each.

Magistrate Omotosho, who stated that “after reviewing the evidence presented by the prosecution, including the defendant’s confession, the court found him guilty,” ultimately sentenced Babatunde to a total of four years in prison across all counts, with the sentences to run concurrently.

LG poll: LP, YPP, others demand results cancellation

Some opposition political parties in Lagos State have called for outright cancellation of the Saturday’s Local Government Elections in the state, describing the exercise as undemocratic and daylight robbery.

The parties, including the Labour Party (LP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), African Action Congress (AAC), Action People’s Congress (APP) and the Accord Party (AP), made the call at a joint news conference in Lagos yesterday.

Leaders of the various parties said that the election conducted by Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) was full of irregularities and disenfranchised many opposition candidates.

Speaking to newsmen, Pastor DayoEkong, LP State Chairman, decried what she termed “orchestrated electoral fraud and brazen bias” in the council elections.

Ekong, whose address was read by her deputy, MrOlasupoAjayi, described the exercise as a systematic state-sponsored rape of democracy.

“The just-concluded Local Government elections were not an exercise in democratic choice; they were a premeditated, meticulously executed charade designed solely to impose the ruling party’s will upon the people of Lagos.

“We witnessed, and documented, widespread irregularities orchestrated by LASIEC

“We utterly reject the fraudulent results declared by LASIEC in the affected LGAs.

“We hold Justice Bola Ighile personally responsible for this travesty and the complete collapse of LASIEC’s credibility under her watch

“Our resolve is unwavering.Weare compiling exhaustive evidence of these atrocities.

“We will explore every legal and constitutional avenue available to challenge this electoral robbery.

“We will not rest until justice is served and the will of the people of Lagos is respected. The Labour Party will not allow this daylight robbery to stand unchallenged,” Ekong said.

She frowned at absence of essential voting materials like ballot papers, result sheets, and even ballot boxes in many local government areas.

Similarly, MrOlusegunMobolaji of the YPP, who described the process that led to the polls as flawed, added that over 100 candidates of various political parties were disenfranchised over alleged LASIEC’s rigidity.

Mobolaji, the immediate past Chairman of the State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said that logos of some political parties, including that of YPP, APP and LP, were omitted in some local governments.

The former IPAC boss said snatching of ballot boxes, secret relocation of some polling units from their official places and clandestine results collation ,and other electoral law’s violation characterised the polls.

“The process that led to this poll was full of irregularities and anomalies; even the timetable was contradictory, tedious, choky and unbearable for opposition parties

“Some parties got nomination forms from LASIEC two days to the election because of some issues, how can we ascribe credibility to such an election?

“As we speak, there are a lot of forms paid for by candidates: N150,000 for Chairmanship Candidates, N25,000 for Vice Chairmanship Candidates, and 50,000 for councillorship candidates that LASIEC did not take back from us,” he said.

According to him, all appeal letters written to LASIEC, the governor, the State House of Assembly and Commissioner of Police and department of State Security were not given attention.

“It even took many appeals and protests before the commission could take political party agents lists, and their tags were not ready until the eve of the election.

“As at 9.pm on the eve of the election, YPP was still at LASIEC headquarters to get agent tags and this had to be distributed by the party all over the state for election holding the following day.

“Out of over 3, 000 tags we were supposed to get , we were given only 310 . It was not an election.When we complained, LASIEC said we should go and do photocopies Friday night.

“Why did LASIEC removed logos of political parties from the ballot paper when only 15 parties contested?

“People on election day got to the polling units where they used to vote, only to discover that there were no polling units there, or LASIEC officers didn’t come to conduct elections.

“In some polling units, the voter register list, brought by LASIEC, had names and pictures totally different from those who were supposed to vote there. We have videos and pictures to back up all these,” he said.

According to him, the election results should be nullified and cancelled.

Also, the State APP Chairman and Secretary of IPAC , MrsAbiolaAdeyemi, said that she was nearly beaten by alleged APC thugs in Badagry for complaining over removal of the APP logo from the ballots in Badagry.

Corroborating, Mr Dele Oladeji, the State Chairman of Accord, said that political parties contested against LASIEC and not among themselves.

Oladeji said that contrary to norms, stakeholders were not given the opportunity to monitor distribution of sensitive materials for the election, saying the umpire glaringly showed bias.“LASIEC acted as election players not as umpire. We actually contested against LASIEC. It was a systematic rigging orchestrated prior to the election day.

“We went into the election blindfolded because of the intended compromise. We were not allowed access to the ballot paper before the polls.

“LASIEC declared winners without results. So, we are calling on LASIEC to present the results to political parties and the public for us to scrutinise it.

“We know LASIEC will not listen to our appeal and we have decided to approach the tribunal and court where applicable,” Oladeji said.

NAN reports that APC won all 57 chairmanship seats and 375 out of 376 councillorship seats in the council election held on Saturday, according to LASIEC.

Reacting to the results on Sunday, the APC, in a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, MrSeyeOladejo, thanked the electorate,saying the results reflected the will of residents.

Police retirees demand better pay as NASS delays in N758bn pension approval

Retired police officers in Nigeria have intensified calls for improved pension benefits as the National Assembly continues to delay the approval of N758 billion in outstanding pension liabilities.

This demand was made in a statement by National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (NARPON) National President, Paul Ochonu, yesterday.

The police retirees urged the Federal Government to urgently address the grievances of retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, (CPS) in order to avert a planned protest by serving police officers.

They highlighted the economic hardship faced by police retirees and called for calm, dialogue and policy-driven engagement.

NARPON noted that the National Pension Commission (PenCom) had, on 18 June 2025, approved a significant upward review of pensions for CPS retirees, demonstrating the system’s responsiveness to economic realities.

However, the association stressed that approving the N758 billion pension liabilities currently pending before the National Assembly would significantly enhance the retirement benefits of both serving and retired officers.

The association also recommended an increase in the federal government’s contribution to Retirement Savings Accounts, (RSAs), from the current 10% to 20%, in line with Section 4 of the Pension Reform Act 2014.

Parts of the statement said, “This adjustment will resolve most concerns about low pension payouts. Pension is a function of salary earned while in service. Whether under the CPS or DBS, the amount of pension payable to a retiree is directly tied to the quantum of his terminal emoluments.

“It is only fair that the police be accorded equal consideration.

“We noted that PenCom has recommended payment of 100 percent gratuity to retirees in the public sector; however, NARPON is recommending payment of 300 percent gratuity, as was the case with DBS retirees.

“This will enhance the retirement welfare of police personnel from internally generated funds.”While acknowledging the frustration and disillusionment among retirees, NARPON appealed for calm and urged all stakeholders to pursue constructive engagement and reforms.

“The real solution to the pension concerns of police officers may not necessarily lie in exiting the Contributory Pension Scheme, but in improving its implementation,” the statement added.

Ex-President Buhari buried after State funeral

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has been laid to rest yesterday evening in the courtyard of his private residence in Daura, Katsina State, following State and Islamic funeral rites.

The late president, initially wrapped in the green-white-white colours of the Nigerian flag, was interred at about 5:50pm, in accordance with Islamic tradition and his personal wish to be buried at home rather than in a public cemetery or national monument.

Gunshots were fired as a mark of honour for the former president and commander in chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The citation of Buhari was read by the chief of defense staff, General Chris Musa.

The solemn burial ceremony was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President KashimShettima, and several other African and Nigerian dignitaries.

Among them were President UmaroSissocoEmbaló of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister of Niger, Ali LamineZeine, former President of Niger, IssoufouMahamadou, and former Vice President YemiOsinbajo.

Also present were Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and a host of governors, including the host governor DikkoRadda, along with his counterparts from Imo, Kwara, Gombe, Borno, Lagos, Kano, Ogun, Zamfara, and others.

Several former cabinet members who served during Buhari’s presidency were also in attendance to pay their last respects.

President Tinubu had earlier received the remains of his predecessor at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina.

He arrived at 1:42 p.m. and inspected a guard of honour before the Nigerian Air Force jet bearing Buhari’s body touched down at exactly 1:51 p.m.

The late president’s casket, draped in the national colours, was received by President Tinubu and other dignitaries in a solemn procession.

A team of military pallbearers, drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, wheeled the casket past a full military guard of honour to a waiting military hearse.Afrobeats merchandise

Former President Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a hospital in London at the age of 82.

His passing marked the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political history, having served the country both as a military Head of State and as a democratically elected President.

His burial in Daura, the town of his birth, fulfilled a long-standing personal wish — a final return to the place he called home.

 

Akpabio appeals judgement on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension

The Senate President, GodswillAkpabio, has approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the Federal High Court judgment that invalidated the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The court had declared the six-month suspension unconstitutional, excessive, and a violation of the senator’s constituents’ right to representation.

In a notice of cross-appeal dated 11 July, MrAkpabio, through his lead counsel, KehindeOgunwumiju, SAN, is asking the appellate court to nullify the judgment, describing it as erroneous and a gross miscarriage of justice.

The cross-appeal by the senate president comes just two days after MrsAkpoti-Uduaghan filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal to challenge the N5 million fine imposed on her by the same court.

The fine was part of a contempt ruling issued by the court’s judge, BintaNyako, who found the senator guilty of civil contempt over a satirical Facebook post made while her case against the Senate was still ongoing.

In her six-ground appeal, MrsAkpoti-Uduaghan described the contempt ruling as violating her fundamental rights and argued that the fine was legally unfounded.

The case began after the Senate suspended MrsAkpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct during a plenary session held on 20 February 2024.

She subsequently challenged the suspension at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In her judgment, MrsNyako ruled that the Senate’s decision to suspend a serving senator for six months was excessive and undermined the right to representation for the entire Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The judge held that the suspension was unconstitutional and advised the Senate to allow the senator to resume her legislative duties. However, she did not issue a direct order compelling her reinstatement.

Following the judgment, MrsAkpoti-Uduaghan wrote to the Clerk of the National Assembly through her lawyer, Michael Numa, SAN, expressing her readiness to resume duties yesterday, Tuesday, 15 July. She urged the National Assembly to treat her notification with urgency to avoid being held in contempt of court.

However, the Senate insisted that the judgment did not explicitly direct it to recall the suspended senator.

MrAkpabio’s cross-appeal comprised eleven grounds challenging the legality and fairness of the high court’s decision.

The senate president argued that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case, noting that it was premature since the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions had not completed its investigation when the suit was filed.

He contended that MrsAkpoti-Uduaghan failed to exhaust internal dispute resolution mechanisms as provided under the Senate Standing Orders before approaching the court.

MrAkpabio disagreed with the judge’s interpretation of Section 21 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017, arguing that it does not exempt serving members of the legislature from disciplinary actions.

He alleged that MrsNyako breached his right to a fair hearing by raising and determining the issue of the suspension’s excessiveness suomotu (on the court’s own accord) without allowing him to respond.

Reliefs sought

MrAkpabio urged the Court of Appeal to set aside the Federal High Court judgment, invalidating the suspension and upholding the Senate’s authority to discipline its members, including suspending serving senators.

He’s also asking the Court to declare that no constitutional rights were breached in the suspension of MrsAkpoti-Uduaghan.

NECO releases 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination results

The National Examinations Council (NECO) said  it has released the Results of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

A statement signed by its Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, yesterday, said 179,201 candidates registered for the examination in 12 subjects.

“The examination which commenced on 12th May, 2025, was successfully concluded on 23rd May, 2025.

“The Results of the examination was released following the successful conclusion of the 2025 BECE Award Committee Meeting held at the Council’s Headquarters in Minna.

During the meeting, the chairperson of the Award Committee, Dr. (Mrs) Folake Olatunji David, Director, Basic Education, Federal Ministry of Education expressed satisfaction with the processes leading to the successful release of the results.

“The Award committee Meeting was also attended by some Secondary School Principals from across the Country as well as NECO Management,” the statement said.

The exam body also revealed that the Award Committee has approved date and timetable for the 2025 BECE Re-sit.

“The Re-sit examination is scheduled to hold on 23rd and 24th July, 2025 for Mathematics and English Studies,” it added.

Nigeria’s external reserves to hit $41bn by end of December amid Naira gains – Report

Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) reserve is expected to rise to $41 billion by the end of December 2025.

This is according to CardinalStone’s mid-year outlook report.

The $41 billion in external reserves is slightly higher than the $40.88 billion recorded in 2024, with the naira sustaining its gains.

The expected rise in the country’s external reserves is attributed to plans by the Federal Government to raise a combined $3.2 billion in the second half of the year to meet some of its fiscal priorities, and possible inflows from portfolio investors are expected to also support this projection.

“These proposed external borrowings, alongside other anticipated inflows, will likely boost the FX reserves to $41.00 billion by year-end, compared to $37.27 billion as of H1’25,” the Lagos-based research and investment firm said in the report.

This came as the naira traded against the dollar at N1,529.22 and N1,550 in official and parallel foreign exchange markets, respectively, on Tuesday.

FG urges US to reconsider new visa restrictions

The Federal Government has expressed concern over the recent decision by the United States to impose tighter visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens.

The government described the move as disproportionate, calling for a “reconsideration in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.”

The US government had announced a revision to its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigeria, limiting the validity of certain non-immigrant visas, including the B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) categories, to just three months and restricting them to single entry.

In a statement issued yesterday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the FG said it viewed the new policy with “concern and keen interest,” particularly in light of the historically cordial relations between the two nations.

“The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to the recent decision by the United States Government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2, F and J categories to three months with single entry.

“The Federal Government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.

“The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations,” said Ebienfa.

According to the statement, the policy change would have a broad impact on Nigerians, affecting students seeking education in the US, professionals involved in legitimate business, and families visiting loved ones.

The government emphasised that the restriction could hamper cultural and educational exchanges that have long been a foundation of US-Nigeria relations.

“While acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies, Nigeria respectfully urges the United States to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities.

“Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest,” Ebienfa noted.

The ministry also confirmed that diplomatic engagements are underway, adding that Nigeria remains committed to seeking a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.

Why I met Abacha – Peter Obi

Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has clarified the circumstances surrounding his engagement with the late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, during Nigeria’s military era.

In a statement yesterday titled “Our Engagement with General Abacha: Setting the Record Straight”, made available by Mr Obi’s Media Aide, Valentine Obienyem, Mr. Obi also made available a copy of the official letter that documented his co-option, alongside other traders and importers, into the Taskforce on Port Decongestion.

The former Anambra Governor said the clarification has become very necessary “in the interest of all men and women of goodwill, especially those committed to the pursuit of truth.”

According to Obi, “The meeting with General Abacha was not political in nature. I had never met General Sani Abacha, prior to that encounter. Our meeting with him was borne out of collective concern as traders and importers over the prolonged delays in clearing goods at the ports.

“We approached him not as political actors, but as concerned citizens seeking pragmatic solutions to a matter affecting economic activity and livelihoods.

“The objective of the meeting was to advocate for efficiency and to propose practical steps to restore order and productivity at the nation’s ports. Our actions were driven solely by a sense of civic duty and not political ambition. This clarification is offered in the interest of truth.”

Gov Otti commissions Aba Export Growth Lab

From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia

The government of Abia State, has  unveiled and commissioned the Aba Export Growth Lab aimed  at boosting  quality production  and provide a platform for export development within the state.

The governor, Dr Alex Otti stated this during the official launch of the

Aba Export Growth Lab Complex,  located in the premises of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, He noted that  Aba has always needed a whole lot more support, than it has been gettiing for decades.

The governor stressed that the essence of commissioning the Aba Export Growth Lab is to support entrepreneurs in the state to structure their production, standardise and package them in a way that the products would be competitive in the global market.

“So, what we have come here to do is to support our people to structure their production, standardize, package and brand their products in such a way that it will be competitive in the international market.

“And you know the international market is not deceived. So, even what we are doing here today, they know.

“By the time you finish packaging your product, if it meets the standards, they will buy. And yourself, you will be convinced that you have done enough work to support that product to be sold outside the shelves of this country.

“That’s the way the market is structured. And if you cannot compete globally, don’t even try because you will just waste your time. And history records that, there are a lot of countries, including Japan, that developed after the war through export.

“We are not saying, don’t import. That’s not a bad thing. But, we are saying that the things that we are producing in Aba and Abia, that we can sell them beyond the borders of Aba and Abia, Gov. Otti explained.

The Governor challenged the managers of the project not to compromise quality, but to uphold standards, and reitereted the need for them to fail any product that is sub-standard and ensure that  specifications are maintained, explaining that, his government has no interest in making money from the project, but to support and uplift the entrepreneurs in the state.

He further disclosed,”It must be done right. And any product that does not pass the test, don’t be sympathetic. Fail it, so that we can start afresh and get it to such a specification that we have defined.

“So, for those who are in one way or the other, associated with the export growth lab, the output should be second to none. It would be sad, if you have passed a product and the product fails the test elsewhere. And, we also have our way of checking.

“We don’t require money as government from here. So, if anybody is coming to tell you, oh!, government wants to make money, it’s not true because it’s not a money- making investment for the state. This is our own support to our people; the micro, small and medium scale enterprises.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara, revealed that the Aba Export Growth Lab is established to create a pathway for Aba and Abia businesses to gain access to the global market.

He disclosed that the project is expected to empower entrepreneurs to be visible in the global market, and is targeting 20 businesses as pilot, while it is focusing on three areas, including, Akwete cloth, footwear and fashion apparels.

Contributing, the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms Elsie Attafuah, saluted the visionary leadership of Governor Otti, which led to the project initiative and described it as a laudable one.

While assuring the commitment of UNDP to the project,  she said that Abia can lead Africa’s industrial renaissance, pointing out that, the Southeast can rise as a regional corridor of productivity, investments, and jobs through the project.

In a goodwill message, the Representative of NEXIM Bank, Mrs. Nkeiru Ezenwanne expressed their full support to the administration of Governor Alex Otti towards the growth and creation of sustainable jobs by focusing on key value chain such as, agro – processing, manufacturing, garment, leather and pharmaceuticals.

She said that the bank is committed to supporting initiatives that would drive export diversification and economic growth in line with its mandate to facilitate the diversification of Nigerian foreign exchange earners through export finance provision, credit guarantee and export insurance, fund Management and export advisory services to exporters.

Security in Imo:  Stop instigating ethnic tension, divisions among Nigerians, govt warns opposition

The Imo State Government has warned citizens of the state against the promotion of ethnic tensions and divisions in the name of fighting insecurity.

It regretted that the profiling and stereotyping of a particular ethnic group by some vested political interests in the state was capable of endangering the safety and security of Ndigbo residing in other parts of the country .

The Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba issued the warning following a viral video by an aide to Hon Emeka Ihedioha, accusing the fulani of perpetrating crimes in the state.

In the same video, the said aide of Ihedioha, Mr Kissinger Ikeokwu accused Gov Hope Uzodimma of inertia in “checking the Fulani marauders as they unleash havoc on the people of the state”.

Emelumba described Ikoku’s blanket accusation as worrisome and capable of inciting hatred against Ndigbo in other parts of the country, particularly as he did not provide any proof to back his allegations.

He also noted that contrary to the sweeping allegations by Ikeokwu, Uzodimma has supported the security agencies, especially the police in combating insecurity in the state.

He said the case of Aba-Owerri Road security breaches mentioned in the video was swiftly checkmated by the police with the arrest of 23 persons.

” Curiously, and contrary to the claims of the political merchants, none of the 23 arrested in connection with the incident was  a Fulani,” he submitted.

He also disclosed that apart from those sponsoring insecurity in the state, residents of Imo are aware that the crime rate in the state has dropped drastically.

According to him, available statistics from the police confirmed that the war had been taken to the doorsteps of the criminals with the arrest of more than 5,000 of them so far.

He also said more than 200 kidnapped victims and 500 stolen babies have been rescued as well as the recovery of 1,358 arms and 3,000 ammunitions.

Emelumba alleged that opposition politicians are behind the viral video to cause divisions among Ndigbo and other Nigerians.

He wondered the nexus between insecurity and Uzodimma joining his brother governors in national assignments, except that disgruntled politicians wanted to smear the image of the governor.

The Commissioner said the governor since his election in 2020 has never been found wanting in the discharge of his constitutional duties, and wondered where the purveyors of the falsehood got their statistics from.

Emelumba also noted that the governor has Commissioners and other aides who help him in the discharge of his duties, including the distribution of farm inputs and seedlings to farmers.

Said he: “I have never seen a state where the governor carries cassava stems to farmers by himself for him to be acclaimed as working. That is what these renegades want him to do.”

He referred the doubting Thomases to the recent state of Imo address where Uzodimma catalogued his achievements in the spirit of accountability and transparency.

He said no amount of blackmail or provocation will distract Uzodimma from performing his role not only as the governor but the chief security officer of the State.

Prof Nnabue visits  IMSU

… Urges institution to take registration of births, deaths, others,  serious.

By Senator Onyekwere

The Federal Commissioner representing Imo State in National Population Commission (NPC) Abuja,Prof Uba Nnabue has urged the Imo State University Community to take the vital registration of births, deaths and birth attestation services offered by NPC very serious.

Prof Nnabue made the call when he paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor Of IMSU,Prof U.U Chukwumaeze  (SAN) in his office.

The Federal Commissioner informed the Vice Chancellor and the management of the Institution that besides census, NPC offers other services which are provided by the constitution.

Nnabue explained that birth registration of infants from zero to 17 years of age is free and that attestation of birth certificate is for adults from 18 years and above, adding that birth registration gives such a child an identity both locally and internationally.

He therefore called on the Imo State University Management to collaborate with the NPC to ensure that children of such ages and adults of 18 years and above are registered.

“By so doing, we together shall enrich the population data bank of Imo State and Nigeria.”

In response, the Vice Chancellor of IMSU, Prof U.U Chukwumaeze welcomed Prof Nnabue and his team and expressed readiness of IMSU Management to partner with the commission.

Prof Chukwumaeze revealed that the University already has center for population studies that will work out the modalities for the collaboration.

In his vote of thanks, the State Director Of NPC, Barr Ike Justice thanked the Vice Chancellor and the Management for the warm reception and extolled the giant strides in IMSU under the leadership of Prof Chukwumaeze.

Chevron, FCT NUJ train 70 Abuja journalists on AI, FOI implementation, others

By Sunday Abah, Abuja

Chevron Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the  Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), has trained over 70 journalists on the strategic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Freedom of Information (FOI) implementation, and mental health resilience in the digital era.

The one-day media capacity workshop, themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Journalism”, held in Abuja, was sponsored by the NNPC-Chevron Joint Venture.

Speaking at the event, Olusoga Oduselu, General Manager of Policy, Government, and Public Affairs at Chevron Nigeria, emphasised the importance of capacity building as a pillar of sustainable national development.

Oduselu, represented by Victor Anyaegbudike, noted that Chevron had consistently supported media capacity across Nigeria’s geo-political zones through initiatives like the Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) programme which has trained over 120 journalists since 2014 in partnership with Pan Atlantic University, Lagos.

He reiterated the need for ethical and evidence-based journalism, especially in sectors like oil and gas where public interest is high. building as a pillar of sustainable national development.

Oduselu, represented by Victor Anyaegbudike, noted that Chevron has consistently supported media capacity across Nigeria’s geo-political zones through initiatives like the Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) programme, which has trained over 120 journalists since 2014 in partnership with Pan Atlantic University, Lagos.

He reiterated the need for ethical and evidence-based journalism, especially in sectors like oil and gas where public interest is high.

He said: “As members of the fourth estate of the realm, your role as agenda-setters and opinion molders cannot be over-emphasised. I want to thank you for your impactful role in reporting on the oil and gas industry and providing effective perspectives on complex industry operations.

“Through programmes such as AWARES and this current journalism training, we help to improve professional capacity and build lasting partnerships with our media stakeholders. We also recognise that the success of the larger society invariably translates to success in our business, and we believe it is in our long-term interest to add value to society.

“We are always open to dialogue and further discussions if you require clarification on a story that directly affects our company or the oil and gas industry.”

He also urged journalists to make their mark in the narrative of Nigeria and her multidimensional development while maintaining the ethical principles that guide their noble profession.

According to Oduselu, the firm supports Nigerian content development by providing employment opportunities to Nigerians and contract opportunities in all our projects, with an estimated annual average of over $1 billion.

Chairman, FCT NUJ, Comrade Grace Ike, urged journalists to embrace AI to enhance performance and productivity.

Ike harped on the importance of AI in every field of endeavour, and pointed out that AI has been adopted by colleagues in other climes to harness their potential and work seamlessly.

She commended Chevron Nigeria’s confidence and commitment to organising the media capacity-building workshop, which aims to enhance media reportage in nation-building by leveraging AI to increase efficiency, including setting the agenda and fostering informed public discourse.

“We stand at a transformative moment in the history of journalism. AI is no longer a distant concept but a powerful tool reshaping how we gather, verify, and deliver news.

“AI enhances our ability to analyse vast data, detect misinformation, and engage audiences more effectively. It offers unprecedented opportunities to improve the speed, accuracy, and reach of our reporting.

“Moreover, AI plays a crucial role in fact-checking and verification. With the rise of misinformation, especially during elections and public health crises, AI-powered platforms cross-reference claims against trusted databases and detect manipulated media like deepfakes.

“This strengthens the credibility of journalism by reducing errors and misinformation. AI also personalises content for audiences by tailoring news feeds and recommendations based on reader preferences, thereby increasing engagement and sustaining readership.

“Tools that transcribe interviews and speeches efficiently save journalists time, allowing them to focus on analysis and storytelling.

“Let us embrace innovation boldly but responsibly, ensuring that technology enhances our mission to inform, enlighten, and serve society with courage and integrity,” she said.

She also maintained that capacity building is an imperative for all journalists, saying it calls for journalists to “embrace innovation, uphold integrity, and lead the transformation of journalism in Nigeria and beyond.

Deputy Director, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Busola Ajibola, while speaking on the topic, ‘Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to enhance Journalism in Nigeria’ said journalists who fail to leverage on AI would have his or her job threatened.

He urged them to be proactive in embracing trending innovations and technologies to improve their skills and knowledge.

Director, International Institute of Journalism, IIJ, Dr Emman Usman Shehu, speaking on the topic, ‘Freedom of Freedom of Information and Media Accountability’, said it is important for journalists to use the Freedom of Information Act as it gives them the opportunity and right to hold public officials accountable.

Shehu, represented by Dr Simon Musa Reef, said, “The Act applies not only to public institutions but also to private organisations providing public services, performing public functions, or utilising public funds.

“Recent Developments: In April 2025, the Nigerian Supreme Court ruled that the FOIA applies to all tiers of government, including state institutions.

“This landmark judgement addressed the reluctance of some state governments to comply with the Act, thereby enhancing its applicability nationwide.

He pointed out that there are challenges in its implementation, including limited awareness – Many citizens, journalists, and public officials are unaware of the FOIA’s provisions and benefits, hindering its effective utilisation.

Wike moves to rid FCT of beggars, miscreants

By Sunday Abah, Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has launched a crackdown on all the beggars, illegal traders, miscreants and scavengers operating in Abuja.

Lere Olayinka, the media aide to the FCT Minister said the crackdown has been launched across Abuja and its satellite towns.

According to Olayinka, the FCT Administration, in an exercise tagged “Operation Sweep Abuja” will ensure that the territory is rid of all forms of nuisance.

He said the exercise would be conducted, in line with a directive recently issued by the Minister.

In addition, Olayinka said miscreants, such as, one-chance operators, who specialise in robbing and attacking passengers will also be targeted.

Olayinka noted that the exercise would be coordinated in accordance with the Abuja Environmental Protection Act and other relevant laws.

He said, “Our nation’s capital should be a secure symbol of pride and beauty, not a site for street beggars and scavengers, most of whom are agents of criminal elements.”

This crackdown exercise, Wike’s aide said, will be achieved through collaboration with a Joint Task Force, comprising security agencies and relevant FCT secretariat, departments and agencies.

The security agencies and their operatives are to be deployed to apprehend any persons found begging, scavenging, loitering or engaging in other acts inimical to the security and well-being of the residents.

He added that all necessary measures and arrangements had been made to profile those arrested by the operatives.

He noted that all those arrested would be handed over to their various state governments.

“Security of lives and properties of residents of the FCT is of paramount importance to the government; we must all join hands to achieve a safer Abuja,” Olayinka stated.

Residents of the FCT have also been urged to remain security conscious and ensure that they report any suspicious movement to the appropriate authorities or call 08061581938 and 08032003913.

‘ADC scared, drowning in confusion’  —  APC

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a ‘coalition of Nigeria’s most inept politicians’, saying the party is drowning in confusion.

The ruling party also dismissed the opposition party’s claim that President Bola Tinubu is plotting to destabilise the opposition coalition.

The APC, in a statement issued yesterday, described the allegations as “phantom lies”.

And what good can possibly come out of a coalition of our country’s most inept politicians and architects of misrule, corruption, poverty and underdevelopment who are now congregated in ADC? pic.twitter.com/ZqvV2oFran

In the statement signed by Felix Morka, the party’s national publicity secretary, the APC accused the ADC of projecting its internal crisis onto others.

“The ADC is drowning in its own confusion and needs no help from our great party to unravel,” Morka said.

WhyAkarachi, Ononuju, must apologize to Orlu zone over provocative, false claims –OPOCA

A Social-Political group, Orlu Political Consultative Assembly (OPOCA), said that the Federal Lawmaker representing Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. AkarachiAmadi, must apologize to Orlu Zone for making what it called, provocative and false claims, at the floor of the House. Also, to apologize to Orlu zone over the same provocative and false claims is Barr. Kingsley Ononuju.

This was contained in a statement signed by theSpokesperson for OPOCA High Command and Conclave, Chief Hon. Greg Obioha. It would be recalled that Hon. AkarachiAmadi had claimed that Mbaitoli was more populated than three local government arrears in Orlu Zone. Similarly,Barr. Kingsley Ononuju, had in an Advertorial, published in one of the local tabloids, on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, endorsed the claims by the National Lawmaker. The statement said further: “While we were waiting patiently for the leaders of Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency to call their son, Hon AkarachiAmadi, to order over his unwarranted insult to Orlu Zone, to wit that Mbaitoli is more populated than three local government areas in Orlu, Hon. Barr. Kingsley Ononuju, the self-styled leader of Mbaike, has left no one in doubt, as to who sent Amadi on that political suicide mission.”

According to OPOCA: “The suspicion of the expansionist agenda by Mbaike people, tethering towards political hegemony, was confirmed and amplified by Ononuju, who saw nothing wrong with the political sacrilege committed by Akarachi, on the floor of the House of Representatives.With this confirmation, what transpired was not blunder or slip of the tongue, as we erroneously assumed, but a deliberate and carefully crafted script intended to humiliate Orlu people and render them politically ineffectual.”

‘Despite lessons from Ebola, COVID-19, Nigeria not ready to handle Lassa’

Despite lessons from the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics, Nigeria’s readiness for an outbreak of diseases such as Lassa Fever is yet to meet internationally-accepted standards, an expert has said.

Ngozi Toby, a medical expert in Rivers State, speaking on the sidelines of a seminar on Lassa Fever in Port Harcourt recently, said while other countries had developed robust containment frameworks for infectious diseases, Nigeria still treats Lassa Fever as an afterthought.

In early 2023, Nigeria reported 4,702 suspected cases of Lassa fever, five probable cases, and 877 confirmed cases, with 152 deaths, reflecting a case fatality rate of 17 percent and a 20 percent increase in confirmed cases compared to the same period in 2022, according to a United Nations report.

Rivers State was among the worst hit in 2024, with confirmed cases reported in multiple local government areas.

Toby, while speaking on the dangers, awareness and remedies for Lassa fever, directly blamed the lack of commitment from Nigeria’s healthcare policy makers for its persistent presence.

She stressed that despite its annual outbreaks, especially during the dry season (November and April), it continues to kill Nigerians silently and steadily, and without containment.

Toby noted that many frontline health workers see Lassa fever as a neglected epidemic, adding that the absence of structured prevention, poor funding of isolation centres, and a lack of community-based surveillance had worsened the situation.

Lassa Fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, especially Nigeria. It is transmitted primarily through contact with urine or feces of infected multi-mammal rats, or human body fluids

Toby argued that if Lassa Fever is killing political elites the way it kills rural Nigerians, emergency protocols would have been triggered long ago.

“It is a glaring example of how poverty-driven diseases are routinely ignored. Frequent misdiagnosis, lack of diagnostic facilities in most states, and poor disease literacy among rural dwellers fuel the spread. Lassa fever is often mistaken for malaria or typhoid until it is too late.

“Lassa Fever is not just a virus, it is a mirror of Nigeria’s healthcare negligence. It thrives on areas of poor sanitation, rodent infestations, and public misinformation, conditions, Nigeria has failed to improve. Lassa Fever has become a seasonal punishment for being poor and unprotected in Nigeria’s rural zones,” she said.

Ighodalo, Okpebholo to know fate as Supreme Court delivers judgment on Edo guber

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his challenger, Mr Asue Ighodalo will on Thursday, July 10, know their fates as Supreme Court is now set to deliver final judgment in the legal battle on the gubernatorial election dispute.

The decision of the apex court when handed down will put an end to the chains of court cases that followed the legality or otherwise of the election.

Sources at the Supreme Court confirmed yesterday, that the judgment of the five-man panel of Justices who heard the case would be made public on July 10.

Governor Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress, APC, were declared winners of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, last year.

Not satisfied with the declaration, Ighodalo and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, challenged the decision both at the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal and lost, prompting them to move to the Supreme Court.

A five-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Mohammed Garba Lawal which adjudicated over the matter had at the hearing, announced that their judgment delivery date would be communicated to counsel representing parties in the appeal seeking to remove Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State.

It will be recalled that INEC had declared Okpebholo of the APC winner of the September 21, 2024 governorship election, having won majority of the votes cast at the  governorship election.

However, Ighodalo who came next to Okpebholo at the polls had disagreed with the electoral umpire, claiming that the body did not comply with the rules guiding the conduct of the poll, and ruled in favour of APC’s Okpebholo.

Besides, he alleged that there were cases of over-voting in several polling units, which when deducted, would show that he and not Okpebholo won the governorship election.

His claims were, however, dismissed by the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal as well as the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the election of Okpebholo.

They had prayed the two courts to nullify the declaration of Okpebholo as the winner on the ground that the election was allegedly marred by irregularities.

The Supreme Court is the final point on any legal matters arising over any dispute in the country.

Gunmen attack Ekwulobia Town In Aguata, kill four, burn security vehicle

Dare devil g un men numbering about 20 yesterday morning took over the town of Ekwulobia in Aguata Council Area of Anambra state where they shot indiscriminately killing about four persons and injuring many others.

The heavily armed gun men eye witnesses said had come at about 8.00 am and stationed on the newly built bridge at the center of the town from where they launched attacks on the joint security patrol team of the police and the army as well as members of the state home land security team in the area otherwise known as ” Udo Gachi.”

They burnt one of the security vehicles used by the joint security guard.

“There was confusion everywhere and people most of them workers going to work and traders coming from their homes to open their shops ran helter skelter in search of safely.

“About four deaths were already recorded and many others injured”, according to Source.

But the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra state police command, Mr, Tochukwu Ikenga, a Superintendent of police told our corresponent that only two civilian casualties were recorded.

He acknowledged that the hoodlums burnt a security vehicle but that they had been contained.

He said that the security agents demobilized one of the hoodlums and recovered two rifles,- one pump action gun and one AK-47 including according to him four vehicles with which the hoodlums came.

Imo shuts down unauthorized private schools in residential apartments

The Imo State Government has announced the immediate closure of schools operating in unauthorized residential areas, revoking their approvals and licenses.

The directive, issued by the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha, targets private schools situated in apartments and housing estates not designated for educational purposes.

According to the statement made available on Monday, the move is part of a broader effort to reorganise and improve the education sector across the state.

“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has by this notification revoked and withdrawn the approval and licenses of private schools that are presently housed and operating in apartments in Imo State,” the statement read.

Professor Ikegwuoha urged parents and guardians to withdraw their children and wards from affected institutions and register them in public or duly approved private schools. He warned that failure to comply with the directive would result in government-sanctioned redistribution of students to nearby approved schools.

“Proprietors of private schools in Imo State should note that failure to comply with the conditions outlined in this notice will result in punitive sanctions, including but not limited to immediate distribution of their pupils and students to nearby schools,” he said.

Monitoring and inspection teams from the Universal Basic Education and Quality Assurance departments of the ministry are expected to begin enforcement visits across the state.

The enforcement has drawn mixed reactions from education stakeholders, with calls for clearer zoning guidelines and more institutional support for private school operators affected by the directive.

Soludo: 99 percent of kidnappers in Anambra are not Fulani, they are igbo

99 percent of the kidnappers and criminals arrested in Anambra state in the last three years are of Igbo origin, Governor Charles Soludo has said.

Speaking during a town hall meeting with Anambra indigenes in the Diaspora, held in the United States, Soludo dismissed claims that Fulani herdsmen were behind kidnapping in his state.

“I have been in office for three years and three months. If we have arrested 100 criminals and kidnappers, 99.99 percent of them are Igbo youths,” the governor said.

“That was part of the lies pushed as propaganda, that the Fulanis were behind it all. That lie led our youths into kidnapping because it became the next lucrative job after ‘Yahoo’ and drug trafficking.

“Igbo are the ones kidnapping Igbo, they are the ones killing Igbo. All these camps are Igbo youths. And by the way because I came with the same false narrative. The false narrative they gave us is Oh! the Fulanis, they’re invading our people, and they are now everywhere, they’re waiting for a whistle to be blown and they will take over.”

The governor called on indigenes of the state in the diaspora to invest in their homeland and contribute their skills and resources to its development.

He said: “Even those from other states now call it the ‘Anambra job’. They go to their villages, buy motorcycles, and come here to join the business. They get taken into the bush, trained in the act. But when they are eventually arrested, they claim it’s the Fulanis.

“I came with that same false narrative, that the Fulanis are invading our people, that they are just waiting for a whistle to be blown before they take over. Therefore, we thought we were the liberators. So we, Igbos, went into the bush to chase them out.

“But nobody asked how those claiming to be liberators survive in the forest for one, two, or even six months. How do they feed? I want you to quote me right — 99.99% of all the criminals we have arrested are Igbos. All these camps are Igbos.”

Former Lawmaker dragged to court for beating up businessman

A former member of the House of Representatives from Anambra State, Chinedu Obidigwe, has been dragged to court by a business man, Chinedu Anaukwu.

Anaukwu claimed that he was beaten up by Obidigwe for demanding accountability for his performance as lawmaker.

Obidigwe who represented Anambra East/West Federal Constituency, was said to have carried out the act in 2023, shortly before the general election.

According to the victim: “It was in 2023, just before the general election, I had written in Aguleri World Forum, a WhatsApp group, demanding accountability from Obidigwe who was then recontesting to return to the House of Representatives

“I told him it had been over three years that he had been in the National Assembly, and that before aspiring for re-election, he should give us account of his constituency funds and other achievements in the area.

“His boys were not happy about it, and one day he accosted me with over 13 thugs and ordered them to kill me. They beat me until I lost consciousness.”

When the matter came up on Tuesday at Otuocha High Court, Anambra East Local Government Area, counsel to Anaukwu, Gozie Obi, (SAN) withdrew the charges against the second and fifth defendants in the matter, who were identified as aides of Obidigwe who participated in the assault.

While the second defendant is said to be already late, the fifth was said not to have been served with the processes.

Obi who spoke to journalists, said, “Today is the first time the matter is coming up in court for pretrial hearing and in the course of the proceeding it came to light that the second defendant is late and since you can’t sue a dead person, we had to withdraw against him.

“Also, the fifth defendant was not served, but we wanted the case to progress, so we had to withdraw against him too, moreso when we know that the principal defendant is Obidigwe as all the others were just his aides, and acted under his instruction.”

During the sitting, the principal defendant, Obidigwe, was represented by his lawyer, Barrister Emmanuel Offoh.

The matter was later adjourned to November 18 for continuation pretrial before full hearing.

The plaintiff, Anaukwu, in his prayers, is asking for ₦200 million compensation for his ordeal, as well as the conviction of the former Rep.

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