Ekiti: 34 Years Old Woman Confesses To Stealing Day-old Baby, Arrested

By

Ayodele Oni

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August 6, 2025

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34 Years Old Woman Confesses To Stealing Day-old Baby in Ekiti

By Ayodele Oni

A 34-year old suspect has confessed to stealing a missing day old baby at a Health Centre in Ado Ekiti on Monday.

Already, Ekiti State Police Command has recovered the baby stolen from Okeyinmi Health Centre in Ado Ekiti.

The suspect, named Deborah Aina, had pretended to be a pregnant woman on admission in the Ward before stealing the baby.

According to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sunday Eribo, the suspect was caught after forgetting her bag in the hospital, which contained a receipt for medication.

A CCTV footage and information from a reliable source led to her identification.

Deborah Aina confessed to stealing the baby because she had lost her own pregnancy and didn’t want her husband, who was abroad, to know.

The parents of the stolen baby commended the police for their prompt action in recovering their child.

In a related development, the Commissioner of Police announced the arrest of another suspect in connection with the theft of a three-year-old baby at Omisanjana area of the state capital.

Mr. Eribo assured that the command would continue to work towards keeping the State safe from criminal elements.

INEC Bars Labour Party, Four Others From State/National Assemblies By-elections

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 6, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, officially ruled out the Labour Party from the August 16, State and National Assemblies by-elections scheduled to hold in Edo State on Saturday August 16, 2025.

At an interactive session with the Media, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Prof Anugbum Onuoha informed that four other parties – Accord ,Boot Party , National Rescue Movement NRM and Young Progressive Party YPP will also not be participating in the polls .

However, he disclosed that nine parties including the Peoples Democratic party PDP and the All Progressive Congress, APC, will be squaring up against themselves in the by-election.

According to the Edo state REC, while LP never indicated interest in the process leading up to the election, others, never conducted any successful primaries to select candidates.

Labour Party, the Commission further stated, did not officially notify it of its intention to be part of the electoral process, hence its primaries were not known to, and/or monitored by INEC officials.

Prof Onuoha said that of the 14 political parties that indicated interest, only nine invited the Commission to observe their primary elections .

“Fourteen political parties expressed interest. But four of them had their offices/facilities locked, and we couldn’t see anybody.

“Those ones were Accord, BOOT Party, National Rescue Movement, NRM and Young Progressive Party, YPP.

“Others, also, invited us ,but when we got there, their offices were locked with no one in sight,” the REC stated.

He, however, expressed the readiness of the Commission in conducting a transparent and hitch-free election.

“The Commission is fully prepared to conduct a transparent and hitch-free election. Bimodal Voters Accreditation System, BVAS, has been configured, while non sensitive materials have been deployed”, he noted .

The REC also informed that of the total number of 719,504 registered voters, only 617,887 have collected their PVCs.

About 101, 617 registered voters are yet to collect their PVCs.

The Source reports that by-elections will be held in Edo Central Senatorial District ,and Ovia Federal Constituency of the State. The vacancies were created by Governor Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy who had to vacate their National Assembly seats following their victory at the September 2, 204 off-circle gubernatorial polls.

Self-styled Enugu Native Doctor Obieze, Others Arraigned

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 6, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Enugu State Government on Wednesday August 6, 2025, finally, arraigned self-acclaimed traditionalist and spiritualist, Obi Levi Obieze, on charges bordering on kidnappings and murder.

The Source reports that the self-proclaimed native doctor was, in April, declared wanted by the police and Enugu State Government over alleged abductions and killings of several persons allegedly for ritual purposes.

His alleged nefarious criminal activities, however, came to the public domain, following the kidnap, and attempted murder of 13-year old pupil Okoye Ukamaka, at Umuojo Road, Ishiagu Community Umumba Ndiagu, in Ezeagu Local Council of Enugu in May 2025.

His attempt to flee from the long arm of justice was aborted by a Nigerian Immigration Service officer who arrested him while trying to cross over to neighbouring Benin Republic through Seme Border, after rejecting Obieze’s N 10 million bribe offer.

Obieze was arraigned alongside two others – Sabastine Emeka Ofor and Odinwamkpa Ekike and two others still at large on a seven count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit abduction and murder of same victims, offences which the prosecution says is punishable under Section 495 ( a) of the Criminal.Code ,Cap 30 vol.II Revised Laws of Enugu State 2024.

According to the charge sheet, Obieze and co are also being accused of kidnapping three individuals, namely Okoye Ukamaka, the13-year old girl ,Chimaobi Ezi ,a 15-year old boy ,and 31-year old woman ,Joy Miracle Udokanma.

According to the prosecution, the offence contravenes, and is punishable under Section 315 (2) of the Criminal Code ) amendment) Laws of Enugu state No 14 of 2010.

They are also being accused of conspiracy to commit murder, an offence punishable under Section 494 of the Enugu state Criminal Code of 2010.

Obieze and his co-accused were alleged to have specifically kidnapped and murdered the duo of Chimaobi Ezi and Joy Miracle .

All the offences, according to the prosecution, were committed sometime between April and May 26 in Umunmba Ndiagu Community in Ezeagu local Government Area of Enugu state.

The suspects who were arraigned at an Enugu North Magistrate Court 1, presided over by His Worship Osondu, Chukwuani, however, all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Court consequently adjourned proceedings to August 20, 2025, after ruling to remand the accused in custody.

The Magistrate also ordered the case file to be referred to the State’s Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, for proper advice.

President Tinubu Directs PenCom To Resolve Police Pension Complaints

By

Ayodele Oni

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August 6, 2025

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — President Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has directed Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, the Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), to urgently resolve the longstanding Police Pension issue, which has triggered nationwide protest by the retired officers.

The President emphasised that members of the Police Force, who serve and protect the nation deserve to retire with dignity and peace of mind.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President, (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, stated that the President gave the directives after receiving a briefing from the Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

Tinubu also called for the expedited rollout of the free healthcare access initiative for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), describing it as a critical component of social protection and dignity in retirement.

He also called for the prompt implementation of long-overdue pension increases and a minimum pension guarantee, which would provide a safety net for the most vulnerable pensioners under the CPS.

President Tinubu strongly supported reforms, in PenCom reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and protection for ordinary Nigerians.

The DG had briefed the President on ongoing efforts to ensure the value preservation of pension fund assets, especially in the face of inflation and macroeconomic pressures, as well as plans to introduce foreign currency contributions to enable Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in the pension system.

During the briefing, the DG updated the President on a suite of transformative pension initiatives to enhance retiree welfare and expand the Pension Scheme’s reach.

Group Calls On Sanwo-Olu To Reverse Order Barring LG Chairmen From Appointing Office Holders

By

Akinwale Kasali

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August 6, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

A Group, the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda, HURMA, has called on Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to rescind his recently pronounced order stopping the newly sworn-in Local Government Chairmen in the State from appointing Office Holders.

The Group, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Buna Isiak Olaitan and Lekan Alabi, Head Legal, made the call in a letter to the Governor, saying that such order contradicted the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, which granted the Local Governments in the country ‘Full Administrative Autonomy’.

HURMA’s letter to the Governor Captioned: “Re: Appointment of Political Office Holders: ‘A Call to Reverse Directive of Restrictions on Local Govt and LCDAs From Appointing Political Office Holders and Grant Full Administrative Autonomy’.

The letter reads in part: “We write to urgently request the reversal of the recent directive by your authority directing all newly sworn-in Chairmen of the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to suspend the appointment of political office holders, including Supervisors, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants.

“This was contained in an official circular dated July 31, 2025, with reference number MLG/LGA/C.27/S./VOL.XIV/496, wherein the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, conveyed the directive in line with your directive during the recent swearing-in ceremony.

“According to the widely published circular, only the appointment of Chief of Staff is permitted and Chairmen who might have made the political appointments beyond the Chief of Staff were instructed to reverse their action till further directives

“Our office considered the above directive recently given to all Local Government in the state as contradictory to the earlier Lagos government statement that “Local Government in the State have long operated with full financial and administrative independence, even before the Supreme Court’s July 2024 decision reinforcing Local Government autonomy nationwide.

“This, therefore, calls for an immediate reversal for the general good of all.

“Nigeria practises a constitutional democracy whereby governments derive their powers from the constitution. May we draw your attention to the fact that the Chairmen were duly elected by the people.

“Their existence is not at the pleasure of your office. In as much as the Federal Government doesn’t intervene in the exercise of power of your office despite the huge monthly allocation being received from the center, we find it awkward and clumsy that your authority is directing a democratically elected government on how the government is to be run.

“Lagos is supposed to be a model state and hallmark of democratic governance, not only in Nigeria but also in Africa.

“The Local Government should be allowed full independence in administering the local areas without any hindrance.

“As a public spirited organization, we may necessarily institute an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to challenge the undemocratic directive to the local governments.

“Thanks for your anticipated prompt response.”

It would be recalled the Lagos State Governor ordered that the elected Chairmen can only appoint their Chief of Staff, CoS, and should stop any further political appointments whatsoever.

NBA Kicks As Police Summons State Attorney General Over Withdrawal Of Criminal Case

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 6, 2025

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Afam Osigwe - NBA President — Afam Osigwe, NBA President.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has warned against any attempt by the Nigeria Police Force to meddle into the prosecutorial powers of the office of the Attorney General.

The cautionary note is coming in the face of the Police decision to investigate the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and his team over their decision to withdraw an ongoing criminal proceedings in Court.

The Source reports that the Inspector General’s monitoring unit had recently invited the Anambra State Director of Public Prosecution DPP, and other legal officials of the State Ministry of Justice, following their decision to withdraw an ongoing criminal case.

But the NBA described the invitation, which was later also extended to the Attorney General, as a reckless disregard for the rule of law ,and the principle of separation of powers.

In a statement issued by its National President, Afam Osigwe on Wednesday August 6,2025, the umbrella body of legal practitioners in the country, while condemning the action of the Police, also described it as “unconstitutional and abuse of the principle of separation of powers.”

According to him, such action by the Police represents a serious threat to the prosecutorial powers of the Attorney General and rule of law.

“This is a brazen assault on the legal profession, and an affront to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Police need not be educated, or reminded, that they cannot question the Attorney General’s decision to exercise the power of nolie prosequi (power to withraw a case).

This power is not even subject to judicial review or questioning by other authorities, including the Police.

“Session 211 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the Attorney General to take over, continue, or discontinue criminal proceedings in a State Court, and that no other agency, including the Police has oversight on such decisions.

” We fear that if this is allowed to happen, the Police may, one day purport to have the power to investigate a judicial officer for delivering judgments”, Osigwe stated.

While dismissing the practice of summoning state legal officials to Abuja for questioning for performing their constitutionally assigned roles , the NBA urged the IGP, as a matter of urgent necessity, to withdraw the said invitation to the Anambra State Legal Officials.

He, also, demanded a public apology to the affected legal officials.

Osigwe also strongly condemned the practice of summoning State Legal Officials to Abuja in the course of investigation by the Police, describing the system as not only burdensome and abusive, but also potently disruptive.

According to the NBA President, the practice of inviting state officials for investigations also tantamount to a tacit vote of no confidence on the abilities of officers of State Police Commands to carry out such duties .

“This mode of investigation which is usually abused, imposes great cost on persons being investigated and put them to severe hardship and disruption of their daily activities . It must be reviewed”, the NBA president asserted

Police Vows Justice For Victim Of Church Murder In Akwa Ibom

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 6, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Wednesday August 6, 2025, expressed its unflinching determination to unravel the circumstances surrounding the gruesome killing of a man inside a Church.

The victim, 45-year old Udeme Uko, was found in a pool of his own blood while sleeping with his family members inside a Church on Tuesday August 5, at about 12.00am in Ikot Oku Usung Community, Ukanafun Local Council of the State.

A statement from the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, informed that the deceased and his family were taking refuge in the Church when suddenly a gun shot was heard late in the night.

According to her, it was later discovered that Uko had been shot in the head, suggesting either a suicide or an attack by enemies.

“The victim, his wife, and children were sleeping at a Church in Ikot Okun Usung village when a gunshot was heard inside the Church.

” It was later discovered that Mr Udeme Uko had been shot in his head, suggesting either a suicide or an attack from enemies.

The Command was alerted to the incident by concerned citizens who received the report from the victim’s wife ,and on receipt of the information ,a team of police officers was immediately dispatched to the scene of the crime.

During the visit, a locally made pistol was recovered as an exhibit. The corpse of the deceased has since been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy”, the Police stated.

The State Commissioner of Police, Baba Muhammed Azare, said all options will be explored to get to the root of the unfortunate incident.

To this end, he has directed operatives to conduct a thorough and swift inquest into the matter with a view to arresting and prosecuting those found to be culpable in the dastardly act.

Bayelsa: Police Command Dismisses Sergeant Over Involvement In Kidnap Of Judge

By

Ayodele Oni

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August 6, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Bayelsa State Police Command has announced the dismissal of Obrientele Ebiarede a Sergeant, over his alleged involvement in the recent abduction of a State High Court Judge, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro.

Ebiarede is an Indigene of Foutorugbene Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the State.

The State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, had declared Sergeant Ebiarede a deserter under the section 398(1) of the Police Act and Regulations 2020 over abscondment from duty for over 30 days.

Although the combined team of the Department of the State Security and the Operation Puff Adder of the State Police Command had arrested eight suspects alleged to have been involved in the abduction of the Judge, while the dismissed Sergeant was still at large.

Report revealed that the Police investigating officers attached to the Operation Puff Adder led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo had stormed the home of one of the suspects, Emizibo Clement alias Obonor, located at Edepie and recovered the Motorcycle used by the dismissed Sergeant to supply logistics to the kidnappers.

The State Police headquarters had sent signals to all Commands and 17 AIG zones to apprehend Ebiarede and also directed the IPPIS and Police Budget to stop the payment of his salaries.

The Bayelsa State High Court Judge, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, who was kidnapped in June regained freedom after 13 days in captivity.

Though he was released from the kidnappers’ den without payment of ransom, his abductors had demanded N300 million in foreign currency for his release.

Eight suspects, including six males and two females, were paraded by the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa, Francis Idu for their various degree of involvement in the case.

Edo Bans Drivers’ Unions, Private Revenue Consultants

By

Ayodele Oni

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August 6, 2025

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Monday Okpebholo - Governor of Edo State — Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Government has banned activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, popularly known as (Agberos), and Drivers on Wheel from collecting fees from motor parks and roadsides.

The ban is also extended to a private agency hired by government to assist in revenue collection, Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, earlier engaged to enforce compliance.

A Government statement on Wednesday, signed by Umar Musa Ikhilor,

Secretary to the State Government, stated that members of these unions have grossly violated the conditions of their engagement and resorted to cash collections, extortions, social harassment and intimidation.

“The Edo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has observed with grave concern the alarming resurgence of illegal revenue collection by certain unions and organizations under various guises across the State.

“It has become clear that some of these groups, previously given limited authorization to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) under clearly defined terms, have grossly violated the conditions of their engagement and resorted to cash collections, extortions, social harassment and intimidation.

“Specifically, the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheel, are hereby banned with immediate effect.

“These unions are not authorized to collect any form of dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or any member of the public in Edo State.

“This ban also extends to Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private consultant earlier engaged to enforce compliance.

“Credible reports reaching the people-loving Governor, indicate that the firm and its workers have become complicit in widespread extortion and abuse of mandate, thereby betraying the trust reposed in them by the State.

“The Government considers these actions as acts of economic sabotage, social oppression, and a direct affront to law and order.

“The era of using unions as fronts to harass, intimidate, or extort drivers and road users in the name of revenue collection is over. All activities of the aforementioned unions are suspended indefinitely.”

It warned that henceforth “No individual or group under any of these unions is permitted to collect any form of payment from motorists or road users.

-“All motorists, drivers, and road users are strongly advised not to pay any cash or comply with any form of illegal levy imposed by these banned entities.

-“Reports of any such illegal activity should be forwarded immediately to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor via 08038157126.

“The Commissioner of Police and all relevant security agencies have been duly notified and directed to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found violating this directive.

“Edo State Government, under the leadership of the people-loving Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, remains committed to sanitizing the revenue system and protecting its citizens from unlawful exploitation.

“Let this serve as a final warning to all parties engaged in or considering such illegal activities: the full weight of the law will be brought upon you.”

Zenith Bank Splashes N200m On Victorious D’Tigress

By

Akinwale Kasali

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August 6, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Zenith Bank, one of the nation’s leading Banks has splashed a whopping sum of N200 million on Nigeria’s continental conquering Female Basketball Ball Team, D’Tigress.

Zenith Bank, sponsors of the Women National Basketball League, on Tuesday, at a reception held at their Abuja Head Office in Maitama, Abuja, rolled out the drums for the victorious D’Tigress after the team secured a record-breaking 5th back-to-back AfroBasket title.

Each of the players will receive N10m which will be paid into their Zenith Bank accounts while the technical crew and others will share the remaining.

D’Tigress, after beating Mali 78-64 in the final played in Abidjan on Sunday arrived the country on Monday afternoon and were hosted by President, Bola Tinubu, where they were rewarded with the Naira equivalent of $100,000 each, National Honours (OON), and a three bedroom apartment each. The Technical Crew members were each given the Naira equivalent of $50,000, OON, and also, a flat.

After sponsoring the national women league for 18 years with some of the players in the past title winning team going through the league as two of the current team, Murjanatu Musa, the MVP of the Air Warriors team that won the league title in 2022 and Ifunnaya Okoro with the current coach of the team, Rena Wakama, also participating in the league as a player with First Bank Women Basketball team.

Present at the reception were some of Zenith Bank’s Executive Directors, who expressed their appreciation to the D’Tigress for making the country proud. They are Adobi Nwapa, Akin Ogunranti, Henry Oroh and Louis Odom.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, President of the NBBF, Musa Kida and some of his board members were also at the colourful event

While appreciating the D’Tigress for a job well done, the GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, said the the Bank would continue to support the women basketball in Nigeria as they look forward to the team excelling at the world stage.

“Your victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket is not just a win for Nigeria, it is a win for African sports,” she said.

“At Zenith Bank, we celebrate your victory – not just as supporters, but as longstanding partners in the development of women’s basketball in Nigeria.

“I hereby reaffirm Zenith Bank’s steadfast commitment to advancing women’s basketball and promoting sports development across Nigeria.”

Responding to the kind gesture, the captain of the team and the Most Valuable Player of the AfroBasket, Amy Okonkwo, on behalf of the team, appreciated the financial institution for doing a lot for women basketball in the country.