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Gunmen Ambush, Kill Benue Miyetti Allah Chairman

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, Ardo Muhammad, has been killed by suspected gunmen.

 

According to reports, the Miyetti Allah leader was assassinated alongside a colleague identified as Yakubu Isah , while returning from a trouble-shooting meeting held in Ohinimini Local Council of the state on Friday.

 

Local witness accounts informed that the deceased had attended a peace meeting organized by the Head of the Police formation in Ohinimini.Local Government between Fulani and Ayunne community leaders to address  recent communal clashes, and security challenges in the area.

 

The MACBAN State Chairman, and his companion were   ambushed, attacked, and killed by armed hoodlums within Okudu Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state while heading back to their station.

 

While reacting, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Council, Honourable Maxwell Ogiri, described the incident as unfortunate and painful, noting that it has the potential of undermining peace efforts, and heightening tension in the area.

 

‘It is true that the Benue State Chairman of MACBAN was killed within Otukpo Local Government Area this afternoon.

 

“The incident has created fear and heightened tension among residents of the community and surrounding areas”, the Council Chairman stated.

 

He, however, sued for calm among the people, urging them to resist the temptation of resorting to self-help or embarking on any other action that may undermine peace and stability.

 

This was as Hon Adole Gabriel, the Chairman of Ohinimini Local Council, confirmed that the Miyetti Allah leader was an active participant at the peace meeting held in the area, before the unfortunate incident.

 

“You know there was a crisis in Ayunne community where some people were killed some time ago . The DPO of Ohinimini invited Fulani herders, and community representatives for a peace meeting, aimed at finding lasting solutions to the conflict.

 

” From what I was told, the meeting ended successfully, and everyone left in good spirit.

 

” Unfortunately, while the MACBAN Chairman was on his way back, gunmen ambushed his vehicle in Okudu Community in Otukpo Local Government Area ,and killed him alongside another person”, Gabriel narrated.

 

Spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, while confirming the incident, informed that a full scale investigation has been launched to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the killings,and the perpetrators.

Ondo To Revisit Cases Of Teachers Affected By Irregular Recruitment Exercise

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

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‎There is hope for possible fresh employment for applicants for teaching job in Ondo state that were rejected earlier over irregular appointment.

 

Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB) has announced the commencement of a verification and interview exercise for the applicants affected by the irregularities that occurred during the last primary school teachers’ recruitment exercise in the State.

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‎The exercise is coming following promise by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to revisit their case.

 

Some of them had already been posted to schools, worked for three months without being paid by the government.

 

It was later discovered that letters of employment issued to them were forged, culminating in the sack of some officials of the state education board and withdrawal of the affected teachers.

 

Governor Aiyedatiwa, had during this year’s Workers’ Day Celebration, graciously approved that all genuinely qualified applicants adversely affected by the recruitment irregularities be considered for absorption into the State’s public primary school teaching service.

 

‎Banjo Egunjobi, ODSUBEB spokesman stated that the Governor’s decision underscores his unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and the welfare of the people of Ondo State, particularly those whose aspirations were negatively impacted through no fault of their own.

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‎”Following the Governor’s directive, a Verification Committee was constituted to conduct a thorough assessment of the credentials and recruitment records of all affected applicants.

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‎”The Committee is mandated to identify applicants who genuinely participated in the recruitment process, met the prescribed requirements, and are eligible for consideration under the Governor’s approval.

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‎”The Committee, chaired by Comrade Bola Taiwo, had met, during which it finalized modalities for the exercise and resolved to commence a comprehensive verification and interview programme across the three senatorial districts of Ondo State.”

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‎The exercise is expected to commence next week.

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He assured applicants ODSUBEB that the exercise will be conducted in a transparent, fair, credible, and merit-driven manner.

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‎”The Board remains committed to upholding due process while ensuring that every genuinely qualified applicant receives equal opportunity to benefit from the Governor’s generous intervention.

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‎”Applicants are therefore advised to report promptly at their respective venues on the scheduled dates and comply fully with all verification requirements.

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‎”Failure to appear for the exercise or inability to provide the required documents may affect an applicant’s eligibility for consideration.

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‎”The Board appreciates the patience, understanding, and cooperation demonstrated by all affected applicants throughout the process.

‎”The Board reiterates its unwavering commitment to strengthening the basic education sector in Ondo State through the recruitment of competent, qualified, and dedicated teachers who will contribute meaningfully to the development of the State’s education system.”

NDC Deregistration: We Are Waiting For The Certified True Copy Of Judgment – INEC

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said that it can neither comment nor act on the  court judgment which nullified the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

 

A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, presided over by Honourable Justice Isah Dashen, had, on Friday, June 26 2026, ordered the INEC to deregister the NDC as a political party, after setting aside an earlier ruling in December, 2025, which had compelled the electoral umpire to register it.

 

Justice Dashen held that the 2025 ruling did not reflect the interest of a critical party in  the matter – the Peace Movement Party.

 

He consequently ordered for a fresh trial of the motion on notice that resulted in the 2025 judgment with PMP now an interested party.

 

But reacting to the development on Saturday, Adedayo Oketola ,the spokesperson for the INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, informed that until the Commission will reserve action until it receives a Certified True Copy CTC of the said judgment.

 

According to him, the INEC at the moment has not been availed the CTC of the judgment, and is only aware of the said court ruling through information from the media.

 

“The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC is aware of reports circulating in the media regarding the judgment delivered on Friday June 26, 2026, by a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, which set aside an earlier order concerning the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC.

 

“However, as of this moment, the Commission has not yet received the Certified True Copy CTC of the court’s order

 

“Once the Commission’s legal department receives and thoroughly studies the CTC of the judgment, INEC will take an informed, lawful decision in line with the court’s directives.

 

” Until then, we cannot comment on the specifics of the ruling, and the public is urged to await the Commission’s position on the matter”,the statement reads.

 

However, the leadership of the NDC has not only refected the court’s decision, but has resolved to immediately appeal with a view reversing it.

 

The NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, and the National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, had also separately and collectively condemned the Court’s judgment, describing it as a huge assault  on, and set back for democracy in the country.

Nigeria Defeats Eight Other Countries, Re-Elected Into UN Body On Women

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mrs Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia

By Ayodele Oni

 

Congratulatory messages are pouring in for Nigeria’s Mrs. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia who has been re-elected to the United Nations, (UN) Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, CEDAW, for a second four-year term.

In what described as Nigeria major diplomatic win on the global gender equality stage Mrs. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia was re-elected to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, CEDAW, for a second four-year term after defeating eight candidates from other countries.

The election was held at the UN Headquarters in New York on June 26, 2026.

 

 123 Member States, participated in the exercise, according to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development announcement on Friday.

 

Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the victory as “a significant diplomatic milestone” that reaffirms international confidence in Nigeria’s leadership on women’s rights.

 

Sulaiman-Ibrahim pointed out that the re-election builds on momentum from the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, CSW69.

 

“At that session, Nigeria convened a High-Level Event that led to eight sub-national governments — Edo, FCT, Kwara, Imo, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun and Zamfara — signing commitments to domesticate and implement CEDAW.

 

“More states have indicated readiness to join.

 

“The significance of this landmark commitment is that it brings CEDAW closer to the people.

 

“State Governments are translating international obligations into practical actions through stronger protection for women and girls, expanded access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities, and greater accountability in governance,” she declared.

 

CEDAW is the UN body that monitors how countries implement the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

 

Nigeria’s continued seat, the Ministry said, ensures the country helps shape global standards while amplifying Africa’s voice in human rights discussions.

 

The Ministry credited the outcome to months of coordinated lobbying, bilateral and multilateral engagements, and technical preparation led by the Ministry of Women Affairs in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

 

“Special commendation went to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Senator Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, for ‘diligent lobbying, negotiations, and sustained engagement.’

 

Sulaiman-Ibrahim linked the success to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has placed women, children, families and vulnerable groups at the centre of national development.

 

“The administration has declared 2026 the ‘Year of Families and Social Development’ to strengthen families, promote inclusion, and advance gender-responsive governance.”

 

The Minister also acknowledged First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, for its nationwide empowerment of women across nano to medium-scale enterprises.

 

Congratulating Eghobamien-Mshelia, the Minister stated that she “carries the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerian women and girls” into her second term.

 

The Federal Government pledged to convert the international recognition into domestic results through legal reforms, policy coherence, economic empowerment for women, stronger protection systems, and sustained advocacy.

 

“This victory belongs to every Nigerian. It demonstrates what can be achieved when visionary leadership, strategic diplomacy, technical excellence, and national unity are brought together.

 

“Our objective remains clear: to ensure that equality is not only celebrated in international fora but is fully reflected in the lived realities of every Nigerian woman and girl.”

“We Know Why We Are Under Attack, And Who Are After Us” – Dickson, NDC National Leader

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
NDC Officials

 

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, has vowed that the party will not allow the orchestrated judicial hurdles placed on its path to weigh it down or distract it from the task ahead.

 

This is as he expressed the party’s unflinching commitment and determination to explore all available legal options to correct  what he described as a” “judicial anomaly” that occurred under the watch of Honourable Justice Isah Dashen.

 

The source reports that Justice Dashen of a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital, had, on Friday, June 26, 2026, in judgment that have jolted not a few, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to deregister the NDC as a party in the country.

 

But reacting to the development in a statement, Senator Dickson, while expressing shock and disbelief, however, said the party is not all that surprise at the deliberate plot to frustrate its operations.

 

He informed that the party is very much aware that some forces in the political space of the country have become manifestly uncomfortable with the mercurial rise of the NDC within a short time, and are, therefore, bent on snuffing life out of it.

 

He, however, assured that the party has put in place all necessary machineries in place to ensure that the glaring act of injustice is reversed.

 

He called on the party’s candidates, members, supporters and the good people of Nigeria to keep the faith, assuring that no amount of ingenious and mischievous antics will distract the party from its avowed mission of providing a credible alternative governance structure for the people.

 

According to him, even amidst the bizarre judgment, thousands of Nigerians have continued to register, and join.the NDC.

 

Following is the full text of the statement.

 

“This morning, I, like several other leaders, officials, candidates of the NDC, and members of the public, was jolted by the order issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja and presided over by Honourable Justice Isah Dashen.

 

“All I can say is that the order lacks legal merit and is intended to affect the foundational credibility and efforts of our party. The order is illegal and will not stand. It is against multi-party democracy, anti-democratic in nature, and aimed at narrowing and stifling the democratic space. It will be resisted by all of us and by all lovers of democracy in Nigeria.

 

“We have assembled our team of lawyers, and they are taking appropriate steps to set the order aside and restore normalcy. I call on all members, supporters, and candidates of the NDC to remain calm and continue with their normal political activities. This is only the first test of our commitment and resilience, both of which are not in doubt. Even this shall pass, and the NDC and all our candidates shall cruise to victory.

 

“We are not naive to expect that the tremendous progress we have achieved in the last five months would go without attack, but this particular development came from a very unlikely source. The application by an unregistered association, which is not a registered political party and has no exclusive right to any logo under the law, is shocking.

 

“Moreover, it was not a necessary party to the suit because it had no interest in the subject matter. It did not apply for registration in 2025, it was not one of the 171 associations that applied, nor was it among the 21 associations shortlisted for registration.

 

“So, we know where this is coming from. It is coming from those who are shocked by the progress the NDC has made within such a short period as a result of our hard work and commitment to deepening multi-party democracy.

 

“We will not allow this to slow us down or break our spirit. The struggle must continue.

 

“We will use appropriate judicial channels to correct the judicial anomaly that occurred under the watch of Honourable Justice Dashen. He has clearly erred in law, and we will take steps to correct it.

 

“All our candidates, supporters, and teeming voters across the country and beyond should hold on firmly and keep the faith. This development shows that our efforts have not gone unnoticed.

 

“I would also like to refer to my favourite quote on struggles “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, then you win.”

 

“We are under attack, as I have repeatedly said we should prepare for challenges such as this. But thereafter, we shall win.

 

“Even with today’s development, thousands of Nigerians are joining us in solidarity. In fact, thousands of Nigerians across the country registered as NDC members today to show their solidarity, sympathy and support for our party. All things work together for good. Men may act with evil intentions, but if it is not the will of God, He turns it around for our good.

 

“I sincerely thank Nigerians for the confidence they continue to repose in the NDC. Your support, encouragement, and belief in our vision only strengthen our resolve to continue the struggle to deepen multi-party democracy in Nigeria.”

Tinubu Appoints Obi Adigwe Coordinator Of Newly Created Health Agency

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Dr Obi Adigwe
Dr Obi Adigwe

By Akinwale Kasali 

 

Dr. Obi Adigwe would become the pioneer Coordinator of the newly established National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, NHTDAO, recently created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

 

The new Federal Government Agency is saddled with the responsibility of driving Nigeria’s Digital Health Transformation.

 

Adigwe’s appointment was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who stated that the newly created office will operate under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

 

The Agency will also serve as the country’s central coordinating platform for digital health and data analytics.

 

It is, however, expected of the Adigwe’s led Agency to strengthen collaboration with other relevant government agencies and private sector stakeholders while providing a unified framework for digital health implementation nationwide.

 

The statement reads:

“The NHTDAO will serve as a meta-level national platform for coordinating the country’s digital-health agenda.

 

“It will reinforce, not replace, the existing statutory functions of relevant departments and agencies.

 

“It will also harmonise and empower the public and private institutions across the health system, set the standards that connect them, and operationalise the National Digital Health Architecture, approved by the National Council on Health in November 2025,” the statement said.

 

The statement stressed that Pesident Tinubu named Adigwe, the current Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, as the pioneer National Coordinator of the new office.

 

According to the Presidency, Adigwe is expected to bring extensive experience in health innovation, artificial intelligence, pharmaceutical research and technology transfer to the role.

 

The statement noted that as Director-General of NIPRD, Adigwe has spearheaded several landmark initiatives, including the ¥300 million Nanotechnology Grant, the AFREXIMBank-funded project for Africa’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient, API, Training Facility, and the development of the roadmap that secured an €18 million European Union grant—the largest awarded in Africa for that thematic area.

 

It also highlighted his international recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic for leading what it described as the world’s first scientific analysis that debunked claims surrounding the Covid Organics herbal preparation.

 

In providing strategic direction and oversight for the new office, President Tinubu approved the constitution of a Steering Committee co-chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Olaniyi Yusuf.

 

Other members include the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Kachollom Daju; the President’s Special Adviser on Technology and Digital Economy, Idris Alubankudi Saliu; National Coordinator of the Sector-Wide Approach, SWAp, Coordination Office, Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq; National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar.

 

Others include; the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina; Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri; the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; a representative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); six representatives of State Commissioners of Health, one from each geopolitical zone; and Pharm. Hamza Buhari, representing industry and community stakeholders.

 

The Presidency added that the establishment of the office is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven healthcare system capable of improving service delivery and health outcomes across the country.

 

“The President expects NHTDAO to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven health system that improves outcomes for all citizens, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration,” Onanuga stated.

Victim Runs Into Her Kidnappers At Motor Park, Raises Alarm, Police Arrests Them, Recovers N11m

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Arrested Kidnappers

By Ayodele Oni

 

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has directed the state commissioner of police to ensure immediate prosecution of three suspected kidnappers arrested at a motor park in the state.

 

A young woman (name withheld), had reportedly spotted three persons at the Ihotu Motor Park, who had previously abducted and tormented her. She courageously held unto one of them and raised an alarm.

 

The incident led to the arrest of three suspected Fulani kidnappers and the recovery of ₦11 million in cash, believed to be ransom money from her former abductors, as they prepared to board the same vehicle with her to Makurdi, the state capital.

 

It was gathered that the suspects arrived at the popular Ihotu park with the intention of traveling to Makurdi.

 

But, in a twist of fate, they a boarded the same commercial vehicle with the young woman they had previously kidnapped and released after a ransom was paid.

 

The victim who immediately recognized her abductors carrying a bag they had confiscated from her while in their captivity, raised an alarm and physically restrained one of the suspects inside the vehicle.

 

The other two suspects who attempted to flee the scene on foot, were quickly overpowered and apprehended by a mob of drivers and commuters at the park.

 

A search of the suspects’ belongings by the park authorities revealed a large ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ bag, from which the sum of ₦11 million was discovered.

 

In view of the volatile atmosphere, it was gathered that the Ihotu park manager contacted military authorities, apparently to avert a potential jungle justice from the large crowd that had assembled.

 

A joint team of soldiers and police officers who arrived at the scene, swiftly took the suspects and the recovered funds into custody and escorted them to the local station alongside the victim, who gave a formal statement.

 

The incident has since gone viral across the state, following which the State Governor Hyacinth Alia, reportedly contacted the State Commissioner of Police, expressing personal interest in the case and demanding that the suspects be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

 

Meanwhile, the suspects have since been transferred under heavy security escort to the State Police Command Headquarters in Makurdi, for thorough investigation.

Pastor Whips Teenager To Death: “I Only Gave Her 15 Strokes With My Horsewhip”, He Says

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Nigerian Police

By Adesina Soyooye 

 

The General Overseer of one of those new generation Churches has thrown the family of a 13-year old into unprecedented pain and sorrow.

 

Identified as Roman Samson Okoye, he is the General Overseer of Goodness of Jesus Ministry located in Wura Area of Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.

 

Presently, he is not preaching about the goodness of Jesus Christ. Instead he is in the custody of the Police,  telling them how, and why, he flogged a 13-year old to death with a horse whip in the name of  discipline.

 

Death came calling for the teenager identified as Nancy Peters on June 1, 2026, when her mother, Agnes Peters, accused her of stealing her N30,000. 

 

According to her mother, Nancy was in the habit of stealing her money and all efforts, including counselling and punishment by her and Pastor Okoye hadnot helped.

 

But on this fateful day of 1st June, 2026, an agonising death finally stopped her.

 

According to her mother, she suspected that Nancy had stolen the sum of N30,000 from her, but wouldn’t admit it no matter how much she tried to make her confess and  return the money.

 

What to do? She dragged her daughter to their Pastor so she could confess. When they got there, she said, Nancy confessed and told her mother where to find the money. So, she left her daughter with the Pastor, and went home to look for the money. 

 

Just as Nancy said, when her mother got home, she saw the money. But that was where her mother’s joy ended.

 

On her way back to the Pastor’s to confirm to him that she had seen the N30,000, she met the Pastor rushing her daughter to a hospital. She panicked and joined them. Sadly, on getting to the hospital, Nancy was pronounced dead.

 

That’s where the stories, as narrated by both Nancy’s mother and the Pastor began to contradict each other. While her mother insists she only asked the Pastor to counsel her since she had already beaten her daughter at home, Pastor Okoye insists she asked him to beat her in addition to the beatings she already received at home.

 

The Cross River State Police Command confirms that both Pastor Okoro, 45, and the victim’s mother, Agnes Peters, are in custody while investigations are ongoing. 

 

According to the Homicide Sec­tion of the Police Command, the woman took her daughter to the Pastor’s  residence after previous counselling sessions did nothing to stop her daughter’s repeated acts of theft and other worrisome behaviours.

 

Said a source: “It happened on June 1 when the mother brought her 13-year-old daughter to the pastor’s house over an allegation that she stole N30,000.

 

“The woman later left the girl in the pastor’s care, but before she returned, the pastor alleged­ly flogged the teenager with a horsewhip. By the time he rushed her to the hospital, she was con­firmed dead.”

 

However, Pastor Okoye tells a different story. He told Journalists: “I am the  Founder and Gen­eral Overseer of the Goodness of Jesus Ministry.

 

“Before I started my own Ministry, I have worked at different Ministries. I started my own minis3try some years back. 

 

“I met Mrs. Peter about four years ago when she had a misunder­standing with her husband. She had three children for the hus­band but she was sent away by the man. I don’t know what happened between them. The man was not a member of my Church. It was only the woman and her children that were attending my Church. 

 

“When the woman came, she had nothing. She was rejected by the husband with three  children. I began to fund their schools and their upkeep.

 

“God answered the woman’s prayer through me and she started selling fish. The girl had been stealing her mother’s mon­ey. Each time she complained, I would appeal to her to remain calm. I would call the girl and scold her. That happened more than twenty times.

 

“On the Ist of June this year, she brought the girl to my house her­self. The woman complained that she had stolen her money again. She also complained that she was also in the habit of sleeping away from home. She told me that the girl stole her N30,000 and asked that I should beat her. She also stat­ed that she already beat her but wanted me to also beat her.

 

 “I went for my horsewhip and started beating her. I only gave her about thirteen to fifteen strokes when I discovered that the girl became very weak. I quickly rushed her to the hospital but she died when we got to the hospital.

 

“I feel very sad. I didn’t want to kill her. It was her mum that insisted that I must beat her. She was like a daughter to me.”

 

But Mrs  Peter, a resident of Obanleku of Boki Local Gov­ernment Area, denied that she told the Pastor to flog her.

 

She said that the only reason she took her daughter the Pastor’s for counselling and prayer.

 

“It is true that I took my daughter to the Pastor after I discovered that my N30,000 was missing from where I kept it. That was not the first time that she had stolen my money and that was not the first time that I reported her to the pastor.

 

“That day, I took her to my Pastor’ s house, when she refused to disclose where she kept my money. But while we were at the Pastor’s house, she confessed to stealing the money and even told me that she kept the money in one of her trousers.

 

“That was when I quickly stood up to go and confirm where she kept the money and I found my N30,000 in the pocket of one of her trousers. The Pastor had not beaten her, when I left to search where she kept the money. It was when I was coming back that I saw him rushing my daughter to the hospital. I met him on the way I didn’t tell him to kill her daughter.

 

“I had reported her to the Pastor before and I only wanted him to help scold her and counsel her. I was not there when he beat my daughter to death. I only saw when he was taking her to the hospital” 

 

 ASP Eitokpah Sunday, Spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the suspects.

 

Yet, the questions remain: What is a Pastor doing with a horsewhip? Is it for his congregation as many of new generation “Pastors” do in  the name of pastoring? And, what pushed him to give a 13-year old 15 strokes with a horsewhip? Not a few people are outraged, and are asking screaming justice for the 13-year old Nancy.

Special Criminal Court Begins In Edo Next Month

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Court and Law

By Ayodele Oni

 

A special criminal court dedicated to the prosecution of cultists and kidnappers will begin operation in Edo State July 1.

 

The special Court is part of an  avowed commitment to rid the State of cultism and kidnappings

 

The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has approved the establishment of the special criminal court dedicated to the prosecution of suspects.

 

The development follows a formal request by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who recently called for the creation of a special judicial mechanism to accelerate the trial of suspected kidnappers, cultists, and other violent offenders.

 

According to a statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Edo State High Court, B.O. Osawaru, the new court, to be known as “Special Criminal Court 1,” will officially commence operations on July 1, 2026, and will sit in Benin City.

 

He added that the special court is expected to handle offences related to cultism, kidnapping, and other criminal matters that may be assigned by the Chief Judge in line with efforts to enhance the administration of criminal justice in the state.

 

The establishment of the court comes amid heightened security operations across Edo State and growing concerns over cult-related violence and kidnapping activities in several communities.

 

Governor Okpebholo had earlier vowed to intensify the crackdown on criminal elements and ensure speedy prosecution of suspects arrested during ongoing security operations.

 

The governor’s request for the court was conveyed in a letter dated June 19, 2026, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.

 

The correspondence emphasized the administration’s commitment to eradicating cultism and kidnapping while strengthening the state’s justice system.

 

The letter also urged the Chief Judge to nominate judges to preside over the special court, a request that has now culminated in the constitution of the tribunal.

 

Legal observers say the creation of the Special Criminal Court could significantly reduce delays in the prosecution of serious criminal offences while serving as a deterrent to criminal groups operating within the state.

 

The move is widely seen as part of broader efforts by the Edo State Government, security agencies, and the judiciary to restore public confidence in law enforcement and improve security across the state.

Shake Up In Military Commands: COAS, Shaihu, Names New GOCs

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
COAS- Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu visit to 6 Division Nigerian Army
File Photo: COAS. Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu visit to 6 Division, Nigerian Army

By Ayodele Oni

 

To enhance operational effectiveness, the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a strategic reshuffling of senior officers across command, training, and staff positions in the Nigerian Army.

 

The appointments were announced on Saturday, by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who said the move was to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen national security.

 

Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace. He replaces Major General EF Oyinlola.

 

Major General EI Okoro takes over as GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe, replacing Major General EE Emeka.

 

Other major postings include: Major General JR Lar: Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Brigadier General OM Oyekola: Acting Military Secretary (Army), Brigadier General IB Buhari: Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade.

 

Others are Brigadier General K Rabiu: Commander, Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade,

Major General SA Emmanuel: Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command, Major General O Adegbe: Director, Intelligence and Security, Defence Headquarters and Brigadier General I Waziri remains Chief of Staff in the Office of the COAS.

 

To deepen force readiness, Major General KE Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commandant, National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant, Nigerian Army Armour School.

 

Major General SO Adejimi is now Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport. Major General FS Etim will serve as Chief of Training, TRADOC NA. Brigadier General U Ahmad takes over as Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

 

Major General KO Ukandu and Major General AI Allison were named Managing Director/CEO of Post Housing Development Limited and Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited, respectively.

 

Anele said Shaibu urged the new appointees to demonstrate “exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment” to the Army’s mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting civil authority.

 

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its transformation drive and commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force,” Anele stated.

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