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Piracy In Gulf Of Guinea: NIMASA Counters Attack On MT Endo Ponente

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Dayo Mobereola - NIMASA DG

At 20:53hrs on Thursday, August 28, 2025, the C4i Centre of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) received an alert from the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade (MDAT) Gulf of Guinea Watchkeepers regarding an attempted boarding of the Malta-flagged chemical tanker, ENDO PONENTE, at position 05°10’N, 001°23’E, close to Lome Port, Togo.

Intelligence gathered from the C4i Centre later placed the vessel at 04°19’16”N, 01°35’59”E, within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The NIMASA Special Mission Vessel DB Lagos, operated by the Nigerian Navy under the Deep Blue Project, was immediately alerted and is currently closing in on the distressed vessel.

The crew have retreated to the Citadel in line with international best practice for ship security.

NIMASA is actively coordinating with the Nigerian Navy and other regional maritime security agencies to ensure the safety of the crew and to support ongoing investigations into the incident.

Commenting on the development, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the Agency ’s commitment to regional maritime security cooperation, stating:

“NIMASA remains committed to strengthening security collaboration across the Gulf of Guinea to safeguard seafarers, deter criminal activity, and ensure safer maritime trade, leveraging on the Deep Blue Project.”

The ENDO PONENTE a moderate-risk Maltese-flagged chemical tanker generally operates across West, Central, and Southern African regions. Its last port call was at Kalamu, Democratic Republic of Congo.

“You Are Responsible For Congestion At Correctional Centres”, Bauchi CJ Tells Prosecutors

By
Ayodele Oni
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Justice Rabi Talatu Umar

By Ayodele Oni

Bauchi State Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar has expressed concern over the absence of prosecutors or late arrival of the quarterly review which has been stalling court proceedings.

Speaking during a quarterly routine visit of Administration of Justice Committee, which she chairs, Umar pointed out that without a prosecutor to advance evidence or give information, such a case cannot be reviewed for either bail or setting free persons involved.

Part of the committee’s duties is review of cases of inmates awaiting trial at the various correctional centres across the state.

Justice Umar had visited Bauchi, Misau, Azare, Jama’are and Ningi correctional centres, as part of ongoing efforts to decongest the correctional facilities across the state and promote timely administration of justice.

The visit was also aimed at reviewing several cases of inmates awaiting trials, and exercise judicial discretion in ordering the release of those deemed eligible.

The. Chief Judge explained that the absence of prosecutors or late arrival of the quarterly review has been stalling proceedings,

At the Bauchi correctional centre, the Chief Judge set free three accused persons for alleged culpable homicide; kidnapping; criminal conspiracy, trespass, and armed robbery, who have spent six years, and four years respectively without trials or attending the court of law.

Umar noted with concern over past sittings of the committee where accused case files could not be traced for review, pointing out that leaving them in confinement for unforeseeable period of time is against their fundamental rights of freedom, hence the committee has resolved to set them free.

She urged prosecutors to exhibit greater diligence in their day-to-day duties, particularly in the quick conclusion of investigations and presenting prompt evidence to the appropriate channels to avoid unnecessary delays in court proceedings.

Justice Rabi advised the inmates who had regained their freedom to be law-abiding and engage in legitimate activities that will benefit them, their families and the society at large.

At Ningi correctional centre, she  granted bail to two awaiting trials inmates and asked those in confinement to reform themselves in order to be of good examples to others when they get into the larger society after serving their jail terms.

Speaking during the exercise, the Bauchi State Controller of Correctional Centres, Isa Nuru Mohammed expressed gratitude to the Chief Judge for her commitment and for taking the time to personally inspect the custodial centres.

Mohammed also acknowledged the vital role played by the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) in supporting the decongestion correctional centres in the state and encouraged the released inmates to demonstrate good behavior as they reintegrate into society.

One of the accused (name withheld) told the committee that he was randomly arrested at a market doing his legitimate duty as a loader following crisis which arose from an annual wrestling jamboree in one of the Local Government Area headquarters of Bauchi state.

Gunmen Abduct Health Worker In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Ayodele Oni

Coming barely a month after a staff of the Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba- Akoko (AAUA), was kidnapped at his residence,  another staff member of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Pastor Ayodeji Akesinro, has been abducted by gunmen in Ondo State.

The victim was reportedly whisked away from his residence at Upenme, in Owo Local Government Area, around 7pm on Thursday.

A senior labour leader under the National Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), who confirmed the incident said the matter had already been reported to security agencies.

In a message circulated among members of the union, leaders expressed shock over the abduction and hinted at possible protests if the situation was not addressed.

His message reads: “I am writing to bring to your attention the distressing news of the kidnapping of our colleague and member, Pastor Akesinro in his house at Upenme on Owo local government area of Ondo State at about 7pm yesterday, 28th of August, 2025.

“As a union, we have always stood strong in advocating for the welfare and security of our members.

“In light of this unfortunate event, members of NUAHP may need to declare a day of protest in Owo to demand the immediate and safe release of Pastor Akeshinro.”

The union further listed its demands which include the immediate and safe release of the victim, tighter security in Owo and its environs, and collaboration with security operatives to apprehend those behind the abduction.

“Injury to one is injury to all. Solidarity forever!” the union declared.

Pastor Blames Generational Curse For Violating Daughter

By
Ayodele Oni
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Judiciary and Court

By Ayodele Oni

A 42-year-old Pastor, Samson Ajayi, accused of rap#ing his daughter has admitted  before a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State that the act was a generational course.

Ajayi was arraigned before the court on Thursday over allegation of  ra#ing his 17 years old daughter.

Report revealed that Ajayi, a father of five, had been involved in the incest for over four years in Igoba, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The mother of the victim was said to have been unaware of the se#ual abuse of her daughter by her father until she discovered last week.

It was learnt that after the discovery, she decided to report the incident at the Igoba police station and the suspect was later arrested at a prayer mountain.

Ajayi was, therefore, arraigned in court on two counts bothering on rape and defilement.

The suspect confessed in court to the se#ual abuse of his daughter, attributing it to what he mentioned as generational curse.

He said: “I eventually did it. But I didn’t know what came over me. I think it is a generational curse because my father also did it to my sister, his biological daughter. It was just an act to disgrace me.”

The court was informed by the prosecutor, Martins Olowofeso, that Ajayi committed the alleged offence between March 2021 and August 2025, in his residence at Igoba.

The charge sheet reads in part: “That you, Samson Ajayi ‘m’ sometimes between July 2021 and August 2025, at Igoba, Akure in the Akure Magisterial district did have carnal knowledge of your biological daughter (name withheld) ‘F’17 years.”

According to the charge, the offences contravene Sections 3 (a, b, and c) 25 of the Ondo State Violence against Persons Prohibition Laws of Ondo State 2021.

The suspect’s lawyer, Kehinde Osadugba, requested for settlement, saying the victim’s mother had forgiven him because he was the breadwinner of the family.

But the court presided over by Magistrate Taiwo Lebi declined the request.

The court stated that Ajayi’s confession had provided probable cause to remand him to the correctional facility.

Magistrate Lebi, therefore, ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Facility pending the issuance of advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP).

The Magistrate also ordered the  prosecutor to duplicate the case file and send it to the DPP for further advice while adjourning the case to November 20 for review.

NGE Condemns Killing Of Journalists In Gaza, Harassment Of Nigerian Journalists

By
The Source
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Eze Anaba - NGE President

The Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, has lamented the killing of Journalists in Gaza.

In the past few days, five Journalists covering the full blown war have been killed in missile and artillery attacks by Israeli forces. This is excluding those who had earlier been killed in the ongoing war. The five were working for Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera, and Middle East Eye.

The Guild, also, condemned the harassment and intimidation of Nigerian Journalists by Security Agencies, especially, the Nigerian Police, citing the current ordeal of Azuka Ogujiuba, Publisher of Media Room Hub as an example.

In a statement signed by its President, Eze Anaba and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the NGE said that “Targeting and killing Journalists in Gaza constitutes a war crime and an unacceptable attempt to impede work of Journalists and concealment truth from war areas.”

Following the full text of the statement.

“The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) expresses deep concern over the relentless targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza.

“We strongly condemn the recent killing of five journalists: Husam al-Masri (Reuters), Mariam Dagga (AP freelance journalist), Mohammad Salama (Al Jazeera), Ahmed Abu Aziz (Middle East Eye), and Moaz Abu Taha, through artillery and missile attacks by Israeli forces.

“These heinous acts are a blatant breach of international law, specifically the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I, which provide for the protection of journalists covering wars.

“Targeting and killing journalists in Gaza constitutes a war crime and an unacceptable attempt to impede the work of journalists and conceal the truth from war areas.

“We demand an immediate cessation of the targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza and other parts of the world, as well as an end to the war in Gaza.

“We call for thorough investigations into these unfortunate incidents and for those responsible to be held accountable.

“The international community must rise up to protect press freedom and ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence, reprisal, or death.

“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Gaza and around the world, who risk their lives to bring the world the truth. We praise the bravery and dedication of journalists who continue to report from war zones and dangerous areas.

“The Guild also condemn the recent arrest, harassment, and intimidation of Nigerian journalists, including Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub, by the Nigeria Police Force over coverage of a court case.

“This is a clear attempt to silence journalists performing their lawful duties. We demand that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, halt the harassment and intimidation of journalists and respect their constitutional rights.

“We urge the government and security agencies to uphold press freedom and respect the media’s constitutional right to hold those in authority accountable.

“We stand with journalists facing intimidation in Nigeria, and we will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists and press freedom.

“Signed:

For: Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)

“Eze Anaba

President,  NGE

“Onuoha Ukeh

General Secretary,  NGE

28/8/2025”

Focus On Winning Souls, Not Materialism,  Politics, Uzodimma Tells Churches

By
The Source
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Senator Hope Uzodimma

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has admonished Churches to prioritise  the winning of souls as against the current craze for materialism embodied in prosperity gospel

He also cautioned Priests against using the pulpit to play politics as that is against the tradition of the Church.

He spoke on Thursday in Abuja as the Chairman of the occasion during the General Assembly of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.

Uzodimma who reflected on the theme of the Assembly, Faithfulness to the Liturgy: A Liturgical Vision for a Hopeful Future in Abuja Archdiocese, deplored the practice whereby churches place more emphasis on materialism and politics above evangelism and strict observance to the Liturgy.

“It  is true that Church infrastructure is important, but no edifice, no matter how grand can substitute for the winning of souls. That remains the church’s foremost duty, “he submitted.

He lamented what he described as the monetisation of the liturgy through fundraising activities embedded in the church, saying that it erodes the sacredness of worship.

Uzodimma said the blessings from the liturgy were not for sale as being practised by some ignorant priests.

Uzodimma stated: “We understand that the Church has financial needs. But there is already a calendar for bazaars and harvests. And when funds are raised, let it be done with dignity and restraint befitting the House of God. ”

While urging the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, to raise some of those aberrations at the Bishops Conference, with a view to restoring order, Uzodimma campaigned vigorously for a deep respect for the liturgy by Catholic faithful.

“What distinguishes the Catholic Church through the ages is its uncompromising commitment to liturgical discipline. This fidelity has preserved her unity,integrity, and witness.  For me, the liturgy is  the soul of the church while liturgical discipline is the oxygen that sustains her, “the governor submitted.

On the progress so  far made by the Abuja Archdiocese and its future,  Uzodimma was full of praises for both the clergy and the laity for the appreciable strides recorded.

According to him, with the number of Priests and Parishes, Abuja Archdiocese had justified its creation from Minna Diocese about 40 years ago.

He declared:  “From my personal experience attending Mass in Abuja, I can testify that there is a strong commitment to the structure and spirit of the liturgy.  This is heartwarming, and it must be preserved. ”

He called on the Archdiocese to remain faithful, renew its commitment to the Liturgy as holy witness while raising a generation of clergy and laity who will see the liturgy not as a task but as a gift.

Gov Mbah Has No Business With APC, ADC, PDP Chairman Insists

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Peter Mbah
Gov Peter Mbah

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst persistent and widespread speculations suggesting that the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, may be pitching tent with the All Progressive Congress APC, the Enugu State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  has insisted that the Governor has no plans now, or in the future to abandon the party.

Since the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Enugu State earlier in the year, the rumour mill has been saturated with news of Governor Mbah’s planned  defection to the ruling party at the centre.

The speculations even became more  rife and strident  following the defections of Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Dr Umo Eno, both PDP members, to the APC about three months ago.

Despite playing visible roles in the recent efforts of the PDP to rediscover itself, including being recently drafted as the Secretary of the Party’s National Convention Planning Committee, talks about Governor Mbah  still exiting the PDP have  continued unabated.

But reacting to the development on Thursday, the Enugu State PDP Chairman, Dr Martin Chukwunwike, noted that the clarification has become necessary going by speculations in some sections of the media suggesting that Mbah is planning to leave the PDP.

The state PDP Chairman who spoke during an interactive session with the party’s wards and Local Council Executive Members in Enugu North Senatorial District, maintained that the party’s structures in the State are intact and safe.

“Governor Mbah, the leader of PDP in Enugu State, and all of us, are still in the party. The Governor has no intention to  join another political party.

“The Governor is still flying the flag of PDP. I, therefore, urge party members in the State and the general public to disregard this as unfounded and baseless.speculations”, Chukwunwike noted.

He emphasized that the visit of the Party State Executives was to appreciate the immeasurable support the Senatorial Zone has been given to the Governor.

“The party is happy in that the Zonal Executives in the Enugu North Senatorial District have always given maximum support to the Governor and the party executives.

“Governor Mbah is transforming the State with huge infrastructures in every Political Ward. Overwhelming majority of Enugu residents are happy that the State has a smart, intelligent ,and performing Governor, who is utilizing available resources judiciously and equitably”, the PDP Chairman asserted.

Rivers Local Government Election Must Go On, Court Rules

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Rivers State Electoral Commission - RISEC

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An attempt to halt the conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area election  scheduled for August 30, 2025, was on Thursday August 28, 2025, failed following the dismissal of a motion filed by an aggrieved  citizen.

The Source reports that the Rivers state Independent Electoral Commission RSIEC had fixed the Saturday August 30 date for the conduct of polls to elect Council Officials after the nullification, by the Supreme Court of an earlier exercise held on October 5, 2024.

However, the planned election has been greeted by a plethora of criticisms, and some political parties have already signified their  boycott of the polls which not a few have dubbed “illegal and unconstitutional”.

Ruling on the motion filed by a Port Harcourt based legal practitioner, Williams Abayomi-Stanley, challenging the validity and propriety of the planned election, Justice Stephen Jumbo of the Rivers State High Court, while dismissing the application, said that the exercise will go ahead as scheduled.

However, while dismissing the ex-parte motion to halt the polls, the presiding judge granted the applicant’s request for a substituted service of the motion on notice to the parties in the case .

Justice Jumbo held that the applicant’s motion to stop the planned election lack merit, and, therefore, cannot be granted.

He adjourned proceedings to September 10, 2025 ,for the commencement of hearing on the substantive suit.

The applicant in the motion on notice is challenging the process leading up to the said Local Council polls, including the appointment and constitution of the Chairman and members of the RSIEC by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ,and the National Assembly.

The claimant is praying the Court to determine if by virtue of the provisions of the 1999  Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, the President has the power to appoint persons into the RSIEC.

In another suit filed by a former member of the APC House Of Assembly candidate, Chima Nnokam and four others at the State High Court ,the claimants, among other things, are seeking an order of the Court, to declare  the Local Council polls illegal and unconstitutional.

They are also contending that going by the provisions of all relevant extant laws, the appointment and constitution of the membership of the State’s Electoral Commission by persons other than the duly elected officials of Rivers State (Governor and Members of the State’s House of Assembly) is illegal null and void.

The applicants are also  seeking an  order of the court , recognizing the sacked Justice Adolphus Enebli-led RSIEC as the legitimate Electoral body pending the end of its tenure.

NEC Takes Measures To Eradicate Polio, Endorses Renewed Hope Medium Term Dev Plan

By
Ayodele Oni
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NEC Meeting in Abuja

By Ayodele Oni

At its 151st meeting on Thursday, the National Economic Council, (NEC) took step to ensure total eradication of polio disease among children following resurgence of the ailment.

The council approved new measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s immunisation system.

The NEC meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, also endorsed the Renewed Hope Medium-Term Development Plan (2026–2030), a blueprint expected to guide national growth over the next five years.

The Council at its 151st meeting held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, explained that polio vaccination coverage had increased from 81 percent to 84 percent.

It noted that the progress was a step forward in the campaign to rid the country of the virus and therefore pledged renewed focus on routine immunisation to sustain the momentum.

This was as officials noted that the plan would serve as a roadmap for strengthening healthcare, scaling up routine vaccination, and investing in critical areas of the economy.

The renewed push specifically aligned with global efforts by the World Health Organisation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to wipe out polio completely.

Nigeria, which was declared free of wild polio virus in 2020, is believed to be at risk of resurgence due to gaps in vaccination and circulation of vaccine-derived strains in some geopolitical zones of the country.

Ebonyi Increases Minimum Wage To N90,000

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ebonyi State Governor - Francis Nwifuru
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru

By Ayodele Oni

As part of measures to improve standard of living of workers, Ebonyi state government has announced an increment in the minimum wage of state civil servants from N70,000 to N90,000.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebe, made the disclosure on Thursday, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state Executive Council meeting.

Omebe stated that the increment was aimed at enhancing workers’ welfare, adding that it took effect immediately and applied to all categories of the workforce.

“We want to state categorically that this is not a political statement, as this government does not toy with workers’ welfare.

“The government has offset the pension and gratuities of state retirees from its creation in 1996 to date.

“The verification process for retirees in the Local Government Areas had commenced, and when completed, the payment will be made,” he said.

He also said that if the government did not play politics with such huge financial obligations, it would not do so with additional N20,000 to workers.

“The governor is a leader, builder of capacity, human beings, and infrastructure.

“The government is anchored on the biblical people’s charter of needs mantra, which is leading the people according to their needs.”

Omebe disclosed that the EXCO also considered implementing the eighth-year tenure policy for directors and the immediate retirement of those who have served in the same cadre for the specified period.

“The EXCO exhaustively deliberated on the issue and approved its implementation for the affected permanent secretaries and directors.”

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