Home Blog Page 729

Ebonyi: One Arrested With Human Heads, As Police Burst Criminal Syndicate

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Police on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Ebonyi State Police Command on Wednesday March 5, 2025, said it is hot on the heels of those remotely, or directly connected with a suspect arrested with  human skulls.

A statement from the Command’s spokesperson Joshua Ukandu, SP, informed that one Chigozie Uvuta, was apprehended in Okoffia Community, Ezza South Local Council of the State with two human skulls.

According to Ukandu, the suspect has confessed to being given the human skulls and other vital organs for the purpose of preparing spiritual concoctions for some persons.

Subsequently, the State Police authorities, said they have intensified efforts towards closing in on all those mentioned in relation to the human skulls.

“During further interrogation, Ovuta (arrested suspect) confessed that the human skulls were given to him for the preparation of a spiritual concoction.

The Command is actively pursuing the individuals mentioned in connection with this case”, the Police statement partly reads.

In another development, the Command announced the smashing of a criminal syndicate specializing in altering the colours of stolen tricycles from neighbouring States of the South East region.

“In a separate operation, while tracking a stolen tricycle, Operatives of the Command uncovered a criminal syndicate specializing in altering the colours of stolen tricycles from neighbouring States.

This operation led to the arrest of four males, Nweke Chukwudi, Nwankwo Obinna, John Abba, and Uche Abba.

Three stolen tricycles were recovered from the suspects who admitted to receiving the tricycles from accomplices for colour modifications”,the Police noted .

While reaffirming the commitment of the Command towards adequately policing the State, the Service urged the public to remain vigilant, and report any suspicious movements or activities to Security Agencies.

The Command’s spokesman assured that suspects will be arraigned as soon as  investigations are concluded.

Sexual Harassment Petition: Natasha Suffers Setback

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

By Ayodele Oni

Following a turbulent session, the Senate seems to have rejected a sexual harassment petition filed against its president, Godswill Akpabio.

 Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had submitted the petition against Akpabio on Wednesday, after opening remarks at plenary.

The Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Munguno, citing Order 40(4), argued that Senate rules must be strictly adhered to, warning that any deviation could lead to “chaos and anarchy.”

He insisted that the Senate must “stamp its feet in defense of its rules,” emphasizing that no matter pending before a court of law should be deliberated upon by the Senate, as it would be deemed subjudice.

Munguno further pointed out that the house rules prohibit any senator from presenting a petition personally signed stating, “Senator Natasha had signed her own petition, rendering it procedurally invalid.”

In her remarks, Natasha Akpoti  argued that her case before the court was not related to sexual harassment, but rather to malicious comments about her dressing.

In an attempt to restore order, former Senate Leader Abdullahi Adamu noted that since Senate President Akpabio had already ruled on the matter, the petition should proceed to the Ethics Committee for review, stressing that “When the issue gets to the committee, the chairman will uphold all the rules.”

This generated mixed reactions, leading to a flurry of points of order and a brief commotion in the chamber.

Weighing in on the matter, the Leader of the house, Opeyemi Bamidele reaffirmed that no senator can author or sign own petition, adding that the Senate must uphold its rules to avoid setting a dangerous precedent.

He further noted that “the Senate President’s wife had already taken legal action on the matter, reinforcing the argument that the issue was already before the courts and therefore could not be entertained by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.”

Bamidele said, “Mr. President, I sympathize with you as a man being accused of sexual harassment.

“We are guided by three things: The Constitution, the Rule Book, and… Mr. President, we are not guided by emotions. You were being emotional, that was why you took that petition.

We must be guided by our Rule Book.”

Responding to Bamidele’s comment, Akpabio explained that he had allowed the petition because he did not want the public—who may not understand Senate procedures—to believe that he was victimizing Natasha.

The President said, “Senate Leader, I took that petition because I didn’t want the people who do not understand our rule in the Senate to think that I am deliberately silencing her because I am involved.”

Amid rising tensions, the Senate Leader called for a closed-door session, but the Senate President ruled that plenary should continue.

NCDC Records Drop In Measles Cases In Nigeria

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Dr Jide Idris
Director-General, NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris

By Ayodele Oni

There is a sharp drop in measles cases in the country as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) disclosed 627 suspected measles cases in 30 states and 213 Local Government Areas (LGAs) as of January 31, 2025.

According to the Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris who disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, said that this marked a significant drop from the 2,157 cases recorded in January 2024.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defined measles as a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

WHO, said that the virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for hours, making transmission easy.

The UN health organisation pointed out that the symptoms usually start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads across the body.

It noted that severe complications include pneumonia, blindness, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and, in some cases, death—particularly among unvaccinated children and those with weakened immune systems.

According to Idris, the measles situation report for Epidemiological Week 7 (February 10–16, 2025), 112 of the suspected cases, 17.86 per cent, have been laboratory-confirmed, with no deaths recorded.

He stated that this was a notable improvement from the same period in 2024, which saw 23 confirmed measles deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate of 0.96 per cent.

Idris states that Katsina (102), Jigawa (84), Akwa Ibom (56), Kebbi (52), and Enugu (32) recorded the highest number of suspected cases, accounting for over half of the national total.

He also revealed that 81.3 per cent of confirmed cases involved individuals who had not received any dose of the measles vaccine, underscoring a major gap in immunisation coverage.

The DG pointed out that further analysis showed that nearly half, 46.4 per cent, of confirmed cases occurred in children aged nine to 59 months.

“As of January 31, 38 LGAs across 18 states were experiencing active measles outbreaks, with Katsina leading (7 LGAs).

“Other states with multiple outbreak-affected LGAs include Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Sokoto, each reporting three affected local government areas. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles.

“The measles-containing vaccine, typically administered as part of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine, is given in two doses at nine months and 15 months per the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) guidelines.”

He advised that strengthened routine immunisation, particularly in high-risk areas, early detection and rapid response to suspected cases and public health awareness campaigns were critical to encourage vaccination.

Idris stressed the importance of vaccination in preventing measles outbreaks and urged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive the recommended doses while the agency was also working to improve surveillance and outbreak response to curb further spread.

As the agency intensifies its immunisation efforts, Idris stressed the need for increased community engagement, better vaccine accessibility, and stronger collaboration between health agencies and local communities to eliminate measles.

He urged Nigerians to stay informed through official health updates and participate in vaccination campaigns.

Akpoti-Uduaghan Formally Reports Akpabio To Senate Over Alleged Sexual Harassment

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Godswill Akpabio
Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

By Ayodele Oni

Resuming from a week long recess, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan [PDP, Kogi Central]  formally presented a petition to the red chamber, documenting her allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

She invoked order 40 of the Senate Standing Rules to consummate the official presentation of her allegation immediately after Akpabio’s opening remarks at Wednesday’s plenary.

Akpabio had earlier denied allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by Natasha, stating that he had never harassed any woman in his life and times.

Akpabio too addressed the allegations during Wednesday’s Senate plenary session.

He dismissed the claims, emphasizing his respect for women and highlighting his past recognition as Nigeria’s most gender-friendly governor.

“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women.”

He also urged Nigerians, the media, and social media users to allow due process to take its course rather than making premature conclusions.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had, after Akpabio’s remark, invoked Senate Order 40.

Recognised by Akpabio, she formally accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

She requested permission to lay her petition to those effects before the Senate.

There were instant reactions by some senators, but she could not be stopped from exercising her rights and privileges.

The Senate subsequently referred her petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for a detailed review.

The committee has been directed to investigate the matter thoroughly and report its findings.

The controversy stems from a heated confrontation in February over a seat rearrangement in the Senate chamber.

The incident, which initially appeared to be a minor dispute, has since escalated into a serious issue, heightening tensions in the Senate.

I Have Not Resigned, I’m Solidly Behind My Boss – Rivers Dep Gov, Odu

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Prof Ngozi Odu - Rivers State Deputy Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Amidst political row in Rivers State, the Deputy Governor, Prof Ngozi Odu, has confirmed that she has not resigned.

In a viral video circulating on social media, it was alleged that the deputy governor stepped down due to intense pressure.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the press secretary, Owupele Benebo, Prof Odu clarified that, contrary to the claims made in the video, she remains committed to her responsibilities.

“The Office of the Deputy Governor of Rivers State categorically denies the false and misleading reports circulating online suggesting that Her Excellency, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, DSSRS, has resigned.

“Contrary to these baseless allegations, Her Excellency is fully committed to her duties as Deputy Governor, a role she was duly elected to fulfill alongside His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, the Executive Governor of Rivers State.

“As a seasoned public servant and academic, Prof. Odu is devoted to assisting the Governor in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.

“Her exemplary leadership and expertise have been invaluable to the administration, and she remains unwavering in her commitment to supporting His Excellency, Sir Dr. Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS.”

The statement urged the public to disregard “the unfounded reports, which are clearly the result of malicious speculation.”

Finally, Akpabio Denies Harassing Natasha Sexually, Says His Mother Raised Him Well

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio
Natasha Akpoti and Senator Godswill Akpabio

Following a long silence on his part on the allegation of sexual harassment allegation against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has finally spoken.

Akpabio reacted to the allegation during Wednesday Plenary at the Red Chamber. He denied the allegation, saying, he as a responsible gentleman, could not have done what the Kogi senator accused him of.

The Senate President wife, had earlier denied the allegation against Akpabio, accusing Natasha of trying to blackmail her husband. She had sued Natasha for a whopping N250 billion, apart from praying the court to compel her to apologise to the Senate President and her family on a national daily.

The issue has generated serious reactions from not a few Nigerians, particularly women groups who are calling for a probe.

Responding to the allegation, Akpabio said today that he had never harassed any woman sexually, describing himself to be very gender friendly.

“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,’ Akpabio said.

The Natasha/Akpabio clash started few days ago after the Kogi lawmaker protested after she was bared from speaking during Senate plenary by Akpabio who also ordered her to be ‘taken out’ of the chamber, for failing to sit on the place allocated to her.

Natasha would later  accused the Senate President of harassing her because she refused to give in to his sexual advances, citing some instance where Akpabio wooed her, including in the Senate President’s home in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, with her husband not too far away.

The lawmaker has also sued Akpabio for N150 billion after the Senate set up an investigation panel on the matter.

Osun LGAs Crisis: APC Accuses Gov Adeleke Of Begging Ex-APC Chairman, Akande To Intervene

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Bisi Akande

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun state has chided Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state for ‘begging’ a former Acting Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande after allegedly instigating the bloody violence in the state, over the control of Local Government Areas, LGAs.

Governor Adeleke visited the APC chieftain and a former governor of the state, in his Ibadan home amid suggestions that he’s seeking his support in the current LGAs crisis.   

The crisis has led to the death of at least six  persons, including a former Chairman of  Irewole Local Government, Remi Abass, a member of the APC. who was shot on his way to the council secretariat recently.

The magazine reported that the APC and PDP have clashed over who should be in control of the 24 LGAs in the state, as the parties brandish court judgment in support of their positions.

Amidst the crisis, the ruling APC claimed that Governor Adeleke visited Akande in search of a soft landing, and for him to prevail on APC LGAs chairmen, who have taken over the LGAs secretariat to back down.

According to a statement signed by the state APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, the governor must take responsibility for the killings that took place rather than trying to beg Akande to gain his support.

The party said there’s nothing Adeleke could do to buy Akande , who is a democrat into his side, asking whether the governor wanted the APC chieftain to approve the killings that took place in the state, for which it said Adeleke must be held responsible.

Part of the statement read, “It was strange that Governor Adeleke and his cohorts could find a way to Pa Akande’s residence after the Peoples Democratic Party’s thugs, acting on the governor’s body language, had killed one of the reinstated local government council chairmen of Chief Akande’s party, Hon Remi Abass, in Ikire and other members of the opposition party in the other parts of the state a few days ago.

“We want to impress it on Governor Adeleke and his co-travellers that Pa Akande is a democrat and no amount of under-the-table arrangement would make the former governor of the state work against the interest of his party. Does Governor Adeleke want Pa Akande to praise him for being instrumental in the killing of the chieftain and members of his party?

“We want to believe that there are knowledgeable political lieutenants of Governor Adeleke who should guide him aright that the proper place for him to go if at all he has any case for redress after the Akure verdict of 10th of February, 2025, is the Supreme Court.”

The magazine reports that following the bloody clash among the supporters of the two parties, Governor Adeleke directed elected PDP chairmen to stay away from the 30 council secretariats to avert further bloodshed. 

Crisis Looms Again In Lagos Assembly, As Obasa, Lawmakers Disagree Over Onafeko As Clerk

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Mudashiru Obasa and Olalekan Onafeko

By Akinwale Kasali

There is a brewing crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly between the reinstated Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the Lawmakers over plans by Obasa to reinstate suspended Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko.

Onafeko was suspended on January 13th, 2025, by the then Speaker of House, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, and was replaced by Ottun Babatunde.

Following the reinstatement of Obasa, he is pushing for the reinstatement of Onafeko, which the Lawmakers vehemently reject.

Onafeko has dragged Babatunde and the Assembly to the National Industrial Court to seek redress.

However, on Monday when Obasa was reelected, Ottun acted as Clerk at the Monday plenary.

Onafeko had earlier stated that he was still standing by the Court’s decision and added that he was also open to political resolution and the decision of the House.

He said, “Sometimes, you mange the situation. That doesn’t mean you don’t know what you’re doing, but for the sake of peace and the integrity of the institution itself, and I want to defer to the members of the House. I know that they will do the right thing. So, let’s take it one step at a time.

“It’s not something that you can only sort out by the law. The political and human aspects will also be looked into. The most important thing is what is good for the institution and and the state itself,” he said.

With the refusal of the Lawmakers to approve his reinstatement, there may be another crisis in the Assembly, as Obasa is eager and bent on reinstating Onafeko.

President Tinubu Salutes Obasanjo @ 88, Says “He’s Extraordinary Leader”

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Olusegun Obasanjo and Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

In a special birthday tribute, President Bola Tinubu has described a former Nigerian leader, Olusegun Obasanjo as “an extraordinary leader and statesman who has made enormous contributions to Nigeria’s development.”

The president pointed out that “sometimes controversial,” Obasanjo’s contributions have assisted in reshaping policies and act as guide to rulers.

This was contained in a tribute by President Tinubu to the former military head of state and civilian president on hi 88th birthday.

The statement reads “Today, as former President Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo turns 88, I pay a special tribute to an extraordinary leader and statesman who has made enormous contributions to Nigeria’s development and whose life for the past six decades is woven deeply into the fabric of Nigeria’s history.

“Providence has constantly thrust General Obasanjo to the forefront at critical junctures in Nigeria’s story.

“He served the country meritoriously in the Nigerian Army. As a Colonel, fate beckoned on him while commanding the Third Marine Division to receive the instrument of surrender from Col. Philip Effiong, the Biafran Army Commander, signalling the end of Nigeria’s 30-month civil war.

“General Obasanjo also made history as the military leader who took over the reins of power following General Murtala Mohammed’s death in 1976.

“He completed the administration’s transition programme and successfully handed power to a civilian regime in 1979.

“Twenty years later, in 1999, he emerged as civilian president, freed from prison a year earlier, to herald the rebirth of another democratic dispensation, which recently clocked 25 years and still counting.

“During the two eras, General Obasanjo implemented critical policies and reforms and made important decisions that profoundly impacted the lives of many Nigerians.

“As the head of state, he consistently demonstrated a selfless commitment to national unity, peace, and progress.

“Out of office, only a few will deny that the former president continues to wield considerable influence among the political elite at home and is well-regarded abroad, where he is an ambassador of global peace and a troubleshooter.

“His tireless efforts in conflict resolution, advocacy for good governance, and dedication to Pan-Africanism through institutions like the African Union and the United Nations are testaments to his statesmanship.

“Sometimes controversial, former President Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership.

“I thank General Obasanjo for his onerous contributions to Nigeria. I commend him for his statesmanship and leadership.

“At 88, the former president is still gaining strength. I pray that God Almighty will grant him the grace and strength to live for more years so the nation and Africa can continue to benefit from his wisdom and knowledge.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I extend heartfelt congratulations to this great patriot. Happy 88th Birthday, President Obasanjo!”

Jandor: “Why I Left PDP” … Reveals Bode George Worked Against Party In 2023

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Olajide Adediran - Jandor

By Akinwale Kasali

“Jandor is an undignified fellow” – Bode George

When Olajide Adediran, popular as Jandor, announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, he failed to give reasons why.

But the former Governorship Candidate of the PDP in the 2023 Gubernatorial Election in Lagos State has now finally said why.  He accused the Party of failing to uphold its constitution and of taking actions that undermine internal discipline.

The Convener of Lagos4Lagos Movement also cited internal crisis within the fold as another reason for quitting the Party.

He accused some PDP leaders including a former Deputy National chairman of the party, Olabode George of allegedly working against the party during the 2023 elections.

Adediran said: “I stand before you today with a heavy heart but a clear conscience. We have dedicated ourselves to the ideals of democracy, good governance, and the pursuit of a better Lagos.

Bode George
Chief Bode George: Jandor is an undignified fellow.

“However, it has become evident that the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, both at the state and national levels, has failed to uphold these principles.

“The persistent anti-party activities, internal sabotage, and lack of discipline within the party have severely undermined our collective efforts and made it impossible for genuine progress to be achieved.

“As the governorship candidate in the 2023 election, we ran a campaign based on transformation, development, and the desire for positive change but unfortunately, the internal betrayals and lack of commitment from the party leadership hindered our chances and left many of our supporters bewildered and disillusioned.

“A few days to the election, the supposed leader of the party in Lagos State, Olabode George, who had earlier publicly campaigned against the presidential candidate of the PDP, openly declared support for the gubernatorial candidate of another party in a press conference and also advised Lagosians not to vote for the party he claimed to be leading as a member of the Board of Trustees.

“After the election, we officially complained to the party at the national level believing and expecting that the appropriate sanctions would be applied to all those that committed these anti-party offences by the provisions of the party constitution, but to our utmost chagrin, the party at the centre appointed George as Vice Chairman of a disciplinary committee.

“We have waited this long, to see if there will be some sort of respite, but what we see, even at the top is that the same set of leaders that campaigned and worked openly against the party are the ones holding the aces today.

“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, political associates, and supporters, we have made the difficult decision to resign from the Peoples Democratic Party”.

Reacting to his departure from the PDP, George described Adediran as an undignified fellow.

1...728729730...2,968Page 729 of 2,968