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Police Rescue Seven Pregnant Women, Five Infants From Baby Factory In Akwa Ibom.

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Baba Mohammed Azare - Akwa Ibom CP

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, on  Friday, March 21, 2025, announced the busting of an illegal Maternity Home, otherwise known as “Baby factory in Usung Atiak , Abak Local Council of the State.

A statement from the  Command’s spokesperson, Timfon John DSP, said the facility is deeply involved in child trafficking, unlawful medical practice, and impersonation.

The intelligence-driven operation, according to the police, resulted in the arrest of one of the operators, Patience Ene Jimmy.

Similarly, operatives were able to rescue seven pregnant women, and five infants, who are between the ages of two weeks and one year.

The rescued women all hail from different parts of the State, the police stated .

“Further search led to the recovery of various medical supplies ,including syringes, drip lines, herbs and immunization records, for which the suspect had no legal authorization.

“The rescued women and children have been placed under protective care, while investigations are ongoing to uncover other collaborators and ensure justice is served”, the police noted .

The state Commissioner of Police CP, Baba Mohammed Azare ,according to the statement ,has reaffirmed the Command’s total commitment towards  dismantling illegal activities endangering vulnerable individuals in the state

He, therefore, urged residents to remain vigilant, security conscious, and report any suspicious activities or movements around them to the nearest Police formation.

Thursday’s Parliamentary Vote On Rivers Confirms Democracy Non-existent In Nigeria – Peter Obi On X

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The parliamentary vote held yesterday (Thursday) clearly demonstrates that democracy, in its true sense, does not exist in Nigeria. Where there is no functional opposition, democracy cannot thrive.

Opposition is a critical pillar of any democratic system. It ensures that the right things are done, holds the ruling party accountable, and offers alternative viewpoints. However, an effective opposition can only exist within a system that supports proportional representation—an approach practised in countries like South Africa and Indonesia.

In South Africa, for example, the National Assembly has 400 seats. The African National Congress (ANC) received about 40% of the vote and holds approximately 160 seats, while the Democratic Alliance (DA), with about 20% of the vote, holds around 80 seats—alongside several other parties. Those who contested the presidential election remain the recognised leaders of their respective parties.

A similar situation exists in Indonesia and other countries where democracy is genuinely practised. As is the norm in such systems, laws prohibit elected officials from switching parties without forfeiting their seats. This helps maintain party discipline and preserves the sanctity of the electoral mandate. These mechanisms contribute to a more balanced, accountable, and credible democratic process.

If that were the case in Nigeria, our Senate—comprising 109 seats—would be more reflective of electoral realities, with the APC holding 44 seats, the PDP 33 (under the leadership of Atiku), and the Labour Party 27 (under my leadership). Ideally, the House of Representatives should mirror this balance, with approximately 144 APC members, 108 PDP members, and 90 Labour Party members. But this is far from the case. The absence of laws restricting party defection allows politicians to switch allegiances freely and without consequence. This not only weakens the opposition but also makes a mockery of the electorate’s will and undermines the integrity of our democratic institutions.

What we are left with is not a genuine democratic system, but one that is transactional, compromised, and, in many respects, resembles organised criminality. Unless we urgently implement reforms to entrench true democratic principles, enforce party discipline, and ensure fair representation, Nigeria’s democracy will remain fragile and dysfunctional.

But we will not surrender to criminality. We shall continue to fight for democracy—genuine democracy.

Obi was the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections

Killing Of Imo Teenager: Police Vows Justice For Victim

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Police Officer

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo state police authorities said they have arrested a 64 year old legal practitioner, Donald Mbamah, in connection with the  alleged shooting and killing of  a  teenager, Paul Victor, in Area N, World Bank New Owerri.

This is even as the Police informed that investigations are still ongoing to fully ascertain the actual circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.

Victor, a 16-year old student of Urban Development Secondary,  Owerri, Imo state capital  was said to have on Monday March 17, 2025, scaled the fence of the residence of Barr.Mbamah to retrieve a ball, he and his mates were playing with.

He was, however, shot by the legal practitioner, according to the Police preliminary findings .

In a statement issued on Friday, March 21, 2025, by its spokesperson, Henry Okoye, the Imo State Police Command, noted that the victim was confirmed dead on Thursday, March, 20, at the General Hospital Umuguma, where he was taken to for medical attention.

“The Imo State Police Command has arrested Barrister Donald Mbamah ,a 64-year old man ,in connection with the shooting of a 16-year old student, Paul Victor, on March 17, 2025.

“The incident occurred at approximately 12:34 pm at Mbamah’s residence located at Area N ,World Bank New-Owerri.

“The victim , a student of Urban Development Secondary School ,was allegedly shot in the buttocks under circumstances that are still under investigation.

“Police Operatives from the New-Owerri Division, led by  the DPO swiftly responded to a distress call from a concerned neighbour who heard the gunshot

They arrived at the scene, apprehended the suspect and rushed the victim to the General Hospital Umuguma for treatment.

“Despite efforts to save him the victim was confirmed dead on March 20 ,2025.

“Following the incident , Barrister Donald Mbamah was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department CID for questioning .

“A thorough investigation is ongoing and the police are working to recover the alleged firearm used in the shooting.

“Photographs were also taken at the crime scene as part of the investigation”, the police stated.

The Command while extending its condolences to the family, relations and friends of the deceased, also affirmed its determination to ensure that justice is done.

The police authorities assured that ,the suspect will be immediately arraigned once investigations are concluded.

This is just as the Command urged residents to shun the temptation of resorting to self help .

Ondo Amotekun Parades 32 Suspected Kidnappers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Amotekun Parades Kidnappers

By Ayodele Oni

Waking up from weeks of inactivity, the Amotekun Security Corps in Ondo State  has announced the arrest of no fewer than 32 suspected kidnappers.

The suspects, according to the security outfit, were apprehended at various forests across the State where the dastardly acts are being carried out.

While addressing journalists, the Commandant of the Amotekun Corps in the State, Adetunji Adeleye, said that the collaborative efforts of other security agencies in the state made the work easier.

Adeleye disclosed further that the kidnappers were the one involved in kidnapping cases being recorded in the State in the last few weeks mostly from Akure North Local Government Area of the State.

Adeleye stated that “with the collaborative efforts of other security agencies, we were able to smoke the kidnappers out of the bush

“We have also noticed that, the kidnappers do come with trucks bringing food stuffs from the North in large numbers to the south which efforts have been put in place to stop such.“

He, therefore, urged members of the public to notify security agencies when suspecting strange things or movement around them

The Suspects were apprehended at Ago Oyinbo, Ago Daada and Ago Sunday where kidnapping and killings by the herdsmen were rampant of recent.

He said that all the Security Agencies have set up  check points across the State mostly the Akoko area, saying that the leaders of Miyattu Allah in the State have pledged their supports with the Security Agencies to restore peace in the State.

Not less than 30 persons have fallen victims of herdsmen attacks in recent weeks in the state.

Government had faulted the figure which prompted protesters to dump corpses of five persons maimed to death early in the week at the gate of Governor’s office, Akure.

“Our Lives Are In Serious Danger” – Christian Organization Cries Out To  Abia Government

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Jesus Holy Ministry Aba

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An Aba-based Christian Faith  Organization, the Jesus Holy Ministry, on Thursday March 20,2025 , petitioned the Abia state Government over a serious threat posed to the health of its over two thousand members by the unregulated activities of a neighbouring poultry farm.

This is even as it accused the State Ministry of Environment and its officials of closing their eyes to the serious  health challenges being faced by thousands of residents, owing to the unwholesome and unhygienic activities of the poultry farm owners.

The Church  said the  intervention of the  Abia State Government and other relevant authorities are urgently needed to save its members from being  consumed by possible outbreak of epidemic.

The Christian organization,  in a  petition  to the Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Philemon  Ogbonna, dated January 30, 2025, a copy of which was made available to this magazine, noted that the indiscriminate dumping of poultry wastes on open surface, and their subsequent exposure to sun and rain with its attendant offensive odour and harmful bacteria have exposed its worshipers and guests to serious health challenges.

“My instruction is that my client is a Christian Organization with well over two thousand members/worshipers who attend the Ministry’s religious activities on regular basis and in addition to the regular religious activities. The Ministry, also, has facilities/clinic that takes care of the sick and psychosis.

“My client’s further instruction is that her said Ministry has been in existence at the said address for well over thirty (30) years now and for a larger part of this time it has enjoyed peace, tranquility, cordial relationship and respect/regard with her neighbours until few years ago when one Mr Chijioke Simon ,and his wife who are livestock/poultry farmers set up a large scale poultry farm having well over five thousand (5000) poultry birds adjacent my client’s Ministry/building.

“With the passage of time ,and without any proper environmental/health safety measures on ground at the poultry farm ,the owner of the said farm and their workers began dumping poultry wastes indiscriminately on open surface, and exposed the said poultry wastes to the sun and rains with its attendant odour/harmful bacteria, highly polluted water that flows  out from the farm ,and being that my Client’s Ministry/building is closest to the poultry farm, members of my Client’s Ministry became the first recipient of the harmful toxics coming out from the said poultry farm ,and which has caused serious health challenges to members of the ministry who attend weekly activities of the Ministry”, the Ministry’s lawyer stated.

The Christian organization further noted that several efforts made to get the farm owners to take steps and halt the nuisance have so far been ignored.

According to the  Church ,it had earlier  petitioned the Inspector General of Police, demanding for an investigation into the alleged harmful activities of the poultry farm managers, but all to no avail.

“However, it came to the knowledge of my client that the said farm owners have been recalcitrant ,because  they claimed they have the backing of your office/Ministry (Abia state Environment Ministry) to continue in their act of polluting the environment and causing health challenges to the neighborhood and particularly members of the my client’s ministry who are made to inhale the toxic odours emanating from the poultry farm as a result of the poor sanitary condition of the place.

“Their claim is further strengthened by the fact that when the Police from the office of the Commissioner of Police came on investigation with regard to an earlier petition and arrested one of the owners, Mrs Chijioke Simon sometime in November 20024, my client observed that you ( Commissioner for Environment) personally called the police officers  who came for the arrest to release the woman; that the matter is not a police one, but a civil case which only your Ministry can handle.

Despite the refusal of the police to release the said woman and finally taking her to Umuahia ,my client was reliably informed that you instructed a lawyer from the Ministry of Justice in the person of Barr. Nwaejike who is attached to your office as ASEPA prosecutor to go to the police headquarters in Umuahia and inform the police again that the matter for which the woman was arrested is a matter within the jurisdiction of your office/Ministry to handle and that the police should hands off the matter”, the petition further reads.

The Church, however, expressed serious regret that despite stopping the police from looking into the its complaints , the Supervising Ministry of Environment has so far refused to wade in to save the lives of over two thousands of its worshipers.

“Sir, despite the fact that you informed the police that the matter is within your jurisdiction to handle ,and in addition, sent a State Counsel to formally bring that to the notice of the Police, you and your office have not done anything whatsoever towards addressing the complaint rather my client on weekly basis see your officers from the Environmental Health at Aba North led by one Uzoma Nwaejike has turned the said poultry farm into a cash cow ,where they visit on Weekly basis to collect money/inducement and thereby closing their eyes to the very danger posed to the health of members of the general public and my client members in particular”, E . J  Obi the Church’s Counsel stated in the petition.

The Christian organization in its petition regretted that the Abia state Environment Ministry and its officials have abdicated their responsibility of protecting public health ,through a safe environment.

Consequently,the Church has called on the Abia state Government ,and other relevant bodies to ensure the relocation of the said poultry farm out of the its vicinity ,a  densely populated residential area.

However, the Christian Ministry has vowed to resort to a legal action to protect over two thousand of its worshipers should the appropriate authorities fail to take action within a reasonable period.

As at the time of reporting, both the Commissioner for Information and Operators of the said poultry outlet could not be reached for comments.

An earlier visit to, and media briefing with the Commissioner at the  Church premises on. Tuesday March 18, 2025, could not hold. A rescheduled visit for Wednesday March 19, was also aborted.

No reasons were adduced for the halting of what was supposed to be a trouble-shooting effort by the Commissioner.

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Rivers Emergency Rule: PDP Govs To Seek Legal Redress

By
Ayodele Oni
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PDP Governors Forum

By Ayodele Oni

The last may not have come from the 12 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on their stand over the six months suspension clamped on their colleague in Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

The PDP Governors have announced plans to challenge his suspension in Court.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, disclosed this in his weekly bulletin.

Makinde stated that the PDP Governors are determined to protect democracy and will not allow the suspension, which they consider illegal, to stand.

He emphasized that despite any political differences, protecting democratic rights and principles is crucial.

President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly.

This move followed ongoing political tensions between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Recently, the PDP governors, in a meeting chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, strongly condemned the suspension and called for its immediate reversal. They argued that the decision was a “mistake” and an attack on the democratic system.

In his weekly bulletin, Makinde revealed that the PDP governors would take legal action against the suspension in a court of competent jurisdiction.

He called on the public to stand firm for justice and fairness, ensuring that democracy is not undermined.

The PDP currently governs 12 states in Nigeria, and the governors are unified in their commitment to challenging this action in court.

Natasha Accuses Akpabio Of Making Sexist Remark About Her Buttocks, That She Will Be Good In Bed

By
James Orji
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Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the National assembly, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of disrespecting her by making sexist remarks about her backside.

The embattled senator accused the former governor of making the lewd remark inside and outside of the National Assembly chamber.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for what was described as “gross misconduct and unruly behavior” following a seating arrangement dispute with Akpabio.

However, her suspension came just a day after she formally submitted a sexual harassment petition against the Senate President on the Senate floor.

In an interview with the BBC, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that the allegations of misconduct were merely a cover to silence her.

She alleged that Akpabio frequently made inappropriate advances toward her, sometimes in the presence of other senators.

“He would squeeze my hands in a very suggestive way,” she said.

Recalling a particular incident, she stated, “There was a time I forgot to wear my ring because I rushed to work. And there were about five senators there. And Akpabio said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?”‘

She further alleged that Akpabio made sexually charged comments about her marriage.

“There was another time he made a statement like, ‘Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist.”‘

“He makes such sexist statements. And then they (other senators) all laughed,” she added.

During the interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan broke down in tears when asked about the impact of her allegations and the backlash she has faced.

“People don’t understand what it means to carry this. Maybe we don’t talk about it enough in Nigeria or Africa,” she said, her voice breaking.

“I just want a place where I would just work. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over, right?”

The suspended senator has vowed to fight her suspension with all in her powers.

Vanguard

Emergency Rule: Tinubu Has Brought Military ‘Close To Power’- Kwakwanso

By
James Orji
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Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

The 2023 Presidential candidate of the NNPP, Rabiu Kwakwanso says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has brought the ‘military close to power’ as a result of his emergency rule proclamation in Rivers state.

Many Nigerians are still traumatized by the decades of military rule in the country, which ended in 1999, with tails of abuse of human rights abuse left behind by the soldiers.

Kwakwanso, a former governor and Minister of Defence said everything must be done to discourage military men, who are supposed to be confined to the barracks, from taking over government.

The former governor made the remark in a statement he personally signed on Friday, barely 24 hours after the National Assembly ratified the  president’s State of Emergency declaration in the oil rich state.

On Tuesday, the magazine reported, president Tinubu declared Emergency Rule in the restive state, after weeks of protracted power struggle between Governor Siminalaye Fubara and his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister.

Apart from suspending Governor Fubara, his Deputy and the state Hosue of Assembly, President Tinubu appointed former chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibaz (rtd.) as the Sole Administrator to pilot the affairs of the Niger Delta state for a period of six months.

President Tinubu had cited his powers under the Constitution as the basis for taking the action, which he said was subject to the approval of the National assembly.

On Thursday, the Senate and the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the president’s action, amid criticism from not a few Nigerians who insist that they failed defend the country’s democracy by just being a mere rubber stamp of the president.

In his reaction to the NASS action, Kwakwanso said the president abused his powers by removing democratically elected officials in the state, saying the lawmakers should have checkmated him, by disapproving the imposition of State of Emergency.

He criticised the president for sacking democratic institutions, and militarizing the state, noting that the action portends grave danger to the nation’s democracy, and her efforts to ensure that the military are prevented from returning to power.

According to him, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his ascension to power in 1999, did all he could to keep soldiers in the barracks, saying those gains are now being eroded by the Tinubu administration.

He also accused the judiciary of failing in its duty as the custodian of law in the country, urging judges and lawyers to ‘wake up’ to their duties by upholding the law.

The statement in part, “The legislature has the responsibility to hold the Executive accountable, not to simply endorse its decisions. It is, therefore, appalling to see this 10th Assembly act more like a rubber stamp than any of its predecessors.

“Even more disturbing is the unilateral decision by both chambers of the National Assembly to ratify the President’s proclamation. I had hoped that legislators would not add salt to injury by approving this illegality.

“The Constitution is clear on the voting process for matters of such importance, and the decision to use a voice vote instead of a transparent procedure is inconsistent with proper legislative conduct.

“Moreover, for a politician who prides himself as a defender of democracy, President Tinubu should know better than to bring the military closer to power. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo worked hard to confine them to the barracks, and we must not undo that progress,” he said.

Following the declaration, soldiers and other security forces have been deployed to the embattled state to maintain law and order, raising concerns among not a few Nigerians, the imminent dangers of  allowing soldiers to play active role in governance.

BREAKING: Ayobo Ipaja LCDA Chairman, Shobowale  Dies

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Shobowale - Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA Chairman

By Akinwale Kasali

Less than three days after Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu appointed the Vice Chairman of Ayobo Ipaja Local Council Development Area, Oladipupo Oluwaloni, as the Acting Chairman, to end the leadership vacuum that had crippled administration of the council’s activities due to the illness of the Chairman, Bola Shobowale, she finally passed on.

She had been battling a protracted ailment that took her away from office for about a year, leaving a leadership vacuum in the LCDA.

Recall that there had been series of allegations of fraud in the LCDA, with the withdrawal of huge sums from the LCDA’s account without approval by the Chairman.

There have been calls for the removal of some members of the Executive and Legislative arm of the LCDA, following her unavailability to perform her duties, but the call was not heeded to  until three days ago when Governor Sanwo-Olu put her Vice, Oluwaloni, as Acting Chairman, before her demise Friday.

Kidnapper Cries: “They Are Demolishing My Father’s House Over N800,000”

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Oboh Odianosen's House - a kidnapper

By Adesina Soyooye

A kidnapper in Uromi, Esan Local Government, Edo State, has lamented the fate that has befallen him and his family.

Oboh Odianosen, a kidnapper, on arrest, led the Edo State Task Force to his father’s house where he lived, and watched as bulldozers went to work and demolished the family house started by his father and completed by him.

The demolished house was the only they had. Now, the family has nowhere to stay.

In shock, and full of regrets as he watched the demolition on Wednesday March 19, he confessed his culpability and revealed that his share from the N5 million ransom was N800, 000. And, for that sum, which he now knows is nothing compared to the demolition of the house and the  punishment, that awaits him still, he lamented: “Because of N800,000, they are demolishing my father’s house.”

Trouble started for Odianosen when he and his gang of five, abducted a man in Ekpoma.

According to him, as is usually the case, they took the man into an Uromi forest where they kept him for three days until the N5 million ransom was paid.

He blamed one of his partners in crime for mentioning his name when he was caught.

His words: “My name is Odianosen Oboh. This is my house. My father started the building, but I completed it.

“It was my friend, Epama, that I followed for the operation. We abducted a man from Ekpoma and moved him in a car that later broke down. I had to use my motorcycle to take him into the bush in Uromi, where we kept him for three days until his family paid the ransom.”

“It was Epama who mentioned my name after he was arrested. Now, they are demolishing my father’s house because of N800,000. My family has no home, and my children are outside. Everyone should stay away from crime.”

He said he used his share of N800,000 to settle some of his debts and other pressing issues.

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