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Edo: It’s Death Penalty For Abductors, Others

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Edo State House of Assembly

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Kidnappings, and other related criminal activities will now attract maximum death penalty in Edo State, according to a new law passed by the Lawmakers.

At plenary on Tuesday February 18, 2025, the State Legislators, unanimously voted to amend the  existing anti-kidnapping law of 2013.

The Source reports that the 2013 law only provided for life imprisonment at most for convicted  abductors and other related offences.

The law had also provided for the confiscation and forfeiture of all proceeds of kidnappings, as well as identified abduction cells and facilities.

With the review, however, convicted kidnappers will be liable to death sentence in addition to the forfeiture of all proceeds from such crimes.

Earlier, the Majority leader of the House, Hon Charity Aiguobarueghian, had moved a motion for the House to dissolve into a committee of the whole, for the purpose of  “clause by clause consideration of the bill.

The legislators, thereafter, entered into the Committee of the whole House after Hon Henry Okaka, the minority leader had seconded the motion by the Majority leader.

Most of the Lawmakers who spoke before the bill was passed expressed the confidence that death sentence will go a long way in mitigating kidnappings and other related criminal activities in the state .

They also decried the astronomical increase in cases of abductions of innocent residents, in recent times in the State.

The Source reports that the State in the last few weeks has been rocked by sporadic cases of both low and high profile abductions, including a traditional ruler.

The bill when signed into law by the state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo is expected to drive a measure of fear into the spines of kidnappers.

Air Peace to Showcase London Connection Through European Market at ITB Berlin 2025

By
The Source
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Air Peace

Air Peace, Nigeria’s foremost airline and West Africa’s largest carrier, will participate announce as an exhibitor at the world-renowned ITB Berlin, scheduled for March 4-6, 2025.

A statement signed by its Head, Corporate Communications, Dr. Henry Ndiulo, PhD, disclosed that

“Air Peace will join over 10,000 exhibitors from around the globe at the prestigious international travel trade show to showcase its services, growth, and commitment to enhancing connectivity within Africa and beyond.

Air Peace’s exhibition at ITB Berlin will highlight the airline’s exceptional growth trajectory, its expanding route network, and its dedication to providing affordable, reliable, and safe air travel.”

As the leading airline in Nigeria and West Africa, the statement said, Air Peace has been at the forefront of fostering seamless connections across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, and its participation at ITB Berlin will spotlight the airline’s key role in shaping the global aviation landscape.”

Executive Director, Air Peace Limited, Nnenna Onyema said, “We are excited to be part of ITB Berlin 2025, the global travel and tourism industry’s largest and most influential event. Our participation underscores Air Peace’s commitment to fostering stronger international partnerships, driving tourism, and advancing connectivity across continents. As we continue to expand our fleet and routes, ITB Berlin provides the perfect platform to showcase our vision and to connect with international partners who share our goal of making travel more accessible to all”.

Ndiulo added that “Visitors to the Air Peace stand will have the opportunity to engage with the airline’s team and explore the wide range of services offered, including its growing network of domestic and international flights, state-of-the-art fleet, and its commitment to providing an unmatched customer experience.”

The Airline has been recognized for its outstanding safety record including sixth time IOSA certification award, efficient operations, and contributions to local and regional economies through job creation and tourism development.

It remains committed to broadening its network and elevating service quality, ensuring that customers enjoy greater convenience, efficiency, and flexibility when traveling, Ndiulo said.

This year’s ITB Berlin is expected to attract thousands of visitors, including industry leaders, tour operators, travel agents, and media from around the world.

Air Peace’s participation as an exhibitor will further solidify its position as a leading player in Africa’s aviation sector and its mission to become the airline of choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Air Peace is a Nigerian airline founded in 2013, with a mission to provide safe, affordable, and reliable air travel services to Africa and beyond.

Air Peace operates a wide range of twenty-one (21) domestic routes, ten (10) regional routes, and seven (7) international routes, connecting passengers to key destinations across Nigeria, West Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

Said Ndiulo, “Air Peace is committed to excellence, with a focus on passenger safety, comfort, and convenience.”

Nollywood Movie Director, Rotimi Raji Dies After Bathroom Fall

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Rotimi Raji

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Movie Industry, Nollywood, has once again lost one its best Producers, Rotimi Raji, popular as Genius, to the cold hands of death.

According to reports, the late Raji slumped and died in his bathroom Saturday morning after the Valentine’s Day celebration.

The Creative Director, who resides alone in Baruwa, Ipaja area, Lagos, was discovered by a concerned neighbour, who went to check up on him and found his lifeless body on the floor.

He raised alarm, drawing the attention of other tenants who rushed to his apartment and took him to the hospital.

He was pronounced ‘Brought In Dead’, BID, by the Medical Doctor at the Health Facility.

It was gathered that the neighbour had repeatedly called his name but didn’t get a response, before raising alarm.

Mourning him, actor Lanre Adediwura wrote; ”Till we meet again my friend. @rotimiraji Thank you for blessing the film industry with your exceptional talent. Every moment you captured with the lens will speak after you.

Rest on champ 💔💔💔”.

The death of Genius is coming less than a week that another Actress, Tolu Adegboyega lost her life alongside one of her Child, after battling for her life for several months, having undergone Two Surgeries.

She finally succumbed to death. She was known for a superlative and good interpretation of her role in the Movie Series, ‘The Abbatoir ‘.

Genius will be missed by families, friends, fans, well wishers and colleagues.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, is yet to make a statement on his demise and his burial arrangements.

“Edwin Clark Was A Model Of Integrity, Consistency” –  Gov Oborevwori

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Edwin Clark

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has described the death  of Elder Statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, as the end of an era .

The Source reports that family members on Tuesday February ,18,2025 informed that the former Federal Information Minister ,and Pan Niger Delta Forum leader ,passed on Monday ,at 97 .

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Festus Ohon, his Media Aide, Governor Oborevwori, noted that Chief Clark, devoted his  entire life to the service of the people ,and Nigeria as a nation.

While appreciating the fallen Ijaw nation leader, for being unwavering, and unprecedentedly dedicated to the  growth ,development and unity of the  South South region and Nigeria, also affirmed that Pa Clark’s time on earth was indeed well spent

“Today ,I mourn the passing of an elder statesman, Nigerian patriot, and role model Chief (Dr) Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, OON, an icon whose influence traversed Nigeria’s political scene for six decades.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori

“Teacher, educator, public servant and politician, Chief Clark was a model of integrity, consistency, fidelity to a cause and patriotic fervour.

“To the people of the Niger Delta region,he was their champion bold, outspoken, and fearless, he stood resolute in crusading for fairness, equity and justice for the region.

“His exit is also a personal loss ; he was a motivator ,mentor and father to me .I will miss his wisdom ,counsel and zest for life

“On behalf of my family,the Government and people of Delta state ,I commiserate with the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town,in Burutu Local Government Area of of Delta state ,on the passing of Chief (Dr) Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR,OON on Monday 17th February ,2025 .

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family ,the people of Kiagbodo ,and the Ijaw nation over this monumental loss .

“We can all take solace in the saying that Chief Clark came ,he saw and he conquered. Pa Clark ,an astute lawyer, administrator ,patriot and freedom fighter ,was a a prominent player in Nigerian politics and a tenacious supporter of the rights of Niger Deltans”, Governor Oborevwori stated.

Human Trafficking: NAPTIP Intercepts 13 Girls On Way To Baghdad

By
Ayodele Oni
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NAPTIP Intercepts 13 Girls On Way To Baghdad

By Ayodele Oni

National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has intercepted 13 girls suspected to be victims of human trafficking en route to Baghdad, Iraq for sexual and labour exploitation.

The girls whose ages range between 19 to 39, were allegedly deceived and recruited by some faceless unregistered Labour Recruiters, who are suspected to be agents of a larger criminal labour recruiting gang operating between Nigeria and some Middle East Countries.

Press Officer of the agency, Vincent Adekoye, explained in a statement on Tuesday that they were incepted at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly before departing for Iraq.

The interception of the Iraq-bound girls followed a tip-off by some concerned partners, who noticed the unusual movement of some unknown faces at the departure lounge of the Airport in the company of some timidly looking girls all chorusing the same answer to different questions about their destination, and immediately alerted the Agency.

Speaking on the incident, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, who witnessed the interception of the first batch of five girls at the Airport on her way out of Abuja for an official duty to Adamawa, expressed displeasure over the level of deceit by the traffickers and called on parents and guardian to always be careful of fake promises for their children and wards.

The Director General said, “I wish to point out that our action is in line with the provision of the Trafficking in Persons (Control of Activities of Organizations and Centres) Regulations 2019, which empowers NAPTIP to issue clearance certificates to all travel agents or tour operators and intending travellers for the purpose of Educational excursions, Recruitment for Labour, Sporting activities, Cultural, music excursions or competitions as well as all organizations, shelters, and homes offering services for the purpose of rehabilitation of trafficked persons.

“The case at hand is pathetic because these girls were deceived and recruited for a supposed job in Baghdad by unlicensed labour recruiters who are not known to any constituted authority in Nigeria.

“This implies that should anything happen to these girls, we will not be able to hold anyone responsible because they are undocumented labourers.

“Also, they were issued 60 days visa and yet signed a labour agreement of 2 years with them. The implication of this is that as soon as the visa expires, they are at the mercy of the masters and lose all legal rights to demand anything including their legitimate salary.

“Investigation revealed that they will be paid a sum of 250 dollars as monthly salary by their tax master out of which they will remit 4 months’ salary to the Agent here in Nigeria and another huge sum to the Agent in Iraq.

“From the testimonies of scores of victims who passed through the same condition, they were never paid regularly as expected, maybe four or five months only for the agreed contract period of two years.

“In fact, the major issue with their master is when they ask for their salary to be paid. It is painful that while unspecified numbers of victims are in those volatile and war-torn destination countries seeking help to be rescued, these are happily embarking on a journey to the unknown.

“We are seriously worried about the situation because some who were rescued recently came home with life-threatening medical conditions while others escaped with a life-threatening wound and everlasting scars inflicted on them by their masters.

“We cannot close our eyes and allow these ones to join the statistics of stranded victims who will are calling on social media for help. We are also on the lookout for the unscrupulous unregistered recruiters who are behind all these scenarios.

“While sincerely appreciating the Management of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport with particular reference to the airport manager and his Security personnel, the Officials of the various Airlines and sister Law enforcement Agencies who provided one form of assistance or the other to us, I wish to sue for more cooperation to rescue these girls from the deceit of the mindless traffickers.”

Similarly, the Operatives of the Agency have sealed up a popular three star- Hotel located at the ever-busy Community of Kwali, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and rescued 11 underaged girls suspected to be available for sexual expedition.

According to the statement, luck  ran against the owner of the hotel as she was arrested while other supporting staff escaped.

The development came barely one month after Operatives of NAPTIP burst a private apartment located inside one of the highbrow estates in the heart of Abuja and rescued nine pregnant girls suspected to be victims of human trafficking.

“I Am Mad Man, Undergoing Psychiatric Treatment”, Singer Portable Says, As Police Declare Him Wanted

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Habeeb Okikiola popular as Portable
Portable

By Akinwale Kasali

Habeeb Okikiola, popular as Portable,  controversial singer, has disclosed that he is a mad man who is currently undergoing treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Portable’s disclosure on his State of health is coming just as the Ogun State Police Command and the Ogun State Government declared him wanted.

The Zazzu Crooner was involved in fight with Officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office – TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi. They were conducting an enforcement exercise at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota, Ogun State.

The town planners claimed they encountered an elderly man, later identified as Portable’s father, at Odogwu Bar in the area.

Upon identifying themselves and requesting the approved building plan, the father informed them that his son was unavailable.

However, moments later, Portable, armed with a firearm and other weapons, led a gang of nine thugs in a violent attack on the unarmed officials.

They were beaten to a pulp, prompting the Police to invite Portable. But

he refused to show up, and went into hiding.

His present declaration of suffering from madness, was made while appealing to Nigerians to come to his aid as he has been declared wanted by the Police.

The Police said:  “The enforcement officers sustained various bodily injuries but managed to escape and reported the incident to the Ota Area Command, which subsequently escalated the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further action.

“Nine accomplices were arrested, but Portable fled the scene and has since gone into hiding.”

However, reacting to the declaration, Portable in  multiple rants took to his Instagram on Tuesday appealing to Nigerians and the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, alleging that he was set up because he was putting on a vest with the face of Senator Adeola Solomon popularly known as Yayi.

The singer also noted that he was a madman and has a Card at Aro hospital where he usually takes his treatment.

He said, “I fear government. I am a federal government liability. Then I’m a madman; I have medications that I usually take. You can confirm from Aro Hospital. I have a card that certifies me as one of their patients.

“I am from Abeokuta and they are taking care of me there. I am not a thief, I help people around me without even looking at their background.”

Court of Appeal Affirms Oba Ghandi Olaoye As Soun Of Ogbomosho

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Oba Ghandi Olaoye - Soun of Ogbomosho

By Akinwale Kasali

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has upheld the selection and installation of Oba Ghandi Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomosho.

This judgment has thus overturned an earlier ruling by a lower Court which nullified his appointment and installation.

Justice Yargata Nimpar, who led a Three Man Panel delivered the judgment on Tuesday in favour of Oba Olaoye on all 10 grounds of appeal.

Justice K. A. Adedokun of the Oyo State High Court, Ogbomoso, had, on October 25, 2023, nullified Oba Olaoye’s selection, describing the process as “irregular, null, and void” for failing to comply with the provisions of the 1958 Soun Chieftaincy Declaration.

However, the Appellate Court set aside the lower Court’s ruling, effectively reaffirming Oba Olaoye’s legitimacy as the Soun of Ogbomoso.

PANDEF, Afenifere Mourn Clark’s Passing, Say Mighty Iroko  Has Fallen

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Edwin Clark is dead

By Akinwale Kasali

Even though at his age, death could suddenly come, yet, the passing of elder statesman, Edwin Clark, came as a shock to the  Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF which he led.

PANDEF announced his passing, peacefully, in Abuja in the evening of Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 97. He was surrounded by family and loved ones.

The announcement was made through a press statement signed by Olorogun (Sir) Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the National Publicity Secretary/Spokesman of PANDEF, and  Professor College Clark of the Clark-Fuludu-Bakederemo family of Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, and Dr. Godknows Igali, the National Chairman of PANDEF.

PANDEF described Clark’s passing as the fall of a “mighty Iroko tree,” highlighting his towering contributions to public service, politics, and community development over a period of 75 years.

He founded PANDEF and co-led the South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), advocating tirelessly for justice, equality, and human rights.

Clark was known for his outspoken defense of marginalized communities and his relentless pursuit of a fair and equitable society. His contributions extended beyond politics into the legal profession, education, and community development—where he founded a University.

“Pa Clark was indeed a towering figure in Nigeria, known for his tireless advocacy for justice and human rights,” the statement read. “His brilliant mind and generous spirit will continue to inspire future generations to strive for a more just and compassionate society.”

As he quietly departs just months before his 98th birthday, PANDEF expressed comfort in the biblical words from Acts 13:36: “After he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, he fell asleep and was allowed to rest.”

Chief Edwin Clark’s passing comes shortly after the death of his longtime associate and fellow elder statesman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, prompting further reflection on the end of an era in Nigeria’s political and social landscape.

In the same vein, the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Tuesday, said it received the passing of the foremost Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, with  shock.

Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary, Afenifere, said that Clark was passionate about Nigeria, just like the late Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

“We received the news of the demise of Pa Edwin Clark with shock the same way we received the news of the demise of our leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo,

“Clark was very deep, and, of course, very fearless. He was a patriot par excellence. Nigeria meant so much to him.

“The issues that have to do with the people were of great concern to him. He will be greatly missed because he was a strong, influential voice” Ajayi said.

Ajayi, who conveyed the condolences of Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, said Clark would forever be remembered for his contributions to the country.

“Pa Edwin Clark was an active player in the Nigerian political scene, even when he was very old he was still very Active.

“He (Clark) never shied away from commenting or expressing his opinion on any issue of national importance.

“So, we, in Afenifere, will also miss him, just like we know that other people in the South-South, in particular, in Nigeria, as a whole, will miss him,” Afenifere spokesman said.

Pa Clark Was A Patriot, History Will Remember Him- Tinubu

By
James Orji
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Edwin Clark

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his deep sadness over the passing of Chief Edwin Clark, former federal commissioner of information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF.

The magazine reported that Chief Clark, died on Monday at the age of97.

In his condolence message, President Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga described Clark’s death as a huge loss to Nigerians, praising his “dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member. “

Reflecting on the life of the late statesman, the President says Chief Clark was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades.

The President described him as a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.

Tinubu: ”Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic.

”Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity.

”As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted his words’ weight, confidence, and conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond.

”History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism.

”I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability.”

Court Stops CBN, AGF, Others From Seizing Kano Local Government Monthly Allocations

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Court and Law

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, has been restrained from withholding funds accruing to the 44 Local Councils of Kano State from the Federation Allocation Account .

The  restraining order, which is perpetual, was granted on Monday, February 17,2025, by a  Kano State High Court sitting in Kano.

Delivering judgment in an application filed by the Association of Local Government of Nigeria ALGON , Kano State Chapter, against the country’s apex bank, the AGF ,and others ,Justice Ibrahim Musa- Muhammad ruled that it would amount to a breach of the fundamental rights of the residents, and inhabitants of the 44 Local Government Areas for respondents to  withhold their monthly statutory allocation from the Federation Account.

In the motion on notice filed by the Kano State Chairman of ALGON, Ibrahim Muhammad, and five others on November 1,2024, they prayed the court to restrain the CBN, and Federal authorities from withholding, or delaying allocations to the 44 Local Councils of the State under any guise.

Joined in the suit along side the CBN were the Accountant General of the Federation AGF, the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission RMAFC, the 44 Local Government Areas of the State ,United Bank for Africa UBA, Access Bank  and others .

The Judge in his verdict granted all the reliefs sought by the applicants having established their case beyond any reasonable doubt.

“I resolve in the affirmative that all the reliefs sought by the applicants are granted as follows : ” By the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in suit No SC/CV/343/2024 Attorney General of Abia state and 35 others.

” The Kano state Local Government Electoral Laws 2022 the AGF ,CBN and RMAFC are under a duty to disburse monthly allocations to the 44 LGAs as democratically elected Local Government Councils.

“A declaration that withholding these allocations would amount to a breach of the fundamental rights of the residents ,inhabitants in the 44 Local Government Councils as guaranteed under sections 33,42, 43 44,45 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( as amended )

“Articles 13,19,22,and 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights for the AGF ,CBN ,and RMAFC to exclude the 44 LGAs in the distribution of funds accruing from the Federation Account in line with section 16 (3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( as amended)”, Justice Musa-Muhammad ruled .

The Source reports that  the judgment is  coming on the heels of a pending motion on notice filed by the All Progressive Congress, APC, Kano Chapter, seeking to halt the monthly allocations of the Councils.

The APC had in the wake of the October 26, 2024, Local Council Polls held in the state approached a Federal High Court sitting in Kano seeking among other things an order barring the CBN ,AGF, RMAFC and others from further remitting Councils’ funds until democratically elected officials are in charge of the Councils.

The APC, based on a subsisting Court ruling had insisted on not recognizing the outcome of the October 26,2024 council polls in the state .

The Source further reports that a Federal High Court sitting in Kano, and presided over by Justice Simon Ameobade had, a few days to the Council Election, declared the exercise null and void.

According to the Court, the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission KANSIEC, was not properly constituted, and, therefore, was not qualified to conduct the polls .

The Court ordered for the suspension of the election, pending when the Electoral Body will be properly constituted ,.

However, the Kano State Government and KANSIEC, ignored the Court ruling, and went ahead with the conduct of the polls.

Dissatisfied, the APC decided to, once again, approach the Court to halt further remittances of monthly allocations to the Councils until  democratically elected officials are in charge in line with the earlier pronouncement by the Supreme Court on Local Government Financial Autonomy.

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