Police lied, we paid ransom for traditional ruler’s release – Edo lawmaker

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  The lawmaker representing Igueben Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Inegbeboh Eugene, has refuted claims that operatives of the State Police Command and other civilian security agencies were responsible for the rescue of the Onogie of Udo-Eguare kingdom in the Igueben Local Government Area, Friday Ehizojie, from kidnappers. Recall that the traditional ruler and five others were abducted by some gunmen on Sunday, February 3, 2025, while riding as passengers on a motorcycle along a lonely path leading to the community. Days after, the state police command claimed that its operatives rescued the monarch unhurt, while thanking vigilantes, hunters and other well-meaning residents of the state for the support. Also after the police statement, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, also claimed that his men rescued the traditional ruler. Speaking on the floor of the assembly on Monday, Eugene said the monarch was not rescued by the police or the state security corps as claimed. The lawmaker stated that the community paid ransom for the release of their monarch. He said, “Mr Speaker, it is interesting to know that during the trying period, I personally informed the security agencies of the kidnapping of the traditional ruler. “The information was for them to see what they could do, but at the end of the day, I want to tell you that the security agencies that I informed were playing hide and seek as if they were doing something, but doing nothing. “At the end of the day, none of them knew how the traditional ruler came back home, but only for them to come out now and start claiming the glory and taking pictures with him after his release. Some people even went to social media to claim that they were the ones that rescued him. “How do you rescue a person from a kidnappers’ den without the culprit being apprehended? Did they just walk in there to bring the traditional ruler home? If they know the kidnappers, they should show us. “Mr Speaker, I make bold to say that even though they would not want to agree, it took the grace of God for my people to raise the ransom that brought our king back home. So, Mr Speaker, nobody should claim the glory that they rescued him. It is wrong.” The lawmaker thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his swift response and the logistic support provided for security agencies during the period. He, however, urged the Speaker of the House to invite the new Commander of the State Security Corps to brief the House on what the outfit is doing to address the security challenges in the state.

Nasarawa Police Command In Shock As Constable Shoots Self To Death

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  A Police Constable under the Nasarawa State Police Command, identified as Dogara Akolo Moses, has allegedly taken his own life over yet-to-be known challenges. Moses, who was earlier seen by colleagues that fateful day going about his normal duties at the Mada Station Division of the command in the Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of the state, was said to have later shot himself to death in one of the offices without leaving any suicide note. The sad incident that occurred on Tuesday, February 4, left many of his colleagues and sympathisers in shock as they were yet to know the motives for his action. However, an eye witness told Arewa PUNCH that the officer went into a private room and shot himself and the sound of the gun prompted all officers on duty to run to the scene only to meet the deceased lying in the pool of his blood. “Colleagues of the deceased who were outside the apartment heard the loud bang of the gunshot, prompting them to rush inside, where they found the officer lying on the floor with his gun beside him,” he said. Confirming the incident to Arewa PUNCH, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Nasarawa State Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, explained that the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of the deceased were still unclear. Nonetheless, he assured that the command was working hard to unravel the true situation of the circumstances s surrounding his death. “Since the incident occurred, we have been following up on the matter to know exactly what transpired. Investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the officer’s action,” he added. Punch

IBEDC Agrees To Restore Power Supply To UCH Within 48 Hours

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  The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has agreed to restore power supply to the University College Hospital, Ibadan within 48 hours. This was the fallout of the tripartite meeting among the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the management of the University College Hospital, Ibadan and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company. It was resolved that the Business outlets including banks and the residential buildings would be disconnected for now.  

UPDATED: S’Court Dismisses Fubara’s Appeal Against Amaewhule-led Rivers Assembly

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  An appeal filed by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, challenging the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly has been dismissed by the Supreme Court in Abuja. Fubara was also ordered to pay N2m to the Assembly and the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, by a five-member panel led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji on Monday. The case was dismissed after Fubara’s lawyer, Yusuf Ali, withdrew the suit. Recall that on October 10, 2024, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, admonished Fubara for failing to follow the rule of law in his actions. The court ruled that his decision to present the 2024 Rivers State Appropriation Bill to only four out of 31 members of the Assembly was a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. The court stated that presenting the budget to just four members contradicted the Nigerian Constitution. It added, “The appellant hurriedly submitted the Rivers State Appropriation Bill to four members, who then considered, deliberated on, and passed it into law within a few hours.” The court further held that Fubara’s actions violated Section 96 of the 1999 Constitution, which requires at least one-third of the Assembly members to form a quorum. The court noted that “four out of 31 members cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, constitute the required quorum for legislative business.” Meanwhile, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court also ruled against Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget before the four-member Assembly led by Edison Ehie. The budget presentation was a result of the leadership crisis within the Rivers State House of Assembly. Fubara had argued that the Amaewhule-led faction lost its legitimacy after defecting from the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. However, the lower courts ruled that he failed to provide evidence of their defection and, therefore, could not legally present the budget to a four-member House. Following the Court of Appeal judgment, Fubara approached the Supreme Court to set aside the lower court’s ruling and allow him to present the budget to the Ehie-led faction. However, when the case was called on Monday, Fubara’s counsel, Yusuf Ali, informed the Supreme Court that the governor had decided to withdraw the appeal. Ali stated that a notice dated February 6 had already been filed, explaining that the appeal had been overtaken by events. All 17 respondents in the case, represented by various lawyers, did not oppose the withdrawal. However, J.B. Daudu (SAN), representing the 3rd to 12th respondents (National Assembly and its leadership), and Wole Olanipekun (SAN), representing the 1st and 2nd respondents (Rivers State House of Assembly and Amaewhule), requested a cost of N2 million. Daudu further urged the court to dismiss the appeal rather than strike it out, as issues had already been joined. The five-member Supreme Court panel dismissed the appeal after confirming that the withdrawal was not opposed. In a brief ruling, Justice Abba-Aji declared the appeal dismissed and awarded a cost of N2 million in favour of the 1st to 12th respondents. Punch

BREAKING: UCH Medical Students Protest 100 Days Of Power Outage

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  Medical students of the University College Hospital, Ibadan in Oyo State, are currently protesting at the office of the Chief Medical Director of the institution over the non-availability of power and water. As the protest continues, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu and CMD, Jesse Otegbayo, are also holding a meeting with stakeholders at the Conference Room of the institution to fashion out a solution to the epileptic power supply. PUNCH Online reports that the UCH has been in darkness since October 2024, making over 100 days as of today (Monday). The students displayed placards with different inscriptions such as, “+100 Days of Darkness: Save UCH; Save ABH Hall; Save Falade Hall; Give Us Light; This Is Not How We Want To Live; Medical School Is Hard Enough- Give Us Light; All We Are Saying, Give Us Light among others. Speaking with PUNCH Online, a former President of the Students Union Government, University of Ibadan, Samson Samuel, and former Speaker of UI, Olamide Omotunde, who are medical students lamented, “We had had series of meetings with the management of UCH, but nothing was done to restore electricity in the halls.” Samuel said, “No light, no water. We shall continue this protest until our demands are met.” Omotunde stated, “We protested on January 26, 2025, to the State and Federal Secretariats, Agodi, Ibadan, with the hope that the management will restore it but up till now, nothing was done. And that’s why we decided after 100 days to protest over non-availability of power.”  

[ICYMI] Civil Servants Face February 17 Verification Deadline

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  Federal civil servants have been given a February 17, 2025, deadline for identity verification as the government moves to weed out ghost workers. This was contained in a memo by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and sighted by our correspondent on Saturday. Civil servants are expected to verify their identities on the portal of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System amid the planned stoppage of salaries and other sanctions for ghost workers. Our correspondent gathered that civil servants had been in haste to generate their Taxpayers Identification Number to meet the deadline. Part of the requirement for verification is the TIN alongside the IPPIS number and salary account number. The memo read, “Following the Treasury Circular with Ref. No. TRY/A6&B6/2024-OAGF/CAD/026/Vol. V/910 dated 27th June, 2024 on the above subject matter and subsequent extension dated 16 August, 2024, I am directed to inform you that AGF has approved the extension of the OAF-IPPIS Payroll Validation Portal for an additional one week (10 – 17” February, 2025). “The portal will be deployed and made accessible to those employees that were unable to complete their validation before the end of earlier deadline. Visit OAF website: www.oagf.gov.ng and access the portal. “It is hereby emphasised that all employees concerned are expected to conclude update of their payroll information on or before 12 midnight of Monday, February 17, 2025. Please note that officers who fail to avail themselves of this last opportunity may suffer some consequences which may include suspension from the payroll. “Accounting Officers, Directors/Head of Finance & Account and Internal Audit Units of MDAs and other Arms of Government, are enjoined to give this circular the widest circulation it deserves and ensure compliance.” In 2024, President Bola Tinubu directed that all civil servants drawing salaries from the Federal Government after relocating abroad be made to refund the money. The President also directed that the culprits’ supervisors and department heads be punished for aiding and abetting the fraud while they were in charge.

Snake, Monkey Mustn’t Swallow $1.07bn Health Funds, Atiku Warns FG

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  Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned the Federal Government that “claims of animals such as snakes, termites, gorillas and monkeys swallowing public funds must never be the fate of the funds budgeted for the critical sector of health in the 2025 budget.” In a statement on Sunday, Atiku urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to provide transparency on how the intervention fund would be allocated. The former Vice President emphasised the importance of accountability, stressing that every kobo must be properly utilised to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system. He said, “In recent years, there have been bizarre claims of animals being held accountable for missing public funds. Some of these fairytale-like claims were never investigated or punished to deter future offenders. “Against the backdrop of dwindling resources that has been exacerbated by the withdrawal of support in certain areas of our healthcare services, it is important that every kobo budgeted for the health sector has to be maximally utilised. “To this end, the Federal Government has to be deliberate about putting mechanisms in place for public audit and accountability in its $1.07bn budgetary appropriation in the health sector.” Atiku criticised the Federal Government for failing to provide a clear framework detailing how over $1bn would be spent in the primary health sector. He noted that while healthcare investment was essential for improving access to quality services, the government has a moral duty to disclose how these funds will be utilised. “We have read that the Federal Government plans to expend a whopping $1.07bn in the primary health sector. This amount is in addition to the N2.48tn earlier proposed for the health sector in the initial budget draft. “Nigerians deserve to know the details of these loans and how the funds will be spent. The budget should be accompanied by a clear policy framework explaining its disbursement,” he added. Punch

Pictures: Gas Explosion Destroys Properties Worth Millions In Niger

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A gas plant explosion engulfed a facility in Niger State on Saturday night, February 8, 2025, at about 11pm destroying properties worth millions of naira. The incident occurred beside Kalasma Filling Station in Sabon Wuse, along the Kaduna Expressway, during a gas transloading operation from a trailer tanker to a surface tank. Both the trailer and the gas plant were completely burnt, along with a car belonging to Abubakar Yakubu, which was parked nearby. The fire also spread to the Ngeil Grains Processing Factory, where 550 bags of beans and six bags of soya beans were destroyed. Confirming the incident on Sunday, February 9, 2025, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), said no lives were lost. “At about 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, 8th February 2025, Tasiu Gas Plant beside Kalasma Filling Station in Sabon Wuse exploded and burst into flames. “The incident occurred during transloading of gas from a trailer tanker to a surface tank. Both the trailer and the gas plant were completely burnt, along with a car belonging to Abubakar Yakubu. “The fire also gutted Ngeil Grains Processing Factory, destroying hundreds of bags of beans and soya beans. “As of the time of filing this report, no lives were lost, and the fire has been brought under control,” he said. Emergency responders managed to contain the inferno, but the damage remains extensive. Recall that there were two successive explosions in the state towards January ending – the fuel tanker with almost a hundred persons death toll and the one of illegal mining explosives storage. Punch

Ibadan’s SLA International Airport: A Symbol Of Makinde’s Commitment To Economic Growth |• By Kazeem Awojoodu

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  There is no doubt that Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde is doing everything pos­sible to expand the economy of the state, as this can be attested to by numerous infrastructural projects put in place to enhance ease of doing business for inter­ested foreign and indigenous investors. One of the projects that Gov­ernor Makinde will be remem­bered for in the history of Oyo State is the upgrade of Ibadan Airport now known as Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to in­ternational airport. This development is anoth­er win for Oyo State under the administration of Engr Seyi Makinde, and it is also histor­ic in the aviation industry of the country. With the Federal government approval, Gover­nor Seyi Makinde’s vision of upgrading the Samuel Ladoke Akintola (SLA) airport Ibadan to an international airport is fast becoming a reality. Governor Makinde in Sep­tember 2024 performed the ground breaking ceremony of the first phase for the upgrade of the airport to international status. This project comprises extension of the runway from 2,400 metres to 3,000 meters with a width increase from 45 meters to 60 meters. To express his commitments to the project, and also ensure transparency, Governor Ma­kinde appointed a chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state who was a former commissioner for Finance during the late Governor Abi­ola Ajimobi administration, Mr Bimbo Adekanbi as the Chair­man of the committee for the SLA Airport Upgrade Project. Just last week, Governor Makinde commenced the second phase of the upgrade with a foundation laying ceremony of the new inter­national terminal building. While the first phase would be completed by September this year, the second phase which is expected to span 18 months is in line with Gover­nor Seyi Makinde’s vision of redefining the aviation land­scape for opportunities that would engender growth and connectivity to the world. Speaking shortly after the foundation laying ceremony of the project, Mr. Bimbo Adekan­bi gave an overview of the proj­ect and its viability, affirming that the effort is another giant leap forward and a crucial com­ponent of the airport upgrade plan. Adekanbi noted that the new Terminal Building, which will be constructed by Messrs Craneburg Con­struction Ltd, represented a major transformation and a testament to the unwavering vision and exceptional lead­ership of Governor Makinde. He maintained that the proj­ect is expected to be complet­ed in the first quarter of 2026, that it will ease the flow of passengers, boost the airports cargo handling capacity and position the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport as a top-tier facility in Nigeria. He said, “Today, we embark on a remarkable journey that will redefine the aviation land­scape of this region, opening up new horizons of opportu­nity, growth, connectivity- the commencement of the con­struction of a new terminal building at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport. This event represents not only the start of a major transformation but also a testament to the unwav­ering vision and exceptional leadership of our Governor, His Excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde. “His Excellency has cham­pioned the development of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Air­port, not just as an infrastruc­tural upgrade, but as a gateway to unlocking the immense eco­nomic potential of Oyo State and the entire Southwest re­gion. His relentless pursuit of progress, coupled with his pro­found commitment to enhanc­ing our state’s connectivity, is embodied in this grand project. “Governor Makinde’s fore­sight and dedication to ensur­ing a world-class facility for the people of Oyo State stand as an inspiring example of visionary governance. “His tireless work ethic and unwavering focus on sus­tainable development ensure that this airport will become a symbol of progress, pros­perity, and pride for us all. The government had made tre­mendous progress in the first phase of the upgrade project, explaining that the state-of-the-art Terminal Building that will be delivered in the first quarter of 2026 will accommodate up to one million passengers annual­ly, which is a massive increase from the current capacity of 100,000. “This initiative goes be­yond just expanding capacity; it is about creating a modern, efficient, and world-class air­port that enhances the over­all travel experience while driving economic growth, attracting investments, and empowering the people of Oyo State. With Governor Seyi Ma­kinde at the helm, the vision of a fully integrated, globally competitive airport is becom­ing a reality. “Oyo State Government remains steadfast in its dedica­tion to improving infrastruc­ture, fostering economic op­portunities, and ensuring sustainable development for all. Through projects like this, we are not only investing in physical struc­tures but also in the future prosperity and well-being of our citizens. “With Governor Seyi Makinde leading the way, we are confident that the best is yet to come,” Adekanbi said. While conducting jour­nalists and other stake­holders’ round the proj­ect, the Senior Manager, Craneburg Construction, Edmond Maalouf main­tained that the project will be delivered on time, while the Site Engineer, Oliver Makhlouf, explained the success so far recorded on the upgrade of the airport runway. Speaking with journalists on the project, the Director of Engineering of the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN), Engr. Adejare Abiola, who rep­resented the chairman of the organisation, lauded Governor Makinde for his efforts towards turning around the fortune of the Ibadan Airport. “We want to appreciate the Executive Governor of the state for what he has been do­ing. He has been supporting us. He has donated project ve­hicles for security patrol. Today again, he has fulfilled another promise and we, as FAAN, are ready to support him and the Airport. “I want to also thank the host community who have been good neighbours to us and, at the same time, appeal to them on the excavation that is on­going around our perimeter fence. By the time the airport is completed, we have to invite the ICAA for certification, and some of the things they are go­ing to look at include the safety and security of the airport. So, please, desist from excavating along our fence,” the FAAN chairman said. When completed, the SLA International Airport will boost economic activities in Oyo State and the entire South West es­pecially in the area of … Read more

Great Ife Movement Condemns Alleged Illegal Installation Of Baales By Ogunsua Of Modakeke In Ife Forest Reserve

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  The Great Ife Movement (GIM) has raised the alarm over an alleged illegal attempt by the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola, to install Baales (village heads) in Toro, Oyere-Famia axis and the Ife Forest Reserve (F3) all located within Ife North Local Government Area, of Osun State. Speaking at a press conference held at the Oba Okunade Sijuade Memorial Hall, Enuwa, Ile-Ife, over the weekend, the President of GIM, Comrade Femi Oyeyinka warned that this move could provoke unrest in Ifeland if not urgently addressed. The GIM President acknowledged the past efforts of the Osun State Government under the able leadership of Asiwaju of Ede, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Jackson Adeleke, the traditional leaders, and peace committees, particularly the Osun State Boundary Adjustment Commission (OSBAC) under Justice Adekunle Adeigbe (Retd.), in maintaining harmony between Ife and Modakeke. The group also praised the role of the Ife/Modakeke Peace Committee, led by elder statesman Pa Sheik Saka Fawole, in preventing conflicts that could have led to bloodshed. However, Oyeyinka stressed that Ife lands, including Toro, Alapata, Oyere, Onibambu, and Oduranyin, traditionally belong to Ife families and fall under the jurisdiction of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. He noted the reported attempt to install Baales in these areas as an “act of trespass” and an “affront” to the Ooni’s authority. He further alleged that Modakeke leaders have been provoking Ife residents by making territorial claims and leveraging political influence. He called on the Osun State Government, security agencies, and relevant authorities to intervene and prevent any actions that could disrupt the fragile peace in the region. “We appeal to the state government, law enforcement agencies, political leaders, and respected monarchs to swiftly stop this unlawful act before it leads to a crisis,” Oyeyinka stated. The situation remains tense as stakeholders await official responses from the government and traditional authorities.

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