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Many Feared Dead In Fresh Benue Attack

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  Many people were feared dead as suspected armed herders invaded the Otobi community in the Akpa district of the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday. A resident of Otobi Community, Edwin Emma, told journalists on the phone that the renewed attack left many persons feared killed. He said, “We are being attacked by herdsmen at Otobi community; my wife and children are fleeing from the community as I speak, please call for help.” Confirming the attack, the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa in the Benue State House of Assembly, Kennedy Angbo, said the attack started around 5:30 pm on Tuesday. The lawmaker, who hails from the Akpa district told our correspondent in a telephone call on Tuesday evening that three corpses have been recovered and hundreds are fleeing the community. “Right now, many people are feared killed, and hundreds of people have fled the community,” the lawmaker said. It was gathered that the latest attack was the third in the Otobi community in the month of April Efforts to get the spokesperson for the state police command, Catherine Anene, for confirmation were not successful, as calls made to her phone did not connect. Punch

BREAKING: FG Declares Friday, Monday Public Holidays For Easter Celebration

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  The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21, 2025, as public holidays to mark Good Friday and Easter Monday. This was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday. He emphasised the importance of embodying the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, who had to die for the redemption of man, while greeting Christians on the joyous occasion. In a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the minister called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation. Details later…  

Adeboye, Wife Inducted As Boys, Girls Brigade Patrons

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  The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, and his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, have been officially inducted as the Patron and Patroness General of the Boys Brigade Nigeria and Girls Brigade Nigeria. Announcing the induction via Facebook on Tuesday, the church described the honour as a testament to their commitment to the all-around growth and development of young individuals in RCCG and around the world. The post read, “Our Father-in-the-Lord and Mother-in-Israel, #pastoreaadeboyeofficial and #pastorfoluadeboye, were inducted as the Patron and Patroness General of the Boys Brigade Nigeria and Girls Brigade Nigeria. “The decoration is a testament to their commitment to the all-around growth and development of young individuals in RCCG and around the world. Glory be to God.” Punch

You’re To Report To N’Assembly, Reps Tell Rivers Administrator

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  The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has reminded Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) that by the provision of the 1999 Constitution (As amended), he must report to the National Assembly in running the affairs of the oil-rich state. The Speaker gave the charge in Abuja on Tuesday while inaugurating the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State. Recall that on 18 March 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, following the politicals crisis that pitched the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, against the State House of Assembly. Tinubu suspended both parties for an initial period of six months and appointed Ibas to oversee the running of the state as Sole Administrator; a decision that was approved and ratified by both chambers of the federal parliament. Inaugurating the 21-man committee on Tuesday, Speaker Abbas urged members to be guided by objectivity, warning that no room exists for bias and partisanship. He said, “It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary. With the suspension of the state Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire House of Assembly, a caretaker administration has been installed under the stewardship of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd). “His role is strictly circumscribed, as he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored. “The administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the state as prescribed by the constitution.” He recalled in the past the role played by previous assemblies, urging the panel to see their appointment as a call to service. “It is instructive to recall past instances where our nation has faced similar challenges. We witnessed state emergencies in Plateau State in 2004 and Ekiti State in 2006. Similarly, in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States after a series of deadly attacks by terrorists and militant groups. “In those periods of dire security and governance challenges, the National Assembly assumed a vital role in upholding constitutional order. When state institutions were suspended, the intervention of the National Assembly ensured continuity in governance. Our actions today are grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers upon us the authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions. “It states that ‘At any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions; and any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State…’ ” He continued, “This Committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate. Its purpose is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers State, ensure that the caretaker administration adheres to the law, and protect the public interest while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance in the state. “The sensitivity and gravity of this assignment cannot be overemphasised. The state of emergency in Rivers State has generated widespread interest across the nation, and the eyes of all Nigerians are upon us as they await to see if the National Assembly can live up to the high expectations placed upon it. “Therefore, the task before this Committee is not routine; it is a mission of national significance that will serve as a litmus test for our commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance. The importance of the assignment places a considerable burden on the Chairman and all members, as every action taken will be subject to national scrutiny. “In fulfilling your mandate, you must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias. It is imperative that you monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures, and ensure that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended. Moreover, it is expected that you will regularly report your findings to this House in a transparent manner, enabling us to continuously assess the impact of the emergency measures and to take further legislative action if necessary. “Your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State. You are called upon to interface with federal agencies, security institutions, and any reconciliation initiatives that may be established, fostering trust among all stakeholders in the process.” The Speaker insisted, “The National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers State is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity. It embodies our collective duty to safeguard peace, security, and the rule of law. We act not out of partisan interests but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria. The eyes of all Nigerians are upon us, and it is incumbent upon this House, particularly on the Chairman and all members of this esteemed Committee, to rise to this historic challenge with courage, integrity, and determination.” Responding, House Leader and Chairman of the Committee, Prof Julius Ihonvbere pledged the readiness of the panel to deliver on the assignment. “This is probably the strongest ad-hoc committee ever set up since 2019. This will make our work a lot easier, and with the experience, exposure, dedication and commitment to unbiased dispositions on national issues, I assure you, on behalf of my colleagues in the ad hoc … Read more

‘Real Family Doesn’t Manipulate,’ Peter Okoye Says After Testifying Against Brother In Court.

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  Nigerian music star Peter Okoye of the legendary duo, P-Square, has opened up about enduring over two decades of betrayal and manipulation, stating that he is now prioritising his mental health. In a post on his Instagram story on Tuesday, Peter wrote, “Don’t let ‘family’ be the reason you’re drowning in silence. I did – for over 20 years and it almost cost me everything. But now I know better – love doesn’t manipulate, loyalty doesn’t betray, and family doesn’t steal from you.” Peter added that any family that steals, discriminates or ignores one’s pain isn’t family. He added, “Family that steals and breaks you isn’t family at all. Real family doesn’t drain you, shame you, discriminate against you, or ignore your pain.   “My sanity matters. My mental health is a priority. If it costs my mental health, then it’s too expensive.” Peter’s post comes after he testified in a high-profile case before the Federal High Court in Lagos, where his older brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, stands accused of money laundering and the alleged diversion of royalties belonging to P-Square. Jude Okoye is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N1.38 bn, $1M, and £34,537.59, alongside his company, Northside Music Limited. PUNCH reports that Peter narrated at the court on Monday how his older brother, Jude, secretly registered a new company in his wife’s name and used it to divert royalties belonging to the defunct music group, P-Square. Testifying as the first prosecution witness, Peter revealed that Jude incorporated Northside Music Ltd, a name strikingly similar to their original company, Northside Entertainment Ltd, without informing him or his twin brother, Paul. “I found out Jude had incorporated another company, Northside Music Ltd similar to our original Northside Entertainment Ltd and he was using it to collect our royalties. “He and his wife are the only directors. She owns 80 per cent and he owns 20 per cent,” Peter testified. Peter added that he began discovering discrepancies in their financial dealings, particularly around royalty payments, after P-Square disbanded in 2017 and reunited in 2021. Following these discoveries, he contacted his lawyer, identified as Afolabi, who then petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The court adjourned the case to June 4 for cross-examination. The feud between the Okoye brothers reportedly dates back to 2015, when tensions within P-Square became public. In 2017, the duo officially began pursuing solo careers with fans remaining hopeful for a reunion, especially after they collaborated on Jaiye and Find Somebody in 2022 and performed together publicly. However, in August 2024, Paul confirmed their split during an interview with City FM radio where he alleged that Peter had petitioned both him and Jude to the EFCC, leading to their invitation for questioning. In response, Peter denied reporting Paul to the anti-graft agency but maintained that his petition was aimed at exposing the betrayal he suffered from Jude and his wife, Ifeoma. The case also stirred internal tensions within the Okoye family, when Peter’s twin brother, Paul, a.k.a. Rudeboy, publicly defended Jude and accused Peter of being the mastermind behind the legal troubles. Recall that in February, Paul stated that he would not abandon his elder brother as he stands on the side of truth. “The truth is, Peter is the one putting Jude through these things. It’s Peter who is doing these. I’m only standing for the truth because the same crime that they accused him of doing, then Peter is guilty, Paul is also guilty too,” Paul said.

Security Operatives Teargas Pro-Fubara Protesters In Rivers

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  Security operatives on Monday fired tear gas at women protesting against the emergency rule in Rivers State and the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The protesters from Elleye and Engine in Ahead East Local Government Area, numbering about 200, condemned the appointment of a Sole Administrator in the state. As the women marched and chanted solidarity songs in support of Fubara, they displayed placards with various inscriptions while security operatives, including the police, tried to stop them from advancing. Some of the inscriptions on the placards reads, ‘Ibas leave us alone’,’Our democracy is threatened’, and among others. Following the refusal of the women to back down on the protest, operatives, including the police fired tear gas to dispatch the woman who ran helter-skelter. A viral video which later surfaced showed some of the women crying after inhaling the substance from the teargas canister, insisting that they want Governor Fubara to return to power. Some of the women sat on the ground and rained causes on the policeman, saying, “No Sim no Rivers State’. Details later… Punch

Court Dismisses Suit Against Oyo Monarch

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  An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan, the state capital, has dismissed a suit contesting the nomination and installation of the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao. In his ruling on Monday, Justice K.A. Adedokun nullified the case for lack of jurisdiction. Four members of the Akinbola family who instituted the suit, contested the selection, appointment, and approval of Oba Alao as the Olugbon. Justice Adedokun held that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter, saying that the claimants had no locus standi to file the suit. He ruled that the case failed to include Surulere Local Government as the authority legally empowered to commence the selection process and approve the traditional ruler’s appointment, thus defective. Punch

GenCos Threaten Shutdown Over N4tn Electricity Debt

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  The 23 power generation companies in Nigeria have warned that they can no longer guarantee a steady electricity supply due to the worsening liquidity crisis in the electricity market, with outstanding debts now exceeding N4tn. The firms, under the aegis of the Association of Power Generation Companies, raised the alarm in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Col. Sani Bello (retd.). They said the debt burden and operational constraints currently facing the companies could force an imminent shutdown of power plants if urgent interventions were not implemented. They warned that the continued non-payment for electricity generated and consumed on the national grid was pushing the Nigerian power sector towards a total collapse. The statement, titled ‘Over N4tn unpaid invoices threaten GenCos imminent shutdown’, lamented the lack of a clear financing plan from the Federal Government, alongside worsening fiscal and operational constraints within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. They also accused the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc and other stakeholders of neglecting GenCos in the application of the NESI’s “waterfall arrangement”, which sees other service providers receive 100 per cent of their market invoices while GenCos get as little as 9 per cent to 11 per cent of what is due. The statement read, “The Power Generation Companies (“GenCos”) are constrained to issue this press release to draw the attention of the Federal Government and key stakeholders to the need to urgently address the issue of inadequate payment for electricity generated by them and consumed on the national grid, which is currently threatening the continued operation of their power generation plants. “Against the backdrop of the many challenges facing the power sector in Nigeria, the crises from cash liquidity are on the top burner and have reduced GenCos’ ability to continue to perform their obligations, thereby threatening to completely undermine the Electricity value chain. “In the light of the severity of the issues highlighted above, the GenCos are requesting that immediate and expedited action be taken to prevent national security challenges that may result from the failure of the GenCos to sustain steady generation of electricity for Nigerians.” Recall that in February, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed that the government owes electricity generation companies and electricity distribution companies over N4 trillion in electricity subsidies. Giving a breakdown, the minister said N2 trillion is owed to GenCos as legacy debt, while another N1.9 trillion is owed to them as part of the electricity subsidy for 2024, while DisCos are owed N450 billion for the 2024 electricity subsidy. Punch

JUST IN: Refund N300m Confab Hosting Rights, Rivers Tells NBA

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  The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has replied to the Nigerian Bar Association regarding the reason for relocating its Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu State. Ibas faulted the reason cited by the NBA, describing it as misleading and uncharitable. The Sole Administrator stated this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday by his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, and sent to newsmen. He said while the NBA reserves the right to choose a venue for its conference, the association had yet to address the issue of the refund of the hosting rights paid by the state government for the conference. The statement partly reads, “While we respect the NBA’s right to choose its conference venues, we find it curious that the association—despite its “principled position”— didn’t address the refund of the N300 million already paid by the Rivers State Government for the hosting rights of the 2025 conference. “If the NBA truly stands on principle, it should demonstrate the same integrity by promptly returning these funds rather than benefiting from a state it now publicly discredits.” It added, “The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to the Nigeria Bar Association’s announcement dated 10th April 2025, relocating its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu. “We find the reasons cited for this decision—particularly the insinuation that the Sole Administrator’s actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law—to be misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming of an association that prides itself on upholding justice and fairness. “The NBA’s statement overlooks the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers State. “The declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes.” The Sole Administrator further said that Bola Tinubu, in exercising his constitutional authority, acted in the best interest of the state to restore stability. The statement continued, “The Sole Administrator’s mandate is clear: to oversee a transitional period that ensures the return of full democratic governance in line with the Constitution. “To suggest that this intervention ‘flouts the rule of law’ is not only incorrect but ignores the Supreme Court’s rulings that have validated key decisions made during this period. “In the event the NBA is not aware, may we refer the association to the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024 (Rivers State House of Assembly & Others vs. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) & Nine Others), where the apex court unequivocally ruled that any local government election conducted in violation of the Electoral Act is “unconstitutional, null, and void.” It said contrary to the NBA’s assertions, the Sole Administrator has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to the NBA, as a body of legal minds, should know better than to reduce a complex constitutional matter to political sensationalism. While appealing for constructive engagement, the statement said, “Rivers State is passing through a challenging but necessary phase in its democratic journey. “Rather than contributing to unnecessary tension, we expect the NBA—as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s democracy—to engage constructively, offering solutions instead of amplifying divisive narratives. “The Sole Administrator remains focused on his mandate to stabilize the state and facilitate a smooth return to full constitutional governance. We urge the NBA and other well-meaning Nigerians to support this process in the interest of peace and progress.” Punch

JUST IN: Portable Remanded In Kwara Prison Over Inability To Meet Bail Conditions

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  Controversial singer, Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has been remanded in the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, over his inability to meet stringent bail conditions imposed by an Upper Area Court in the state. This follows the singer’s appearance in court on Monday on the charges of defamation character levelled against him by veteran Fuji musician Akorede Saheed, aka Saheed Osupa. The ‘zazoo-zeh’ crooner, however, received bail of N1 million and other stringent bail conditions, including providing two sureties in like sum. According to the court’s directive, one of the sureties must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, while the other must be a property owner within a Government Reserved Area in Ilorin, supported by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

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