The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • 28-year-old man to die by hanging for murder

    28-year-old man to die by hanging for murder

    A Bayelsa State High Court has sentenced a 28-year-old man, Joseph Fekala, to death by hanging for the murder of a 25-year-old woman, Kate Oguoh, in Yenagoa.

    Delivering judgment, Justice Ineikade Eradiri found Fekala guilty of the offence and rejected the defence’s plea of insanity and request for a lesser sentence.

    Kate Oguoh reportedly died in July 2022 following a disagreement over the sum of N50,000 invested with Fekala for forex trading. The dispute escalated, leading to her being strangled and buried in Fekala’s apartment at Okaka community in Yenagoa Local Government Area.

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    The prosecution established before the court that the deceased, a clothes vendor and indigene of Sagbama Local Government Area, had left her family home after a minor misunderstanding and went to visit her friend, who is the younger sister of the convict. She later went missing.

    Investigations revealed that Fekala killed the victim and buried her in a shallow grave inside his residence.

    The decomposing body of the victim was exhumed from the apartment, wrapped in a black polythene bag.

    Justice Eradiri held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and consequently sentenced the convict to death by hanging.

    Members of the deceased’s family welcomed the verdict, describing it as justice served.

    Defence counsel, Deinmobowei Abila, made an oral application, notifying the court of his intention to appeal the judgment at a higher court.

  • Oborevwori delivering quality projects, prioritising welfare of Deltans — Delta govt

    Oborevwori delivering quality projects, prioritising welfare of Deltans — Delta govt

    • Hails veteran journalist, entrepreneur on birth anniversary

    The Delta State Government has underscored its dedication to prioritizing the welfare and well-being of its citizens.

    The Chief Press Secretary to Delta State Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, assured the citizens that quality projects would be at the forefront of governance in the state.

    Ahon made the assurance yesterday during a courtesy visit from the Delta State Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at his residence in Ughelli.

    Ahon emphasized that the Oborevwori administration is focused on delivering people-oriented governance, acknowledging the extensive infrastructural and developmental needs throughout the state.

    He highlighted that the welfare of the citizens is a non-negotiable priority, which is essential for sustainable development.

    He said this commitment is evidenced by various ongoing capital projects and social interventions designed to benefit the people of Delta State.

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    The CPS said: “The governor has achieved more in two years than what some state administrations in the country accomplished in eight years. “These are enduring projects, projects designed to stand the test of time and outlive this generation. We owe Deltans real value for every project delivered by this administration, and that is exactly what the governor is delivering.”

    He stressed that the administration had remained fiscally disciplined, noting that all projects were being executed without recourse to borrowing.

    “The governor will not compromise the welfare of Deltans, and importantly, none of these projects is being funded through loans,” he added.

    Ahon expressed appreciation to the NUJ leadership for the visit and appealed for sustained media partnership in promoting peace, stability and effective governance in the state.

    He assured journalists of the government’s continued support, emphasising that development thrives best in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

    Earlier, Chairman of the Delta State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, said the visit was to express the union’s appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and for the CPS’s improved and inclusive support for journalists across the state.

    Oyowe noted that the State Government’s recent gesture through the CPS reached all NUJ chapels in the state, describing it as unprecedented and deeply appreciated by members.

    He appealed for the sustenance of the goodwill and reminded Ahon of the council’s pending requests for a utility bus and a 200kva step down transformer.

    Meanwhile, the CPS has congratulated veteran journalist and businessman, Asiwaju Sola Adebayo, on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, Ahon described Adebayo as an iconic and celebrated journalist whose career had left an indelible mark on the journalism profession in Nigeria.

    He commended the veteran journalist for his outstanding contributions to the welfare and wellbeing of journalists as well as the NUJ, noting that his dedication, professionalism and entrepreneurial drive had played a significant role in the growth and development of journalism over the years.

    Ahon also lauded Adebayo’s commitment to ethical journalism and mentorship, saying his legacy continues to inspire younger generations of media practitioners across the country.

    He wished Adebayo many more years of good health, fulfilment and continued relevance, and prayed that his wealth of experience would remain a source of guidance and inspiration to the media industry and society at large.

  • Group moves to boost tax compliance, trains Enugu revenue officers on grievance redress

    Group moves to boost tax compliance, trains Enugu revenue officers on grievance redress

    The Hope Givers Initiative (HOG-I) on Wednesday trained officers of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) on effective management of taxpayers’ complaints, as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and voluntary tax compliance in the state.

    The capacity-building workshop followed an assessment which revealed gaps in Enugu State’s grievance redress mechanism, particularly in the areas of documentation, tracking and timely resolution of tax-related complaints.

    Speaking at the event, Onyeka Udeghunam of HOG-I said the programme was designed to strike a balance between tax sensitisation and citizens’ rights to question assessments and demand value for money.

    “People should not just be told to pay tax. They must understand why they are paying and also know where to lodge complaints if they disagree with an assessment. Government, on its part, is expected to respond within a specific timeframe,” she said.

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    Udeghunam stressed that tax payments must translate into visible public services, noting that traders who pay market taxes deserve basic amenities such as water supply, toilets and good access roads.

    Also speaking, the Programme Lead of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform, Sadiq Mohammed Mustapha, described the training as timely, especially as states prepare to align with new national tax reforms expected to take effect in January 2026.

    He disclosed that Enugu State scored 10 out of 16 in a recent assessment, reflecting progress in automation, but noted lingering gaps in digitalisation, data collection and the institutionalisation of complaint-handling systems.

    “We helped bridge some of these gaps by developing a standard operating procedure, a complaints-tracking dashboard and performance indicators that will enable the service to measure efficiency and improve its relationship with taxpayers,” Mustapha said.

    In his remarks, Okey Onyeka of Civil Rights Concern said effective handling of tax complaints is critical to improving compliance and boosting government revenue.

    According to him, when taxpayers see their grievances promptly addressed, trust in the system grows, compliance improves and the government is better positioned to deliver services through the budget process.

  • Ifiekporo applauds Agbeyi’s leadership

    Ifiekporo applauds Agbeyi’s leadership

    The people of Ifiekporo Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State have commended Dr Monday Agbeyi over his visionary leadership.

    Agbeyi was joined by family, friends, and well-wishers in celebrating their chairman and leader on the occasion of his birthday, which coincides with Christmas Day, December 25th.

    In a statement by the representative of the community, Mr Akinde Augustine, issued on behalf of the Olare Aja, Pa Michael Domino, and the entire people of Ifiekporo, Agbeyi was commended for his visionary leadership, commitment to peace, and impactful development efforts that have transformed the community.

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    “Dr Agbeyi has continued to lead with humility, integrity, and foresight. His tireless service has brought dignity, unity, and progress to our people. That his birthday falls on the same day as the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ reminds us of the blessing he is to our community,” the statement read.

    The community prayed for long life, divine health, and continued wisdom for the celebrant as he continues his leadership journey. “We wish him a new chapter filled with greater accomplishments and an enduring legacy,” it added.

  • APC National Chairman appoints Suleiman Bakari as adviser

    APC National Chairman appoints Suleiman Bakari as adviser

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda has appointed Suleiman Bakari as his adviser on Intelligence Coordination.

    Bakari, an award-winning detective and law enforcement agent who served as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and was also the EFCC Liaison Officer at the National Assembly, He was appointed alongside 14 others as Special Advisers, Advisers and Senior Special Assistants (SSAs).

    A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Suleiman Bakari contested for a seat in the House of Representatives representing Jalingo–Yorro–Zing Federal Constituency 2019.

    Born to the family of late Alhaji Bakari Muhammed of Majidadi Ward Jalingo and late Hajiya Fadimatu Muhammad on August 27 in the 70s in Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State, Sulaiman Bakari had his early childhood in Jalingo, Gurin in Adamawa State and Kaduna, Kaduna State.

    He had his early education at the Mohammadu Tukur Primary School in Jalingo and Gurin Central Primary School in Adamawa State where he obtained First School Leaving Certificate between 1984 and 1991. From there he proceeded to Government College Jalingo, where he obtained the West African Examination Certificate (WAEC) in 1997.

    Read Also: Banditry will be defeated in 2026, Akpabio assures Nigerians

    Bakari obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria in 2005 before doing a mandatory one year National Youth Service at the National Boundary Commission (NBC) at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja from 2006 to 2007.  In 2012, he obtained a Master Degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from ABU, Zaria.

    Upon completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Sulaiman Bakari was shortlisted into the services of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as an operative. He was afterwards trained as an Economic and Financial Crimes investigator in February 2008 and was fully commissioned in same year as an Assistant Detective Superintendent (ADS).

    He rose through the ranks at the EFCC to become a Senior Detective of the Commission, attending various trainings and professional courses both locally and internationally, including at the Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI, USA, as Fundamental Criminal Investigative Analyst, April 2015, and at West Africa Regional Training Centre, Accra Ghana.

    In 2015 he was posted to the National Assembly as its National Liason Officer.

    He also served as the Special Adviser on Anti Corruption to the President of the Senate, 2018-2019.

    Sulaiman Bakari is married to Fatima from family of Ambassador Sani Bala.(Wamban Katsina). They are blessed with four children: Fatima, Amina, Sulaiman and Aisha.

  • Foundation distributes food, gifts to market women at yuletide

    Foundation distributes food, gifts to market women at yuletide

    A nonprofit, nongovernmental organisation, Ajia Aspamda Women Empowerment Foundation (AAWEF) has brought relief to vulnerable women with the distribution of food items and cash gifts to over 100 market women as part of its yuletide thanksgiving celebration.

    The colourful event, held at Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, was organised to give thanks for God’s blessings throughout the year and to promote unity among beneficiaries.

    Founder of the NGO, Hon. Mrs Oluchi Akunne said the foundation was established out of love and compassion for vulnerable women, particularly widows struggling to meet basic needs.

     “When I look around my environment and see women begging for food, it touches my heart. I began to ask myself how I could impact their lives and their families, and that was how everything started,” she said.

    Akunne explained that the end-of-year celebration has been held for over seven years but was formally rebranded under AAWEF during the COVID-19 period.

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    According to her, this year’s event marked the foundation’s third anniversary, prompting the introduction of awards to recognise over 20 men and women who have consistently supported its mission of empowering women.

    Expressing her satisfaction, she said the spirit of the yuletide season aligns with AAWEF’s core values of service and compassion.

     “I feel fulfilled because I am touching lives. Every day, we continue to grow and reach more women,” she said.

    Akunne added that AAWEF’s membership has expanded beyond Nigeria, with growing international interest and more than 50 prospective members awaiting registration.

  • SGF Akume welcomes Ooni’s ex-Queen Zaynab as new wife

    SGF Akume welcomes Ooni’s ex-Queen Zaynab as new wife

    The marriage between Zaynab Ngohemba and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, was confirmed on Friday through a Facebook post.

    Though the couple got married last year, only a few people and family members close to the couple were aware of the union.

    Ngohemba was the wife of the Ooni of Ife, Osun State, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II).

    A Facebook user and member of the Dajoh family, Abraham Double-d Dajoh, had on Friday posted the photos of the wedding via a celebratory social media post.

    The Dajoh family described the union as “beautiful” and “uncommon,” as they formally welcomed her into their fold in Benue State.

    In a statement that quickly went viral, the Dajoh family expressed their collective joy, signalling a significant chapter for the SGF’s household.

     “We, the entire Dajoh Family, happily join our daddy, uncle and brother, His Excellency, The Secretary To The Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume Jugu Dajoh, in welcoming his new and uncommon wife, Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, into the Dajoh family,” the post read.

    The family further extended their appreciation to the political associates and supporters of the SGF, urging them to remain steadfast in their loyalty to him as he embarks on this personal journey.

    Read Also: Banditry will be defeated in 2026, Akpabio assures Nigerians

    “We appreciate and thank the fans and supporters of Sen. Akume for always standing by him. We enjoin every one of you to continue to support his Excellency even in this beautiful union with Queen Zaynab,” the post further read.

    Queen Zaynab, who was previously known as Olori Wuraola during her 17-month marriage to the Ooni of Ife (which ended in 2017), was ushered into her new home with deep cultural reverence.

    The Dajoh family emphasised the importance of their ancestral roots in Mbakor and the wider Benue State.

    “Welcome to Benue State, the Food Basket of the nation, welcome to Mbakor, the seat of leadership of the Tiv nation and welcome to the Dajoh family, the home of your darling husband. Welcome home, Queen Zaynab,” the statement concluded.

    The announcement coincided with the festive period, as the family used the opportunity to wish Nigerians a happy holiday season.

    “We wish you all a happy Christmas Celebration and a Prosperous New Year,” the post read.

    Akume, a former Governor of Benue State and a politician, currently serves as a key figure in the President Bola Tinubu administration.

    Akume’s spokesman, Yomi Odunuga, confirmed the marriage.

    He, however, said contrary to reports that the wedding was held on December 24, the marriage is over a year old.

    “I can confirm the marriage. However, contrary to the rumour that the marriage was concretised in Gboko on Christmas eve when the couple appeared together at an event to celebrate Christmas, it was actually a marriage that is over a year old,” Odunuga said.

  • Shettima visits Borno blast survivors, vows end to insecurity

    Shettima visits Borno blast survivors, vows end to insecurity

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured residents of Borno State and Nigerians nationwide that the Federal Government remains resolute in its duty to protect lives and property, following the bomb explosion at Gamboru Market in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

     The Vice President, who visited survivors of the attack receiving treatment at the Muhammadu Buhari Trauma Centre, yesterday, conveyed the sympathy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to the victims.

     Speaking in Maiduguri after meeting the injured, the VP described the attack as senseless violence and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to end insecurity in Borno State and across the country.

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     “We are here on behalf of the President to sympathise with the victims and to reassure the good people of Borno State and indeed the entire nation, that the government remains unwavering in its commitment to secure the lives and property of our citizens,” the Vice President said.

     According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President, Shettima added “by the grace of God, this madness will soon be brought to an end.”

     Visibly moved by the condition of those on admission, the Vice President also commended Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, for his sustained efforts in addressing security and humanitarian challenges in the state, assuring that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen collaboration with the state to achieve lasting peace.

     “The Governor of Borno has been working round the clock to complement the efforts of the Federal Government. I sincerely appreciate his commitment,” VP Shettima said.

     Emphasising national unity in the face of adversity, he added: “Most importantly, we are united in victory as well as in challenges. We are one nation, tied to a common destiny.”

     Briefing the Vice President during the visit, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital disclosed that 14 patients were admitted following the blast, with one patient dying shortly after arrival.

     According to him, seven victims remained on admission, including one in critical condition at the intensive care unit, while five others had been treated and discharged.

  • CDS, COAS celebrate Christmas with troops in Jos

    CDS, COAS celebrate Christmas with troops in Jos

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Oluremi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Waide Shaibu, have marked the Christmas celebration with troops of Joint Task Force-Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) in Jos.

     Maj.-Gen. Umar Abubakar, the Commander, Armour Corps of the Nigerian Army, represented the duo at the event.

     The CDS commended the commitment and resilience of troops of JTF-OPEP towards ending insecurity in Plateau, some parts of Kaduna and Bauchi states.

     He further urged troops to remain vigilant, disciplined, and proactive, adding that criminal elements often seek to exploit festive periods to undermine peace and security.

     “Christmas is a season that embodies love, sacrifice, hope and renewal. It offers an opportunity to reflect on shared humanity, collective responsibility, and the unwavering commitment to the peace, unity, and progress of the nation.

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    “But we must not allow criminal elements to take advantage of the joyous season to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens,” he said.

     The CDS called for stronger collaboration with other security agencies and positive engagement with local communities, adding that the people’s trust “is essential to achieving enduring peace.”

     He promised to continually prioritise the welfare of personnel and their families, assuring that efforts were ongoing towards improving the living and working conditions of troops.

     Similarly, the COAS also thanked the troops for their selfless sacrifices towards tackling all forms of security challenges in the country.

     He further reaffirmed the Nigerian army’s commitment to professionalism, combat readiness and personnel welfare, in line with his command philosophy.

  • Police arrest two notorious bandits, kidnap kingpins in Kwara

    Police arrest two notorious bandits, kidnap kingpins in Kwara

    • Recover arms, cash, motorcycle

    Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested two notorious bandits and kidnap kingpins responsible for violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states.

    They were arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), attached to Kwara State, in a covert operation carried out in collaboration with operatives of the Kwara State Police Command, along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    The suspects arrested are Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi ‘m’ aged 26 and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide ‘m’ aged 30.

    Both suspects were arrested in Komen–Masallaci village, Kaiama LGA of Kwara State at the time of arrest.

    According to a statement issued on yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, during the operation, the following items were recovered from the suspects: one brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, red in colour, valued at N1,850,000.00, which investigations revealed was purchased with proceeds of ransom payments; N500,000.00 cash, being unspent ransom money; one AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.

    Preliminary investigation, Hundeyin said revealed that; ” the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping gang terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara States. Further findings indicate that the gang also doubles as suppliers of arms and ammunition to criminal elements.

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    “Both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to enable the arrest of other members of the syndicate and recovery of additional weapons.

    “The Nigeria Police Force further recalls that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi), was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral video flaunting firearms and large sums of money on social media.

    “The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, commends the operatives involved for their professionalism and dedication, and reassures Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

    “Meanwhile, members of the public are encouraged to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations”.