The Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode, has directed the President of Owhase Community to produce within 24 hours a man alleged to have raped an 11-year-old Primary Five pupil, warning that anyone shielding the suspect would be held accountable under the law.

Oyibode issued the ultimatum on Friday during a visit to the Ovwian/Aladja Police Division, where he met with the victim and officers investigating the alleged sexual assault.

Describing the incident as a grave violation of a child’s rights, the council chairman said the suspect must be brought to justice without delay, expressing concern that he remained at large despite ongoing efforts to apprehend him.

He alleged that the Owhase Community President had failed to cooperate with authorities in facilitating the suspect’s arrest, warning that any action capable of frustrating investigations could amount to aiding and abetting a criminal suspect.

“The rape of a child is a serious criminal offence that must not be swept under the carpet. Anyone protecting the suspect will answer for it before the law,” Oyibode said.

The council chairman also appealed to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Udu Branch, to provide pro bono legal representation for the victim to ensure diligent prosecution of the case.

Oyibode further alleged that the victim’s parents and the President of Owhase Community initially sought to suppress the incident instead of reporting it promptly to security agencies.

He warned that any individual found to have concealed the alleged crime would face the full weight of the law, stressing that protecting children from sexual abuse is a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation of families, communities and relevant institutions.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the protection of children’s rights, Oyibode assured residents that the Udu Local Government Council would continue to support law enforcement agencies in ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences are apprehended and prosecuted.

As of the time of filing this report, the victim had made a statement to investigators, while efforts by security agencies to arrest the suspect were continuing.

The Command said it has activated its Safe School Initiative Operatives, led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Harrison Oruruo, to track down the suspect and ensure justice for the deceased.

A statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that police operatives attached to the Neni Divisional Headquarters responded swiftly after receiving a report of the incident on the evening of July 16, 2026.

According to the statement, the victim was immediately rushed to a hospital for urgent medical attention but was confirmed dead by a medical doctor while receiving treatment.

The police said the body has been deposited in the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy, adding that photographs of the deceased were taken as part of the investigation.

“Preliminary observations revealed visible marks of violence on different parts of the victim’s body,” the statement noted.

The Command described the incident as tragic and said investigations had commenced in earnest to unravel the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

It assured the bereaved family and members of the public that the investigation would be thorough, diligent and transparent.

The Police Command also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding schoolchildren through its Safe School Initiative and appealed to members of the public with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing teacher to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency line, 07039194332.

The engagement, held on Friday at the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), forms part of preparations for the visit of the National Coordinator of POCACOV and the commencement of the campaign across the state.

The delegation, led by the state coordinator of POCACOV, HRM Igwe Daniel Obelle of Nawfia, represented by Mr Moses Ndukwu, briefed the state government on the objectives, activities and expected impact of the initiative. The team also sought the government’s partnership and support to promote positive values among young people.

According to the delegation, the campaign will focus on discouraging cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, violence and other criminal activities through sustained public enlightenment and community participation.

The advocacy programme is expected to include sensitization activities in schools, communities, religious centres and other public spaces to promote responsible citizenship, peaceful coexistence and youth development.

Speaking during the visit, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, commended the Nigeria Police Force and POCACOV for the initiative, describing it as a proactive approach to addressing social challenges.

She reaffirmed the Anambra State Government’s commitment to supporting programmes that promote peace, security and the welfare of residents, while calling for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the success of the campaign.

The Anambra State Police Command expressed appreciation to the state government for its support and reiterated its commitment to crime prevention through community policing, strategic partnerships and other non-kinetic approaches designed to build a safer and more secure Anambra State.

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnapped victims, recovered 56 rustled livestock and arrested a suspected terrorist in separate operations across Katsina State.

The operations, carried out through intelligence-driven missions, are part of ongoing efforts by the military to sustain pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements operating in the North-West.

In a statement obtained from the verified Facebook handle, HQ Nigerian Army , on Friday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said troops of Sector 2 rescued the nine victims during a fighting patrol in Faskari Local Government Area.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims, three women, four men and two children were abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe–Kuchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

He said the victims escaped from the terrorists’ hideout after their captors fell asleep and were subsequently intercepted and rescued by the troops.

“The rescued victims are currently in safe custody and are undergoing the necessary procedures before being reunited with their families,” the statement added.

In another operation in Bakori Local Government Area, troops acting on credible intelligence foiled an attempt by terrorists to rustle livestock.

The terrorists reportedly opened fire on sighting the troops but were overpowered by the soldiers’ superior firepower and fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning 56 rustled animals comprising four cattle and 52 sheep.

The military said the recovered livestock are in its custody pending their handover to the appropriate authorities.

Similarly, troops arrested a suspected terrorist during routine operational activities in Danmusa Local Government Area.

According to the statement, preliminary exploitation of items recovered from the suspect indicated possible links to terrorist activities, while further investigations are ongoing.

The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience, reaffirming the military’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens until terrorism and other forms of criminality are decisively defeated across the North-West.

A birthday celebration in Abuja ended in tragedy and has now resulted in a life sentence after the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court convicted a man for the death of his friend following a violent altercation.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command said Ekang Philip Bassey was sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice M. S. Idris of High Court 25 for the killing of Emeka Nnonifu during a birthday party held at a hotel in Kubwa on January 6, 2024.

According to the police, Bassey had organised the birthday celebration, which the deceased attended. However, an argument between the two friends reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation.

The prosecution told the court that Bassey slapped and pushed Nnonifu during the altercation, causing him to fall and hit his head on a concrete surface. The victim sustained severe head injuries and was later confirmed dead.

Following investigations, the FCT Police Command charged Bassey with culpable homicide punishable with death under Sections 220(a) and (b) of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 221.

Delivering judgment in Suit No. FCT/HC/CR/330/2024, Justice Idris held that while the prosecution proved that the defendant’s unlawful actions caused the victim’s death, it failed to establish beyond reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or had the knowledge required for a conviction under Section 221 of the Penal Code.

The court, however, found him guilty of culpable homicide under Section 224 of the Penal Code and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Reacting to the judgment, the FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that criminal offences are diligently investigated and prosecuted while safeguarding the constitutional rights of all parties involved.

The Command, through its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the conviction underscores its resolve to ensure justice for victims and accountability for offenders through due process.

The monarch described the approval by the Delta State Executive Council as a historic milestone that ushers in a new era of traditional leadership for the Oyede Kingdom.

In a statement made available to journalists, HRM Agbi said the governor’s approval marks a watershed in the history of the kingdom, noting that it officially validates the transition from the Odiologbo system of rulership to the Ovie institution.

“On behalf of myself, the Oyede Traditional Council, our revered ruling houses and the entire people of Oyede Kingdom, I express my profound and joyful appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for graciously approving and confirming my appointment as the Ovie of Oyede Kingdom.

“This is a glorious milestone for our people as we boldly transition into a new era of Ovie rulership. I sincerely thank Your Excellency for your swift consideration and decisive confirmation, recognising that this historic transition was conceived and pursued with the best interests of our people at heart,” the monarch stated.

HRM Agbi also acknowledged the role of the immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for approving the 2020 Gazette that laid the legal foundation for the kingdom’s transition from the Odiologbo rulership to the Ovie institution.

It was learned that the approval came while the incumbent governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, was serving as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

The monarch assured the state government of the kingdom’s commitment to supporting policies and programmes aimed at promoting peace, security and sustainable development.

“As we eagerly await the official presentation of the Staff of Office, I wish to assure Your Excellency that the Oyede Kingdom is ready to work closely with your administration at both the state and local government levels to advance sustainable development, strengthen peace and guarantee the security of our people,” he added.

The confirmation of HRM Goodnews Goodman Agbi as the pioneer Ovie of Oyede Kingdom is widely regarded as a landmark development in the traditional history of the kingdom, signalling the commencement of a new royal era for its people.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, unveiled the digital platform on Thursday in Asaba, describing it as a major step in the state’s drive to leverage technology to strengthen public service delivery and revenue administration.

Oborevwori said the platform would modernise the management of outdoor advertising by promoting transparency, operational efficiency and accountability, while warning that his administration would not tolerate fraud or unethical practices in the sector.

He described DESSAA as a key revenue-generating agency and urged advertisers and other stakeholders to comply with regulations by making prompt and accurate payments.

The governor also said the state government would continue to partner with local government councils to enhance revenue collection and improve the administration of signage and advertisement across Delta.

Managing Director of DESSAA, Hon. Sebastien Okoh, said the platform would provide advertisers and practitioners with seamless electronic access to the agency’s services from anywhere in the world.

He explained that the cashless system would eliminate revenue leakages, curb sharp practices and ensure that all payments due to the government are transparently captured and accounted for.

Stakeholders at the event hailed the initiative as a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the agency, saying it would improve service delivery, strengthen revenue administration and align Delta State’s advertising regulatory framework with global best practices.

The development trajectory of any nation, state or community is determined by the level of commitment and resolve of the people themselves to make things work. There is no automatic and easy path to Eldorado.

While good men on the one hand must consistently step forward to make sacrifices and act if selfish and bad leadership must be dethroned and stopped from prevailing in the society, the people on the other hand must make conscious efforts to search out men and women of capacity, integrity and wisdom who can add value to their lives and fight for their interest

It is unfortunate that Isoko nation in the last couple of years has under achieved given its potentials. Our biggest challenge still remains putting round pegs in round holes. The leadership recruitment process is awkward and until this crooked path is straightened out, Isoko may never get value for leadership. Not everyone is passionate about development. Not everyone is perturbed about the challenges facing the Isoko nation. Not everyone is keen about finding lasting solutions to the obstacles that have wreaked our ship of collective progress. Not everyone is imbued with the capacity to solve problems. Not everyone is so concerned and passionate as Arc. Barr. James Akporero in the quest for a working society and a prosperous Isoko nation where poverty and joblessness will be reduced to the barrest minimum.

Come 2027, it will take a different kind of political leader fighting for a different kind of agenda in the Federal House of Representatives to ensure prosperity and equal opportunity for everyone in Isoko North and South Federal Constituency.

To close the leadership lacuna, Arc. Barr. James Akporero has stepped forward and he is aspiring to represent Isoko North and South Federal Constituency come 2027. His decision to run is driven by a deep desire to contribute his quota to the development of the constituency and uplift the standard of living of the people. Isoko need someone who understands the pains and yearnings of the people. Isoko need a superior and responsible representation. We need someone who can carry along both party and non-party members across the religious and ethnic divide. We need someone who can bring dividends of democracy or policies that would have direct impact on the people of Isoko North and South Federal Constituency.

Akporero has reiterated that his ambition is not motivated by personal gain or political relevance but by a genuine desire to serve and improve the welfare of residents across Isoko Federal Constituency. He is prepared to offer purposeful and people oriented representation anchored on accessibility, accountability, compassion and visible impact at the grassroots level.

Akporero is an empathetic and community minded grassroots politician who is prepared to bring a fresh and bold perspective to the House of Representatives with real focus on the challenges and problems confronting our people of Isoko nation and take the lead in addressing them.

An accomplished Architect, lawyer, Mathematician, Nollywood actor and Entrepreneur, James Akporero is a goal getter with very rich curriculum vitae and ample understanding of governance and legislative representation who will sponsor bills that will propel development in every facet of human endeavor.

He deserves our support and there is every hope that if he gets elected, Isokos will begin to see a new approach to legislative representation driven by a clear understanding of the people’s need and want, the passion to serve the people and a vision to deliver achievable goals.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that officers attached to B Division made the rescue during a routine midday patrol on July 15, 2026.

According to the statement, the man was discovered lying unconscious by the roadside without visible injuries or signs of violence.

The officers immediately evacuated him to the Police Hospital in Awka, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

Police said a search conducted on the victim did not yield any means of identification or a mobile phone that could assist in establishing his identity or contacting his relatives.

The Command noted that preliminary findings suggest the victim may have been under the influence of hard drugs, although investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

It added that efforts have been intensified to identify the victim and locate his family members to facilitate further necessary action.

The police described the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with substance abuse and drug addiction, particularly among young people.

Reaffirming its commitment to preventive policing, the Command said it would continue to drive its Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) through sustained public enlightenment, advocacy and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to combat drug abuse, cultism and other social vices across the state.

The Command assured that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.

By Julius Agadaga, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Electricity Regulatory Agency, BYERA, has approved a structured Service Improvement Programme for customers on the Imiringi and Government House feeders under the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHED, network.

In a public notice issued on July 13, 2026 with reference `BYERA/REG/PHED/SB/07/2026` and signed by the Director General, Dr. RosaLyn Dressman, the Agency authorized PHED to carry out network rehabilitation, feeder reinforcement, metering rollout, loss reduction and other operational upgrades aimed at improving power supply quality and reliability on the two feeders.

BYERA, however, clarified that the approval does not permit PHED to migrate customers on the affected feeders to Band A, nor to commence Band A tariff billing at this time.

According to the Agency, existing service-band classifications and tariffs will remain in place until four specific conditions are satisfied.

The conditions for any future migration to Band A include: PHED demonstrating sustained and verifiable compliance with Band A service standards; BYERA independently verifying daily supply hours, outage records, network capacity, metering status and feeder reliability; PHED establishing adequate customer notification, complaint handling and regulatory reporting systems; and BYERA issuing a separate written approval authorizing tariff migration.

Dr. Dressman said PHED is required to submit an implementation schedule, metering plan, customer engagement plan and periodic performance reports. The Agency will also conduct technical inspections and engage consumers directly during the upgrade period.

BYERA advised customers on the Imiringi and Government House feeders to continue paying only the tariff applicable to their current service band, keep copies of bills, receipts and meter information, and record daily supply hours where possible.

The Agency further urged consumers to report any unapproved tariff change, excessive billing, or prolonged outage to BYERA via `consumer@byera.energy`.

Reaffirming the Agency’s consumer protection mandate, Dr. Dressman said any future Band A classification must be based on “transparent, measurable and independently verified service performance” to prevent premature tariff increases.

BYERA noted that the service improvement programme is expected to reduce estimated billing, strengthen energy accountability, and provide a measurable basis for the future classification of the two feeders.