Management of Geometric Power, otherwise known as Aba Power, says there was a fire outbreak on Monday at its company’s premises in Aba, Abia State.

The utility company disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

It stated that the fire broke out in the early hours of Monday, noting that the cause is not yet known.

“There was a fire outbreak early this morning in a temporary building on the premises of Geometric Power, Nigeria’s foremost integrated power company, located in the Osisioma Industrial Layout, Aba, Abia State.

“The building was used by a defunct South African electricity firm known as Group 5 during the construction of facilities in the integrated power company and has been of little use for over 12 years. Though the cause of the fire has yet to be determined,” the statement disclosed.

The management noted that the fire was contained by the Geometric Power staff before the arrival of the Abia State Fire Service which responded promptly to the emergency call.

Geometric Power management commended its staff members for their vigilance and gallant efforts in containing the fire and the Abia State Fire Service for its swift response and professionalism.

The management also appreciated members of the public for their concern and support.

“Geometric Power assures the public of their commitment to work assiduously for constant, quality and affordable electricity in the Aba Power Ring-fenced Area and elsewhere for the rapid socioeconomic progress of the Nigerian nation,” the statement added.

The Federal Government has extended the deadline for applications into the Federal Civil Service to March 17, 2025.

The Federal Civil Service Commission initially announced the recruitment exercise on January 27, 2025, offering over 70 positions across various ministries, departments, and agencies.

However, many citizens lamented difficulties accessing the recruitment portal, prompting widespread calls for an extension.

FCSC spokesperson, Hassan Taiwo acknowledged that some applicants encountered technical issues but maintained that others could register successfully.

In an advertisement published in two national dailies and shared by Taiwo on Monday, the commission announced that the new deadline supersedes the previous one, which was initially set for March 10, 2025.

It read, “The Federal Civil Service Commission has extended the closing date for receiving applications for various vacancies in the Federal Civil Service to Monday, March 17, 2025, to allow more eligible candidates to participate in the exercise.”

This announcement supersedes the previous advertisement of Monday, January 27, 2025, in some national dailies, as well as the FCSC website (www.fedcivilservice.gov.ng), where the deadline was initially Monday, March 10, 2025.

“The updated information is now available on the FCSC website and in The Sun and The Nation newspapers of Monday, March 10, 2025, including Daily Trust of Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

“Qualified Nigerians are urged to take advantage of this extension and apply for the available vacancies.

“The Commission assures applicants of a merit-driven and transparent recruitment process,” it concluded.

Popular Nigerian actor and content creator, Adebowale Adedayo, widely known as Mr Macaroni, has responded to criticism over his refusal to greet Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a recent public appearance.

In a series of posts on Monday via X, Mr Macaroni dismissed the backlash, stating that he would not greet the governor even if given another opportunity.

“This is the last time I will address this matter. It is not worth my peace of mind. Since you people won’t stop attacking me because I didn’t greet Governor Sanwo-Olu, next time I see him, I still won’t greet him. And this time, even if he calls me, I won’t answer. You people will cry today, tomorrow, and forever,” he wrote.

The social media personality, known for his strong stance on governance and human rights, criticised Nigerians who defend politicians instead of holding them accountable for the economic hardships in the country.

“The people are suffering! The price of everything is up. Instead of you people to hold your leaders accountable, you are busy kissing their bumbum,” he stated.

He further accused some individuals of hypocrisy, alleging that certain critics of government officials eventually seek financial favours behind closed doors.

“Some people called out their state governors every day, then went behind closed doors to collect envelopes to become praise singers. It hurts them when they see that not everyone is for sale,” he wrote.

Addressing the culture of political loyalty, Mr Macaroni said, “These people have no honour, no code, no respect or dignity whatsoever. They have become slaves to the servants of the people. This is why Nigeria is the way Nigeria is. The people worship and defend their oppressors.”

He also rejected any expectations that he would change his stance due to persistent attacks on his character.

“I am no saint. I am nobody’s hero. I am far from perfect. I do what I do only because I strongly believe in it. Do I get tired of the constant attacks on my person? Yes! But please do not think for a second that I will betray my conscience,” he wrote.

The actor concluded his remarks by condemning tribal bigotry in Nigeria’s political landscape, warning against using ethnicity as a tool to divide the country.

“Shame on all those who have joined in creating this toxic culture of tribal bigotry. Kudos to every Nigerian, irrespective of their tribe, who see beyond this mischief and continue to do their best to promote peace and unity,” he said.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has sanctioned its Ondo State Sector Commander, Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, after a viral video exposed one of the corps’ patrol vehicles operating with a worn-out tyre.

The video, which circulated widely on social media, sparked public concerns about the safety standards of the FRSC’s vehicles, given its mandate to enforce road safety regulations.

In a statement released on Sunday, FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, strongly condemned the violation, stressing that it contravened the FRSC’s core values and operational procedures.

To reinforce accountability, the Sector Commander has been sanctioned, while the vehicle involved will be fined for the safety infraction.

Additionally, Ibitoye will personally bear the penalty for the oversight.

“The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, condemns in totality the use of a worn-out tyre on an FRSC patrol vehicle and has ordered the immediate sanction of the Ondo Sector Commander, under whose jurisdiction the violation occurred.

“He further stressed that the corps has zero tolerance for any deviation from safety standards and will not condone any compromise against its core values.

“In addition to the sanction, the Corps Marshal has also directed that the vehicle be booked for the infraction and that the Sector Commander must pay the fine for negligence,” the statement read.

The FRSC reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest vehicle maintenance standards, emphasising that it remained a leading agency in promoting road safety in Nigeria.

The statement concluded by assuring that management will intensify supervision of field operations to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations across all commands.

The Delta police command says it has detained an operative of an anti-cult volunteer corps in connection with the shooting to death of an auxiliary nurse, Isioma Nwayalani, in Okpanam Community, near Asaba.

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The 19-year-old victim was allegedly killed by a stray bullet from the gun-wielding operative, whose identity has yet to be disclosed.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the tragic incident to journalists on Sunday in Asaba.

Mr Edafe said that the suspect had been caught and is presently in police custody.

“Yes, the unfortunate incident is confirmed, and we are investigating to unravel the circumstances behind the shooting.

“When the police are through with their investigations, we will update you with the necessary information,” he said.

Witness accounts said that the deceased was hit by a bullet allegedly fired by the suspect, who was shooting sporadically along with his colleagues after they returned from a burial in Agbor.

The account further said that the deceased, who worked in a patent medicine store on the ground floor of the building housing the anti-cult office, was hit in the hand and part of her stomach.

“Usually, whenever they went out for a burial or any celebration and come back, they will start shooting to herald their return.

“So, that Saturday, at about 6.30 p.m., when they returned and began to shoot, the deceased and her colleague, who was outside, started running back to their store for safety.

“Unfortunately, she was hit on her hand and part of her stomach,” the account added.

It was further learnt that the suspect quickly carried the girl into their vehicle, and she was rushed to the Delta State Specialist Hospital near Midwifery, Okpanam, where she later gave up the ghost around 7.30 p.m.

Meanwhile, a member of the bereaved family, Christopher Nwayalani, has expressed deep grief over the tragic death of his niece and called for justice.

“Our family is in deep shock over the tragic incident.

“Normally, as a Sabbatharian, she always did not go to work on Saturdays.

“However, on that Saturday, she merely went to a salon near her workplace to make her hair, but since the hairdresser did not open, she decided to keep her colleague company.

“That was how she met her death. All the family wants is justice for her.

“Her life was cut short by the recklessness of an excited operative, so we will not want her killing to be swept under the carpet.

“We have made attempts to see the authorities at the anti-cult outfit, but nobody is willing to see us,” Mr Nwayalani said.

In a similar vein, a Delta-based rights activist, Victor Ojei, who is the lead activist of the Young Nigeria Rights Organisation, has also demanded justice for the deceased.

“The late nurse should get justice. There is nothing like accidental discharge, a gun has a safety pin.

“You only cock your gun when you are faced with a threat; else, you ensure it is on safety lock.

“It is a criminal offence. The actions of the anti-cult member resulting in the death of the nurse in Okpanam can indeed constitute criminal liability.

“The term, accidental discharge, does not absolve an individual from responsibility, especially when negligence or recklessness is involved,” Mr Ojei said.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned the case of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, to a different judge.

Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, disclosed this development in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Kanu had previously requested that Justice Binta Nyako recuse herself from presiding over the seven-count terrorism charge brought against him by the Federal Government.

While Justice Nyako stepped down and transferred the case file back to the Chief Judge for reassignment, the file was later returned to her—a move that Kanu strongly opposed.

On February 20, Kanu’s legal team wrote to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, seeking her intervention.

Ejimakor revealed that on Friday, March 7, the legal team received two official letters regarding Kanu’s case—one from the Chief Justice of Nigeria and another from the Chief Judge.

“Yesterday, before the legal team conducted our routine visitation to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we received two separate official letters regarding his case. The letters are momentous and somewhat pyrrhic.

“One letter was from the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, responding to a recent letter we had written to her, seeking her prompt administrative intervention (as the administrative head of the Nigerian judiciary) on the matter of a proper and lawful reassignment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case, following the recusal of the judge that was conducting it.

“The other letter was from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, informing us that the case has been reassigned to another judge of the Federal High Court,” the statement read.

Upon receiving the letters, Ejimakor noted that Kanu instructed his legal team to publicly express “sincere gratitude to the CJN for her sound administrative discretion and the promptness with which she responded to their request.”

“He also expressed his profound appreciation to members of the general public who publicly supported our righteous demands that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case be reassigned to another judge, as the law demands.

“To be clear, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has always been ready to stand trial because he is firmly convinced of his innocence. However, the perverse events of the past six months (from September 2024, when the recusal happened) posed significant dangers to his constitutional rights, particularly his right to a fair and speedy hearing. It was in light of this that we resorted to taking extraordinary measures to ensure that his case is properly reassigned and conducted by the law.

“Now that the authorities have taken the initial steps to uphold the law, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his legal team will take stock and focus on zealous preparation for his defence,” Ejimakor stated.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day, has honoured women globally for their resilience, hard work, and achievements.

The theme for 2025 IWD is “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

In her message commemorating the day, Mrs Tinubu encouraged women to cherish and support one another.

She said, “Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of all women and girls across Nigeria and the world. The theme for this year serves as a powerful reminder of the need to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where every woman and girl can thrive, free from discrimination and limitations. I believe it is time for women to make this happen. Let us all endeavour to lift each other up, one woman at a time.’’

Two teachers at Ibru College, Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area have been suspended for fighting in the school.

They were also ordered to clean the staff toilet for one month.

The school’s disciplinary committee in its report found both guilty of fighting within the school premises.

The report condemned the fight as a violation of professional ethics and imposed a series of penalties on the teachers involved, Mr. Agofure R. and Mr. Etuh G.

It will be recalled that the video of the two teachers fighting went viral on Monday, March 3, 2025, drawing strong criticism from the public.

As part of their immediate punishment, the teachers have been ordered to clean the staff toilets for one month.

In addition, both teachers have been recommended for transfer to other public schools, a move aimed at maintaining discipline at the secondary school.

Beyond the school’s sanctions, the duo has been directed to report to the Ughelli Zonal Office of the Delta State Post-Primary Education Board for further interrogation regarding the incident.

Russian strikes overnight had killed at least 12 people in eastern Ukraine as of Saturday morning, the country’s emergency service said, days ahead of talks in Saudi Arabia between US and Ukrainian negotiators aimed at a truce.

A Russian assault hit the centre of Dobropillia in Ukraine’s Donetsk region late Friday, killing 11 people and wounding 30, according to the emergency service.

Separately, one person was killed in a drone attack and seven others wounded early Saturday in the city of Bogodukhiv, said Kharkiv region military head Oleg Synegubov.

The overnight air raids come after US President Donald Trump threatened new sanctions and tariffs on Russia but said it may be “easier” to work with Moscow than Kyiv on efforts to end the three-year war.

After Trump publicly berated Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during a White House meeting and suspended US aid to Kyiv in a stated bid to encourage diplomacy, the US president told reporters Friday that he trusted Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I’m finding it more difficult frankly to deal with Ukraine and they don’t have the cards,” Trump said. “It may be easier dealing with Russia.”

The remarks followed Trump earlier Friday threatening new sanctions and tariffs on Russia over its bombardments of Ukraine — his warning coming just hours after Moscow launched a “massive” drone and missile attack on Ukrainian energy facilities.

“Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

“To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late,” he added.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, on the phone Friday.

On the call, Rubio underscored Trump’s goal of ending the three-year war quickly, and emphasized that “all sides must take steps to secure a sustainable peace”, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement.

A group of women organisations under the auspices of Coalition of Women in Governance has called for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP/Kogi Central) following her suspension for six months.

Spokesperson for the group, Zainab Mohammed, made the call at news conference on Friday in Abuja.

Ms Mohammed stated, “Fellow Nigerians, our renewed hope national anthem contains a promise of building a nation where peace and justice shall reign, yet we witness the silencing of a duly-elected member of the Senate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her suspension does not only reek of injustice against one woman, it constitutes an assault on democracy, a betrayal of our collective values, and a dangerous signal to every Nigerian who dares to challenge those in power. Natasha’s suspension is a clear violation of both parliamentary ethics and judicial authority. We, the Coalition for Women in Governance, stand united in the call for the immediate reinstatement and recall of Natasha to the Senate. The upper chamber should reverse her unjust suspension and restore her rights.’’

According to her, the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan defies the rule of law as the court has issued an order to halt any disciplinary action against her.

She said because the Senate proceeded to suspend her in blatant defiance to the court order, the upper legislative chamber had exhibited “disregard for democratic principles.’’

She stated, “It is legally excessive because the Senate rules permit a maximum of 14-day suspension, yet she was suspended for six months, an action that flies in the face of legal precedent. When a woman in leadership is targeted with impunity, it sends a chilling message to every young girl who dreams of serving her country, therefore, threatening women’s inclusion in politics.’’

She stated that the Senate must uphold the law and not undermine it.

“If the highest legislative body ignores court orders, what message does that send to ordinary Nigerians?”

The Edo State Task Force on Kidnapping has demolished another property belonging to Mr Karimu Audu.

Mr Audu is accused of being an informant for kidnappers in Eshioriri-Erah, Owan East.

This follows the demolition of two houses in Illeh, Esan West, and Uromi, Esan North East, linked to kidnappers operating in the state.

Mr Audu, a septuagenarian, is accused of providing information to kidnappers and offering them food and accommodation while they operated in the Owan and Esan forests.

Speaking at the scene, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Affairs, Paul Akhere, reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on kidnapping conspiracies.

He said, “We are here because of conspiracy. He has been collaborating with kidnappers in the forest. Let this be a warning: if you see something, say something. If you conspire with criminals, your day will come, just as today is his day to face the law. ‘’

The Commander of the Edo State Task Force, Michael Anetor, affirmed the administration’s commitment to eliminating kidnapping and vowed to enforce the law without compromise.

He stated, “We are here to enforce the law. It is not my wish to see property destroyed, but peace must be restored. Kidnapping must end. Three properties have now been demolished, and this should serve as a lesson. Anyone aiding kidnappers should reconsider immediately.’’

Mr Audu, however, denied the allegations, claiming his interactions with herders were legitimate as the chairman of a community committee.

“They say I provide information to the herders, but I don’t. I’m the chairman of a six-man community committee, responsible for collecting annual payments,” he explained.

“I don’t give information to anyone; I simply carry out my committee work,” Mr Audu said.

The Peoples Democratic Party on Friday condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi Central) by the Senate.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months following allegations of improper behaviour exhibited against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The party, in a statement in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the action of the Senate leadership against Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan smacked of desperation to cover up.

It urged the Senate to redeem its image and integrity by immediately reinstating Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan and ensuring an open investigation into the matter.

The PDP stated, “The hasty suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, without an open investigation into the weighty allegation of sexual harassment against the Akpabio, negated the principle of fair hearing, especially in parliamentary convention. The action also portrays the Senate as an institution that endorses, condones and offers protection to reprobacy.’’

The party added that the “excessively-harsh” six-month suspension placed on Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan translated to denying the people of Kogi Central Senatorial zone their constitutional right of being represented in the legislative body.

“It is scandalous, and amounted to gross abuse of office and violation of the fundamentals of justice and fair hearing, for Akpabio to sit as a judge in a matter in which he was the accused,” the party said.

The PDP further said the situation validated public apprehension of desperation by Mr Akpabio to suppress open legislative probe into the allegation of sexual harassment levelled against him.

It pointed out that the allegation by Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan would not be the first time Mr Akpabio was accused of sexual harassment.

The party noted, “If Senator Akpabio has nothing to hide, what Nigerians expected of him was to clear his name. He should clear his name by stepping aside, in line with established parliamentary practice, allow and submit to an open and unbiased investigation into the allegation of sexual harassment by Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is indeed a national embarrassment that the person of the Senate President and chairman of the National Assembly is being mentioned in a case of sexual harassment, which has now tarred the image and integrity of the highest lawmaking body in Nigeria. Ordinarily, under this situation, the Senate President needs no prodding to step aside for an independent investigation to clear his name.’’

A tragic tanker explosion in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State has claimed the lives of seven people, leaving one person injured.

The incident, which occurred around 6 p.m. on Tuesday in Karamin Rami village, resulted in the deaths of two men and five women.

Confirming the incident, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, stated that emergency response efforts were underway to assess the full impact of the explosion.

“The incident was a result of a tanker truck trying to manoeuvre its way due to bad roads without shoulder and falling. Its content (PMS) flew to a nearby stream where dry-season farmers were working on their rice fields.

“The tanker content came in contact with the farmers’ water pump that was pumping water and caught fire which went back to the tanker, and the explosion occurred. The inferno came back to the farmland through the already contaminated stream water and burnt some of the farmers and the whole rice field, including fruit vegetation.

“Seven lives were lost with one person injured. The names of the deaths are Rafiatu Sahabi, Ramlat Shehu, Rashida Abdullahi, Raliya Abdulrahaman, Zainab Ahmed, Zuwaira Idrisu, and Maryam A Nura. Maimuna Isah is the injured person. Meanwhile, the injured woman has been receiving treatment at Saho Rami Primary Health Care.”

The federal government has directed all relevant agencies to take “immediate and decisive steps” to meet the requirements set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as part of efforts to remove Nigeria from the grey list.

The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, issued this directive on Friday during a meeting in Abuja with key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for strengthening Nigeria’s financial integrity.

Some of the agencies present at the meeting include the NFIU, EFCC, Immigration and others.

“We recognize the importance of exiting the grey list, not only for our national interest but also for the global community’s confidence in our financial systems,” she said.

“All hands must therefore be on deck to ensure the realization of these objectives.”

She said that the government is committed to addressing deficiencies in Nigeria’s Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework.

According to her, the target is to exit the FATF grey list by the second quarter of 2025, a move expected to boost investor confidence and create new economic opportunities.

“We are working tirelessly to address the remaining deficiencies in our AML/CFT regime, and we are confident that our efforts will yield positive results,” the Minister assured.

Dr. Uzoka-Anite further stressed that Nigeria’s commitment to international financial standards is unwavering.

“We are committed to implementing the necessary reforms to safeguard Nigeria’s financial integrity and foster global confidence in our economy,” she stated.

The Minister also assured of the government’s stance on transparency and cooperation in the ongoing reforms.

“We are confident that our collective efforts will yield positive results and further strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global economy, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.”

The FATF grey list includes countries under increased monitoring due to concerns about their AML/CFT measures. Exiting the list requires significant regulatory and institutional reforms to align with international best practices.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has mourned the passing of “a patriot, statesman”, Adedoyin Ajibike Okupe, who died on Friday, March 7.

According to Abiodun, Okupe was a principled leader who played a vital role in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Abiodun has also visited the country home of the former presidential spokesperson at Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun State to sign the condolence register.

Doyin Okupe, former presidential spokesman and estranged ally of Peter Obi, is dead.

He died on Friday. Mr Okupe was 72.

Prior to his demise, the politician had a colourful, often controversial, political career.

He was former President Goodluck Jonathan’s spokesman and an ex-member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

In the 2023 presidential election, Mr Okupe sided with Mr Obi, a former Anambra governor by joining the Labour Party.

Details later…

The police command in Edo has detained eight suspects in connection with the alleged killing of a site engineer, Efe Ogbeide, during the leadership crisis in the Obazagbon community of Benin.

The command’s spokesman, Moses Yamu, confirmed the development to journalists on Thursday.

Yamu identified Joshua Edo, the chairman of the community youths, as the prime suspect. Other suspects are Obayuwana Happy, Uhunwangho Everest, Chidera Umeh, Simon Benjamin, Odion Adagbonyin, Kennedy Ohro, and Osayi Adagbonyin.

Mr Yamu said the suspects were caught by operatives of the Iyekogba Division’s Operation Rescue and Anti-Kidnapping Unit at different locations.

According to him, the crisis stemmed from disputes over the positions of chairman and traditional leader (Okiaghele), resulting in multiple deaths and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.

He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Betty Isokpan, condemned the violence and vowed that all the culprits will face the full weight of the law.

“She assured residents that security agencies remain committed to safeguarding their lives and property.”

The killing of Mr Ogbeide sparked outrage among civil society groups.

The Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities and the Edo State Civil Society Organisations staged a protest on Tuesday.

The groups, led by NAPVID executive director Melody Omosha, decried the brutal murder of the victim, who they described as a hardworking site engineer.

According to Ms Omosha, the deceased, who was deaf, may not have heard warnings before the attack.

The groups called for justice and better protection for persons with disabilities in the state.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has approved the appointment of Isaac Zeb-Obipi as the new vice-chancellor of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.

Mr Fubara announced this on Thursday. He said the appointment was with immediate effect.

The new VC took over from Nlerum Okogbule, who was appointed by former Governor Nyesom Wike on March 5, 2020.

Mr Zeb-Obipi is a professor of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management and was the director of the university’s Information and Communication Technology Centre before his latest appointment.

The president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, has called for religious harmony as he joined the Muslim faithful to break their Ramadan fast (Iftar) on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Okoh joined worshippers at the Al-Habibiyya Mosque for the Iftar and the feeding of about 2,300 fasting Muslims. He stressed the need for peace and unity among Nigerians.

He commended the leadership of Al-Habibiyya Islamic Society for the initiative, noting that such gestures would help promote religious tolerance and understanding in the country.

“We are basically the same (Muslims and Christians), and we must find a way to make things work together in this country.

“So, to those wondering what the president of CAN is doing in a mosque, I say this — I have come here, and I will come again.

“It is an opportunity to learn and share. I urge every Nigerian to understand other religions so we can grow in mutual respect, understanding, and peace,” he said.

Earlier, the National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyya Mosque, Sheik Fuad Adeyemi, said the feeding programme is organised every Ramadan to support the less privileged, regardless of religious belief.

He explained that inviting other faith-based organisations and dignitaries was aimed at fostering understanding, peace, and unity among Nigerians.

“We should recognise what unites us as human beings and as people destined to share the same environment.

“That is why we do what we do. We believe that, by God’s infinite mercy, the little we contribute will be blessed,” he said.

The event was attended by Islamic and Christian clerics, CAN representatives, faith-based organisations, and traditional rulers.

Operatives of the Lagos State Police have arrested two Pakistani Nationals identified as Roman Gull, and Aftab Ahmad, for allegedly orchestrating a kidnapping ring that targeted a 48-year-old Pakistani man in Ikeja.

The suspects, along with five accomplices, lured the victim from Kano State with a fraudulent job offer for a chef position.

Upon his arrival in Lagos, they abducted him and demanded a ₦50 million ransom from his employer.

This was made known via a statement by the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Thursday, March 06.

The statement reads: “In strict compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM that all Police Commands should stamp out kidnapping and other violent crimes throughout the country, the Lagos State Police Command has made a huge success in the busting and arrest of two vicious and notorious Pakistanis who specialize in kidnapping people for ransom.

“A distress call was received at the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday, March 05, 2025 about the kidnap of a 48-year-old Pakistani within Ikeja. Anticrime patrol of the Division was swiftly deployed, leading to the rescue of the victim and arrest of two of the captors, Roman Gull ‘m’ and Aftab Ahmad ‘m’ aged 19 and 28 respectively, both Pakistanis while five other Pakistanis escaped.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the two arrested suspects and five others lured the victim to Lagos from his base in Kano under the pretext that they had a job for him as a chef. The suspects booked the victim’s flight to Lagos and lodged him in a hotel on February 28, 2025. The next day, the seven suspects visited the victim, overpowered him, tied his hands and legs, and sent a message to his boss in Kano to pay the sum of Fifty Million Naira ransom for his release or else he would be killed. The boss paid One Million Naira three days later to buy time and thereafter alerted the Police.

“Recovered from the suspects are their operational vehicle, a grey coloured Toyota Camry salon car, the victim’s Two Thousand Dollars cash, three ATM cards, green card, driver’s license and NIN slip. Furthermore, concerted efforts are on to arrest the fleeing suspects and arraign them in court on conclusion of investigation into the case. Meanwhile, the rescued victim is in good condition and has established contact with his family.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, while commending officers and men of Ikeja Division for a job well done, wishes to assure residents and visitors to Lagos State of the total commitment of the Command to their safety and security at all times.”