Chief Love Shimite, the Special Adviser to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Trade and Export, has died.

She passed away in the early hours of Easter Monday after what sources described as a brief illness.

The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, Mr. Bright Edafe, said Shimite was confirmed dead at the hospital where she was taken.

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Edafe also revealed that her husband has been placed in protective custody, not under arrest, following threats reportedly made against her
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Edafe said, “He (the husband) was the one who called to report that his wife died early this morning and that he was receiving threats from her family, who feared he might be attacked. It was on this basis that we went to his house and brought him in for his own safety.”

However, Edafe disclosed that the deceased’s family later lodged a formal complaint with the police, expressing suspicion that the husband may have had a role in her death.

He added: “We are currently investigating. In situations like this, only an autopsy can determine whether the death was natural or due to other causes.”

The police say further updates will follow as investigations progress.

Jide Ajia
Jide, a seasoned journalist with over 12-year experience, reports business-related

Tomato farmers in Kano State are facing renewed hardship following the resurgence of Tuta Absoluta, a devastating crop disease that has continued to destroy tomato farms across several parts of the state.Despite years of research and interventions by agricultural institutions such as the Audu Bako college of Agriculture, Dambatta the disease remains a persistent threat to tomato cultivation in the region. International organizations have also attempted to provide support in combating the disease, but their efforts have so far yielded limited results.

The Kano State chapter of the Tomato Growers Association of Nigeria (TOGAN) confirmed the latest outbreak, saying the disease has affected farms in local government areas including Garun Malam, Kura, Bunkure, and Bagwai.Stakeholders say although government agencies and farmers have intensified efforts to address the issue, the impact remains minimal as the disease continues to spread.

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom said it has rescued a two-day-old baby and apprehended two traffickers who attempted to sell the baby for ₦800,000.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement released in Uyo on Monday.

John said the operatives of the command intercepted a vehicle along Nsit Atai-Oron Road driven by a male and two female occupants with a newborn baby.

She said the rescued baby had been taken to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Uyo for care and custody, pending the conclusion of the investigation.John said, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in its effort to protect lives and property, has intercepted a suspected child trafficking syndicate.

“Operatives of the command, while on patrol along the Nsit Atai-Oron Road, intercepted a Mazda vehicle with registration number YAB 454 AA.

“The vehicle was driven by one Bethel Anyanwu, a male, and had two female occupants along with a two-day-old babyUpon interrogation, the occupants could not provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the infant.Following a series of interrogations, one Nasikpo Sonia Labere, a female, and Inemesit Okin Akpan, a female, confessed to being sent from Port Harcourt, Rivers.

”(They were allegedly sent) by one Waazor Godwin, a female, and one Lilian Duru, a female, to collect the baby from one Miss Grace Inyang in Oron.”

The police spokesperson said the investigation had revealed that one Alison Eduno facilitated the connection between the buyer and the seller.

She added that the police apprehended the grandmother and the mother of the baby, identified as Grace Walter, 55 years old, and Blessing Walter, 20 years old, both residing in Oti Oron.

According to her, they confessed to selling the baby for the sum of ₦800,000.

The PPRO added that all the suspects were in police custody and would be arraigned in court after investigations had been concluded.

Fresh protests broke out in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Monday over the persistent killings of indigenous residents by suspected Fulani militants.

The demonstrations, which were led by Christian leaders including Plateau chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Polycarp Lubo, began at the Fawvwei Junction community road, causing significant traffic gridlock and leaving commuters stranded.

The protest follows a recent surge in violent attacks on communities in Plateau with more than 100 people reportedly killed in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas over the past two weeks.We are not happy over the continuous attacks and killings by gunmen in our communities. That’s why we have come out again to protest these happenings,” one of the protesters, Gyang Dalyop, said.Another protester, Hannatu Philip, urged the government to intervene before the situation spirals out of control.The demonstrators, carrying placards with various inscriptions, were seen marching toward the Rayfield Government House to demand urgent security intervention.

Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has faulted former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma’s recent call urging Nigerians to defend themselves amid rising insecurity, warning that such a directive could plunge the nation into lawlessness. ALSO: Jigawa: Gov. Namadi lifts suspension on commissioner

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Governor Namadi described Danjuma’s comment as concerning, stressing the need for caution given the general’s stature and influence. “Such statements should be carefully weighed,” he said, adding that self-defense, if unregulated, could trigger widespread chaos and undermine the nation’s security structure.

Namadi noted that the federal and state governments are working tirelessly to address the country’s security challenges. He pointed to Jigawa State as an example of how a strategic and community-centered approach can enhance peace and stability.

According to him, Jigawa has made significant strides through consistent dialogue, support from traditional institutions, and the formation of community-based security committees.

“The situation in Jigawa does not warrant people taking up arms to defend themselves,” he stated. “Our approach has been proactive engagement and preventive measures.”

Governor Namadi also voiced support for the creation of State Police, describing it as a potential long-term solution to Nigeria’s persistent security issues. He revealed that the idea is under active discussion at the National Economic Council and noted that several states have already expressed interest in adopting the system.

He expressed optimism that with the right framework, State Police would enhance security response across the country by allowing local authorities to better manage unique challenges within their jurisdictions.

The Senate and House of Representatives have postponed resumption of plenary sittings from April 29 to May 6, 2025.

The Clerk to the Senate, Andrew Ogbonna Nwoba and his House of Representatives counterpart, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, disclosed this in separate internal memorandum dated April 20, 2025, addressed to all senators and House of Representatives members respectively.

Both Chambers of the National Assembly on Thursday March 27, adjourned plenary till 29th of April to enable members partake in Sallah and Easter festivities.

The memo signed by Clerk to the Senate, Nwoba, reads: “Distinguished Senators, I am directed to inform you that the resumption of plenary sittings of the Senate, earlier scheduled for Monday 29th, April 2025, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 6th May 2025.

“This postponement is made to allow Distinguished Senators, stay with their constituents, during the International Workers’ Day public holiday, in the first week of May, and to further enhance constituency engagements.

“Distinguished Senators are kindly requested to take note of this postponement, while regretting any inconvenience, the change might have caused.”

On his part, the Clerk to the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, in his internal memorandum titled: “Rescheduling of resumption date of the House” and addressed to all Honourable Members, said: “I am directed to respectfully inform you that the resumption of plenary sittings of the House of Representatives, earlier scheduled for Monday, 29th April 2025, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 6th May 2025.

“This adjustment is made to allow Honourable Members remain in their constituencies during the International Workers’ Day public holiday in the first week of May, and to further deepen constituency engagements in line with the representative mandate of the House.

“Honourable Members are kindly requested to take note of this adjustment and act accordingly.

“Please accept the assurances of the Leadership’s highest regards.”

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 at 88.

He died at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta.

He said: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.” The Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025 after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days. Pope Francis’ clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18. After 38 days in hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery. In 1957, in his early 20s, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in his native Argentina to remove a portion of his lung that had been affected by a severe respiratory infection. As he aged, Pope Francis frequently suffered bouts of respiratory illnesses, even cancelling a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation. In April 2024, the late Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the funeral Mass which has yet to be announced. The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces several new elements, including how the Pope’s mortal remains are to be handled after death. The ascertainment of death takes place in the chapel, rather than in the room where he died, and his body is immediately placed inside the coffin. According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the late Pope Francis had requested that the funeral rites be simplified and focused on expressing the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ. “The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”

The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued ten students kidnapped on their way to Babcock University for the Annual GYC Africa Conference,on April, 16, at a route bordering Edo and Ondo States.

Following a report of the abduction, the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, swiftly deployed officers from the Ohosu Division, supported by local vigilantes and hunters, to search the surrounding forest areas.

During the rescue operation, the police engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, leading to the neutralisation of one suspect, while others escaped with gunshot wounds while one police inspector sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and is currently receiving treatment.Both suspects however confessed to the crime and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.According to the police, the kidnappers used the students as human shields, forcing operatives to proceed with caution, and a sustained sustained pressure in the gun duel eventually led to the release of the ten kidnapped students, eight males and two females, without further casualties.

In a separate operation, the Command also arrested two armed robbery suspects, identified as Binigolo Ebimene, 25, and Mathew Denwei, 27, following a distress call from Malim Camp, Gbelebu community, in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, where they allegedly robbed a victim of his motorcycle and mobile phones.

Investigation revealed that the suspects had been terrorising farmers and commuters in the area, and were found in possession of a locally fabricated pistol, two headlamps, and the stolen motorcycle.

Mr Itodo stated, “The majority of the political class want power at all costs and are willing to kill, just to secure power.’’Acivil society organisation, Yiaga Africa, has called on the Federal Government to criminalise electoral fraud to sanitise the county’s electoral process.Executive Director of the CSO, Samson Itodo, made the call during an interview on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Itodo said that practices such as vote buying, violence, thuggery and manipulation of results had constituted hindrances to electing credible political representations in Nigeria.

He said, “What we are now seeing is people with purchasing power buying their ways through during elections and they resort to exchanging competence with mediocrity. The politicians now know the language of the people because they have weaponised poverty.’’

According to him, what the country needs now are stringent laws that will criminalise vote buying, thuggery and other forms of fraud during elections.

Mr Itodo said that the provisions in the Electoral Act were only about bribery and conspiracy which were not enough to tackle the menace.

“I think we need to clearly outline and define vote buying and also prosecute the sponsors and their agents who are buying and selling votes. We also need to constantly re-orientate people to tell them the reason why the politicians are buying votes,” he said.

The executive director said if these were able to be achieved and people used their votes wisely, it would ensure credibility in the country’s electoral process.

According to him, until the state begins to prosecute and jail people instigating and perpetrating violence, nothing will change.

He stated, “The majority of the political class want power at all costs and are willing to kill, just to secure power. One of the sins they said Yiaga Africa committed was exposing these frauds. For me, if that is a sin, I shall commit it many times over. That way people can hold them to account. But if you continue to allow our electoral process to be captured by political elements, we will get to a point where only one per cent of people will turn out to vote.’’

Stressing the need for Nigerians to turn out en masse to vote during elections, Mr Itodo said that the current level of turnout cannot change anything.

He added, “If Nigerians show up in their large numbers, I bet you, they will determine the outcome of such elections. It is easier to rig an election when people don’t show up. If people show up and insist that the right thing be done, then it will be difficult for those people to manipulate the process.

Mr Ojelabi urged Christian faithful to live by the lessons of Easter.The All Progressives Congress in Lagos State has felicitated with Christians at Easter, urging them to live as “resurrected people, transformed by grace and love.”The state’s party Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, said this in his Easter message in Lagos on Sunday.

Mr Ojelabi emphasised the significance of Jesus’ resurrection, urging faithful to live by the lessons of Easter.

The chairman encouraged Christians to carry the light of Christ into a “broken world,” referencing Matthew 28:19.

He said, “I urge the Christians to reject fear and complacency, serving as a living testament to the power of the risen saviour. They should imbibe the spirit to forgive, love, and serve others as they have been forgiven, loved, and served by Christ.’’

As the local government election in the state approaches, Mr Ojelabi prayed for God’s intervention for a peaceful, transparent, and credible outcome.

He prayed to God to guide the hearts of stakeholders to ensure that the process reflects the will of the people.

Mr Ojelabi further prayed that God should give the electorate the wisdom to make informed decisions by choosing leaders who would serve with integrity and vision.

He expressed hope that the election would usher in a new era of leadership, bringing progress and development to the grassroots.

The APC chairman also prayed for Nigeria’s unity, leaders and citizens

The commissioner emphasised the importance of discipline, safety, and strict adherence to rules of engagement while handling firearms.The police command in Jigawa State has tasked residents of the state with providing credible information towards maintaining peace and security across the state.This is contained in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Lawan Shiisu in Dutse, on Sunday.

Mr Shiisu quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ahamadu Abdullahi as saying this while addressing the newly passed out police constables at the end of their shooting range training exercise.

He said the commissioner, represented by the Commanding Officer of Police Mobile Force (35MF) Dutse, ACP Olufemi Akinola, said the training was part of the command’s ongoing efforts to improve operational readiness and weapon handling skills among its personnel.

Mr Abdullahi added that it also aligned with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure a professionally competent and combat-ready police force capable of responding effectively to security challenges.

The commissioner emphasised the importance of discipline, safety, and strict adherence to rules of engagement while handling firearms.

He noted that the use of weapons must always be in line with the laws and standard operational procedures of the Nigeria Police Force.

Mr Abdullahi praised the new constables for their performance during the exercise and encouraged them to continue carrying out their duty with integrity, courage, and respect for human rights.

Assuring the people of the state of the command’s commitment to train and retrain its personnel, the CP urged members of the public to support the command in its efforts to protect lives and property by providing timely and credible information to help maintain peace and security in communities across the state.

Mr Ojo said, “The Osun University of Ilesa, Osun, deeply regrets to announce the tragic and untimely death of one of its students, Gbolahan Ojo.’’

The management of the University of Ilesa, Osun State, on Saturday announced the death of a 100-level student of the institution who was electrocuted while charging his mobile phone.Prototype Engineering Development InstituteIn a statement issued by the University’s Registrar, Funso Ojo, the school stated that deceased student, Gbolahan Ojolo, was a 100-level student of the Department of Business Administration.

He said, “The Osun University of Ilesa, Osun, deeply regrets to announce the tragic and untimely death of one of its students, Gbolahan Ojo. The unfortunate incident occurred in the evening of Friday, April 18, 2025. Gbolahan was electrocuted while playing a game on his mobile phone, which was being charged in his room at a private hostel located near the Prototype Engineering Development Institute (PEDI) junction. The electrocution was reportedly triggered by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm. Following the incident, the university promptly informed the police, and after due clearance, the remains of the deceased were taken to the morgue of the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa.’’The registrar stated that police had since commenced a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He said the father of the deceased was immediately notified and had since arrived in Ilesa.

He said the management of the institution and the area commander of police were present to receive the father of the deceased as a show of concern and solidarity.

He noted, “The University of Ilesa has also made necessary arrangements to support the family during this moment of intense grief and will continue to stand by them through this difficult time.’’

He said the university community mourned the painful loss and prayed for the repose of Gbolahan’s soul.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, classmates, and the Department of Business Administration,” he said.

(NAN)

The Lagos State police maintained that it is committed to justice and the safety of members of the general public, urging calm and the pursuit of appropriate judicial resolution.

Contrary to the Lagos Police Command’s claim, Mr Effiong reaffirmed that Mr Quadri is 17 years old, not 18, as evidenced by his birth certificate and confirmed by his mother.

“First, we wish to restate that Quadri is not 18 years old as mischievously parroted by the police. He is 17 as contained in his birth certificate and attested to by his mother. He was born on the 29th day of September, 2007,” Mr Effiong noted.Mr Effiong also refuted the claim that Mr Quadri was involved in a street fight, committed robbery, or damaged anyone’s property.

Challenging the police claims, Mr Effiong demanded that the Lagos Police Command explain to the public the exact circumstances that led to Mr Quadri’s arrest and subsequent remand at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri.KirikiriCiting “shamelessness, lawlessness, and utter contempt for justice and the truth,” Mr Effiong reiterated his intent to seek redress in court and to hold accountable the officers involved in Mr Quadri’s remand.

“We condemn this gross act of recklessness and irresponsibility by the police. By taking this path, the Nigeria Police Force is reminding the country that it is very far from redemption,” Mr Effiong said.We shall meet the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, the DPO of Amukoko, CSP Olaniran Ismaila O., the IPO, Inspector Odigbe Samuel, and others in the court in the coming days to seek redress and adequate compensation for Quadri. We will also file a formal complaint with the Police Service Commission against the lawless DPO of Amukoko,” the lawyer added.

An NGO, Caleb Danladi Foundation, has enrolled 300 indigent residents of Kwoi in Jaba Local Government Area into the Kaduna State Contributory Health Scheme.

Inaugurating the enrollment on Saturday, founder of the foundation, Caleb Bako, said the initiative was part of the foundation’s commitment to alleviating the burden of healthcare costs among vulnerable groups.

Mr Bako emphasised the importance of universal healthcare access, especially for the poor and underserved.

“Our goal is to bridge the gap in access to healthcare for the less privileged in our communities.

“No one should be left to suffer simplyNo one should be left to suffer simply because they cannot afford medical attention,” he added.

The director general of the Kaduna State Health Management Authority (KADCHMA), Abubakar Hassan, described the gesture as a model for other well-meaning

The Nigeria Police Force has said Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, otherwise known as “Killaboi,” was on Saturday, extradited from Doha, Qatar, over the murder of 21-year-old Augusta Onuwabhagbe, a student at Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, on July 13, 2023.

Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, said the suspect who had been on the run since the murder in Lagos State, was extradited following a joint effort with the Federal Ministry of Justice; INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja; and the judicial authorities in Qatar.

Mr Adejobi said, “The Nigeria Police Force has successfully completed the extradition of Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, male, widely known as “Killaboi,” from Doha, Qatar to Nigeria. The fugitive, who had been on the run for the murder of Miss Augusta Oseodion Onuwabhagbe, was returned to the country in the early hours of today, Saturday, April 19. 2025, through the coordinated efforts with the Ministry of Justice, INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Force Headquarters Abuja and the Qatari Judicial Authorities.’’

The suspect’s extradition was in response to a petition filed on September 29, 2024, by the late student’s family through their legal representatives, which was later referred to INTERPOL NCB Abuja for investigation.

“Investigations revealed that the suspect, Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, murdered Miss Onuwabhagbe, a 21-year-old first-class student of Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, at his residence located at No. 24A Abiola Apooyi Street, Oral Estate, Ajah, Lagos, on 13th July 2023. After committing the crime, he fled Nigeria and later released an online video purporting to confess to the act, a deceptive strategy to derail investigative efforts,” the police said.

The fleeing suspect who was declared wanted by the NPF Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department on October 13, 2023, and an INTERPOL Red Notice issued for his global apprehension, was initially nabbed in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on October 20, 2023, under the false identity “KANU PRINCETON SAMUEL,” but escaped custody during a prison break on November 26, 2023.

The police stated that the suspect kept evading law enforcement across multiple regions including West Africa, East Asia and the Middle East, under forged identities before he eventually relocated to Doha, on January 24, 2025, with the alias “TOURE ABDOULAYE”, using a fraudulent Guinean passport, before he secured an illegal employment and concealed his identity.

“Through robust international cooperation and the use of advanced biometrics, INTERPOL NCB Abuja, in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Doha, confirmed his identity, leading to his arrest by Qatari authorities in February 2025. An official extradition request, processed via the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja, was subsequently approved by the Qatari judicial authorities, resulting in his repatriation to Nigeria,” the police added.The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, while recognising the strength in the synergy amongst nations to curb trans-border crimes, commended the diligence of INTERPOL NCB Abuja and appreciated the Justice minister, Lateef Fagbemi; Government of Qatar, INTERPOL NCB Doha, and the Nigerian Embassy in Qatar for their collaboration in securing the fugitive’s return.

Mr Egbetokun further assured the public that the 26-year-old suspect from Abia State would face prosecution, as part of its dedication to justice and the safety of Nigerians.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, on Saturday visited communities that were recently attacked by gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that on April 2, gunmen attacked Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and other communities in Manguna District of the locality.

Similarly, gunmen on Sunday attacked Zike and Kimakpa communities of Kwall District, Iregwe Chiefdom of Bassa.

In both incidents, the attackers killed scores and destroyed many houses and other properties.Speaking, the minister, who commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones, expressed the government’s commitment to the safety of lives and property.

“We are here on behalf of the Federal Government to identify and share in your grief.

“We want to assure you that security agencies will bring these senseless killings to an end. have been adequately briefed, and I want to assure you that we will get to the root of this matter. We will capture the perpetrators of this evil act.

“The president is deeply concerned and has ordered us to find the perpetrators so they can face justice.

The White House on Friday restated its theory that COVID-19 was a man-made virus which leaked from a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

A new website launched by the White House on Friday, accused Dr. Anthony Fauci, a former chief medical advisor to ex-President Joe Biden, of pushing the proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2 publication to discredit the lab leak theory.

The website indicated, “The proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2” publication—which was used repeatedly by public health officials and the media to discredit the lab leak theory—was prompted by Dr. Fauci to push the preferred narrative that COVID-19 originated naturally.’’

The White House listed five premises that suggested that COVID-19 was a man-made virus that leaked from the Wuhan laboratory.

The statement noted, “The virus possesses a biological characteristic that is not found in nature. Data shows that all COVID-19 cases stem from a single introduction into humans. This runs contrary to previous pandemics where there were multiple spillover events.”

It further stated, “Wuhan is home to China’s foremost SARS research lab, which has a history of conducting gain-of-function research (gene altering and organism supercharging) at inadequate biosafety levels. Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) researchers were sick with COVID-like symptoms in the fall of 2019, months before COVID-19 was discovered at the wet market.”

The White House statement raised questions on the origin of the deadly virus that killed millions across the world and forced lockdowns that affected economies,

The development emerged months after the CIA reported that COVID-19 could have likely been caused by a lab leak.