A woman, Wuraola Surajudeen, on Wednesday prayed an Area Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, to grant her divorce two weeks after her marriage to her husband, Surajudeen Iya-Onitasi on grounds of “lack of love and affection.”

She told the court that she was once married before her wedding to Iya-Onitasi.

She said, “I divorced my former husband due to pressure from my mother. My former husband became a religious fanatic after our marriage and my parents were against him. I was introduced to my present husband and we got along smoothly, but immediately after the marriage, I developed hatred for him.’’

The defendant told the court that his wife left the house without his consent, saying that she was tired of the marriage.

He, however, said that he tried on different occasions to consummate the union but she refused to allow him, so he let her be.

He said, “I want her to pay back the N20,000 dowry I paid for her hand in marriage.’’

The Presiding Judge, Hammed Ajumonbi ordered the petitioner to pay back the dowry.

Mr Ajumonbi adjourned the case until December 4 for pronouncement of divorce.

There was a mild drama Wednesday at the National Assembly, Abuja, as the Senate attempted to allow members of President Bola Tinubu’s economic team into the chamber.

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), had moved for suspension of Order 12 to allow for visitors into the chamber.

Bamidele said, “Tax experts and consultants as well as the Director-General of the Budget Office and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Tax, Zacchaeus Adedeji, were to attend the plenary to explain the Tax Reform Bills in detail to lawmakers.”

However, immediately after the submission, the lawmaker representing Bauchi Central, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP), stood up and read from the Order listing the titles of those who were allowed into the Senate plenary according to the Senate’s rules.

Ningi said such a conversation was more appropriate at the committee level and should be handed over to the finance committee and, maybe appropriations, to interface with the team.

In response, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North) explained that the Senate suspended its rule to allow for openness and let Nigerians watch the live proceedings and listen to the debate on the Tax Reform Bills.

He, thereafter, asked the Senate leader to address the order he came under.

Bamidele, in response, said, “Mr President, I listened to the Point of Order raised by the most distinguished, highly respected, well-revered former leader of the House and of the Senate, distinguished Senator Abdul Ningi.

“Mr. President, let me clarify. My motion was for suspension, not invocation of Order 12. Order 12 talks about those who are privileged to speak in this hallowed chamber, as well as the exceptions that can be granted.

“But when a motion is moved for suspension, it means that the rule does not apply again. In addition, sir, for our working relationship, let me also amend my motion by saying that in addition to my motion for the suspension of Order 12 on floor privileges, I’m also coming under Order 1B, which says in all cases where there’s no specific provision or rule, the Senate shall regulate its procedure.

“So, Mr President, let it be said that my motion is based on both the invocation of Order 1B of our rules, as well as the suspension of Order 12 of our rules. Nigerians need to know, and we also want to know. Let’s hear these people.”

Upon his explanation, the deputy president then put the question to a voice vote, after which he hit the gavel in favour of the ayes.

Shortly after, Ndume stood up and said such an important matter should have been highlighted on the Order Paper and since it wasn’t a Supplementary Order Paper, it should be printed or stepped down for another legislative day.

Barau, after explaining, said they should avoid rhetoric and face facts, after which he ruled Ndume out of order.

A moment after members of the economic team were allowed into the plenary, Ndume stood up and raised another Point of Order stating that the Deputy Senate President describing his comment as “rhetoric” was an insult.

He said, “I, therefore, demand an apology from you.”

In response, Barau laughed and said rhetoric wasn’t an insult, and it wasn’t directly in response to his comment but a general statement.

Once again, Barau ruled Ndume out of order.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has officially relocated its headquarters to a new facility in the Jahi area of Abuja.

The first phase of the project inaugurated during an interdenominational service on Wednesday, is expected to be completed with the 2025 budgetary provisions.

This was disclosed in a statement by the NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi on Wednesday.

Speaking at the ceremony, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa, described the move as a vital step in the agency’s development.

Marwa explained that the new headquarters was necessary to accommodate the agency’s expansion and improve operations.

He stated, “I’m glad we have finally moved in to occupy this facility after initial budgetary constraints. Even though this is the first phase of the new headquarters project, we are hopeful that we will be able to complete the process with next year’s budget.

“This is not 100% completed but it is sufficiently functional for us to move in because I was determined to move in before the end of 2024 because with the expansion of the Agency, the headquarters also expanded, and in our old location we could not accommodate everyone. I have had to post scores of officers due to a lack of space for them to work.

“It was for this reason that the management took a unanimous decision that since it was not 100% ready and we needed it, we should make it a low-key inauguration ceremony. This will enable us to relocate some of our directorates still operating outside Abuja into one facility to consolidate our operations for efficiency, effectiveness and seamless coordination.”

He added that the old head office in Gimbiya, Garki area of the FCT will continue to serve as the headquarters annex.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and encouragement to the agency to be in a position to achieve its mandate of curbing substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

“The support we are getting from our international partners and local stakeholders, especially President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Judiciary and the citizenry, is not just to appreciate our efforts but to encourage us to do more and I believe this new work environment will motivate you to surpass past feats,” Marwa stated.

In his welcome remarks, the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, commended Marwa for providing inspiring leadership that has in three years transformed NDLEA into the same class as its counterparts across the world in terms of professionalism, capability and capacity.

Haruna said, “The commissioning of our headquarters today is part of the incremental but well-laid agenda for the repositioning of the Agency by the chairman. We have witnessed some monumental achievements since 2021, including increasing the staff strength of the Agency from 5,000 to 15,000. Promotion of officers, opening up of vacancies, payment of accumulated allowances to staff and widows of our fallen officers, the recent amendment of the Agency’s enabling law by the National Assembly, and many more.

Christian and Islamic prayers were offered for Tinubu and Nigeria while a commemorative plaque was unveiled to mark the event.

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a vigilante operative while fleeing with a gun.

In a statement on Tuesday, the state police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said one pump action gun wrapped in a bag of rice was recovered from the suspect at Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Ikenga added that police operatives attached to 3-3 Police Divisional headquarters led by CSP Emeka Obi, acting on credible information, arrested the suspect on Friday.

He said, “Police operatives attached to 3 Police Divisional headquarters led by CSP Emeka Obi acting on credible information on 22/11/2024 by 6:38pm arrested one Enediong Bassey ‘M’ 25yrs, a native of Ikono LGA of Akwa Ibom State, and recovered one Pump action gun wrapped in a bag of rice at Nkwelle-Ezunaka.

“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a security outfit/vigilante and was about to escape with the gun to join his criminal gang for armed robbery and other unpatriotic activities.

“Given the above and following other complaints and unprofessional conduct by some security outfits and vigilante members, the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, in line with the principles of community policing, reiterates the calls for profiling of security operatives assisting the Police and other security agencies on anti-crime operations to improve safety in the state.”

He stated that the CP also directed the suspect’s immediate transfer to the command’s anti-robbery squad for comprehensive investigations.

President Bola Tinubu has requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

The request, in line with Section 218 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act, was conveyed in a letter read during Tuesday’s plenary session by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Tinubu praised Oluyede’s leadership qualities, noting his “exceptional professionalism and unwavering commitment to national security and stability” since assuming office in an acting capacity.

Tinubu expressed confidence in Oluyede’s ability to drive the progress of the Nigerian Armed Forces and urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process.

“In accordance with constitutional provisions and armed forces regulations, his qualifications, experience, and contributions make him well suited for this vital role,” Tinubu added, stressing the need for continuity in the Nigerian Army’s leadership.

The Senate subsequently referred the matter to its Committee on the Army, directing it to screen the nominee and report back to the plenary for further consideration.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday said that, once he returns to the White House, he will impose high import tariffs on all goods from Mexico and Canada as well as additional tariffs on Chinese imports.

Trump said on Truth Social, the social media platform he co-founded, that he would sign an executive order to that effect on his first day in office.

“On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25 per cent Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders,” Trump said.

He added that the tariff would remain in place “until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”

“Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long-simmering problem,” Trump said.

“We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!”

The president-elect also said that additional tariffs of 10 per cent are to apply to goods from China until drugs stop “pouring into our Country, mostly through Mexico.”

“I have had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, in particular Fentanyl, being sent into the United States – But to no avail,” Trump said.

“Representatives of China told me that they would institute their maximum penalty, that of death, for any drug dealers caught doing this but, unfortunately, they never followed through, and drugs are pouring into our Country, mostly through Mexico, at levels never seen before.”

Canada has stressed its importance to the United States, shortly after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said he would impose high import tariffs on all goods from the neighbouring country as soon as he returns to the White House in January.

“Canada and the United States have one of the strongest and closest relationships, particularly when it comes to trade and border security,” said Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Canada’s Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc in a joint statement.

“Canada places the highest priority on border security and the integrity of our shared border,” they added.

The ministers stressed the “balanced and mutually beneficial” relationship between the neighbours: “Canada is essential to U.S. domestic energy supply, and last year 60 per cent of U.S. crude oil imports originated in Canada.”

The statement also highlighted the cooperation between Canadian and U.S. law enforcement “to disrupt the scourge of the fentanyl coming from China and other countries.”

“We will of course continue to discuss these issues with the incoming administration,” the ministers added.

However, they did not specifically mentioning Trump’s announcement from a couple of hours earlier.

Trump said on Truth Social, the social media platform he co-founded, that he would sign an executive order imposing a 25 per cent tariff on products coming into the U.S. from Mexico and Canada, justifying the move on the grounds of immigrants bringing crime and drugs with them across these two borders into the U.S.

Residents of Ido Osun, in the Egbedore local government area of Osun state, staged a protest on Tuesday against Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision to relocate the ongoing M.K.O Abiola Airport project to his hometown, Ede.

The protest followed an announcement by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, outlining plans for Adeleke’s second anniversary, which included the governor, along with the Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo, to lay the foundation for the new airport in Ede.

Led by the Eesa of Ido-Osun, Chief Oyewale Basiru, and former Osun Assembly lawmaker, Abiodun Awolola, the protesters gathered at the palace holding placards with inscription s such as: “Is Adeleke governor of Ede or Osun State?”, “We say no to favouritism”, “Give us back our airport”, and “Relocating the airport to your hometown is nepotistic.”

Awolola, speaking on behalf of the community, condemned the governor’s decision, highlighting that over N20 billion had already been invested in the airport project by previous administrations.

He said: “Removing the airport in the original location to Adeleke’s hometown will amount to nepotism and favouritism which oppose to the oath of democracy he took when he was sworn in as the governor.

“Adeleke made a promise to our late king to complete the project but the reverse is the case now. Unfortunately, Kolapo Alimi who served under the government of Rauf Aregbesola and now under Adeleke is the one stating reasons to relocate the airport despite knowing the level of work done and the billions of Naira that had been expended on it.

“The government decision is unacceptable and unjust, as it undermines the rights and interests of the people of Ido-Osun.

The community called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop Governor Adeleke from relocating the airport to his hometown, urging him to direct his ministers to refrain from attending any foundation-laying ceremony for the new project in Ede.

He added: “We urge the Osun State Government to reconsider this decision and maintain the original plan and complete the airport because the decision can lead to a communal clash between Ido-Osun and Ede communities as they share boundaries.

“Citing encroachment as reasons for relocating the airport lack logic because their institution encroached that land before time. We have enough land for the airport.”

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has responded to Afrobeat star, Davido’s assertion that Nigeria’s economy is in “shambles,” offering a strong rebuttal and outlining reasons he believes the assessment is inaccurate.

In a recent interview on the foreign podcast The Big Homies House, Davido claimed that Nigeria’s economy is in a dire state.

Omokri, however, pointed out an apparent contradiction, highlighting that on the same day of Davido’s statement, Wizkid’s album Morayo achieved a remarkable 12.12 million streams on Spotify Nigeria.

On November 25, Omokri further countered Davido’s claim by referencing a Bloomberg report that detailed a $2.5 billion investment by JBS SA, the world’s largest meat producer, in Nigeria.

Omokri emphasized that this major investment—marking JBS’s first expansion into Africa—was a clear sign of the global confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential.

The investment includes the establishment of poultry, beef, and pork plants, underscoring the country’s appeal to international investors despite challenges.

According to Omokri, “This news, coming at the time it did, stands in sharp contrast to the claim by a Nigerian entertainer that Nigeria’s ‘economy is in shambles’.

“The good news from Bloomberg is a pointer to the fact that pundits should be factual rather than emotional when talking about the economy. So I decided to help equip patriotic Nigerians with facts to show that their economy is headed in the right direction.”

Listing his reasons for believing Nigeria’s economy is not in shambles, he wrote: “At 35%, Nigeria currently has the highest return on investment (ROI) worldwide, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit published by The Economist Magazine.

“The two biggest and most credible rating agencies in the world, Fitch and S&P Global Ratings, upgraded Nigeria’s economy to a Stable B.

“Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 3.19% in the second quarter of 2024. This growth rate is higher than the 2.51% recorded in the second quarter of 2023 and higher than the first quarter of 2024 growth of 2.98%.”

He continued by adding that “due to a substantial increase in capital inflow, Nigeria’s foreign reserve hit a year-to-date high of $40 billion in November 2024.

“Nigeria earned ₦10.33 trillion in non-oil revenue for the first eight months of 2024. By August 2024, our non-oil revenue had already surpassed the year’s target by 43.4%.

“Net foreign exchange inflow onto Nigeria’s economy rose by 67.8% to $27.6 billion in the first half of 2024 from $16.44 billion in 2023, principally because the National Security Adviser blocked leakages, especially from Binance.”

Omokri also recounted: “Due to Nigeria’s new liberalised monetary and fiscal policy, which led to significant upgrades of our economy, American Express introduced its first ever business credit card in Nigeria, the O3 American Express Gold Business Card, thus expanding access to credit to Nigerian businesses.

“President Tinubu signed the 2023 Electricity Bill into Law to end federal monopoly in the power sector and empower states and the private sector to generate, distribute and transmit power. Due to this law, the private net worth of entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s power sector, such as Mr. Adedeji Adeleke, grew by a conservative estimate of a collective $1.8 billion.

“Due to the upgrade of Nigeria’s economy by Fitch and Standard and Poor, Meta (Facebook) introduced monetisation for Nigerian content creators in June of 2024.

“The Nigeria Customs Service broke its daily revenue record with Area 11, Command Onne, raking in ₦22 billion daily, while the Apapa Command hit ₦2 Trillion in revenue by October of 2024.”

Omokri believes that it is evident from the above that Nigeria’s economy is far from being chaotic.

He noted: “As Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, remarked during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the global community is starting to recognise the positive impact of Nigeria’s reforms.

“Georgieva praised these reforms as ‘decisive,’ noting their role in ‘fostering economic growth and creating jobs.”

Mayor Ihor Terekhov wrote on Telegram on Monday that Russia has once again launched heavy air attacks on Ukraine, with 19 people injured in the large city of Kharkiv in the east of the country.

According to what he wrote, the city was hit by a repurposed S-400 air defence missile.

In the south-eastern Ukrainian, a child was injured, and infrastructure facilities as well as residential buildings were damaged, according to the regional administration.

Governor Ivan Fedorov wrote of a massive drone attack.

According to Ukrainian military observers, Russian troops have also advanced further in the Donetsk region and have taken control of two villages.

Ukraine has been defending itself with Western assistance against a large-scale Russian invasion for more than two and a half years but is currently under significant pressure.

The Imo police command says it arrested a woman for child trafficking in Owerri.

In a statement on Monday, the command spokesman, Henry Okoye, added that three children were rescued.

“Operatives of the Imo state police command’s Quick Intervention Unit have arrested a 36-year-old female suspected of child trafficking and successfully rescued three stolen children (names withheld),” said Mr Okoye.

“The arrest followed thorough investigations and intelligence-led operations carried out on 20th November 2024 in Amajeke, Owerri. The children have since been safely reunited with their parents.

“The children have since been safely reunited with their parents,” the statement said.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has taken action to reduce fuel costs by lowering the ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS) also known as petrol.

The new price is set at N970 per litre, down from the previous N990 per litre.

This price cut is expected to benefit oil marketers, who can now purchase petrol from the Lekki-based refinery at a lower cost.

In a statement on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the Group’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, said the price reduction is a gesture of appreciation to Nigerians for their support in bringing the refinery to fruition.

The statement reads: “Dangote Petroleum Refinery has effected a reduction in the prevailing price of its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N990/litre to N970/litre for the marketers.

“As the year comes to an end, this is our way of appreciating the good people of Nigeria for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come through.

“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being.

“While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”

A tragic incident occurred on Monday at Mile 2, Lagos, where a vehicle was crushed under a heavy container, prompting a rapid response from bystanders and authorities.

The accident caused chaos as concerned onlookers gathered to help before emergency responders arrived.

Officers from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) were among the first at the scene, working tirelessly to coordinate rescue operations and manage traffic congestion.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as harrowing but highlighted the commendable efforts of passersby who provided immediate assistance before professional rescuers took over.

“People rushed to help immediately, trying to ensure anyone inside the vehicle was safe,” one bystander said.

As of the time of filing this report, no fatalities have been confirmed, though the condition of the vehicle’s occupants remains unclear.

The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained, as authorities are prioritizing rescue operations before commencing a thorough investigation.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for urgent action to combat gender-based violence as she joined the global observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Her message, shared Monday on X, marked the beginning of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

“Nearly one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime,” she said, highlighting the alarming scale of the issue.

She also pointed to the persistence of harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation in Nigeria, which are often justified by cultural or religious norms.

While acknowledging progress in tackling these issues, she emphasised that many women and girls, particularly in rural and underserved communities, remain trapped in cycles of violence and inequality.

“Many women and girls remain trapped in these cycles of violence and inequality,” she said, urging society to take decisive action.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed annually on November 25, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 to raise awareness of gender-based violence and mobilise global efforts to combat it.

The date was chosen in honour of the Mirabal sisters, political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally assassinated in 1960 under the Trujillo regime.

This day marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign that culminates on December 10, International Human Rights Day.

Meanwhile, in the First Lady’s statement, she described collective action as crucial, stressing the importance of timely prosecution of perpetrators, increased support for survivors, and creating safer environments.

“We must take collective action across all sectors of society,” she urged.

Education was highlighted as a vital tool in breaking these cycles.

“Formal education for the girl child remains the key to liberating them and helping them make informed choices,” she stated, advocating for initiatives that ensure access to education for girls across the country.

Her message resonated widely among stakeholders and advocacy groups. Gender rights advocate Amina Yusuf praised her commitment to education, saying, “Her focus on education aligns with what we’ve seen in communities—empowered girls are better equipped to resist harmful practices.”

Others, like Chidi Nwosu, a legal expert, echoed her call for accountability.

“Prosecution of offenders and justice for survivors must go hand in hand with community-based preventive efforts,” Nwosu noted.

The First Lady concluded with a call to action for all Nigerians to challenge harmful behaviours and work toward a safer society.

“Let us work together to ensure a safer society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live without fear of violence,” she said.

Goods and property estimated to be worth several millions of naira were destroyed when fire razed some yet-to-be-disclosed number of shops located along the Obodoukwu Road, near the Relief Market, Okpoko, in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Our correspondent gathered that the fire, which occurred late on Sunday, caused chaos and panic around the vicinity of the market as traders and residents struggled to salvage some of their belongings amid a heavily crowded scene.

The cause of the fire had yet to be ascertained, but it was gathered that a section of some shops with various items and materials was destroyed by the inferno.

An eyewitness and a trader in the area who simply identified himself as Ndubuisi, said the fire emanated from one of the shops with residents seeing thick flames as it spread to others before the men of the State Fire Service arrived at the scene to put out the fire.

He said the firefighters battled for several hours to put off the fire and prevented it from escalating to other shops, including other neighbouring structures.

“The cause of the fire is still unknown, but we suddenly observed a thick smoke coming out from one of the shops in the building and before we knew what was happening, it started increasing fast.

“The few traders that were around and some residents and other passers-by mobilised to quench the fire before firefighters arrived. While some others struggled to salvage some of their belongings to avoid losing everything to the fire.

“We observed thick smoke coming out around a section of the shops and we alerted those affected, some of them arrived promptly at the scene, but could not save much of their goods as the shops were already on fire before the firefighters came.

“Some of the victims could not take anything out of their shops. I can say that goods worth millions of naira were lost to the fire. We can not say what caused the fire, but we pray God comes to their aid,” Ndubuisi stated.

When contacted, the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by the State Fire Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Monday.

Chiketa disclosed that two fire trucks from Okpoko Fire Station and Main Market Fire Station and other firefighting equipment were mobilised to the scene, to contain the fire.

“At about 4:19 pm on Sunday, November 24, 2024, the Anambra State Fire Service received a distress call of a fire outbreak at 276 Obodoukwu Road, along the Relief Market, Okpoko, in Ogbaru LGA of the state.

“Immediately, we deployed our firemen, with two fire truck from Okpoko Fire Station and Main Market Fire Station and other firefighting equipment to the scene, they fought and were able to contain the fire outbreak and prevented it from further escalation.

“The fire outbreak affected few shops. The cause of the fire outbreak is still unknown. No life was lost. The Firemen left the scene at about 7:39pm of the same day.

“The general public is advised to remain fire conscious and stay safe,” it stated.

Two suspected vandals impersonating staff of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, have been arrested at the scene of crimes at Okhoro and Cemetery roads in Benin, Edo state capital.

The Head of Branding and Cooperate Communications of BEDC Electricity PLC, Mrs Evelyn Gbiwen, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Benin.

Gbiwen explained that one of the suspects allegedly vandalised 200KVA and 500KVA substations located at Play House and Iyayi in the locality.

She added that the suspect allegedly paraded himself as a BEDC staff with an identity card at the time he was arrested.

According to her, the suspect was arrested with 70mm2 by 7 meters of cable from Play House, 200kva Substation and 70mm2 by 7 meters of cable from Iyayi 500kva substation.

The second suspect, she said was also caught with stolen items from various substations.

She explained that the suspect was allegedly caught with 10 meters of copper wire from a 500kva power transformer at Third Cemetery, Benin.

She said that the suspect was also caught with 20 meters of 500mm2 cable from a 500kva substation at Old Rubber Board Road in Benin.

Gbiwen, who described the suspect’s arrest as a significant breakthrough in the fight against vandalism, stressed the company’s commitment to combating vandalism.

“We are resolute in our fight against vandalism, as it doesn’t only affect our operations, but also tarnishes our reputation.

“We urge communities to be vigilant and guard their substations, as we work together to prevent these malicious acts.

“Our appeal also goes to the communities to report any suspicious activities around substations and support the company’s efforts in combating vandalism, ” she added.

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has restored the full statutory rights of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, abolishing the new traditional councils in Edo South created by the last administration.

He also backed the Federal Government’s Gazette, which gave the ownership of the returned artefact to the Oba’s palace, which was looted during the 1897 Benin massacre by the British colonial forces.

Also, the state government is withdrawing the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre issued by the last administration to be used as a motor park.

These were contained in a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Sunday.

The statement further read, “This administration is restoring the Oba Akenzua centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose.

“This administration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration.

“Accordingly, Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished councils be maintained.

“The Okpebholo administration is backing the initial plan of the state Government to build the Benin Royal Museum that will house the returned artefacts and is distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) which the previous administration fronted as the museum to hold the returned Benin artefacts before the federal government intervention on the matter.

“The Federal Government has also issued a Gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. This was done through a Government Notice No.25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.”

The statement added that Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of the Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll, and pledges the support of his administration to ensure the Monarch plays his role as the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.

“It is in recognition of this that the administration of Governor Okpebholo shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned Benin artifacts that were looted by the British Colonial forces during the Benin massacre of 1897.

“The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people and my administration respects customs and traditions in the land and hereby restores the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin as the true custodian of the returned Benin artefacts.

“Okpebholo said his administration is committed and will refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council.

“The governor is using his constitutional powers and the respect for traditional institutions and the revered Oba of Benin to restore all other Statutory Rights of the Monarch not mentioned hereof, ” the statement read.

The police in Borno State on Friday recovered eight unexploded devices from the Dala and Gwange areas of Maiduguri.

A statement by the state police spokesperson, ASP Grace Michael, stated that the recovery followed a distress call regarding some unidentified objects suspected to be explosives near an uncompleted building in Dala-Abuja Talakawa Area, Maiduguri.

The spokesperson said, “Our Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Base 13 team responded swiftly, recovering six projectiles and one unexploded mortar bomb, which were safely relocated to a secure site. Later that day, at about 1 p.m., another report was received from the Gwange area regarding a suspicious object along the riverbank. The EOD-CBRN team was deployed to the scene and recovered an unexploded hand grenade. Preliminary investigations suggested that the ordnance were displaced and washed ashore by recent devastating floods in the state.’’

Ms Michael noted that the police conducted an Explosive Ordnance Risk Awareness (EORE) training for residents of both communities, educating them on safety measures.

She quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Yusufu Lawal, as reaffirming the command’s commitment to ensuring public safety.

Ms Michael urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious objects or activities through the emergency lines – 0806 807 5581 and 0802 347 3293.

A section of the ceiling in Obehie Magistrate Court in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State on Friday, collapsed while the Court was in session.

Though no one was hurt during the incident, it caused confusion among those in the building.

The building according to an indigene of Ukwa West, had been in a dilapidated condition for many years, before the ceiling eventually caved in on Friday.

The source who said the Magistrate Court was forced to rise abruptly, disclosed that it later resumed sitting as the Presiding Magistrate, Nnenna Nwogwugwu continued the day’s proceedings to treat all matters contained in the case list for the day.

The Palace of Oba of Benin, has distanced itself from a planned dramatisation of the Igue Festival by the Association for Cultural and Economic Renaissance of Edo (ACERE).

This is contained in a statement on Saturday, by Mr Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Igue Festival is an important cultural and religious event in the Benin Kingdom, and its performance is reserved for the Oba of Benin.

According to Iguobaro the planned event, scheduled for Sunday at the Muson Centre in Lagos, is being organised without the consent or consultation with the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

“The Palace expressed serious reservations about the proposed drama, noting that it would distort the age-long custom and traditional performance of the Igue Festival.

“The Benin Traditional Council has approached the court to restrain ACERE from staging the event.

“The court has granted an order restraining the association from using the Oba’s image or promoting the event without his consent.

“This order was obtained on Friday against the event that is taking place on Sunday, November 24, 2024.

He advised the public not to be misled by any group claiming to promote Benin culture without consulting the Palace of the Oba of Benin.