Three youngsters have been arrested over their bid to remove a six-month-old foetus for money ritual in Minna, Niger State capital.

It was learnt that the suspects, Martha Andrew, James Luka and Johnson John, had lured a pregnant woman from Rafin-Yashin area of Minna to a hotel along the Eastern Bye-pass in Minna in a bid to remove the foetus for ritual purposes.

According to the suspects, they had promised to pay the victim N30 million if she could have a miscarriage while still in the hotel.

The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the incident, said the three suspects were tracked and arrested by police operatives of the SCID, Minna around a hotel along Eastern Bye-Pass, Minna.

He said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime, adding that the allegations filed against them were conspiracy and attempt to cause miscarriage.

“The suspects were arrested as they conspired to take a pregnant victim from Rafin-Yashi area of Minna to one ‘Gbege’ presently at large.

“They lured the victim with a promise to pay her N30 million naira to remove her six-month-old pregnancy for ritual purposes.”

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of $4.7 million, N830 million, and multiple properties linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

But yesterday, Emefiele legal representative distanced the ex-CBN Governor from the forfeited properties.

Delivering judgment yesterday, Justice Yellim Bogoro granted the forfeiture request filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by counsel Bilkisu Buhari-Bala. This ruling followed the court’s earlier dismissal of an application seeking to halt the judgment.

The funds, now forfeited to the federal government, were held in First Bank, Titan Bank, and Zenith Bank accounts managed by individuals and entities including Omoile Anita Joy, Deep Blue Energy Service Limited, Exactquote Bureau De Change Ltd, Lipam Investment Services Limited, Tatler Services Limited, Rosajul Global Resources Ltd, and TIL Communication Nigeria Ltd.

Properties affected by the interim forfeiture include 94 units of an 11-floor building under construction at 2 Otunba Elegushi 2nd Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos; AM Plaza, an 11-floor office space on Otunba Adedoyin Crescent; Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos; Imore Industrial Park 1 on Esa Street, Imoore Land, Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos; Mitrewood and Tatler Warehouse (Furniture Plant at Bogije) near Elemoro, Owolomi Village, Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Lagos; and two properties purchased from Chevron Nigeria, located in Lakes Estate, Lekki, Lagos.

Additional properties include a plot at Lekki Foreshore Estate Scheme, Foreshore Estate, Eti-Osa, LGA; an estate at 100 Cottonwood Coppel Texas Drive, Coppel, Texas, owned by Lipam Investment Services; land at 1 Bunmi Owulude Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos; and a property at 8 Bayo Kuku Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Justice Bogoro held that all these properties and funds are proceeds of unlawful activities which are bound to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The judge held: “I find that the activities of the respondents here were unlawful. Why should they have a problem of dollars immediately Godwin Emefiele left CBN as a governor of the bank and salary could not be made?

“I hold that they are not legitimate business activities.

“I hold that Anita Omoile is a close crony of the former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele who has been given undue influence to unlawfully sway dollars from CBN.

“Consequently, I find that all the monies and properties in the schedule are finally forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

The EFCC through its counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had cited Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and Section 44(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution in its application, seeking an interim forfeiture on the grounds that the funds and properties were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Justice Bogoro, finding merit in the EFCC’s application, ordered the interim forfeiture and mandated the publication of the order in a national newspaper.

Following the failure of the defendants or anyone else to prove that the funds legitimately belonged to them, the judge then made the interim order permanent.

Reacting to the judgment yesterday, Emefiele’s legal representatives categorically denied his involvement in the ownership of properties recently forfeited by a Federal High Court in Lagos.

A statement signed by Olawale Fapohunda, Esq., on behalf of his legal team, clarified that the properties, allegedly linked to Anita Joy Omoile and her companies, including DeepBlue Energy Limited, do not belong to Emefiele or any member of his immediate family.

The clarification follows reports that Justice Bogoro of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, had granted a final forfeiture order on the properties. However, the legal team pointed out that Justice Aneke, another judge of the same court, had previously discharged an interim forfeiture order on the same assets.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we categorically disassociate our client from the ownership of the assets in question,” the statement read. “The assets do not belong to our client or any member of his immediate family.”

The statement further explained that DeepBlue Energy Limited, incorporated in 2009, is owned by a relative of Emefiele but is not linked to him directly.

Emefiele’s legal team urged the public and stakeholders to refrain from associating the forfeited properties with him, emphasizing that the reports misrepresent the facts.

United States President Donald Trump had a heated exchange with a Democratic governor Friday over his order barring transgender athletes from women’s sports, with the state leader telling him: “See you in court.”

The Republican president was making televised remarks to a gathering of the country’s governors at the White House when he raised the executive order he signed earlier this month.

“Two weeks ago I signed an executive order banning men from playing in women’s sports. Many Democrats are fighting me on that, I hope you continue because you’ll never win another race,” he said.

The ban is “to protect women,” he claimed.

“Are you not going to comply with it?” he asked Janet Mills, governor of the northeastern state of Maine.

“I’m complying with state and federal laws,” Mills responded.

“Well, we are the federal law… You better do it, because you’re not going to get any federal funding at all if you don’t,” the president said.

“See you in court,” she responded.

“Good, I’ll see you in court. I look forward to that. That should be a real easy one. And enjoy your life after governor, because I don’t think you’ll be in elected politics,” a visibly angry Trump replied.

Trump’s order allows US government agencies to deny funds to schools that allow transgender athletes to compete on women’s teams.

Some Maine officials have said they will continue a policy of allowing transgender students to choose which team they play on, citing state law under the Maine Human Rights Act, according to the Portland Press Herald.

Mills and the state’s attorney general have vowed to fight any move to deny the state federal funds, the newspaper reported.

Later Friday, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced an investigation into Maine’s education department for alleged violations of Title IX, the landmark civil rights law that forbids discrimination on the basis of gender in educational facilities that receive federal support.

A statement cited allegations that Maine’s education department “continues to allow male athletes to compete in girls’ interscholastic athletics and that it has denied female athletes female-only intimate facilities, thereby violating federal antidiscrimination law.”

Craig Trainor, DoE acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, said Maine must comply with Title IX to continue receiving federal funds.

“If it wants to forgo federal funds and continue to trample the rights of its young female athletes, that, too, is its choice,” he said in the statement.

Mills called it a “politically directed move” to strip funding “paid for by Maine taxpayers.”

“This is not just about who can compete on the athletic field, this is about whether a President can force compliance with his will, without regard for the rule of law that governs our nation,” she added.

Republicans hammered Democrats on transgender issues — especially when it came to youth and sports — ahead of the 2024 election, capitalizing on a broader culture war over LGBTQ rights.

Since his return to power, Trump has demonized any recognition of gender diversity, attacking transgender people — a small minority of the population — and gender-affirming care for minors in both his rhetoric and in executive orders.

Trump has said he will also push the International Olympic Committee to change its rules on transgender athletes before the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

The G20 meeting of foreign ministers of major economies will begin on Thursday in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Middle East conflict and Russia’s war in Ukraine are at the top of the agenda.

However, emerging markets such as South Africa, Brazil and India want to talk primarily about restructuring global institutions, adaptation to climate change and fairer economic development.

Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has confirmed that Russia will be represented at the two-day meeting, while foreign minister Wang Yi is expected from China.

A diplomat from the U.S. embassy will represent America.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio cancelled his participation amid a spat with South Africa over a land expropriation law.

A Foreign Office official will represent Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock.

The G20 includes 19 countries, the European Union and the African Union.

The group represents about 80 per cent of the world’s population and more than 85 per cent of global economic power.

Hamas is due to hand over the bodies of four hostages on Thursday, including those of the Bibas family, who have become symbols of the hostage crisis that has gripped Israel since the Gaza war broke out.

The transfer of the bodies is the first such handover of remains by Hamas since its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel triggered the war.

The Palestinian militant group said the return of the bodies of Shiri Bibas, her two young boys —- Kfir and Ariel -— and a fourth captive, Oded Lifshitz, would take place in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis.

Footage of their abduction, filmed and broadcast by Hamas militants during their attack on Israel, showed the mother and her sons Ariel, then four, and Kfir, just nine months old, being seized from their home near the Gaza border.

Yarden Bibas, the boys’ father and Shiri’s husband, was abducted separately on October 7, 2023, and was released from the Gaza Strip in a previous hostage-prisoner exchange on February 1.

The repatriation of their bodies is part of the first phase of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on January 19 after more than 15 months of fighting in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Thursday would be “a very difficult day for the State of Israel -— a heartbreaking day, a day of grief”.

Under the ceasefire’s first phase, 19 Israeli hostages have been released by militants so far in exchange for more than 1,100 Palestinian prisoners in a series of Red Cross-mediated swaps.

Of the remaining 14 Gaza hostages eligible for release under phase one, Israel says eight are dead.

The Bibas family members have become national symbols of the hostage ordeal, encapsulating the despair that has gripped the nation since the Hamas attack.

While their deaths are largely accepted as fact abroad after Hamas said they were killed in an Israeli air strike early in the war, Israel has never confirmed the claim and many remain unconvinced — including the Bibas family.

Late on Wednesday, the Israeli campaign group the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said it had been informed about the “heart-shattering” news of the deaths of the three Bibas family members.

The Bibas family said it would wait for a confirmation from official channels.

“Should we receive devastating news, it must come through the proper official channels after all identification procedures are completed,” it said in a statement late Wednesday.

Israeli authorities have not officially named any of those to be returned, but Netanyahu’s office said on Wednesday that it had received a list of the hostages whose bodies were to be handed over and that the families had been informed.

The National Forensic Medicine Institute in Tel Aviv has mobilised 10 doctors to expedite the identification process, public broadcaster Kan reported on Wednesday.

Israel and Hamas announced a deal earlier this week for the return of the remains of eight hostages in two groups this week and next, as well as the release of six living Israeli captives on Saturday.

The hostages forum named the six as Eliya Cohen, Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, Hisham al-Sayed, and Avera Mengistu.

The ceasefire in Gaza has been held despite accusations of violations on both sides.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday that talks would begin “this week” on the second phase, which is expected to lay out a more permanent end to the war.

Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu told AFP on Wednesday that Hamas was ready to free all remaining hostages held in Gaza in a single swap during phase two.

He did not clarify how many hostages were currently being held by Hamas or other militant groups.

Hamas and its allies took 251 people hostage during the attack, of whom 70 remain in Gaza, including 35 the Israeli military says are dead.

That attack resulted in the deaths of 1,211 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed at least 48,297 people in Gaza, the majority of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory that the United Nations considers reliable.

Staff members of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, under the National Association of Academic Technologists , have honoured the late Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technologist who was killed by a lion in the university zoo.

Olawuyi died on February 19, 2024, while attempting to rescue a junior colleague who was attacked by the lion during feeding.

To mark the first anniversary of his tragic death, NAAT organised a one-day workshop titled “Workplace Safety Awareness” at the Pit Theatre, Department of Dramatic Arts.

Speaking at the event, NAAT National President, Mr. Ibeji Nwokoma, described Olawuyi as a martyr who died saving another life.

Represented by the immediate past National Treasurer, Dr. Rachel Hassan-Olajokun, Nwokoma urged the university management to rename the zoo in Olawuyi’s honour.

“I want to commend the OAU NAAT executives for organizing this workshop. I also advocate that the zoo should be named after the late Mr. Olawuyi. He was a man of virtue and our martyr,” Nwokoma said.

He further emphasised the need for safety consciousness, stating that Nigerians are an endangered species in the workplace due to poor safety policies.

In his remarks, OAU NAAT Chairman, Matthew Oluwaniyi, expressed disappointment that the official investigation report into Olawuyi’s death had not been released, a year after the incident.

“One year ago, we lost a dedicated professional, a colleague, and a comrade whose courage and sense of duty went beyond mere responsibility. Comrade Olawuyi gave his life to save another.

“Regrettably, despite marking the first anniversary of his passing, we are yet to receive the official report on the circumstances surrounding his death,” Oluwaniyi stated.

He described the workshop as a call to action, urging the university management to implement better safety policies and protective measures for workers.

“This workshop is more than just an event. It is a reminder that safety is not just a conversation but a responsibility. We must ensure that the lessons from Comrade Olawuyi’s sacrifice lead to improved policies, better protective measures, and a workplace where no staff member feels unsafe in the line of duty,” he added.

The family of a Chinese youth footballer declared “brain dead” after he sustained a serious injury during a match in Spain have accused the Beijing FA of withholding information about the incident.

Guo Jiaxuan, 18, fell into a coma on February 6 after an accident during a training match between the Beijing men’s U-20 team and a Spanish side from a Madrid suburb, according to a statement by Beijing’s football association.

The Beijing FA did not provide details of the specific circumstances that led to Guo’s injury, and the player’s brother said on social media on Wednesday that authorities had “delayed again and again” releasing information.

The family is demanding video footage of the match, details on the medical treatment before he reached the hospital and information about Guo’s insurance.

In the social media post, also reported by Chinese state media outlet Xinhua, Guo’s brother complained that they had not seen anyone from the Beijing FA in days.

He also shared screenshots of phone text conversations which appeared to show repeated requests for information being ignored.

“The family just want to know the truth, why is it so hard?” he wrote.

In their statement, the Beijing FA said that “medical staff from both teams rushed on to the field for on-site first aid” before Guo was airlifted to a local neurosurgery hospital where he was later declared “brain dead”.

He was transferred to China for further care last week but his condition shows “no improvement” his brother wrote.

“We are gradually accepting reality,” he said.

Guo has played as a defender for the U-19 team of top-tier Beijing Guoan and was selected for China’s U-17 team in 2023.

He was also previously included in the FC Bayern World Squad, an annual project run by Germany’s largest club to unearth global talent.

The Senate will begin a two-day public hearing on the four tax reform bills presented by President Bola Tinubu to improve the nation’s tax administration.

The Senate Committee on Finance chairman, Sani Musa, said this at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mr Musa, after a closed session with members of the committee, said that the public hearing would be held from February 24 to 25.

“We intend to take on two of the bills each day of the session for the press to be fully abreast with what we intend to do. The bills are the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill,” stated the senator.

According to him, the bills will overhaul the tax administration and revenue generation in the country, as many of the provisions contained in them are landmark in nature.

He said this would put Nigeria on the same pedestal as advanced economies, saying that infrastructure, education, agriculture and other sectors of the economy would be adequately taken care of with enough funds.

Mr Musa stated that the committee members had studied the bills and robustly engaged with several stakeholders before deciding to hold the public hearing.

He expressed the belief that the public hearing would go well, adding that President Bola Tinubu had repeatedly assured that he would not interfere in any of the processes of the tax reform bills.

“It is our duty as legislators to do the needful for the good of this country. We are all representatives of different tribes, religions, geography and we are Nigerians.

“What we will work towards giving Nigerians are laws that will put us on track economically. And by the grace of God, we will succeed,” he said.

Mr Musa added, “We have also invited the minister of petroleum resources, the chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Services and the statistician-general of the federation so that he will be able to come and give us his own submission.”

Mr Musa assured that the National Assembly would, at the end of the day, produce legislation on tax administration that would be acceptable to Nigerians.

Gen. James Hecker, Commander of the U.S. Air Forces, Europe and Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), says the U.S. Air Force will carry out airstrikes against terrorist targets across Africa.

Mr Hecker stated this at a digital news conference on Wednesday, Wednesday, at the 2025 African Air Chiefs’ Symposium in Lusaka, Zambia.

Mr Hecker said terrorist groups like ISIS were high-value targets that threatened African nations and the U.S. and would be targeted by the U.S., as it did against ISIS in Somalia recently.

“They are significant high-value targets that threaten African nations and threaten the United States. So we will continue to go after terrorist organisations that threaten our African partners as well as the United States,” he said.

Mr Hecker said the U.S. was willing to collaborate with African air forces, not only by way of security support but also through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

On Boko Haram insurgency and how the U.S. air force can help the Nigerian military achieve air superiority over the terrorists, he said the U.S. had already been supporting Nigeria.

“Well, I think as you know, the U.S. government has provided training and equipment to Nigeria for quite a while, so hopefully, that will help them out.

“But what we’re looking at in this conference is not that. We’re not talking about air superiority or conflict. We’re talking about how we can help each other – African nations can help one another – and that’s what the goal of this conference is,” Mr Hecker said.

Zambia’s air force commander, Oscar Nyoni, gave an insight into the symposium and how AACS member states would respond to humanitarian needs if a disaster struck.

According to him, with AACS, humanitarian or disaster needs like foodstuff, logistics, supplies, and aerial vehicles will be easily provided by member states, who will contribute whatever they are able to contribute.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr Danjuma Ismaila as Rector and Chief Executive of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

“Before the appointment, Dr Ismaila was a lecturer at the Federal University of Transportation, Daura,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu appoints Danjuma Ismaila to head the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology.’

Ismaila graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with a degree in Physics in 1989.

He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Transportation and has attended several courses, workshops and seminars on civil aviation management and transportation.

He is a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the UK, and the Air Transport Research Society, among others.

The Presidency described Ismaila as an expert in air transportation management, transport economic policy and aviation security.

Some officers of the Anambra State Police Command are being investigated following the escape of two suspects linked to the killing of a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha 1 Constituency, Justice Azuka.

This is as the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, in a statement released on Wednesday, demanded the immediate re-arrest of the escaped suspects.

Azuka was abducted on December 24, and his lifeless body was found on the Second Niger Bridge on February 6, 2025.

In connection with the murder, the police had arrested nine suspects.

However, in a shocking twist, two of the arrested suspects managed to escape just days after their capture.

The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed their escape in a statement on Tuesday.

According to Ikenga, the suspects fled in Obosi, Idemili North LGA, while leading police operatives from Awkuzu Command on an operation to apprehend the receiver of stolen vehicles used by their gang.

“Although the receiver of the vehicles was arrested, and two vehicles were recovered, the two suspects fled the scene. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has already ordered a manhunt for the fleeing suspects,” Ikenga stated.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Ikenga revealed that the escape happened on February 8 and that all officers involved in the operation are currently at the State Command Headquarters for debriefing.

He explained that while the suspects were handcuffed at the time, the swampy nature of the area where they escaped may have aided their movement.

He added that a thorough investigation is underway to prevent a recurrence.

“Disciplinary actions are already being taken to address any negligence involved. The CP has assured that anyone found culpable will not go unpunished. As this goes on, our priority remains the re-arrest of the fleeing suspects to ensure they face justice,” he said.

Ikenga clarified that the suspects have not yet been declared wanted because the police are following due process.

“Declaring someone wanted is a process. We must exhaust all investigative options first. However, we are working towards obtaining a court order to formally declare them wanted,” he added.

While describing the incident as “very unfortunate,” he emphasized that the police have nothing to hide and urged the public to see security as a collective responsibility.

Providing further details, Ikenga disclosed that of the nine suspects arrested for Azuka’s murder, two played key roles and had provided critical information about their sponsor and operational locations.

“In a follow-up investigation, officers took these two suspects to the location they identified as their meeting point with their sponsor and receiver of stolen items in Obosi, Idemili North LGA. The goal was to arrest this individual and dismantle their network. Unfortunately, the suspects escaped during the operation,” he said.

Despite the escape, he confirmed that the police successfully arrested the suspected financier of the gang, along with the receiver of stolen items.

He also revealed that two operational vehicles—a black Lexus 350 SUV and a black Toyota RAV4—used in the lawmaker’s abduction and murder were recovered.

“The arrested individual, whose full identity will be disclosed soon, is the group’s main financier, providing them with operational tools and logistics,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, in a statement released on Wednesday, demanded the immediate re-arrest of the escaped suspects.

Udeze expressed disappointment over the development and urged the police to take every necessary step to recapture the fugitives.

“The Anambra State House of Assembly deeply regrets this unfortunate development, which casts a shadow over the otherwise commendable and professional manner in which the police have handled the investigation. The position of the State Legislature is clear: the fleeing suspects must be tracked and apprehended at all costs,” he said.

“I call on the Commissioner of Police to redouble his efforts and ensure that the escaped suspects are re-arrested and brought to justice. The police should immediately declare them wanted and publish their full names, addresses, and photographs to enlist public support in tracking them down.”

The Association of Private Polytechnics in Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to sponsor a Bill for an Act to abolish the dichotomy between a Higher National Diploma and a Bachelor’s degree.

President of the Association, Dr Benjamin Achiatar made the call while addressing Newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.

The dichotomy between HND and bachelor degree holders allows holders of the latter to be given preferential treatment in government jobs over the former.

Achiatar said though the dichotomy had been officially removed by the National Council on Establishment, its implementation was very poor because, according to him, it is not properly backed by law.

“The Bill to back it up was passed at the 9th Senate but was not duly signed into law by the then president. Therefore, a new Bill needs to be sponsored or the previous one revisited by the present 10th National Assembly and sent to President Tinubu for his assent,’’ he said.

Achiatar said that due to the dichotomy, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board records showed a yearly drastic reduction in the number of applications into polytechnics.

According to him, frustrated Nigerian candidates are fleeing to neighbouring countries of Dahomey, Togo, and Ghana to pursue their education, leading to a brain drain.

He hinted that the association’s request for more JAMB centres for adequate coverage of their Institutions was communicated to JAMB.

Achiatar, who is the Proprietor of Gboko Polytechnic, stressed the importance of technology education in fast-tracking the industrialisation of the country.

“We handle mostly technical training in Nigeria; in the polytechnics and mono-technics, we have various courses, and we train our students both in theory and practical. The emphasis we place on practical training is what makes us different from the university,’’ he said.

Achiatar said Nigerians needed to understand that technical and technological education is very important to the industrialisation of Nigeria.

“We are requesting the government to pay attention to all technology and technical education in Nigeria because, in the last few years, interest in technical and technological education has been reducing,” he said.

He argued that the increasingly lower number of students applying to polytechnics and mono-technics in the country through Jamb was affecting the economy as a whole.

“We are hoping that the government will see this and give adequate attention to this area, which will enable students to see the incentive to train in the field,‘’ he said.

He explained that the existing dichotomy between HND and BSc in Nigeria allows holders of BSC to be given preferential treatment over HND holders.

He said this discourages students from taking up courses that lead to HND, adding that generally, the government seems to be paying more attention to university education.

“That is why we are requesting that the government should sponsor a bill in the national assembly that will do away with the dichotomy,’’ Achiatar said.

He noted that recently, in a communique, the Chairmen of the Governing Councils of Polytechnics emphasised the need for conversion of the National Board for Technical Education into a commission.

Achiatar said the association was in full support of the conversion, which formed part of their concerns.

He clarified converting the NBTE, being their regulatory body, into a commission would also allow the NBTE to cater to the progressive needs of Nigerian polytechnics.

“They will have the capacity to work with the National Universities Commission to do accreditation in Polytechnics for the award of B. Tech (Hons), which will attract more students.

“So, these are the issues that are motivating us to inform Nigerians and the government about the advantages of boosting technology education in the country,’’ Achiatar said.

The Lagos State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the alleged torture and death of a newlywed man, Abdulmujid Oduga, while in police custody at Ikota Police Post in the Ajah area of the state.

In a statement obtained by PUNCH Online on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, while providing an update on the incident, confirmed the arrest of the Investigating Police Officer and the complainant.

Hundeyin also noted that an autopsy would be carried out to determine the cause of Oduga’s death and to be followed by necessary actions.

“Investigations have since commenced. The Investigating Police Officer and the complainant are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba. Meanwhile, an autopsy is about being carried out to determine the cause of death, after which further necessary actions will follow.

“Members of the public are assured that a thorough investigation will be carried out and any person(s) found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the statement read.

PUNCH Metro reported that the deceased allegedly had a misunderstanding with his female neighbour, which led to his arrest on Tuesday, February 11 and detention at the police post.

An X user @Omoiyacele, who raised the alarm in a post on Monday alleged that Oduga, after the arrest, was subjected to severe torture during his detention, resulting in his death.

The X user, while describing the late Oduga as his cousin, stated that the police thereafter dumped his corpse at a morgue in the Epe area of the state.

While he disclosed that the deceased got married four months ago, he also urged the police authorities to probe the cause of his death.

He wrote, “My cousin, Late Abdulmujid Igbamitayo Oduga, was murdered by @PoliceNG just because of a mere misunderstanding between him and his neighbour. He died at the Ikota Police Post under Ajiwe Police Station located at Ajah under the IOP Azeezat. The corpse was deposited at Epe.

“We urge the Nigeria Police to help our family look into this matter for a clear and true picture of the matter for us to know the particular person that killed our beloved son who just did wedding not up to four months ago.”

Another relative, @Cherub, in a separate post on X, demanded justice for the deceased.

“A brother was murdered at Ikota police post, Lagos State in collaboration with Ajah police station. This can’t continue in our nation and all keep quiet like it’s the norm. We want justice,” she wrote.

In one of the pictures shared was a screenshot by a sibling of the deceased who described him as the breadwinner of the family.

The sibling also accused the police of not allowing the deceased to contact his family while in custody.

The sibling wrote, “They killed my brother, a whole breadwinner just like that. They arrested and locked him up for a normal misunderstanding between two neighbours, without giving him access to contact his family and friends and he was tortured till he gave up in the police cell.

“All I want right now is justice. They can’t just kill my brother and get away with it. Nigerians please help me out, he was detained without any offence. They came to arrest him at home healthy and telling us now he’s dead just like that.”

A 94-year-old man, Adedapo Idowu, has registered for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with the aim of fulfilling his long-standing aspiration of studying Political Science at the University of Ibadan.

Idowu, who registered at the JAMB Professional Test Center in Ibadan, Oyo State, expressed his excitement about the smooth registration process.

The 2025 UTME registration started on January 31.

Last week, JAMB revealed that over 700,000 candidates have registered, including 11,000 underage applicants.

Idowu shared that his initial fears about pursuing higher education at his age were dispelled after his seamless registration experience.

He commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for the efficient use of technology, such as integrating his National Identity Number (NIN), which simplified data collection and ensured a user-friendly process.

His story was featured in the latest bulletin of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

“I can now attain my dream at an advanced age.

“The registration staff gave me a sense of belonging through the warm reception at the registration venue” he noted.

He also advised other candidates to embrace professionalism and contentment in their academic journey.

The nonagenarian encouraged the Board to maintain this positive trajectory to continue ensuring access to education for all, particularly the elderly, the underprivileged, and those with disabilities.

A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, presided over by Justice A.O. Owoeye, has ordered that Ezekiel Thankgod, also known as Eezeetee, the former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, appear in court to face charges on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

According to a statement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Thankgod, had repeatedly avoided arraignment by the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency.

EFCC disclosed that the evasion was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the court during proceedings on January 16, 2025.

Thankgod is set to face a three-count charge bordering on money laundering and the fraudulent conversion of $340,000.

This was made known via a statement shared on the X handle of the EFCC, on Monday, February 17.

The statement reads in part: “Justice A.O. Owoeye of Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, on Monday, February 17, 2025 held that Mr. Ezekiel Thankgod must appear in court to take his plea and adjourned till March 6, 2025 for his arraignment.

“Mr. Thankgod, ex-manager of gospel artiste, Mercy Chinwo has consistently evaded arraignment by the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, prompting a warrant of arrest to be issued on him by the court during January 16, 2025 proceedings.

“Thankgod is to be arraigned on a three-count charge, bordering on money laundering and dishonest conversion to the tune of $340,000.

“One of the charges reads: ‘That EZEKIEL ONYEDIKACHUKWU THANKGOD and EEZEE GLOBAL CONCEPTS LIMITED sometime in 2023, directly retained the sum of $260,494 (Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand Four Hundred and Ninety-Four USD) in EEZEE GLOBAL MINISTRY Zenith Bank Plc account number, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity, the dishonest conversion of the said sum, property of Mercy Chinwo and Judith Kanayo’.

“The offence is contrary to Section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“The bench warrant of January 16, 2025 for his arrest followed an application by the prosecuting counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, who informed the court that the prosecution has been unable to effect service of the charges on him as he had been unreachable.

“On January 24, 2025, defence counsel, Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN had to accept service on behalf of the defendant, but pointed to a preliminary objection challenging the charges.

“Justice Owoeye subsequently adjourned till today, Monday, February 17, 2025 for the defendant’s arraignment. Yet, he remained absent and was again, represented by his counsel.”

The Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the State Kidnapping Prohibition Law 2025 and approved death sentence for offenders.

The majority leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian had earlier moved the motion for the House to resolve into the committee of the whole to consider the bill clause-by-clause.

The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Henry Okaka, member representing Owan East.

During the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, the lawmakers amended the existing law 2013, which had provided for life imprisonment and confiscation of property allegedly used for kidnapping

The lawmakers, however, amended the law to provide a stiffer penalty of death sentence and confiscation of property used in the act.

Also, the House passed a bill for a law to repeal the Edo State electricity law 2022, establish Edo state electricity market, Edo state electricity regulatory commission and Edo electrification agency.

Meanwhile, the House also confirmed Kenny Okojie as the chairman, governing Board of the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

The Federal Government has inaugurated the first barracks that will provide office and residential accommodation for personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Yola, Adamawa State.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the role of NDLEA in society cannot be overstated.

Mr Fagbemi said that the provision was with a charge to the personnel that the well-deserved investment in their welfare was a call to higher responsibility and unwavering dedication to duty.

He said the facility, which included modern administrative offices, detention facilities, secure storage, and residential accommodations, was not just a physical structure.

He added that it was a critical investment in human capital and a testament to President Bola Tinubu administration’s resolve.

This, he said, was to create an environment where NDLEA officers and their families could live and thrive with dignity and security.

According to him, the fight against drug abuse is a fight for Nigeria’s future.

He stated, “It is a battle to protect our youths from the devastating effects of substance abuse and to rid our communities of the violence and destruction that often accompany the illegal drug trade. This barracks, therefore, is more than a place of residence; it is a fortress of resilience and a beacon of hope for our nation’s future. I would like to reassure you of my continued commitment to supporting the work that you do. This is based on my personal conviction of the intersection between justice and law enforcement.

“This facility is a critical component of the rule of law—ensuring that those who are tasked with upholding our laws are protected, empowered, and equipped to carry out their duties. It reinforces the principle that justice begins with those who enforce it, and it is our collective responsibility to provide them with necessary resources to carry out their responsibilities effectively,” he said.

Mr Fagbemi urged NDLEA officers who would inhabit the facility to remain steadfast in their service.

According to him, the nation looks at NDLEA officers not only as enforcers of the law, but as protectors of shared hope for a safer, healthier society.

The minister said, “This investment in your welfare is a call to higher responsibility, one that requires unwavering dedication and resolute commitment. This day should serve as more than the commissioning of a physical structure. It should be a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to building a society where every citizen can thrive—free from the perils of drug abuse and the destruction it brings. Together, through concerted effort and unwavering determination, we will secure the promise of a better and brighter Nigeria for all.’’

He commended former President Muhammadu Buhari under whose leadership the project was approved and set in motion.

The minister praised Mr Tinubu for aiding the dream into fruition, and Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State for his exemplary cooperation and support in ensuring that the project was executed.

He also appreciated the support of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, towards the operational successes of the NDLEA.

“This project, which has been conceptualised and driven by Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), the dynamic Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, is a reflection of the forward-thinking leadership that has defined his tenure in the Agency. I am proud to note that Marwa has revitalised the operational framework of NDLEA, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to public service delivery”, he added.

The modern barrack came 35 years after the establishment of the NDLEA.

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, has announced the passage of her mother, Olori Esther Adegboye.

The deputy governor’s mother, a native of Ikere Ekiti, died in the early hours of Tuesday at the age of 97.

Announcing her mother’s passage in a personally signed statement, the deputy governor wrote, “With a heart full of praise and glory to Almighty God, we announce the passing of our matriarch, Olori Iyalaje Adegboye of Akayejo Ruling House of Ikere Kingdom.

“She is survived by extended family members, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Burial arrangements will be announced later.”

The deputy governor described her late mother as a caring and resourceful community leader, whose vacuum would be herculean to fill, adding that “The Ikere Ekiti Community and Akayejo Royal Dynasty will fondly remember Mrs Adegboye for her priceless contributions to community development and quest to foster unity in the town for accelerated progress”.

She prayed to God to grant her late mother eternal rest and sustain the family she left behind.

Meanwhile, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday commiserated with his deputy over the demise of her mother.

Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described Adegboye’s death as painful but expressed joy that it was an end to a dignified era, considering the impactful life she lived and her positive influence on her Ikere Ekiti community.

The governor described the late Madam Adegboye as an honest and resourceful community leader, who contributed immensely to the growth of Ikere Ekiti in the areas of women’s mobilisation and empowerment.

He said, “The good deeds of the deceased overtly reflected in the qualities of her children, who are not only doing exceedingly well in their chosen careers but always exhibit virtues of loyalty, honesty and reliability at their duty posts”.

The governor prayed to God to repose the deceased’s soul in His bosom and grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Oyebanji stated, “On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, her siblings and the entire Akayejo Ruling House of Ikere Ekiti on the passing of this quintessential community leader.

“Evidently mama lived a good life and left legacies of selfless service, diligence and loyalty. I urge Her Excellency the Deputy Governor and the entire family to be consoled by Mama’s exemplary and impactful life.

“History will continue to be kind to Mama for her contributions to women’s mobilisation and emancipation in all respects. May God grant her eternal rest.”

Meanwhile, Oyebanji in the afternoon paid a condolence visit to his deputy at her official residence within the Government House Complex, in Ado Ekiti.

Pan Niger Delta Forum leader, Edwin Clark, is dead.

Aged 97, the former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South leader’s death was confirmed in a statement by a representative of the family, Prof. C. C. Clark, on Tuesday.

The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday, 17th February 2025.

“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”