Author: bibncollar

The House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Federal and Imo State Governments to begin immediate erosion-control and road works in Ideato North and Ideato South to halt the expanding threat to more than 32 communities. Lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere, who represents the federal constituency, moved the motion warning that gully erosion, flooding and collapsing roads have already disrupted transport, threatened homes and cut residents off from health facilities, schools and markets. He said the crisis has caused fatalities and displaced families. The House directed relevant agencies to prioritise emergency interventions, including drainage and road rehabilitation, particularly at sites where gullies…

Nigeria has evacuated another 114 of its citizens from South Africa, bringing the total number of people brought home since June to 2,151 amid continuing concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks. The latest group — 57 men, 23 women and 34 children arrived in Lagos on South African Airways flight SA060 at about 8:30 p.m. on Thursday. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service and other agencies received them. The operation was the 16th consular evacuation since the exercise began on 10 June. Of the overall total, the Federal Government fully…

Nigeria’s sole confirmed Ebola patient, identified as the wife of a Swiss diplomat, is showing signs of recovery, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said on Friday. Authorities report no evidence of community transmission so far. In an update posted on its official X account, the ministry said contact tracing, quarantine and monitoring remain underway as officials work to contain the virus. The government is also strengthening national coordination and health facility preparedness. “The Federal Government has provided an update on the confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria, reporting that the patient is showing signs of recovery. There is…

An Imo State High Court has ordered the accelerated trial of five men charged with kidnapping and directed that they remain in the custody of the Department of State Services. Justice Emeka Orafu on Thursday fixed four consecutive hearing days, October 27 to 30 for the continuation of the cases. He urged both prosecution and defence counsel to cooperate so that judgment can be delivered before January 2027. Three of the defendants face charges over the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members on Independence Day. The two others are standing trial in a separate kidnapping matter. DSS…

The All Progressives Congress in Imo State has announced the formation of a “Broom Coalition” aimed at consolidating support for its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the party claiming confidence of securing at least 80 per cent of the votes cast in the state. Dr Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, the APC Publicity Secretary in Imo, disclosed the arrangement in a press statement, saying it was designed to protect voters’ choices and prioritise the interests of Imo people. He added that a few opposition parties in the state had indicated willingness to join the ruling party, while some opposition…

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the Federal High Court in Abuja of weaponising the judiciary against Igbos after the court sentenced 48-year-old Paul Okechukwu to 20 years in prison for alleged membership of the separatist group. In a statement issued on Friday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB described the conviction as “a disgrace to constitutional governance” and claimed the court has become a “rubber-stamp clearinghouse for executive repression.” The group said the prosecution withdrew a count alleging an attack after failing to link Okechukwu to any violent act, leaving only the membership charge…

A Federal High Court in Abuja ordered a 120-day freeze of more than 4,000 bank accounts linked to Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited and related entities in June 2025, as part of an Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) investigation into alleged money laundering. Sources have alleged that ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu later interfered to prevent the order from being enforced. On June 24, 2025, Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, granted the order in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1041/2025, between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Sterling Oil…

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed claims that Peter Obi is the South-East’s best presidential candidate, saying the former Anambra governor failed to consult regional political leaders before launching his 2023 bid. Speaking in an interview with Arise News, Umahi insisted his position was not personal. “Peter Obi is not the best of our finest in South-East,” he said. “He’s not the best; he can never be the best.” The former Ebonyi governor argued that anyone seeking to represent the South-East at the national level must first engage governors and other influential stakeholders to build consensus. “You cannot…

Popular Nigerian gospel singer Tope Alabi has warned that she will take legal action against anyone who publishes, shares or circulates statements she regards as false and defamatory about her. Her lawyers, Oakmount Legal Practitioners, issued a public notice on Friday that was shared on the singer’s Instagram page. The notice states that Evangelist Patricia Temitope Alabi has instructed them to protect her reputation from publications capable of damaging her personal, professional and spiritual standing. Alabi, the lawyers said, has spent nearly three decades building a reputation rooted in integrity, honour and public trust. They expressed concern over what they…

An Imo state High Court sitting at Urualla, Orlu Judicial Division on Tuesday sentenced Isaac Okorie, a 28-year-old Point of Sale operator to death on a six count charges bordering on armed robbery, hostage taking and murder. Okorie, male is a native of Umulolo in Okigwe local government area of Imo state where he has a POS stand as well as a barbing salon outfit. The presiding judge, Hon. Justice M. C Ijezie, in his judgment said the defendant (Isaac Okorie) was guilty of the six count charges levelled against him.him. He stated that the Prosecution through its witnesses discharged…