Author: bibncollar

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has approved a three-month extension of Hon. Justice Ijeoma O. Agugua’s appointment as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State.The extension, which takes effect from June 26, 2026, to September 26, 2026, was formally communicated in a letter dated June 30, 2026, signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and NJC Chairman, Hon. Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON. The letter was addressed to Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.According to the NJC, the decision followed its 111th Meeting held on May 13, 2026, where the Council resolved to extend Justice Agugua’s acting tenure should the…

Owerri – In a significant boost to rural infrastructure and civil-military relations, the Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a 5,000 KVA transformer and a new town hall in Umuokoro Lowa Uboma, Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State.The projects, executed under the Navy’s Special Quick Impact Project, were formally commissioned by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who was represented by Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation. The initiative was attracted to the community by Rear Admiral Michael Igwe, Director of Weapon Electrical Engineering at Naval Headquarters and an indigene of the area.Speaking at…

Abuja – In a significant judgment that could reshape policing practices and strengthen human rights safeguards across Nigeria, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria has prohibited police officers who are not part of the Specialist Legal Cadre from representing the Nigeria Police Force in civil proceedings.The court also directed the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to deploy at least one qualified police lawyer to every police station nationwide, aiming to enhance legal oversight and ensure better compliance with human rights standards in day-to-day police operations.Hon. Justice O. Y. Anuwe delivered the ruling on Friday, July…

Cape Town — South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who featured for his country in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, has died at the age of 25, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie announced on Saturday.“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” McKenzie said in a statement. “South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents.”The minister did not provide a cause of death. Police in the Western Cape have opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered at a residence in Schotschekloof, a…

Owerri — Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the successful and unconditional release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, describing the operation as a clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to the safety of Nigerians.The victims, who spent 56 days in captivity, were freed unharmed without any ransom payment or concessions, Uzodimma said in a statement on Friday, July 10, 2026.“I rejoice with their parents, with the Government and people of Oyo State, and with a nation that refused to abandon its children,” the…

Abuja – Hon. Chike Okafor, the member representing the Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency in Imo State, has been named the Most Outstanding Member of the House of Representatives from the South-East zone for 2026 by the HallowMace Foundation.Okafor, who chairs the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, received the prestigious award at a colourful ceremony held at the NAF Events Centre in Abuja on Thursday night. The award was presented by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Chibuzor Okereke.In his acceptance speech, the lawmaker dedicated the recognition to his family, his constituents, the leadership of…

Ibadan — Intense pressure from multiple arrests and a sustained security operation has compelled kidnappers to unconditionally release teachers and pupils abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the Nigerian military has said.The victims, who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on July 10 after more than a month of coordinated efforts that dismantled the criminal network operating in and around the Old Oyo National Park.In a statement on Saturday, the military said the operation, led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, involved a multi-agency collaboration including…

Washington, DC — Travellers in the United States seeking Nigerian visas must now submit their applications directly to Nigerian diplomatic missions, following the Nigeria Immigration Service’s (NIS) decision to terminate its contract with a third-party provider.The NIS announced on Thursday that it had disengaged Online Integrated Solution (OIS Services), the company previously responsible for operating Nigeria’s visa application and submission centres across the US. No reason was provided for the termination of the arrangement.In a statement, NIS Public Relations Officer Akinsola Akinlabi confirmed the change takes immediate effect. “Travellers seeking Nigerian visas are now required to submit their applications directly…

SoFi Stadium, United States — Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium, as substitute Mikel Merino struck a late winner in the 87th minute.The goal capped an absorbing quarter-final contest and ensured Luis de la Fuente’s side advanced to face France in Texas on Tuesday, keeping alive their bid for a second World Cup title.Spain took a deserved lead in the 29th minute when Fabián Ruiz finished from close range following sustained pressure from La Roja. However, Belgium responded strongly before halftime, with Charles De Ketelaere heading home in the…

Abuja — The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has extended formal invitations to the European Union (EU), the United States Embassy, the British High Commission, Yiaga Africa, the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), and other credible international and domestic election observers to monitor its upcoming National Officers’ Elections.In letters signed by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Association invited the observers to the polls scheduled for Saturday, 18 July 2026. The move underscores the NBA’s commitment to transparency, credibility, and the highest standards of democratic conduct within the legal profession.The elections will be conducted electronically, with accredited observers granted access to…