Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has raised concerns over rising insecurity in the state, attributing it to the spillover effect of criminal activities from the crisis-ridden Northeast and Northwest regions of Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja on Friday during a visit to the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ododo emphasized that Kogi should not be mistaken as a refuge for criminals fleeing military offensives elsewhere.

“Kogi State is not a fertile land or a free destination for criminals. We are dealing with them decisively. They are hearing it, we don’t make noise,” he declared.

The governor highlighted Kogi’s geographic vulnerability, explaining that its central location exposes it to infiltration by armed groups escaping pressure from security operations in other parts of the country.

He also pointed to underexploited natural and agricultural resources as underlying factors contributing to insecurity.

“Kogi State borders 10 states, including the FCT. A state that borders this number of states will definitely, whether you like it or not, experience one form of insecurity or the other. But what we are facing today in Kogi State and the country in general is something we can all join hands together to address,” Ododo said.

“In Kogi State, we have over 32 mineral deposits in commercial quantity, but they have never worked for our dear state. We have arable land that is good for any kind of crops, but it has never been put to use.”

He linked the growing presence of armed elements in forest areas to the success of military campaigns in other parts of the country, which are pushing these groups further south.

“This is part of what contributes to insecurity. The recent influx of criminals, I call them criminals because a normal human being cannot stay in the forest, is a result of the pushback from the Northeast and Northwest,” he added.

Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to protecting the lives and property of Kogi residents, assuring that security remains a top priority.

Hon. Raymond Okey Ugwu, Chairman House Committee On Youth, Sports, And Security

The Enugu State House of Assembly will on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, hold a one-day public hearing on a proposed law aimed at strengthening internal security, vigilance, and public order across the state.

The hearing is scheduled to take place at the hallowed chamber of the Assembly and will begin at 12 noon.

Speaking to DAILY GAZETTE, Hon. Raymond Okey Ugwu, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth, Sports, and Security Matters, explained that the bill seeks to outlaw bulletproof charms, and ban practices such as okeite, odeshi, and other criminal rituals.

“The bill seeks to outlaw bulletproof charm, ban Okeite, Odeshi, and other criminal practices,” Hon. Ugwu stated.

DAILY GAZETTE recalls that Governor Peter Mbah had earlier submitted an Executive Bill to the State Assembly titled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order”, as part of a bold strategy to tackle rising criminal activities linked to ritual practices and spiritual manipulation.

The proposed legislation seeks to regulate spiritual practices, ban the use of bulletproof charms (popularly called odeshi), prohibit ritual wealth-seeking practices (okeite), and criminalize the misuse of religious or forest spaces for activities such as kidnapping and ritual killings.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

Section 3(1): Registration of Spiritual Practitioners

“Every person who engages in the practice or rendering of spiritual services within the state, whether as a native doctor, herbalist, spiritualist, chief priest, diviner, seer, or by any other traditional or spiritual title or designation, shall be registered with the ministry, department, or agency (MDA) of the state as may be designated by the Governor for that purpose.”

Penalty for non-compliance:

₦1 million to ₦5 million fine,

Or two years’ imprisonment,

Or both

Section 15: Criminal Use of Spiritual Practices

“Any person who, under the guise of spiritual or traditional practice (including but not limited to practices commonly referred to as okite, ezenwanyi, or any other mystical or ritual form), administers or causes to be administered any charm, substance, or object on or for another person, for the purpose of:
(a) invincibility or protection to facilitate the commission of a criminal offence; or
(b) acquiring wealth or benefits by supernatural means outside any lawful livelihood,
commits an offence.”

Penalty:

Six (6) years’ imprisonment,

Or a fine of not less than ₦5 million,

Or both

Those who falsely claim supernatural powers for influence or financial gain will face:

“Imprisonment for a term of three (3) years or a fine of not less than three million naira (₦3,000,000), or both.”

In addition:

“The burden shall lie on such a person, during investigation, to provide reasonable proof of the purported supernatural abilities claimed.”

Section 16: Criminal Use of Religious Premises

“Any person who uses or knowingly permits the use of a religious place to facilitate any criminal activity shall be liable to six (6) years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦5 million, or both.”

The affected facility will be sealed pending investigation.

Section 17: Ritual Killings

“Any person who performs, facilitates, demands, directs, or participates in any ritual or traditional practice involving the use of human parts, or who causes another person to do so, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of twenty (20) years without the option of a fine.”

Section 13: Criminal Operations in Forests and Camps

“Any person found in a camp, bush, or forest within Enugu State without any reasonable or lawful cause, and under circumstances giving rise to reasonable suspicion of involvement in criminal activity, shall be promptly handed over to the Nigeria Police Force or any competent security agency for investigation.”

Landowners who knowingly allow their property, particularly forested areas, to be used for kidnapping, banditry, or unlawful detention will face:

“Twenty (20) years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.”

Those who host unauthorized individuals on their land (outside of legitimate farming) or fail to report suspicious use of their property will face:

Two (2) years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine

Sections 7–10: Property Forfeiture

“Any land, property, or structure used in contravention of Sections 7, 8, 9, and 10 of this Law shall be forfeited to the Government of Enugu State.”

Additionally, proceeds from crimes such as kidnapping or robbery, including ransom money, will be forfeited to the state—unless lawfully claimed by the rightful owner within a reasonable period.

Regulation of Private Security and Community Responsibility

The bill also imposes obligations on private citizens and institutions:

Private security outfits must register with the government, providing details of personnel and operations.

Town union presidents-general must submit monthly security reports to local government authorities.

Landlords, hotel and guest house managers, and estate associations must collect and submit details, including name, phone number, occupation, and workplace, of tenants and guests to the relevant government department.

Hotels and lodging facilities are mandated to install surveillance cameras in public areas and provide footage to authorities upon request.

Penalties for non-compliance:

₦500,000 fine for landlords

₦1 million fine for hospitality operators

The bill, if passed, is expected to modernize Enugu State’s internal security framework, particularly in tackling ritual-based crimes, spiritual exploitation, and the use of unregulated spaces for violent and criminal activities.

The June 24 public hearing will allow civil society, religious groups, traditional institutions, and members of the public to contribute their views before the bill proceeds to further legislative stages.

Goodluck Ihemnacho, the administrator of Ahoada East Local Government Area in Rivers State, has resigned from his position, just over two months after his appointment by the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd).

In a letter dated June 20, 2025, addressed to the Sole Administrator, Ihemnacho cited a desire to return to private enterprise as the reason for stepping down.

“I humbly write to your noble office to convey to you my resignation as the administrator, Ahoada East LGA,” he stated.

“My sincere gratitude goes to the government of Rivers State and the good people of Ahoada East for finding me worthy to serve as Ahaoda East LGA from 11th day of April 2025 to 20th day of July 2025.”

Ihemnacho’s resignation comes barely ten weeks after his appointment, part of a controversial move by the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd), who on April 7, 2025, named administrators for all 23 LGAs of the state.

These appointments were made less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court reportedly issued an order restraining Ibas from making such decisions.

The announcement of the appointments and the reinstatement of various suspended boards was made in a Special Government Announcement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Worika.

“His Excellency The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, has approved the appointments of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State,” the statement read.

“He has also approved the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, earlier suspended. All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025.”

The emerging political terrain ahead of the 2027 general elections has taken a significant turn as a newly formed coalition, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), moves toward official registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Chief Akin A. Ricketts and Abdullahi Musa Elayo have been named the interim National Chairman and interim National Secretary of ADA, respectively.

This development comes as part of a strategic move by the National Opposition Coalition Group, which convened recently in Abuja to consolidate its political strength.

The meeting, chaired by former Senate President, Senator David Mark, was pivotal in laying the foundation for the new political party.

According to a communiqué released to the media, the coalition had earlier constituted a 15-member New Platform Committee tasked with developing and formalizing the coalition’s political structure.

In its resolutions, the coalition formally approved the creation of a political association under the name All Democratic Alliance, with a clear mandate to transition it into a full-fledged political party.

As part of the next steps, the committee was authorized to apply to INEC for the official registration of ADA as a political party.

The resolutions also included the adoption of the party’s logo, motto, and constitution, which will govern its operations once registered.

The New Platform Committee, chaired by Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, a former Minister of Transport, and Dr. Umar Ardo, Secretary of the Committee and convener of the League of Northern Democrats, has been given further responsibilities.

These include securing a befitting party headquarters and opening a party bank account in anticipation of INEC’s approval.

Sources familiar with the development told DAILY GAZETTE that ADA is positioning itself as a viable alternative platform for opposition forces, capitalizing on widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.

ADA is reportedly backed by prominent political actors, including Amaechi and Dr. Ardo, and is seen as a nucleus for broader opposition realignment that could potentially include heavyweights such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, all of whom have been linked to ongoing coalition talks aimed at challenging the APC’s hold on power in 2027.

As political activities gain momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, a major opposition coalition led by former Senate President David Mark has formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register a new political party named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

The move was confirmed in a statement dated May 19, 2025, and signed by Rotimi Amaechi, a former Minister of Transport and Chairman of the New Platform Committee (NPC), alongside Umar Ardo, the committee’s Secretary.

According to the statement, the National Opposition Coalition Group (NOCG) convened in Abuja on May 6, 2025, where key resolutions were reached.

The 15-member New Platform Committee was tasked with creating a political association and facilitating the party registration process with INEC.

The committee subsequently held multiple strategic meetings, set up sub-committees, and reviewed submitted reports, culminating in a final decision during its session on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

At that session, the Committee approved the establishment of ADA as a political association and ratified key elements such as the party’s logo, slogan, motto, constitution, manifesto, and interim leadership.

Chief Akin A. Ricketts was appointed as the Protem Chairman, while Abdullahi Musa Elayo was named Protem National Secretary.

The interim leadership was also mandated to secure suitable office space, open a party bank account following INEC registration, and manage all operational and financial activities in line with the Electoral Act (2022) and the party’s constitution.

Amid the growing political realignments, discussions continue among major opposition figures over a broader coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Talks of an alliance involving Atiku Abubakar (former Vice President and PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate), Peter Obi (Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer), and Nasir El-Rufai (former Governor of Kaduna State) have intensified in recent months.

In May, Atiku’s spokesman confirmed the development during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today:

“Well, you and I know that there have been ongoing discussions between Atiku Abubakar and some opposition leaders, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai,” he said.

“Yes, it’s out there in the open. Discussion is still ongoing, and at the end of that discussion, they will come out with a position and the direction that we’re going to follow based on the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.”

Despite the opposition’s efforts, the ruling APC remains confident that any coalition against President Tinubu in 2027 will not succeed.

The Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu state, Hon. John Ogbodo, has been honored with the prestigious World Health Organization (WHO) Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to healthcare development in the state.

Presenting the award on Friday, Southeast zonal coordinator of WHO, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, commended the chairman’s unwavering support for health initiatives, his financial contributions, and active participation in the organization’s programmes.

Igboekwu noted that the World Health Organization has consistently monitored Hon. Ogbodo’s efforts in advancing healthcare delivery and found his commitment exemplary.

He emphasized that the award is to encourage the chairman to sustain and even expand his impact in the health sector.

Igboekwu praised the chairman’s responsiveness to WHO’s objectives and alignment with public health priorities.

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Ogbodo expressed deep appreciation to the WHO for the honor, describing it as a call to further service.

He reaffirmed his administration’s strong focus on health and promised to continue prioritizing initiatives that benefit the wellbeing of residents.

He also used the occasion to commend Governor Peter Mbah for creating an enabling environment for healthcare development in Enugu State.

Hon. Ogbodo highlighted the governor’s efforts in the construction of a 300-bed international hospital and 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state, as well as other key health intervention programmes.

Dignitaries present at the award ceremony included: Dr. Adaeze Ugwu, WHO Enugu State Coordinator, Dr. Ikechukwu Chidolue, WHO Enugu State IDSR Technical Assistant, Barr. Chidi Ani, Chief of Staff, Nkanu West LGA

Others are Hon. Nicholas Aninwagu, Supervisor for Health, as well as Dr. Collins Okafor, Secretary, Local Government Health Authority.