Two separate High Courts in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have issued summons to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi in response to allegations of sexual harassment, defamation, and violation of fundamental rights filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In suit No: FCT/HC/CV/754/2025, Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi of the Federal High Court, Abuja, granted leave for Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the Writ of Summons, Statement of Claim, and all subsequent court processes, including Hearing Notices, to Akpabio in his capacity as Senate President.

Additionally, the court ordered service on Mr. Mfon Patrick, Akpabio’s Senior Legislative Aide, and the Clerk of the National Assembly.

The matter has been adjourned to June 9, 2025, for a report on the service of the summons.

In a separate suit, FCT/HC/CV/1359/25, Justice A.O. Otaluka of the Federal High Court, Abuja, granted leave for Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the Writ of Summons and accompanying processes by substituted means on Senator Nwaebonyi.

This decision followed the consideration of an ex parte application dated May 10, 2025. The case has been adjourned to June 25, 2025.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has filed a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against Nwaebonyi over claims that she bore six children for different men.

She has also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that his aide defamed her character.

Among other reliefs, she seeks a court order for a perpetual injunction, restraining the defendant, his associates, agents, and others from further publishing or causing the publication of the defamatory statements or any other damaging words about her.

In a bold move to address rising criminal activities associated with ritual practices and spiritual manipulation, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has sent an Executive Bill to the Enugu State House of Assembly titled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order.”

The proposed legislation seeks to regulate spiritual practices, outlaw the use of bulletproof charms (popularly known as odeshi), ban ritual wealth practices (okite), and criminalize the misuse of religious and forest spaces for illicit activities, including kidnapping and ritual killings.

According to Section 3 (1) of the Bill:

“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.”

Failure to register will attract a fine of N1 million to N5 million, or two years’ imprisonment, or both.

Under Section 15, the Bill takes a hard stance against spiritual practices aimed at criminal invincibility or illicit wealth:

“Any person who, under the guise of spiritual or traditional practice (including but not limited to the practices commonly referred to as ‘okite’, ‘ezenwanyi’, or any other mystical or ritual name/form) administers or causes to be administered any charm, substance, or object on or for another person, for the purpose of: (a) invincibility and other forms of protection to facilitate the commission of any criminal offence; or (b) acquiring wealth or benefits by supernatural means outside any lawful means of livelihood, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of six (6) years or to a fine of not less than five million naira (N5,000,000), or both.”

Further, those who falsely claim supernatural powers to gain influence or financial benefit will face:

“Imprisonment for a term of three (3) years or to a fine of not less than three million naira (N3,000,000), or both.”

The Bill also places the burden of proof on individuals claiming spiritual powers during investigation:

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

Section 16 prescribes a six-year jail term or N5 million fine (or both) for anyone who uses or knowingly allows the use of a religious place to facilitate crime. The facility will also be sealed pending investigation.

On the gravest offenses, Section 17 addresses 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.”

The Bill also focuses on curbing criminal operations in forests and private properties.

Section 13 provides:

“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 any criminal activity, shall be promptly handed over to the Nigeria Police Force or any competent security agency for proper investigation in accordance with the law.”

Moreover, the Bill targets those who knowingly allow their properties—especially those in forests—to be used for kidnapping or banditry:

“Any person who owns, occupies, or has control over any land or building, whether located in a forest or elsewhere, and knowingly allows it to be used as a camp, hideout, or base for kidnapping, the unlawful detention of victims, the collection of ransom, or for any other activity connected to kidnapping or banditry, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of twenty (20) years without the option of a fine.”

Individuals who host unauthorized persons on their land, unless for farming, risk two years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine. The same penalty applies to those who fail to report suspicious use of their property to authorities.

In cases of violations under Sections 7, 8, 9, and 10, the law mandates:

“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.”

Also, stolen money and proceeds from kidnapping or robbery will be forfeited unless the rightful owner can lawfully claim them within a reasonable time.

The bill mandates private security outfits in Enugu State to register with the government, providing full details of operations and personnel. Similarly, town union presidents-general are required to submit monthly security reports to local government chairmen or designated state departments.

Landlords, hotel owners, guest house managers, and estate associations are also obligated to verify and forward the identification, phone number, occupation, and workplace of tenants and guests to the appropriate government authority.

In addition, hotels and lodging facilities must install surveillance cameras in public areas and provide authorities with relevant footage when requested.

Failure to comply will attract fines ranging from N500,000 for landlords to N1 million for hospitality operators.

The Take-It-Back Movement, under the leadership of activist Omoyele Sowore, has reaffirmed its commitment to hold a national protest on June 12.

The group says the demonstration is aimed at condemning the ongoing killings across Nigeria and confronting what it describes as the erosion of democracy by those in power.

In a statement issued by the movement’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, the group rejected the annual official ceremonies held to mark June 12, calling them meaningless in light of the prevailing conditions in the country.

“We will not participate in the hypocrisy of celebrating freedom where none exists.
Instead, we declare this day a national day of resistance, a day to stand against tyranny and bad governance,” the statement read.

The group pointed to signs of what it calls a democratic breakdown nationwide, noting that the gains achieved through past struggles have been dismantled.

“Freedom of speech is under attack. The state has turned on its citizens with an unrelenting campaign of intimidation and censorship,”
it stated.

It also raised concerns about the increasing repression of journalists, activists, and ordinary Nigerians, especially those expressing dissent online.

“Journalists are harassed. Activists are detained. Citizens are arrested for social media posts. Through weaponisation of the Cybercrime Act, government agents now stalk the digital footprints of dissenters, silencing legitimate criticism and criminalising free expression.”

Beyond issues of civil liberty, the group decried the widespread violence plaguing rural communities, particularly in regions such as Plateau, Benue, and Southern Kaduna.

It blamed the state for either failing to act or choosing to ignore the killings.

“And while the voices in the streets are silenced, the cries from rural communities echo unheard. In Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, and across the Middle Belt, mass killings continue with terrifying frequency. Whole communities are decimated. Lives are snuffed out without consequences.”

“Internally displaced persons multiply, while perpetrators roam free. The bloodletting has become a routine, and the state remains complicit through its inaction, negligence, or outright denial. This is not a democracy. This is organised cruelty.”

In conclusion, the movement called on Nigerians to join its June 12 demonstrations, dedicating the protest to victims of violence, oppression, and neglect.

“This June 12, we march not just for ourselves, but for the slain in Benue, the displaced in Plateau, the silenced in detention, and the starving masses abandoned by the corrupt elite.”

The devastating flash floods that swept through Mokwa Local Government Area in Niger State, claiming at least 153 lives and displacing thousands, have drawn the attention and sympathy of Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election.

On Monday, Obi traveled to Niger State alongside former minister Nenadi Usman and spokesperson Yunusa Tanko to express solidarity with the affected communities and government officials. Sharing the visit on X (formerly Twitter), Obi wrote:

“Today, along with @SenNenadiUsman and Dr @YunusaTanko, I travelled to Niger State to condole and show solidarity with the Governor and the good people of the state over the devastating floods in the Mokwa area.”

Prior to his visit, Obi had reached out to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago from the United Kingdom to offer his condolences. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba.

During discussions with state officials, Obi highlighted the urgent needs confronting the communities affected by the floods.

“We had a discussion about the urgent needs of the affected communities, where over 200 lives have been lost, about 1,000 persons are still missing, more than 3,000 people have been displaced from their homes, and several homes destroyed,” he said.

The 63-year-old former Anambra State governor also announced a ₦20 million donation as part of his efforts to assist with relief and recovery.

“As part of my commitment to stand with the people of Niger State during this difficult time, I made an initial donation of ₦20 million to support the effort of the government, and I will continue to support their effort,” Obi affirmed.

Calling for a unified national response, Obi urged the Federal Government, emergency agencies, and all Nigerians to come together to aid those affected by the calamity.

“As I mentioned during the visit, this incident and others happening all over Nigeria affect us all. As a family, we must come together to care, comfort, and stand together, especially in times of grief and difficulty.”

“May Niger State find peace and restoration. I pray that God comforts the families of those who have lost their loved ones, protects those still missing, and grants healing and strength to everyone affected by this disaster”

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that the flood disaster in Mokwa LGA has resulted in at least 153 deaths and displaced more than 3,000 people.

Acting director general Ibrahim Hussaini revealed the death toll rose after recovering more bodies from under a collapsed bridge.

The flooding, caused by persistent rains from Wednesday night to Thursday morning, also injured 11 people and destroyed three bridges.

Other communities, such as Ndayako and Raba, suffered significant property damage but no fatalities.

Search and rescue efforts face difficulties due to submerged roads, with officials indicating heavy equipment might be necessary to reach victims feared trapped under debris.

Hussaini expressed concern over how access challenges were slowing emergency operations.

Among the devastated is Mohammed Tanko, a civil servant who mourned the destruction of his childhood home and the loss of at least 15 relatives.

The Red Cross, actively involved in recovery, vowed to persist in searching for survivors and the deceased, emphasizing the urgent need to heed the cries of grieving families.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had previously issued warnings about flash floods in 15 states, including Niger. Floods have claimed 321 lives across 34 states in Nigeria in 2024 alone.