A somber atmosphere engulfed Eagle Island in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following the alleged suicide of a police inspector, Maxwell Zabu.

The officer was reported to have taken his own life at the residence of a former Chairman of Port Harcourt Local Government Area in the early hours of Tuesday, April 22.

Sources revealed that the case was promptly reported to the Police post at Eagle Island, which operates under the Azikiwe Police Division.

Officers from the division swiftly moved to the location to begin preliminary investigations.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, noted that it is being treated as a suspected case of suicide.

“It is suspected that the Police officer killed himself,” she stated.

Nevertheless, the command emphasized that investigations were still ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.

Meanwhile, in a decisive move to ensure a thorough investigation, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered the case to be handed over to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Port Harcourt.

Barr. Ekene Okenwa, former chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area in Enugu State, is set to lay his father, Chief John Okenwa Nnamani, to rest on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

In a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE on Monday, Okenwa announced that burial arrangements will commence with a Christian wake scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Christian wake will take place at the family compound of the late Chief Nnamani in Uvuegu Village, Obinagu Uwani Akpugo, at 6pm.

“On Thursday, 24th April 2025, there will be a church service at St. Theresa’s Primary School, Obodo Nwafor, by 12pm. Entertainment of guests and condolences follows thereafter,” Ochendo added.

Late Chief John Okenwa Nnamani was aged 87.

The Cross River State Government has formally added a new spiritual celebration to its tourism calendar, unveiling the “Carnival Parade of Thanksgiving and Festival of Praise,” popularly known as the Jesus Carnival.

The event is scheduled to take place every Easter season, with the inaugural edition held on Easter Monday in Calabar.

Governor Senator Bassey Otu, joined by his wife, Bishop Eyoawan Bassey Otu, officially flagged off the maiden edition.

The carnival, characterized by vibrant colours, cultural expressions, and deep spirituality, is envisioned as a Christian counterpart to the internationally recognized Carnival Calabar, typically celebrated in December.

Organizers emphasized that the Jesus Carnival serves as a platform for collective thanksgiving to God for the continued peace and progress of the state, as well as the success of Carnival Calabar.

It merges faith, culture, and gratitude into a uniquely Christian celebration.

Speaking during the event, Governor Otu declared, “Jesus Christ has taken Cross River State to unimaginable heights within two years of this administration. From inception, I declared this a Godly state, and Jesus the true governor.”

He announced that Easter Monday would now be reserved for this purpose annually: “Easter Monday has now been set aside to celebrate Jesus and to say, ‘Father, thank You for how far You’ve brought us.’ The story of Cross River State is changing for the better. I’m grateful to all the men and women of God who have continually kept the state in their prayers.”

Calling for continued spiritual support from Christian communities, he stated, “No investment in the things of God is ever wasted.”

The governor also extended gratitude to the multitude of clergy who mobilized their congregations for the event.

The celebratory procession covered key parts of Calabar Municipality and Calabar South, including stops at Millennium Park, Watt Market, Nelson Mandela Street, Target Street, and the Mary Slessor Roundabout.

Prayers were offered at various locations along the route, lending spiritual weight to the parade.

Governor Otu and his wife sang and danced with thousands of Christians, with powerful gospel music reverberating through the streets.

Before the flag-off, First Lady Bishop Eyoawan Otu shared the inspiration behind the event: “While Carnival Calabar is a secular celebration, this is a spiritual festival — one created to honor Christ for His sacrifice and celebrate our faith as a people.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Event Management, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, attributed the vision behind the Jesus Carnival to the First Lady’s influence and spiritual commitment.

“With this spiritually uplifting addition to its tourism calendar, Cross River State has reaffirmed its identity as a place where culture and faith intersect, making Easter not just a religious observance, but a state-wide celebration of divine gratitude and praise,” he remarked.

The event concluded with live performances from top gospel artists, headlined by celebrated musician Cobhams Asuquo, who delivered a moving performance that captivated the crowd.

Leading the prayers during the celebration were notable Christian leaders, including Rev. (Dr.) Takis Etim Caiafas, State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); Bishop Josef Bassey; Bishop Emma Isong; Bishop Bassey E. Edem; Apostle Frank Umoh, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Religious Affairs; and other ministers from various denominations.

In a move to support victims of the tragic January 25 petrol tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyeama along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday presented a cheque of N18 million to the Enugu State Government.

Describing the incident as a national tragedy, Abbas emphasized the commitment of the House to stand with affected citizens during moments of grief. Represented by members of the Enugu State Caucus in the House—led by Hon. Nnolim Nnaji and including Hon. Matins Oke, Hon. Dennis Amadi, Hon. Mark Obetta, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, and Hon. Chimaobi Atu—the Speaker commended Governor Peter Mbah for his swift and compassionate response.

“On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, we commiserate with the Government and people of Enugu State over the tanker incident at Ugwu Onyeama.”

“We acknowledge that you have done a lot to support both the injured and those who lost their loved ones,” Hon. Nnaji said.

“So, this is a cheque for N18 million to assist the state to further ameliorate their losses and challenges occasioned by the incident.”

“The Speaker sends his heartfelt condolences, once again. And you can continue to count on the support of the Speaker and the House,” he added.

Governor Mbah expressed appreciation for the donation, acknowledging the Speaker’s continued empathy and solidarity with the people of the state since the incident.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Enugu State, I express profound gratitude and deep appreciation for this wonderful gesture.”

“I recall that when the Ugwu Onyeama incident occurred, taking the lives of several of our loved ones, the Speaker called and assured that he was with us in prayers,” Mbah stated.

“Today, he has also shown us that he is not only with us in prayers, but also materially. He has equally come to mourn with us.”

“This cheque for N18 million will go a long way in cushioning the effect of the incident on those affected and their families.”

“Rest assured that as a government, we will ensure that this gets to them in a transparent, accountable, and just manner,” he assured.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has refuted reports circulating in the media suggesting that the Federal Government has agreed to concession the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for 80 years.

In a statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, Keyamo clarified that while discussions are ongoing concerning the concession of five major airports in Nigeria, no final decision—especially on duration—has been made.

He acknowledged that the Federal Government is indeed considering proposals for airport concessions as part of a strategy to improve infrastructure and ensure the facilities meet international standards, particularly in light of the financial strain involved in maintaining them.

He noted that many of Nigeria’s airports currently operate at a loss and require monthly subsidies from the government.

According to the statement: “Our attention has been drawn to certain online reports/stories suggesting that a certain lengthy period of concession has been agreed upon regarding the Enugu International Airport. These reports/stories are utterly baseless and untrue.”

Keyamo also pointed out that the push for airport concessions began before his tenure.

“At this stage, prospective concessionaires have indeed submitted various proposals, including different durations for the concession,” the statement noted.

“It is important to emphasise that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has not established any fixed duration,” it continued.

“All submitted proposals are currently undergoing thorough evaluation that will eventually be reviewed by the ICRC before it is presented to the Minister for conveyance to FEC for approval. We can confirm that this review process has not been concluded.”

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo branch, has strongly condemned the recent arson attack on the Osun High Court in Ilesa, which occurred on Monday.

The NBA, in a statement released by its Chairman, Mr. Yemi Abiona, on Tuesday in Osogbo, referred to the incident as a “heinous attack that poses a serious threat to justice delivery and the rule of law.”

Abiona expressed his concern, stating that it was troubling that this was the second such attack, recalling a similar incident in the past when Court 3 was set ablaze, including the chambers of a judge.

“I wonder what the perpetrators of such an attack on the court room intended to achieve. This attack is the handiwork of faceless cowards and ignorants,” he said.

While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Abiona remarked that the inferno could not have been an “act of God.”

He questioned the intentions of the arsonists, wondering what they hoped to gain from destroying courtrooms that housed important legal documents.

“We only wonder what the perpetrators intend to achieve by setting fire to court rooms where documents are kept,” he added.

The NBA Chairman commended Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for his prompt response, which included directing thorough investigations and reinforcing security measures at court premises across the state.

Abiona also called on security agencies to identify and apprehend the culprits, promising that the NBA would offer free legal services to prosecute anyone responsible for the attack.

“We are urging the police to leave no stone unturned in conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Together, we can uphold the integrity of our justice system,” he concluded.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Osun High Court 2 in Ilesa was set on fire early on Monday, resulting in the destruction of sensitive documents and exhibits, with the entire building being reduced to rubble.

Governor Adeleke has since ordered a detailed investigation and called for increased security around all court premises in the state.