Hundreds of women took to the streets of Port Harcourt on Friday, calling for the immediate reinstatement of suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

Gathering first at Isaac Boro Park, the demonstrators—who identified themselves as mothers and wives—marched along Aba Road to the Government House, carrying placards that read, “Bring back Fubara,”

“Save our democracy,” “Is the law different for Rivers State?” and “God of justice, arise for Rivers State.”

Chanting protest songs, the women made a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu to reverse the suspension of the governor and restore democratic structures in the state.

“We are a peaceful people and do not deserve this kind of injustice. The governor has been doing his job despite the distractions. What is happening now is not democracy,” one of the protesters told Channels Television.

The protestors denounced what they described as an “unconstitutional military rule masked as a state of emergency,” insisting that the people of Rivers State deserve governance rooted in democratic principles.

Leaders of the protest, while speaking with Channels Television, maintained that the ongoing political crisis had not deterred Fubara from fulfilling his duties.

They expressed frustration over what they perceive as a coordinated attempt to undermine the will of the electorate.

“We are here to defend our votes and the sanctity of our democracy. This is beyond Fubara; it’s about justice and the future of Rivers State,” one of the leaders said.

They emphasized that their demonstration was not politically motivated, but rather a stand for justice, peace, and the rule of law.

Women of all ages participated, ensuring the protest remained peaceful throughout.

Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state’s House of Assembly were suspended amid an ongoing political crisis that has rocked the oil-rich state.

In response, President Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.

Umar Farouk, a Deputy Director in the Niger State Ministry of Land Transportation, who was recently convicted for collecting a N11 million bribe, has reportedly been reinstated to his civil service position just two weeks after being sentenced to seven years in prison.

Investigation uncovered that despite the Niger State High Court’s judgment against Farouk, he was discreetly released from custody and has resumed his role in government, continuing to receive full salary and benefits during what was supposed to be his incarceration.

“How the case came up was that when I wanted to collect a contract from them, he demanded a bribe. When he was sentenced to seven years imprisonment, I was relieved. But just two weeks later, I discovered he was out of prison,” the contractor who filed the initial petition told newsmen.

“When he was released after two weeks, the people concerned protested. They were sad; why would someone go to prison and be released within two weeks and even reinstated into the civil service? The protest led to his suspension, but after that, nothing else happened.”

“He is back working now like nothing happened. I was the one who filed the petition that led to his conviction. I’m shocked the government did not let him serve his sentence,” he added.

According to insiders, Farouk’s name was quietly added to a list of 104 inmates granted a pardon by the former administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello. However, this inclusion is believed to have been manipulated.

“Because they wanted to free him, they had to free 104 inmates alongside him. His name was smuggled into the document,” a source within the Niger State civil service alleged.

“This was orchestrated by a former Commissioner of Justice. The governor at the time was not even aware.”

Another source within the Ministry of Transportation confirmed, “During his time in prison, the government did not stop his salaries. He was being paid. Now he is back on the payroll as if nothing ever happened.”

SaharaReporters’ findings show that in the final week of his administration in 2023, Governor Bello pardoned 24 convicts and paid N20 million in fines for 80 others to facilitate their release.

It is alleged that this move was engineered by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice at the time, Nasara Danmallam—a close associate of Farouk.

“This was done between a former commissioner and Umar Farouk. They used to do these dirty deals together. That’s why they didn’t let him suffer in prison,” said another insider.

When reached for comment, Farouk confirmed his return to public service but denied any wrongdoing in the process of his release.

“I was not smuggled out of the prison, I was out of the prison by a process, not illegally,” he said.

When asked for details on that process, he declined to elaborate.

“Go and meet my superior, the State Head of Service. You know I am under someone,” he stated.

Hadiza Idris Kuta, the current Commissioner for Transport, also confirmed Farouk’s reinstatement.

“I also investigated the matter. I was told the man was out of prison because he was pardoned. That was done by the past government,” she said.

“I know he is reinstated into the civil service but he is no longer in my ministry.”

She refused to disclose what position Farouk now holds in the civil service.

Farouk’s initial conviction stemmed from a prolonged trial prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He was charged in 2020 with multiple counts of gratification and abuse of office for accepting N11 million from a contractor in exchange for awarding a state contract.

“The accused person is standing trial on a 7-count charge for the offences of gratification by an official and using office or position for gratification contrary to Sections 8(1)(a)(ii) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000,” the judgment read.

“I find the accused person guilty as charged on all counts… Accordingly, the convict is sentenced to imprisonment for 7 years for each of the offences in counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.”

The Coordinator of Ngbo Central Development Centre in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Blessing Adagba, who was abducted by gunmen last Thursday, has been rescued after spending five days in captivity.

Adagba was taken from her hometown, Okposhi Eheku community, by unidentified gunmen.

Her release was confirmed on Wednesday evening during a phone interview with Channels Television by the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu.

Ukandu attributed her freedom to the swift intervention and coordinated efforts of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force in the state.

“The victim was released Tuesday night. During the tracking of the suspects, after the release of the victim, we were able to arrest one of the syndicates,” he stated.

He further expressed optimism that the arrest would aid in dismantling the entire kidnap gang.

“We hope that the arrest of suspect will help our men in fishing out the rest of the gang,” Ukandu added.

Police investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the criminal group.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced the relocation of its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu.

This decision comes in response to President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the appointment of a sole administrator, which the NBA considers unconstitutional.

In a joint statement issued late Thursday by NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN), General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, and Chairman of the AGC Planning Committee, Emeka Obegolu (SAN), the association explained the rationale behind the change of venue.

“The announcement that Port Harcourt, the Garden City, would host the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of our Association was met with widespread enthusiasm,” the NBA said.

“Indeed, prior to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, registration figures had soared, reflecting the excitement and eagerness of members to attend.”

However, the association noted that recent developments in the state, especially the imposition of a sole administrator described as a retired military officer using a “command-style approach,” undermined constitutional democracy and halted the momentum for the conference.

“Currently, Rivers State is being governed by a retired military officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator, who operates with a command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation,” the statement said.

“His actions have undermined democratic institutions and processes, flouting the rule of law with impunity. Though clad in civilian attire, he governs as though the state is under military rule.”

According to the NBA, growing discontent among members prompted leadership consultations, including meetings with Rivers State branch chairmen and an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) session on March 27, 2025.

“The voices of our members, particularly those calling for a change of venue, grew stronger over time,” the NBA said.

“We convened meetings with the Chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State and held an emergency session of the National Executive Council (NEC) on the 27th of March, 2025. The overwhelming consensus was that the NBA could not, in good conscience, proceed with the AGC in a state governed unconstitutionally by a Sole Administrator.”

The NEC also took issue with the manner in which the emergency rule was ratified by the National Assembly.

“The NEC reaffirmed that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution,” the statement said.

“It further noted that the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions contravenes Sections 11 and 188 of the Constitution.”

“The purported ratification by the National Assembly, executed via voice vote rather than the constitutionally required two-thirds majority amounts to a grave constitutional subversion. Even if the proper procedure had been followed, it would not legitimize an unconstitutional proclamation.”

As a result, the NBA emphasized that holding its flagship conference in Rivers State would amount to condoning constitutional breaches.

“To hold the conference under such undemocratic developments would amount to a tacit endorsement of constitutional violations and subversion of the rule of law,” the statement added.

The association confirmed the new venue will be Enugu, a city it described as historically significant and well-equipped for the event.

“The NBA has taken a principled position in accordance with the law: the appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State is unconstitutional. Consequently, and in alignment with the overwhelming position of NEC and the broader membership, we are compelled to relocate the 2025 AGC to a state where constitutional democracy remains intact.”

“We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Annual General Conference will now be held in the historic Coal City of Enugu. The city possesses the infrastructure and capacity to host a conference of our scale and significance.”

“We are confident that, with concerted efforts, this change of venue will not compromise our commitment to delivering a successful and impactful Conference.”

The NBA concluded by rallying members to support the new plans: “We call on all members and stakeholders to lend their full support as we embark on this new path. With unity, diligence, and a shared commitment to our values, we will make this transition a resounding success.”

A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has approved an application for substituted service of hearing notices on two petitioners involved in the ongoing recall case against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Justice Isa Dashen granted the ex parte application on Thursday, following a request by the plaintiffs’ counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN.

The case stems from a suit filed on March 20 by five plaintiffs—Anebe Jacob-Ogirima, John Adebisi, Musa Siyaka-Adeiza, Ahmed Usman, and Maleek Yahaya—who secured an ex parte motion that temporarily barred INEC from accepting any recall petition targeting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

However, on March 24, the same court reversed that order after INEC contested it by filing a motion, stating that “no person or institution could prevent it from fulfilling its constitutional duties.”

That same day, several constituents from Kogi Central submitted a formal recall petition against the senator, citing allegations of misconduct during her time in the National Assembly.

INEC, however, later ruled the petition “incompetent and null.”

Despite the electoral body’s stance, the plaintiffs pursued their case and named two more individuals—Salihu Habib and Charity Omole—as defendants, accusing them of being among the signatories to the recall petition.

During Thursday’s hearing, West-Idahosa, represented by Smart Nwachimere, explained to the court that efforts to serve Habib and Omole with the originating summons and hearing notices had been unsuccessful.

He revealed, “the duo were among those who signed the petition against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.”

In response, Justice Dashen approved the plaintiffs’ request to serve the documents through substituted means.