Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has advised the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, to focus on maintaining public peace and security while avoiding politically motivated activities.

During a courtesy visit by Adepoju at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara emphasized the importance of putting the interests of Rivers State residents above all else.

He specifically cautioned the new CP against attending clandestine meetings, which could undermine the neutrality of his office.

Fubara said, “Your duty is to work closely with the government and other security agencies to ensure law and order, and to protect the lives and properties of Rivers people. You must remain apolitical and avoid nocturnal meetings that may compromise your position as a neutral force.”

The governor also charged Adepoju with tackling two critical security challenges in the state: cultism and kidnapping, especially in boundary communities.

He highlighted that these issues are negatively affecting schools and the broader community. Fubara called for a strategic approach to combat these threats and reduce their impact on the state’s youth.

Acknowledging the importance of collaboration, Governor Fubara reassured the new CP of his administration’s full support.

He stressed that the success of the police in maintaining peace and security would be a reflection of both the government’s support and the CP’s professionalism.

Adepoju, for his part, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Rivers State. He assured the governor that his team would work innovatively to tackle the state’s security issues.

He emphasized the importance of strengthening intelligence gathering and enhancing response mechanisms, while maintaining an apolitical stance and fostering trust with the community.

In a related development, Governor Fubara and CP Adepoju decorated two officers with their new ranks of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

The officers, Anthony Peter, the Governor’s Personal Security Officer, and John Wakama, Provost Marshal of Government House, were both promoted from Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP 1) to DSP.

The short ceremony, attended by the officers’ wives, took place after the courtesy visit at the Government House.

Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has formally petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) against Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, accusing her of judicial bias and misconduct in his ongoing trial.

The petition, dated January 13, 2024, was submitted to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who also chairs the NJC.

Kanu’s legal team claims that Justice Nyako’s handling of his case has caused him significant and continuing harm, including the unlawful deprivation of his liberty.

Justice Nyako is overseeing the terrorism charges filed against Kanu by the Federal Government.

In the petition, Kanu, through an affidavit sworn by his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, alleges that the judge’s refusal to reinstate his bail, despite a Supreme Court ruling, represents a violation of constitutional rights and judicial misconduct.

He accused Justice Nyako of disregarding legal principles and acting in defiance of the Constitution.

Kanu argues that the judge’s actions violate Section 287(1) of the Constitution, which mandates all authorities and courts to obey Supreme Court rulings.

He has called on the NJC to discipline Justice Nyako for her actions, which he describes as a breach of his fundamental rights and a failure to uphold the rule of law.

he National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed a pharmacy in Abuja’s Area 11, Garki, for selling expired and unregistered drugs.

The closure followed a tip-off from a concerned citizen, leading to a raid by NAFDAC officials.

During the operation, expired products worth over seven million naira were discovered, including “H-Pylori” test kits that pose serious health risks. The pharmacy’s Managing Director and Superintendent Pharmacist were arrested for questioning in connection with the illegal sale.

Despite attempts to hinder the operation, NAFDAC officials confiscated the expired items and secured the premises.

The agency has vowed to impose strict sanctions as part of its ongoing effort to combat unethical practices in the pharmaceutical sector.

NAFDAC called on the public to remain vigilant when purchasing regulated products and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended a 16-year-old boy, Ademola Bolu, for allegedly stealing aluminium roofing sheets worth N180,000 from the Christ Light Deliverance Ministry Church in Orile-Ilugun, Odeda Local Government Area.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, Bolu was caught with two sacks containing the stolen roofing sheets, which had been cut into pieces and packed for removal.

Two other suspects remain at large.

Upon receiving a tip-off, police detectives quickly responded and arrested Bolu, while his accomplices fled before the officers arrived.

During questioning, the teenager confessed to the theft, and the stolen items were recovered.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to track down the other suspects involved in the crime. The police assured the public of their continued efforts to protect lives and property in the state.

The Egba Division of the Ogun State Police Command has arrested one Kazeem Sholola for pouring hot oil on his wife, Mutiat Sholola, and stabbing her in the head during a domestic dispute.

Sholola, a resident of the Ring Road Community in Owode Egba, Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area, reportedly carried out the assault in a fit of anger following a misunderstanding with his wife.

The spokesperson for the command, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Saturday.

According to the statement, a member of the community reported the incident to the police on Saturday at about 12:20 pm, leading to the suspect’s immediate arrest.

Mutiat, who sustained severe burns and injuries, is currently receiving medical treatment at Ore Ofé Hospital in Owode Egba.

The statement partly reads: “The Divisional Police Officer in Owode Egba Division promptly intervened in a case of gender-based violence and assault against a housewife, leading to the arrest of her husband for inflicting various injuries on her.

“On 18 January 2025, at about 12:20 hours, the Divisional Police Officer received a report from members of the Ring Road community regarding an incident involving Sholola Kazeem, a male resident, and his wife, Sholola Mutiat.

“It was reported that Kazeem, in uncontrollable anger over a misunderstanding, poured hot oil on his wife and also stabbed her in the head.

“The victim was taken to Ore Ofé Hospital for medical attention, and the crime scene was examined. The suspect has been apprehended and is currently under investigation.”

Tragedy struck in the Amai community, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, as a 70-year-old man, Mr Aghanti, and his 50-year-old daughter, Mrs Atagoshi, were reportedly beheaded over a land dispute.

The gruesome incident occurred after the suspect allegedly lured the victims into the bush under the pretext of discussing the land issue.

Their headless bodies were later discovered in the bush.

The woman, a secondary school teacher, had earlier purchased a piece of land in the community, which some individuals subsequently claimed.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Bright Edafe, revealed that the assailant invited the victims to the bush, where the heinous crime was committed.

Edafe said, “The suspect called the woman, saying he wanted to discuss the land issue. He then took her and her father into the bush, killed them, and beheaded them.

“On the same day, vigilantes apprehended one Emeke with two human heads. He was mobbed and set ablaze by angry residents. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the human heads belonged to the father and daughter.

“Their headless bodies were found in the bush.”

Edafe added that the main suspect is currently on the run, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.