The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stern warning to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, threatening a “deadliest shutdown” of hospitals within 14 days if their demands are not met.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Dr. George Ebong, President of ARD-FCTA, acknowledged the minister’s efforts in infrastructural development but expressed deep concern over the worsening conditions of healthcare workers in the FCT.

He emphasized that doctors are facing severe economic hardship, which he said could lead to their extinction if not addressed.

“While we appreciate the minister’s strides in infrastructure, doctors are being neglected,” said Ebong.

“As he addresses infrastructural projects, we remain the forgotten human project. We believe the minister is capable of tackling this issue.”

Ebong outlined the doctors’ primary demands, including the immediate clearance of six months’ salary arrears owed to members employed in 2023.

He warned that failure to resolve these issues could lead to a collapse of the nation’s health sector.

“This injustice is unprecedented in the FCT. If it continues, it will have dire consequences for the country’s healthcare system,” he added, urging Wike to take swift action to prevent further loss of life.

The doctors initially gave a 21-day ultimatum during their Annual General Meeting, which now leaves only 14 days for resolution.

“We do not want to cause the deadliest shutdown, but if no action is taken, we will be left with no choice,” Ebong concluded, stressing that the nation’s health is at risk and immediate intervention is needed.

The Delta State Police Command has arrested one Mr Efe Onoetiyi for killing his best friend, Paulinus Okon, after collecting over N50 million from the deceased.

The Commissioner of Police Delta State Command, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, disclosed this on Monday while parading the man, alongside four other killers.

He said, “I welcome you to this briefing which is particularly painful. It involves the murder of one Paulinus Okon by his bosom friend, one Efe Onoetiyi. Paulinus was reported missing on September 8, 2024, by his brother after he went out with his friend Efe Onoitiyi, 30. The suspect, Efe Onoitiyi, who initially denied knowing what happened to Paulinus came to Paulinus’s house to ask his family about him.

“He was confronted that the deceased went out with him on that same date which he denied that the deceased did not go out with him. On a later date, Efe came back and demanded N500,000 from the deceased’s brother that he would use the money to pay a herbalist who could tell them Paulinus’s whereabouts.

Efe again came and informed the family that Paulinus was kidnapped and he collected a ransom of about N20,715,000 from the deceased brother claiming that he was in touch with the kidnappers.”

“When it became obvious that Efe had something to hide, he was arrested and the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, State Headquarters Asaba.

On November 28 2024, I directed the DPO Ekpan to take over the case and ensure that a discrete investigation was carried out to fish out those responsible, as the main suspect, Efe, was not yielding.

“The DPO Ekpan carried out an intelligence-led investigation that indicted one Okeimute Gaga 48, Okeimute gaga upon his arrest opened up and confessed that he could no longer hide what happened.

Okeimute Gaga narrated how Efe brought Paulinus to the Orere River in Otokutu and requested that they kill him.

The suspect further stated that on September 8, 2024, Efe and Sunday Ikpeba, and a 30- old herbalist Lawrence Joseph tied Paulinus Okon to a stake at night close to Orere River and beheaded him alive.

“His body was thrown into the River while the herbalist took the head of Paulinus and buried him at his shrine in Otokutu. The DPO, Ekpan Police station, led police operatives to the shrine in Otokutu where the skull of Paulinus was exhumed and recovered.”

Olufemi stated that during interrogation, Efe confessed that he killed Paulinus because he did not know how to tell him he had diverted his money meant to buy the house.

He added, “Efe stated that he saw a building for sale at N30 million, which he advertised to the deceased and the deceased paid N30 million in three instalments, but instead of buying the house, he diverted the money for his personal use, bought two lands and was building a duplex for himself.

“He further stated that he did not know how to explain to the deceased that he had used his money hence he decided that killing Mr Paulinus would save him the trouble. Efe and the three other suspects are in custody.”

The CP, however, urged members of the public to be vigilant especially this season about the friends they keep, lamenting that parents are no longer taking the upbringing of their children, especially boy children seriously.

In an interview with the suspects, they all confessed to the crime, saying that the head was sacrificed to the gods of the community.

Speed Darlington, the controversial Nigerian rapper, has been granted bail after spending almost a month in police custody.

This was confirmed by his lawyer, Stanley Alieke, who shared the news on Instagram on Monday.

Alieke wrote, “Akpi has been granted bail by the court,” though he did not provide further details.

The rapper, whose real name is Darlington Achakpo, was arrested on November 27 while performing at a show in Owerri, Imo State.

His arrest was linked to an alleged altercation with Afrofusion star, Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy.

According to Darlington’s other lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, the arrest stemmed from taunts made by the rapper toward Burna Boy, particularly over the artist’s association with embattled U.S. rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who is facing serious charges related to sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

Darlington had publicly vowed to continue calling out Burna Boy over the matter, which led to his initial arrest.

Adeyanju had earlier stated that Darlington would be either arraigned within 48 hours or released on bail.

He later confirmed that the application for Speed Darlington’s bail had been granted, noting, “Issues around injustice may take time but justice will always prevail.”

The rapper’s release brings an end to his month-long detention, allowing him to resume his activities after the legal battle surrounding his arrest.

The Nigeria Police Force has rejected as false a viral claim suggesting that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, instructed citizens to physically assault police officers or throw stones at them during stop-and-search operations, particularly when asked to search phones.

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police described the claim as baseless and part of a deliberate misinformation campaign.

The statement further clarified that the IGP has never issued such a directive and has instead emphasized the importance of reporting police misconduct through proper channels.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a viral fake news story that has emerged, claiming that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM., has instructed citizens to physically assault and throw stones at police officers who request to search their phones. This claim is entirely false and has no basis in reality,” the statement read.

It also stressed that the IGP has advocated for accountability in law enforcement and encouraged citizens to report any police misconduct through official channels.

The statement provided various helplines and contact methods for the public to lodge complaints, including phone numbers (+2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786), as well as social media handles on X, Facebook, and Instagram (#PoliceNG, #ngpolice, #nigeriapoliceforce).

Additionally, the police urged the public to be cautious of misinformation and to verify news through reliable sources.

“Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant against misinformation and verify information through credible sources. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to fostering a cooperative and trustful relationship between the police and the communities they serve,” the statement concluded.