Law & Crime
NDBDA MD Deploys 13-Member Waterways Sanitation Management Team … Says its key milestone in pursuit of SDGs 6, 13, and 14

By David Owei, Bayelsa
In a significant move to enhance environmental sustainability, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Hon. Prince Ebitimi Amgbare has inaugurated a 13-member Waterways Sanitation Management Team (WSMT) on Wednesday at the NDBDA headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Hon. Amgbare said that the strategic initiative was a demonstration of the NDBDA’s commitment to ensuring clean water and sanitation, mitigating climate change, and conserving ocean resources in the Niger Delta region
“This specialized team is tasked with driving initiatives that would promote clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), climate action (SDG 13), and conservation of ocean resources (SDG 14) in the Niger Delta region in line with global best practices.
Hon. Amgbare described the establishment of the Waterways Sanitation Management Team as another giant stride to raise awareness about waterways sanitation across the catchment states of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers, emphasizing the crucial role of team in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to water, climate, and marine life.
He explained that the initiative was part of other coordinated efforts to amplify the authority’s earlier advocacy for zero plastic pollution in rivers and coastal areas of the Niger Delta region, while highlighting the importance of empowering the youth across the region to address the global planetary challenges of plastic pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss.
“The Waterways Sanitation Management Team’s work is vital to ensuring the health and sustainability of our waterways and marine ecosystems in our Niger Delta region. The team’s efforts will contribute significantly to achieving SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, promoting health, well-being, and economic growth.
“It contributes to SDG 13: Climate Action, reducing climate-related risks and vulnerabilities and SDG 14: Life Below Water, conserving marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of marine resources. Today’s inauguration reaffirms NDBDA’s commitment to achieving these critical SDGs and ensuring a sustainable future for the Niger Delta region,” Hon. Amgbare noted.
Hon. Prince Amgbare regretted that the Niger Delta region, with its vast network of rivers, creeks, and wetlands, remains a critical ecosystem that supports a diverse range of plant and animal life.
The Niger Delta region’s economy is heavily reliant on fishing, tourism, and other industries that depend on clean waterways. Poor sanitation can lead to economic losses and undermine sustainable development.
“Waterways sanitation is critical for building resilience to climate change impacts, such as sea-level rise, increased flooding, and droughts. The region’s waterways are heavily polluted with oil spills, industrial waste, and domestic sewage. Inadequate waste management infrastructure and limited access to sanitation facilities exacerbate pollution and health risks.
“Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events threaten the region’s waterways and ecosystems. Insufficient awareness and education among communities about the importance of waterways sanitation hinder efforts to promote sustainable practices.
“Empowering local communities to take ownership of waterways sanitation through education, awareness, and capacity-building programs is not negotiable. Investing in waste management infrastructure, sanitation facilities, and green technologies to reduce pollution and promote sustainable practices is crucial.
“We intend to foster partnerships among government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to intensify sustainable practices and leverage resources while encouraging climate-resilient water management practices, such as wetland restoration and flood-risk management, to improve the region’s adaptability to climate change.
“By addressing these challenges facing waterways sanitation in the Niger Delta region and seizing opportunities for improvement, we can promote sustainable development, protect human health, and preserve the region’s rich environmental heritage.
“This team is a volunteer initiative established under my watch to educate and sensitize communities within the Niger Delta Basin’s catchment states on the importance of waterways sanitation, which aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water.
“The team will receive technical guidance and support from the renamed Department of Hydrology & Blue Economy, headed by a Director, Engr. Odes Solomon Sakawi and our amiable Ocean Ambassador, Inter-governmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO), Project Technical Partner on NDBDA’s “Adopt a River Initiative” and Founder/CEO, Solari Skills And Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Port Harcourt, Ms. Rita Solari Inko-Tariah,” Hon. Amgbare noted.
While making clarification of the renaming of the Department of Hydrology to now “Department of Hydrology & Blue Economy” he said it was a strategic move to align with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, which aims to explore the potential of the Blue Economy through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“By tapping into the global trend of Blue Economy, the Authority seeks to manage water resources effectively, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 13, and 14. These goals focus on clean water and sanitation, climate action, and conservation of ocean resources, respectively.
“The Blue Economy concept emphasizes sustainable use of ocean and water resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and environmental conservation. Nigeria’s maritime sector presents significant opportunities for economic development, and the Authority’s move is a step in the right direction,” the Managing Director explained further.
In his acceptance remarks, Head of Department of Hydrology & Blue Economy, Engr. Odes Solomon Sakawi thanked the Managing Director for finding the team members worthy to serve while lamenting that the region’s waterways were facing significant threats from pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
“Poor waterways sanitation can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid fever, which can have devastating impacts on human health, particularly for vulnerable coastal communities.
Waterways sanitation is crucial for maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems, including fish populations, mangroves, and other plant species that depend on clean water.
“Protecting waterways means empowering communities as every river deserves a guardian. Clean rivers make a brighter future. Join the movement; preserving rivers is preserving life. River conservation is a collective responsibility. Safeguarding rivers is an effort to secure our tomorrow,” Engr. Solomon Sakawi maintained.
Members of the team include: Engr. Sir. Odes Sakanwi, Director of Hydrology and Head of Department of Hydrology & Blue Economy, Hon. Preye Akpebide, (security expert), Chairman, CSP. Victor Berezi (Rtd, Chief Security Officer to the MD), Mrs. Bekenwa Choice (Deputy Director) Elder. John Diepriye Appah (Project consultaton financing/investor partnerships), Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo (Media/tourism expert, Head, Corporate Relations), Ms, Rita Solari Inko-Tariah (Technical Partner), Dr. Yanayun David (Lecturer, Nigerian Maritime University, Okarankoko),
Waritimi Parker (IT expert), Hon. Amakama Pemobowei S, Hon. Dogiye Sylvia (Chief of Staff to MD), Mr. Nwode Ifeanyi Nwali (Senior Geologist), Hon. Teme Aranka, Special Asst. to the MD on Documentation, is to serve as team Secretary.
The inauguration was graced by Engr. Olatubosun. M Quadri (Director of Engineering), Dr. Roland Gbarabe (Director of Agric Services), Mr Efe Ituru (Director of Planning & Design and Mr. Anthony Wuchie (Director of Finance & Administration.
Law & Crime
Terror charges: Family accuses Britain of aiding Nigeria in unlawful rendition, trial of Kanu

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi
The family of the detained Biafra nation agitator, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has accused the United Kingdom of aiding Nigeria in the rendition of Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria.
Specifically, the family took swipe at the British Government for continually refusing to challenge the prosecution of Kanu in Nigeria on the ground that there is no justification for such trial.
In a statement on Sunday by the family’s Spokesman, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the family said that the action, especially silence of the United Kingdom in ordeal of Kanu was painful because the detainee is a British citizen.
Apparently angry with the development, the family challenged Britain to publicly accept responsibility for her complicity in the illegal rendition of Kanu.
The family also asked Britain to demand Kanu’s immediate return to either Kenya or the United Kingdom and to cease all diplomatic and legal support that sustains trial in Nigeria.
Besides, the family demands that the United kingdom should initiate a parliamentary inquiry into the roles played by the British High Commissions in Nairobi and Abuja in the rendition of Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria in 2021.
The statement read in part: “With hearts burdened by sorrow, we, the family of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, issue this solemn declaration to the world.
“We do so not only in defense of our beloved brother, father and uncle, but in defense of truth, justice, and the sacred memory of the over 5 million Biafrans slaughtered during Britain’s orchestrated genocide from 1967 to 1970.
“The United Kingdom has never stopped killing Biafrans. Only the methods have changed.
“Today, the same British Government that armed Nigeria to starve Biafran children to death now stands accused of a far more cowardly crime, the silent orchestration and diplomatic shielding of an illegal rendition, torture, and political show trial of a British citizen for exercising freedoms guaranteed under British law.
“Let the world take note: Were Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to die in the custody of the Nigerian government, it would be to the eternal shame and blood-drenched legacy of the United Kingdom.
“In June 2021, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a lawful British citizen and leader of a peaceful self-determination movement, IPOB, registered under UK law, was abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, subjected to extraordinary rendition without due process, and illegally transferred to Nigeria by operatives whose trail the British authorities have deliberately ignored.
“This transnational crime was carried out in clear violation of Kenyan and international law. Yet Britain said nothing. Worse still, their silence gave Nigeria the license to act with impunity.
“Why was the British High Commission in Nairobi inactive while a British citizen was drugged, tortured, and flown out in chains?
“Why was the UK Foreign Office complicit in turning a blind eye to this abduction that violated every known treaty obligation under international human rights and consular law?
“The answer is now painfully clear: Britain was not merely a bystander. Britain was a co-conspirator.
“Following his illegal rendition, the UK Government pretended to be engaged. British Consular officials visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in DSS custody in Abuja.
“He asked one simple question:“Why is the United Kingdom allowing a British citizen to be tried for broadcasts made in the UK, where both IPOB and Radio Biafra are lawful entities?
“The response was both evasive and insidious: We’ll get back to you.” But they never did.
“Instead, within four days of that meeting, Nigeria’s then-Attorney General, Abubakar Malami quietly amended the charges against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, removing ‘London, United Kingdom’ as the location of the alleged offences.
“The only logical inference is that the British authorities either advised Nigeria to do this or consented to a cover-up to evade the UK’s own jurisdictional responsibilities.
“Despite IPOB’s legal status in the UK and the total absence of any UK court order outlawing its activities, the British Government has continually refused to challenge the unlawful prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Nigeria.
“Why? Because they know what every international legal scholar knows:
“That the alleged offences occurred outside Nigerian territory; That the primary jurisdiction lies in the UK, not Nigeria; That the rendition violated the UK’s own Extradition Act, the Commonwealth Mutual Assistance Treaty, and all norms of international law.
“Yet, when the question was asked of the British Foreign Office—Why won’t you demand that your own citizen be returned to either the UK or Kenya, where he was abducted?—they offered the most cowardly response imaginable:”We cannot interfere in a Nigerian trial.”
“This is not just false. It is a betrayal. The UK Government has, in fact, interfered constantly by suppressing evidence, shielding Nigerian impunity, and erasing its own culpability from the chain of events that led to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing ordeal.
“In 1968, they supplied the arms that killed Biafran children. In 2021, they supplied the silence that allowed their citizen to be kidnapped and tortured.
“What exactly did the Igbo people do to Britain to deserve this generational hatred? Is it our resilience, our enterprise, or our refusal to bow to colonial structures masquerading as post-colonial governments?
“Why is it that every time an Igbo leader rises to speak truth to power, Britain rushes to undermine him?
“It is time for the world to know: Britain’s hatred for the Igbo people has outlived colonialism. What they could not achieve with bombs and starvation in 1967, they now pursue through legal manipulation, judicial collusion and geopolitical deceit.
“This statement is not made in anger. It is made in defiance.We defy the centuries of British deception in Africa.We defy the silence that enables crimes against our people.
And we defy the notion that a British citizen can be abducted, tortured, and tried abroad without the UK lifting a finger.
“If Britain cannot protect its own citizen, then it should admit publicly that some British citizens are more equal than others.
“If anything happens to our brother, the Kanu Family will hold the United Kingdom responsible. Not because they failed to act—but because they chose to act on the side of evil. Their silence is not neutrality. It is an endorsement of tyranny.
“Let the earth tremble with this truth. Let history record our warning. Let justice not be buried under diplomatic hypocrisy”, the statement said.
Law & Crime
Police recovers corpse of missing 43 years old Real Estate magnate in Bayelsa

By David Owei, Bayelsa
Operatives of the Rapid Response Unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command has recovered the corpse of missing Real Estate Magnate, Ekpeboh Richard from the forest between new NDDC road and Otuokpoti in Ogbia Local Government Area of the State.
Police discovered the deceased was shot in the head in an execution manner and dumped in the bush.
Ekpeboh Richard is the Vice Chairman of the Real Estate Consultants Association of Bayelsa and hails from Ammassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government area of the State. He is married with two kids.
He left home on the 24th of July,2025 and the wife became worried at about 2 am when he failed to return home.
According to family sources, all calls by the worried wife was answered three days later via WhatsApp chat when he purportedly asked her not to mount unnecessary pressure on him and that he was ok.
” Further prompting by the wife that she would reach out to the extended family to ask him why he abandoned the house was met by a promise to send money via POS. A sun of 15,300 was purportedly sent to a POS agent and not her account”
” He also revealed that he is owing two persons N9 million and N3 million within the association.” But it was later discovered that those who abducted and killed him were the ones using his phone to chat with his worried wife.
According to some friends and colleague of the deceased, they later reported the matter to the Police and the men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) headed by CSP Bishop Elemide.
The RRS operatives, working on intelligence, cooperation of Youths and an eyewitness, discovered that two young men in a blue Coloured Honda Vboot car had dragged the deceased out and took him deep into the forest,” what we heard later were two gun shots. And the two young men scampered I to their car and left.”
They also left with the deceased car, a Toyota Matrix car.
Police investigators discovered that there was a struggle between the deceased and his killers with footwear discovered a few metres from where the body was discovered, ” we, the youths assisted in recovering the body. The place it was dumped was a swamp. His head was blown off by gun shot.”
Our correspondent gathered from sources at the Police Headquarters that the homicide department of the State Criminal Investigation department may take over the case and are already working on two facts.
” We are looking at the fact that it may be a case of business deals gone wrong with members of his Association of Real Estate Consultants or that he may be involved in cyber crime or money laundering deal that went wrong.”
” We will get to the root of the matter and bring the culprits to book. Efforts in on to apprehend ASSAILANTS.”
A Senior Police officer, who confirmed the development, told our correspondent that the Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu is fully aware of the development despite his absence on official duty in Abuja.
Law & Crime
NCoS denies report by Sahara Reporters that a Correctional staff released an imate out of custodial centre for conjugal intimacy

By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has described as misleading and malicious a report Published by Sahara reporters alleging that a personnel who took an inmate out of custodial centre for conjugal intimacy with his lover in Afikpo was pardon by the Civil Defence, Correctional Fire and Immigration Board (CDCFIB), while the whistle blower was dismissed.
This was contained in a press Statement signed by the head of Public Relation and Media of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Umar Abubakar DCC stated that the report is misleading and intended to tarnish the inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The Service, according to the Press release, wishes to categorically state that this report is misleading and intended to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has been drawn to a misleading and malicious report published by Sahara Reporters alleging that a personnel who took an inmate out of the custodial centre for conjugal intimacy with his lover in Afikpo was pardoned by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Board (CDCFIB), while the whistleblower was dismissed.
“The facts of the matter is that the officer in question was dismissed after a thorough investigation by the disciplinary unit of the Service and was found to have committed an act unbecoming of a public officer, specifically for taking unauthorized pictures of an inmate by name Ibuchi Okoro Eze, within the premises of the Barracks of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Afikpo, and uploading same on the internet”.
The dismissed officer, he disclosed,ASC 1 Efe Onakpoya with Service number 57790 also made malicious allegations against the service, including the false claim that an inmate was taken out of the Custodial Centre for conjugal intimacy with his lover.
The Nigerian Correctional Service is committed to maintaining the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and professionalism. The Service will not tolerate any behavior that undermines these values.
The service hereby urges the public to disregard the misleading report by Sahara Reporters and to be aware of the antics of mischief-makers who seek to tarnish the image of our beloved Service.
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