By David Owei

The Bayelsà State Police Command led by Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ajao Saka Adewale has paraded twenty -three persons over their involvement in the recent renewed cult clashes in the state and killings of over five persons.

Those arrested were apprehended after sizable display of attacks and reprisals from opposing cult groups recorded in Igbogene, Onopa, Ovom, Agudama, Amarata, Swali and Akenfa axis, some of which have resulted in fatalities.

The police also announced the recovery of Eight (8) FIREARMS (2 locally fabricated pistols, 3 Baretta Pistols, 3 Locally made revolver pistol, and 1 automatic pump-action)Nine (9) live 9mm ammunition, FIVE (5) Cutlasses Two (2) Battle axesOne (1) drumTwo (2) Cans of Nitrous Oxide also known as (Laughing Gas).

Also recovered are Seventeen (17) bottles of Codine Substance and big bag of Dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa Twenty (20) Cartridges.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ajao Saka Adewale,while briefing newsmen at the Police headquarters, said the command, in a swift response via intelligence-driven operations and visibility patrols across identified flashpoints and parks and arrested a total of Twenty-three (23) suspects in connection to cultism, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of firearms, and other light weapons.

He confirmed that during a streak of coordinated and intelligence-driven operations spanning a space of 13 days between 23rd September to 5th October, 2026, one Tarimie James, 24 yrs “m” of Ovum Community was arrested along St. Anglican Church.

“He confessed on video record to be a member of the Icelander Confraternity. One locally fabricated Barretta Pistol was recovered from him and he is currently on remand, awaiting trial”

“One EZEIKIEL JOEL; a 24 yrs “m” of Igbogene Community was arrested with an automatic pump-action gun, other light weapons and a drum used during their meetings were recovered from him.He confessed on video record to be a member of the Kue Klus Klan’s men (KKK) Confraternity.”

He also confirmed that the Violent Crime Response Unit of the Command led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, in the course of a coordinated operation to restore normalcy, arrested five (5) suspects in connection with attacks and reprisals by cult groups, resulting in life threatening injuries in some of the aforementioned communities.

“The suspects arrested include one ZAIDAMUN PAUL, ANTHONY OKORIE, God’s gift ANGEL, RICHMAN KUDI and VICTOR Kelsey.Exhibits Recovered: One (1)Baretta pistol, Axes, cutlasses and knives were recovered from the suspects”.

“On the 6th October, 2026, the operative of the Command acting on actionable intelligence recovered a locally made revolver pistol with three (3) live 9mm ammunition at Ugbogene, abandoned by a suspect (name withheld) who has been on the watchlist of the command for the recent cult-related apprehensions in Ugbogene community.”

“The said suspect, upon sighting police operatives, escaped through a nearby swamp, abandoning the exhibit. Effort is ongoing to apprehend him.”

” On the 7th- 8th October, 2026, which is barely two days ago, the operatives of the Command, during a joint and intelligence-driven operation, arrested eight (8) suspects in connection to cultism and breach of public peace in; Akenfa, Igbogene and Swali communities respectively.The suspects are:a. BARATUA-PRE BARA a 30 yrs “m” of Ogbia LGA, was arrested in Akenfa.”

“He confessed on video to being the No. 2 of the Icelanders Confraternity in Yenagoa. The suspect will be arraigned in court on Monday 12/10/2026.Igbogene also arrested Sb. FUNKURO BEREH a 25 yrs “m” of Ekeremoh LGA, arrested at Igbogene park. He confessed on a video recording to be a member of the Bobos Confraternity.The suspect will be arraigned in court soon.”

” KELVIN ADAMU a 28 yrs “m” of Igbogene Community, arrested at Igbogene Motor Park. The suspect is currently on remand, awaiting trial and he confessed on video recording to being a member of the Bobos confraternity.”

“SWALI COMMUNITY ARREST Sd. VINCENT IKIEYE a 20 yrs “m” of Gbarain, Southern Ijaw LGA. He was arrested on 8/10/2026 in Swali Community and handed over to the police by the community youths during a raid operation by the police.”

“The suspect confessed to being a member of the Bobos Confraternity and nicknamed “Small but mighty” The suspect will be arraigned on Monday 12/10/2026.”

e. Benjamin AKENO a 26 yrs “m” of Okpoma, Brass LGA. He was arrested on 8/10/2026 in Swali Community during a joint raid operation. The suspect confessed to being initiated into the Bobos Confraternity on 15th May, 2026 and he is nicknamed “Gentle Lion”.”

” ESUAYE IKECLEAR a 30 yrs “m” musician and native of Famgbe, Yenagoa LGA. The suspect was arrested in Swali, confessed to being inducted into the Bobos Confraternity in 10/9/2010 and nicknamed “Daki” ”

“GIFT TORIE “m” 23 yrs native of ikolo community, he confessed on video to being a member of the Bobos Confraternity and JOB SIMON 32 yrs businessman of Gbarain, Southern Ijaw LGA. He confessed to being a member of the Bobos confraternity, nicknamed “VIP” He will be charged to court on Monday 12/10/2026.”

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ajao Saka Adewale however expressed appreciation to the personnel of the Doo Akpo Joint Task Force and other tactical and operational teams, whose vigilance, courage, and commitment continue to provide practical meaning to our resolve to keep Bayelsa safe.

He also acknowledged the renewed cooperation of our critical community stakeholders, ” Our recent engagements with tricycle unions, NURTW Bayelsa State, Traditional rulers, Community Development Committees, and youth leaders across Yenagoa were not merely ceremonial meetings; they were deliberate bridges of trust and intelligence-sharing.”

By Uthman Baba-Naseer,Minna

The Chief Judge of Niger State,Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, has stressed the need for continued cordial and mutual understanding between members of the Bar and the Bench towards enhancing speedy dispensation of criminal and Civil Justice in the state.

She noted that both the Bar and the Bench are crucial and critical partners in the administration of Justice, urging legal practitioners in the state to continue to adhere strictly to the ethical and code of conduct of their practice.

Justice Halima Ibrahim was speaking during the 2026 Bar and Bench forum to commemorate the annual legal year of the Niger State Judiciary at the High Court foyer.

She urged members of the legal practitioners to engage in an open,decorum-driven discussion to resolve the operational challenges towards enhancing administration of justice in the state.

The Chief Judge noted that the e-filling system introduced in the state Judiciary,was aimed at going along with the digital system and she commended the NBA Minna Branch for its prompt adoption of the judiciary’s newly introduced e-filling system.

Speaking in the format of the interactive Justice Halima noted that a list of speakers had earlier been submitted,however, she stated that the floor remained open to all members of the Bar to express their concerns,grievances and preferred suggestions and the way forward regarding court operations and judicial service.

“ We as democrats,and given the essence of being here,is to evaluate ourselves,identify our problems and forge ways ahead. I’m ready with what model may be used” the Chief Judge stated.

She assured lawyers that they are under her protection and enjoyed full immunity on the floor to speak their minds in ensuring two ways feedback process key Judicial officers including the Director ICT and DCR litigation will be available to receive complaints regarding e-filling platform.

While also highlighting administrative challenges encountered by the court particularly in handling appeals she told legal practitioners to key in to the e-filling platform already introduced in the state High courts.

Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik use the forum to formally congratulated the new executive of the Minna branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and also appreciated the immediate past leader of the branch Isyaku Barau for his support and cooperation during his tenure.

She assured that constructive feedback recieved from the forum, would be utilized to improve judicial efficiency and service delivery for the overall benefit of the legal profession and the citizens.

In her remarks,the Chief Registrar, of the High Court of Justice in Niger State,Amina Laminde Musa Saidu Esq explained that the Forum brings together two indispensable partners in the administration of Justice the Bench and the Bar.

She noted that their roles may differ,but share a common responsiblity in upholding the rule of law,preserve the integrity of the legal profession,and ensure the fair,efficient,and timely administration of justice.

According to the Chief Registrar, the effectiveness of the justice system depends significantly on a cordial and professional relationship between the Bench and Bar,founded on mutual respect, cooperation and constructive engagement.

“This forum therefore provides an important platform to discuss matters affecting court administration,professional conduct and practice,as well as challenges confronting the administration of justice in our state” she stated.

While commending the Chief Judge for her efforts in sustaining the Bench and Bar engagement and her commitment to strengthening the relationship between the two critical stakeholders,the Chief Registrar, pointed out that the initiative reflects the Chief Judge recognition that meaningful judicial reform requires consultation,cooperation,and the collective commitment of all stakeholders.

By Our Correspondent

The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has showcased 298 Nigerian innovators from the 36 states and FCT to global investors in London as part of efforts to commercialise homegrown technologies.

The innovators featured at the 2026 NextGen Innovation Challenge grand finale, which drew entrepreneurs, investors, government officials and diplomats to explore investment and international collaboration opportunities.

Speaking at the event, the NBTI Director-General, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji said innovation and technology commercialisation are critical to Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy ambition.

“A one-trillion-dollar economy cannot be built by government alone. It must be built by Nigerians who innovate, Nigerians who manufacture, Nigerians who invest, Nigerians who create intellectual property, Nigerians who build enterprises,” he said.

Raji said the Challenge was designed to bridge the gap between ideas and market, linking innovators with investors and global markets. Participation rose from 105 last year to 298 this year.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerian High Commission in the UK, British High Commission and strategic partner UKALD for supporting the initiative.

“Today is a celebration, but tomorrow is the real test,” he said, urging innovators to build, commercialise, scale and take Nigerian innovation global.

Delivering a keynote on behalf of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, Ambassador Abu Obey Eche said London, as a global finance and tech hub, offers a strategic platform for Nigerian talent.

“Diplomacy today must go beyond governments speaking to governments. It must also connect businesses to markets, innovators to investors, researchers to institutions, and Nigerian opportunities to global capital,” he said.

Eche said the High Commission is committed to opening doors for local innovators and urged Nigerians in the diaspora to deploy capital and expertise to support emerging entrepreneurs.

An investor, Ms. Erin Grover said she was impressed, particularly by women-led innovations, and expressed interest in investing.

“I think there are some inspiring women here especially who I’ve been able to speak with today, and I definitely hope to invest in at least one of them coming out of this event,” she said.

“My one piece of unsolicited advice is to just never give up ever, be persistent as hell, keep going,” she told participants.

Chairman of APC UK and Executive Director of UKALD, Hon. Tunde Doherty, said the 298 innovations on display were investment-ready products, not just ideas, and urged investors to look to Nigeria for technology investment.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad, also commended NBTI for expanding the platform and pledged stronger ministry support.

“If there is a problem in the society and you identify that problem and you try to solve it, you are making more impact to the society than someone who is doing several degrees in university,” he said.

The event marks an expansion from 105 innovators last year to 298 this year, with organisers targeting tangible outcomes in business creation, commercial partnerships, investment deals and jobs.