By David Owei,Bayelsa

A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has sentenced a 29-year-old man, Ebimie Ajalla of Polobubo Community, Oporoma, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, to 12 years’ imprisonment for sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl.

Ajalla, who is a relative of the victim, committed the offence at the child’s residence in Polobubo Community.

The court held that he repeatedly inserted his fingers into the minor’s vagina—an offence that the prosecution successfully argued constituted rape under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Bayelsa State.

The court found him guilty on all three counts bordering on rape, arson, and stealing.

Delivering judgment in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CR/6C/2024, Hon. Justice Enegesi held that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt and consequently sentenced the defendant to 12 years’ imprisonment.

In his ruling, Justice Enegesi commended the prosecution team for their diligence and professionalism in handling the case.

Reacting to the judgment, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, described the judgment as a clear affirmation of the law’s protection of minors against all forms of sexual abuse.

He added that it underscores the State Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children and strengthening the fight against sexual violence in Bayelsa State.

On her part, the prosecution team lead, Deputy Director at the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Pere Amanda Egbuson, Esq., stated that the court’s pronouncement reinforces the legal position that fingering constitutes rape under the Bayelsa State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2021, and not only penile penetration.

Mrs. Egbuson further stated that the conviction sends a clear message that child sexual abuse will be met with severe consequences and that this will serve as a deterrent to perpetrators of such despicable acts across the State.

By Uthman-Baba Naseer, Minna

In a significant move towards digitalizing the Judicial process,the Niger State High Court has formally launched its Electronic Filling (E- Filling) system across all High courts in the state.

The E-filling system, which became operational on February 2, 2026, was aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing access to justice.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Niger State High Courts, Hajiya Amina Laminde Musa Saidu explained, “the transition from paper-based filing to a digital platform represents a major reform aimed at streamlining court procedures and strengthening transparency within the judicial system”

The E-Filing initiative, according to her,began in 2023 with the development of policy guidelines, operational processes, and technical infrastructure.

As part of the preparation for implementation, the Court held a stakeholders’ engagement session in October 2025.

The event she stated,that brought together judicial officers, legal practitioners, court staff, and other justice-sector stakeholders to review the system, provide feedback, and build consensus around the reform.

Hajiya Amina Laminde Musa, disclosed that extensive training was conducted for all necessary High Court staff in the State to prepare them for the transition.

A dedicated technical support team has also been established to provide real-time assistance, while necessary hardware and software upgrades have been completed to ensure system stability and sustainability.

“We recognize that embarking on this new chapter of judicial reform may present initial challenges.

“However, this is not an uncharted path. Digital litigation is now a global standard, and we are fully committed to navigating this transition with agility and resilience,” the Chief Registrar stated.

The Chief Registrar noted that although, users may experience an initial learning curve, the long-term benefits, including reduced filing costs, faster case processing, enhanced document security, and improved procedural transparency, are expected to outweigh temporary difficulties.

To this end,the Niger State High Court has urged members of the Bar, litigants, and other judicial stakeholders to embrace the new system, emphasizing that its success depends on collective cooperation and active utilization.

With the launch of the E-Filing system, the Court joins a growing number of judicial institutions across the country adopting digital solutions to strengthen the administration of justice.

Jonas Ezieke, Abuja

The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, of the Nigeria Police Force NPF has a new helsman as Assistant Inspector General of Police AIG Olatunji Disu officially assumed duty as the 55th AIG in charge, effectively taking over on February 9, 2026.

His latest posting follows the redeployment of AIG Margaret Ochalla, who is currently undertaking an advanced training program in the United States.

A native of Lagos State, AIG Disu brings over three decades of policing experience and a wealth of leadership expertise to his new role.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Education, alongside Master’s degrees in Public Administration and Criminology, reflecting a blend of academic rigor and practical policing knowledge that has defined his career trajectory.

Before his latest appointment, Disu has held several strategic positions in the Nigerian Police Force, including serving as Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State, Commander of the Intelligence Response Unit IRT Guzape Abuja and Commissioner of Police in both Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

His tenure in these roles is widely recognized for improving operational efficiency, strengthening crime response mechanisms, and fostering community-police engagement.

At a brief handing and taking over ceremony, he expressed deep commitment to reinforcing FCID’ Annex’s operational capacity and tackling criminal activities with renewed vigour

“My mandate as the head of this crucial department is clear, to ensure zero tolerance for corruption, strengthen investigative processes and deliver justice efficiently.

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