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SAN petitions AGF over alleged bid to rope community leader as kidnapper

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Kolawole Olowookere, has petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, over an alleged bid to arraign a community leader, Chief Nwigwe Emeka Williams, before a Federal High Court in Abuja on alleged terrorism and kidnapping charges.
The senior lawyer in the petition asked the Justice Minister to wade into the plight of the community leader by probing the circumstances that led to the new move with a view to ensuring that justice prevail.
The grouse of the senior advocate is that the alleged kidnapping and killing of the traditional ruler of Amanze community in Imo State, Eze Basil Okafor on 17th December, 2022, had been thoroughly investigated by the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Force Headquarters, Abuja, and those indicted arrested, prosecuted and some of them jailed.
He told the AGF in the petition that the alleged conspiracy and kidnapping was investigated twice by the Special Task Force and that twice the community leader was not found culpable in anyway.
The senior lawyer expressed surprise that two years after those indicted in the alleged crime had been put on trial, some lawyers in the Federal Ministry of Justice, allegedly acting the script of external forces, suddenly woke up to rope the community leader into the charges.
He said that since the police concluded their investigation, there had been no new facts or fresh evidence to warrant the inclusion of Nwigwe Emeka Williams as a defendant in the alleged crime.
The police investigation report of 30th September, 2024 with reference No; CB;4099/FID/STC/FHQ/ABJ/T.4/Vol.4/94, which listed the suspects arrested, indicted and put on trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/575/2023, was attached to the petition.
In the police report, the community leader was found to have contributed N1 million out of the N4 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers and that the contribution was made through the account of one Charles Njoku, the younger brother of the late traditional ruler.
The senior lawyer asserted that instead of using the community leader as a witness in the trial, those involved opted to include his name as a defendant to settle scores.
Accusing those involved of abuse of prosecutorial powers, the senior lawyer pleaded with the AGF to probe the circumstances that led to the inclusion of the name of the community leader as a co-defendant.
He requested that the probe be promptly conducted before the community leader would be arraigned on May 22 in Abuja.
The petition was received and acknowledged by the Attorney General on April 10th, 2025.
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2nd Phase Leaders Complete Training on Leadership and Mediation – Gen. Elaye Lauds Otuaro’s Visionary Drive

By David Owei,Bayelsa
The 2nd Phase Camp Leaders’ training on “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation”, sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has successfully come to a close Friday on a commendable note.
The intensive leadership-building initiative, held under the distinguished leadership of the Administrator of the PAP, High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, aimed to equip leaders with practical skills in peacebuilding, mediation, and conflict resolution—critical tools for sustaining peace in the Niger Delta region.
Reacting to the successful completion of the programme, General Elaye ThankGod Dollar Slaboh, National Chairman of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme, alongside his national leadership, congratulated the participants for their commitment and active engagement throughout the training.
General Elaye commended Dr. Otuaro for his visionary leadership and strategic direction, which is rapidly changing the dynamics of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, shifting it towards human capital development and long-term peace.
He emphasized that such initiatives are essential for reinforcing grassroots leadership and consolidating the peace already being enjoyed in the region.
> “This training is not just a success for the 2nd Phase; it is a win for the entire Niger Delta. The wisdom of High Chief Otuaro in investing in leadership and conflict resolution will continue to bear fruit,” General Elaye stated.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme continues to champion developmental engagements that bridge gaps, empower beneficiaries, and promote sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.
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Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards

Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards
By Our Correspondent
Minister of Regional Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh has been conferred with two Awards by the Institute of Professional Economists and Management Policy (IPEPM) tagged ‘ Excellent Leadership Award and Professional Doctorate Fellowship Award”.
Receiving the Awards today in his office, Engr. Momoh, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition and reiterated that true governance is about leaving a lasting legacies.
He further said “My track record speaks for itself and is a testament to the awards I have received “.
He used the opportunity to commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and resilience in ensuring the holistic development of the country.
According to him, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development is a bold step to integrate all Regional Development Commissions under one coordinated umbrella.
The Ministér said that the recognition bestowed upon him further reinforces his commitment to service and to impact mankind.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation who is the Executive Secretary/ National Coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Musa Aliu Yakub Okhumeode, said the courtesy visit was to present the prestigious Awards in recognition of his exceptional leadership and contribution to regional and national Development, as well as to seek partnership in strategic training programmes.
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Minna Lack of Sensitisation responsible for transporting small arms and light weapons to criminal gangs-Enanch and offi officials

By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna
The Zonal Director, North Central, National Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche made the submission during a visit to the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ in Minna.
Of recent, many Nigerians have been apprehended with cache of arms and ammunitions meant for delivery to bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.
This has raised questions as to why some individuals will willingly allow themselves to be used as couriers of illegal weapons to criminals.
The Zonal Director, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche said lack sensitisation on dangers of such acts and intelligence from people are contributing to the spread of arms.
He observed that porous or poorly managed borders and activities of local fabricators who manufacture guns are other sources of weapons proliferation that the Centre is trying to address.
Mr Adamu Enenche who solicited the support of members of the NUJ to enable the Centre to achieve its objectives, promised to synergize with other sister agencies.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu expressed optimism that there would be great reduction of criminal activities once the issue of small arms are resolved.
Comrade Nmodu urged the Centre to be open for collaboration with the Union especially in the area of training members on it’s activities.
Across section of members of the Union who spoke on the occasion stressed the need for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to deploy officers of the Centre to the grassroots for easy intelligence gathering.
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