By Our Correspondent

In a bid to escape from capital punishment on assumption that he had killed his wife , a man who stabbed his wife multiple times Friday night in Mgbakwu Community, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has died after taking a poisonous chemical.

Reports have it that the deceased whose name was given as Ozoekwe Ezeudu had called some friends and told them that he would kill himself and his wife.

Narrarating the story, an eye-witness who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the deceased had told him that he will kill his wife and himself but declined to explain the reason for the decision.

The witness said he later reached out to the wife about the situation, but she took it lightly, saying that her husband was never serious.

He added, “Around 10 o’clock in the evening on Friday, the husband used a knife and stabbed her on the neck and two more on the waist before the children who were sleeping downstairs rushed to separate them.

“Shortly after, thinking that the woman had died, he locked himself inside the room and took a sniper.

“The deceased, Ozoekwe Ezeudu, was a traditionalist from Akamanato village, Mgbakwu.

“He had 8 children with the woman before he recently married a second wife.”

The situation however took the neighbours by surprise as they besieged the compound in confusion.

As at the time of filling this report, the wife who was rushed to a hospital is still receiving medical attention..

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.