IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, has died at the age of 97.  

According to a statement signed by Prof. C.C. Clark on behalf of the family, the elder statesman passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025. The family expressed gratitude for prayers and noted that further details would be announced later.  

Clark’s death follows the recent passing of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at 96.  

A prominent figure in Nigerian politics, Clark was a lawyer, administrator, and advocate for the Niger Delta. He served as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region (1968–1971) and later as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in Bendel State (1972–1975). At the federal level, he was Commissioner for Information in 1975 and a Senator from 1979 to 1983.  

Beyond politics, he was a strong voice for regional unity, leading organizations such as the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF). His relentless advocacy for resource control and fiscal federalism earned him national recognition and respect. 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has denied reports that it recently imported 200 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the company clarified that it has not imported any petrol in 2025.

Soneye dismissed the report as either “lazy and unprofessional journalism” or a “deliberate attempt by economic saboteurs to mislead the public.” He emphasized that NNPCL does not control private marketers’ import activities and described attributing all fuel imports to the company as misleading.

While reiterating that NNPCL has not imported petrol this year, the company stated that it retains the right to do so if necessary to ensure energy security.

NNPCL also condemned the spread of misinformation and warned that it would take legal action against those responsible for spreading false reports. 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) marked its 37th anniversary on Tuesday, highlighting key advancements in road safety enforcement. Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed outlined the agency’s growth, expansion, and technological innovations, including the introduction of body cameras for patrol officers and a mobile app to enhance emergency response.

The FRSC also launched a Health Maintenance Organisation initiative for personnel and pushed for the establishment of an armed squad to improve officer security. Mohammed reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to digital transformation, ranking harmonisation, and stronger collaborations to enhance road safety across Nigeria. 

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have strongly condemned Monday’s invasion of the assembly complex by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police, describing it as an attack on democracy and a national disgrace.

During a plenary session attended by 36 lawmakers, the legislators demanded an explanation from the Lagos State Director of DSS regarding the presence of security operatives at the legislative complex. They also urged National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to investigate the incident and provide a public report on the findings.

The assembly further called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately to prevent any escalation.

Expressing their outrage, the lawmakers denounced the invasion as an abuse of legislative procedures and a threat to democracy.

“This is not a government ruled by force. What happened today is an embarrassment and an act of harassment,” said Abiodun Tobun, reaffirming the legislators' loyalty to the Speaker.

Another lawmaker, Gbolahan Yishawu, criticized the security agencies’ actions as “an unacceptable overreach,” emphasizing that the legislature must function independently without intimidation.

The lawmakers suggested that powerful individuals or groups might be behind the incident and called for a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible.

As of now, the DSS and the Nigeria Police have not officially responded to the assembly’s condemnation and demands for an explanation. 

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Edward R. Martin, Jr. as the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.

In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump praised Martin’s credentials, highlighting his experience with the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis, his role as a judicial clerk for a U.S. Court of Appeals judge, and his work as a private attorney.

Trump noted that Martin has been serving as interim U.S. attorney since Inauguration Day, commending his efforts in restoring law and order in the nation's capital.

“It is my honor to nominate Edward R. Martin, Jr. for the full and permanent term as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Since Inauguration Day, Ed has been doing a great job, fighting tirelessly to make our nation’s capital safe and beautiful again,” Trump stated.

The U.S. attorney plays a crucial role in overseeing federal legal matters in Washington, D.C. 

Police operatives from the 3-3 Divisional Headquarters in Onitsha have rescued 18 malnourished children suspected to be victims of trafficking at two separate locations in the city.

According to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, ten children were found in an apartment in Inland Town, Onitsha, while the remaining eight were discovered in another residence within the area.

The operation, based on intelligence-led investigations, led to the arrest of three suspects: Odinakachukwu Okorie, Ifunanya Ogbonna, and Daniel Ikebuilo, a fake medical doctor.

Police began monitoring Okorie following a report of a missing six-year-old boy in July 2024. Further evidence emerged after another child, a five-year-old girl, was reported missing on February 13, 2025. Investigations linked Okorie to the crime, leading to the arrest of Ogbonna and Ikebuilo.

Ogbonna reportedly planned to transport the five-year-old to Abuja but was apprehended before executing the plan. She later confessed to selling the child for ₦1 million to Ikebuilo.

The rescued children are currently receiving care at the Divine Mercy Orphanage in Umuopku, Awka, while the police work with the Anambra State Government to ensure their welfare and recovery.

CP Orutugu urged members of the public with missing children to visit the Anambra State Police Command for possible identification and reunification.