IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has urged the Federal Government to urgently address the widespread killings and abductions across the country, particularly in Benue and Plateau States.

Falana, who chairs the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), described the ongoing violence by armed herders and gunmen as both unacceptable and preventable.

While commending the swift arrest of suspects linked to the recent Uromi killings in Edo State and the prompt intervention by Governor Monday Okpebholo, Falana criticized the lack of similar urgency in other regions experiencing repeated attacks.

He stressed the Federal Government’s constitutional duty to protect lives and called for the immediate prosecution of suspects already in custody, warning against delayed justice.

Falana questioned why security forces, often deployed en masse during elections, are not similarly mobilized to prevent violence in vulnerable communities.

He also urged state governments to promote intelligence-sharing between citizens and security agencies, emphasizing that public trust and cooperation are essential to improving national security.

Falana’s statement reflects mounting public concern over insecurity and a growing demand for coordinated, people-centered solutions to protect lives across Nigeria. 

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved N1 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities to pensioners, some of which have been pending since 2012.

The governor said the move marks the beginning of efforts to clear the backlog of entitlements inherited from past administrations, describing it as a crucial step toward addressing the hardship faced by retired civil servants.

“For over a decade, many of our retirees have suffered due to the non-payment of their gratuities. This administration is putting an end to that,” he stated.

Governor Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of pensioners and ensuring they receive their entitlements without further delays.

He assured that the payments would be made in phases through a transparent and structured verification process, adding that mechanisms would be put in place to prevent similar delays in the future.

“This is just the beginning. We won’t abandon our pensioners. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” he added. 

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has donated two mini-buses, two motorcycles, and 25 wheelchairs to the Therapy Centre for Children with Disabilities in Ado Ekiti.

The donation, made during a visit with Governor Biodun Oyebanji, supports the state’s efforts to improve the welfare of children with special needs.

Bamidele pledged to prioritize the construction of a larger facility as his top constituency project in 2026, responding to the governor’s request to accommodate more children.

The centre, which caters to children with cerebral palsy, autism, and other severe disabilities, currently operates in limited space and serves children in batches.

The donated items are expected to ease transportation and therapy delivery, significantly enhancing care for the children. 

A Director at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr. Isaiah Yesufu, testified Monday against former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika in an ongoing fraud trial over alleged abuse of office and N19.4 billion contract fraud.

Yesufu told the Federal Capital Territory High Court that the BPP was unaware of a contract split in the Katsina Airport terminal project awarded to Enginos Nigeria Ltd—owned by Sirika’s brother, Ahmad.

The EFCC accused Sirika of using his office to improperly award contracts to Enginos, including a N1.3bn terminal project and a N3.8bn fire truck facility, in violation of procurement rules. The defendants pleaded not guilty.

Justice Suleiman Belgore adjourned the trial to April 8 for continuation of the prosecution’s case.

Abuja was thrown into confusion Monday morning as security forces blocked major routes leading to Eagles Square and the Federal Secretariat to prevent planned protests against the emergency rule in Rivers State and the controversial cybercrime law.

Reports has it that police deployed vehicles to barricade the area before dawn, disrupting regular movement.

Commuters and workers heading to offices near the protest zone were left stranded or forced to disembark and walk under close police surveillance.

The blockade caused heavy traffic congestion and chaotic scenes as frustrated citizens attempted to navigate the restricted area.

Security agencies have yet to provide an official explanation for the disruption.

Police operatives in Rivers State fired teargas on Monday morning to disperse protesters gathered at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt.

The protest, led by the Take It Back Movement, was in response to the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

Heavily armed officers surrounded the area as early as 9:00 a.m., confronting demonstrators who insisted on their right to assemble.

"We are Rivers people — no one can tell us where to gather," some protesters reportedly shouted, according to Channels TV.

The Nigeria Police Force had earlier urged the group to cancel the protest.