News

Attempted Murder, Rape: Couple Seek Edo First Lady, Commissioner of Police’s Intervention

Published

3 years ago

July 16, 2022

… Want Case File Transferred

A couple named Mr. Christopher Igiebor and Magdalene Igiebor both of Ilobi village, in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki and Edo State Commissioner of Police, Yaro Abutu to intervene in the case of an attempted murder and rape they reported to the Okhuaihe Police Division in Uhunmwonde local government area of Edo State.

The couple claimed that they had on the 9th of July, 2022 reported a case of attempted murder and rape to the Okhuaihe Police Division in Uhunmwonde which subsequently led to the arrest of the accused, one Mr. Osayande.

According to the couple, the divisional police office is however lacking deligent inbits investigation hence the appeal to the Edo State First Lady and the Commissioner of Police to come to their aid, claiming that the suspected rapist has been left off the hook and is going about freely in their community.

The petitions addressed to the wife of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki and Edo State Commissioner of Police, Benin, through their lawyer O. Osazuwa Esq. for S. O. Osazuwa & Co was titled, “A Case of Loss of Confidence, Improper Handling And Investigation of a Serious Case of Attempted Murder, Rape And Violence Against Person by Okhuaihe Police Division, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State.”

The petitioners alleged that Mr. Osayande surname unknown, emerged from the bush and attacked them without any reason whatsoever and raped the wife in the process.

Part of the petition reads, “We have been briefed and our services retained by MR. CHRISTOPHER IGIEBOR AND MAGDALENE IGIEBOR Both of Ilobi Village, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Edo State (hereinafter referred to as our client) and pursuant to his firm instruction, we write this petition on the above subject matter as follows:

“That on the 9th day of July, 2022 our client and his wife went to their farm. As they were carrying out their usual farming activities, one MR. OSAYANDE surname unknown came out from the bush and attacked them without any reason whatsoever.

“That the said MR. OSAYANDE inflicted serious machete cut on our client’s left hand and this almost resulted to loss of his hand. In furtherance of MR. OSAYANDE evil acts, he raped our client’s wife in his presence.

“That our client was rushed to Noma Hospital, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, for urgent medical attention and he was later transferred to Owen Clinic for further medical treatment and he is still in the hospital till date.

“That MR. OSAYANDE’s conduct is no doubt is the most stupendous and startling display of rascality in the annals of human depravity. His idea of life is simply the advantage of the stronger; just or right means nothing but what is to the interest of the stronger.

“That it is however sad, the said MR. OSAYANDE who was arrested by Okhuaihe Police Division till date the case have become comatose. The Police are not handling the case with seriousness and our client has lost confidence at the Police Division.

“That much we do have control over the affairs of the Police, we know and strongly believe in your firm and resolute belief in the rule of law and justice for all and sundry whether for those at the top of the echelon of power or for those at the lower strata in the society.”

The petitioners therefore called on Mrs.Obaseki, and Edo State Commissioner of Pokice to transfer the case to the State Police Command Headquarters for proper investigation with a view to bringing the culprit to face the wrath of the law.

“That in the light of the above, we urge you to use your good offices to cause a transfer of this case from Okhuaihe Police Division to Edo State Police Command Headquarters, for serious, thorough and proper handling and investigation of this case so that those involved can be made to face the consequences of their actions in fulfilment of your constitutional duty on protecting life, property and crime prevention.”

News

NAF Launches Attack On Terrorists In Borno

Published

2 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, operating as part of the joint task force of Operation Hadin Kai, has carried out a coordinated air interdiction at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle, Borno State.

According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, the air strikes successfully paved the way for ground troops.

He explained that the operation was based on actionable intelligence from multiple sources, which confirmed the presence of terrorists, their structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.

Ejodame stated that NAF air assets were deployed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to target identified threats.

The operation aimed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlefield for ground forces, all while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting civilians.

He added, “The Identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location.”

“Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation.”

Speaking on the mission, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said, “The success of the mission reflects the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.”

Aneke further emphasized that the operation highlighted the service’s commitment to providing precise and decisive air power in support of ground forces.

In his words, “We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide. Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven.”

“Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.”

“The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled.”

He further noted that the operation showcased NAF’s aggressive stance, precision employment of airpower, and dedication to sustained joint operations.

Aneke added that such missions play a crucial role in enabling ground troops to maintain momentum and deliver decisive outcomes against terrorist networks threatening lives, property, and Nigeria’s national security.

News

Lagos Parks To Close For Maintenance – State Govt

Published

2 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK, has announced that all public parks under its management across the state will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance and upgrades.

In a statement released on January 9 and shared via its official platforms early Saturday, LASPARK said, “All parks under our management will be closed to the public from January 12 to January 31, 2026.

“This follows increased visitor activity during the recent festive season.”

The agency listed several popular recreational spots that will be affected, including “Ndubisi Kanu Park, Alausa JJT Park, Dr. Finnih Abayomi Park in Oregun, and all other LASPARK-managed parks across Lagos State.”

News

PAP Sends Additional 34 Foreign Post-graduate Scholarship Beneficiaries To UK Varsities

Published

17 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Editor

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed an additional 34 foreign post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries to various universities in the United Kingdom for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri by Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator, PAP.

According to the statement, the scholars’ programmes include data science, fintech analytics, cyber security, international energy law and policy, construction project management, public health, agri-food technology, electrical and petroleum engineering, among others.

The statement added that more foreign post-graduate scholars will be sent to UK universities in the current academic session.

“In December 2025, nine students, who were the first set of offshore post-graduate scholarship developments by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic year, graduated from their various programmes in UK universities.

“Otuaro has deployed over 9000 students to universities within and outside Nigeria for different industry-relevant programmes since he assumed office in March 2024,” the statement partly reads.

Speaking at the pre-departure orientation programme for the scholars at the PAP headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday, Otuaro said that the large-scale deployment was aimed at making the Niger Delta a knowledge-driven region.

He said that his leadership reinvigorated the programme to give it a new momentum in service delivery to the people of the region based on the mandate of President Bola Tinubu.

Otuaro said, “We are sending all of you for post-graduate studies in various universities in the United Kingdom.

“The PAP now has a new momentum and direction because of the repositioning and broad reforms that we carried out in line with the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

“The objective behind the huge scholarships deployment is to ensure that we develop the needed human capital to transform the Niger Delta and generate knowledge-wealth.

“We want to develop relevant manpower in critical disciplines for our region and by extension, the country, because you are expected to contribute your quota to national development after successful graduation.”

The PAP boss, who was represented at the event by his Technical Assistant, Mr Edgar Biu, advised the scholars to study hard to achieve academic excellence in their various fields of research.

According to him, the scholars have an obligation to justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education and future.

He reiterated his warning that beneficiaries should not take for granted the opportunity to further their academic pursuits in the interest of the Niger Delta and indeed the country.

Otuaro expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his “enormous interest and support for the Programme”, particularly the approval of an upward review of the programme’s budget from N65billion to N150billion.

He also expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his impeccable guidance and supervision of the programme’s initiatives.

Otuaro, therefore, cautioned the scholars to obey their host country’s laws and the rules and regulations of their various institutions, stressing that they are ambassadors of Nigeria, the Niger Delta and their communities and families.

Highpoint of the orientation programme was the presentation of laptops to the scholars to help them in their studies.