News

Edo CJ Frees 4 Awaiting Trial Inmates In Correctional Centres In Benin

Published

1 year ago

April 17, 2024

The Chief Judge of Edo State (CJ), Justice Daniel Okungbowa, on Tuesday, freed four inmates in Oko and Old Benin correctional centres in the South Districts of the state.

Three inmates were set free unconditionally from the Oko Medium Custodian while one from Old Benin custodian center.

The four inmates that regained their freedom were
Emmanuel Marcus, 35, Innocent Eze, 25, Benedict Oko, 27, and Obasogie Caleb, 27.

Marcus, an Akwa- Ibom State indigene was charged for raping a 17-year-old girl and has been in detention since Jan. 20, 2023 without trial while Eze, a native of Delta State was charged for Armed Robbery, and had spent 1 year and five months without a case file.

Oko, also a native of Delta State who was charged for kidnapping, and had spent one year and four months, while Caleb a native from Edo State was charged for robbery and murder, and had also spent 1year and four months without trace of case files.

Justice Okungbowa released and discharged the four inmates for the lack of case files and evidence against them, saying that the inmates cannot be in detention, waiting for the police to find their missing case files.

Justice Okungbowa urged the beneficiaries of his gesture not to abuse the privilege but rather to see it as another god-given opportunity to turn over a new leaf.

Earlier Edo CJ had said, “Today is especially significant to me for the very obvious reason, that it is my very first visit to Correctional Centres in Edo State in my capacity as Chief Judge and Chairman, Edo State, Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC).

“Although it must be said that I have previously visited these facilities for jail delivery exercises such as this, many times with my predecessor(s) in office.

” Section 470(2) of Edo State, Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2018, has entrusted the ACJMC with the mandate to ensure that criminal matters are speedily dealt with and congestion of criminal cases in courts are drastically reduced.”

Justice Okungbowa avowed and unalloyed commitment that no one is made to remain here one day longer than necessary unless as prescribed by law.

Reacting, Mr Osogun Olusegun and Mrs Idowu Enodiakemhe
both deputy controllers of corrections, Medium Security Custodial Centre Oko and Old Benin respectively, appealed to the government for more vehicles to enable them to take inmates Sto courts in distant areas without much stress.

They noted that the correctional centres were currently serving about 60 various courts in the state.

They also appealed for court cells where inmates can be kept temporarily during court sittings before taking the inmates to the correctional centers.

They said it would enhance safety and avert the possibility of bold escape in court premises.

News

PSC Names Conference Hall After Ex-chair Arase

Published

17 minutes ago

September 25, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has named the Chairman’s conference hall after the late Chairman and former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase.

The Commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the conference hall, located on the sixth floor of the PSC’s headquarters, Abuja, was renamed in honour of the late Arase.

“The Police Service Commission has named its Chairman’s Hall on the 6th floor of its Corporate headquarters, as Solomon Arase Hall in honour of its late Chairman,” the statement read.

Arase was appointed the 18th Inspector General of Police in April 2015 and retired in June 2016. He served as Chairman of the PSC till 2024 and passed away at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja on the 31st of August 2025, aged 69.

In the statement, Ani said the current Chairman of the PSC, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd), represented by the Director, Human Resource Management, Aminu Malumfashi, at a night of tribute held on Wednesday, hailed Arase as “a gentleman of rare courage and intellect.”

“Speaking at the day of tributes in Abuja yesterday, the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni, said his predecessor was not only a Police Officer of repute, a Scholar and a reformer, he was a gentleman of rare courage and intellect,” he said.

According to the statement, funeral rites for the late Chairman will continue on Friday with a requiem mass at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, and lying in state at his Abuja residence, before his body is airlifted to Benin, Edo State, for burial.

“Tomorrow, Friday, September 26th, 2025, there will be a requiem mass at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja and a lying in State at his Abuja residence in Maitama on Saturday, before his remains will be airlifted to Benin, Edo State, for the continuation of the burial rites.

“A strong delegation from the Commission will also be in Edo state for the final burial rites of its former Chairman. His remains will be lowered to Mother Earth, on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, in his Benin residence,” the statement added.

News

Lagos DSVA Unveils Policy To Fight Workplace Harassment

Published

47 minutes ago

September 25, 2025

Editor

Lagos State, on Thursday, took a major step in tackling workplace harassment as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency held a symposium on ‘The Impact of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence on Labour and Organisational Productivity in the Workplace.’

According to a statement by the Lagos DSVA on X on Thursday, he event drew over 130 professionals from banking, oil and gas, hospitality, FMCG, and trade union sectors.

In her welcome address, DSVA Executive Secretary, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, emphasised that SGBV “is not only a human rights violation but also a major economic challenge.”

She highlighted data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, noting that Nigeria loses an estimated $3 billion annually, about 1% of its economic output, due to gender-based violence.

Vivour-Adeniyi also shared findings from a recent DSVA survey of 549 professionals, revealing that “over 70% had experienced workplace harassment, 89.3% knew someone affected, and only 4.5% had never encountered such misconduct.”

She stressed, “These numbers show that SGBV is not a distant issue, it is happening in workplaces across Lagos State, affecting productivity, mental health, and economic growth.”

Speakers at the symposium called for urgent action. Representing AXA Mansard, Chief Marketing Officer Mrs. Adebola Surakat said, “We remain committed to advocacy and awareness on the dangers of workplace harassment. Organisations must do more to create safe, inclusive environments for all employees.”

Chairman of the Lagos State House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon Omolara Olumegbon, noted that “SGBV is both an economic and societal challenge,” adding that the House would “continue to strengthen legal frameworks to protect vulnerable workers and promote dignity in the workplace.”

Keynote speaker Founder of Women At Risk International Foundation, Dr. Kemi Ibru, underlined the toll of harassment on workplace productivity.

She said, “We must implement zero-tolerance policies, ensure survivor support systems, and make organisations accountable. Workplace harassment is not just a moral issue, it affects business and national growth.”

A panel of experts, including Comrade Oyinkan Olasanoye, Dr. Nkechinyere (Nikky) Duru, Dr. Iyadunni Atinuke Gbadebo, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun, and Comrade Abiodun Aladetan, explored practical strategies for prevention and response, with discussions moderated by Ms. Anuli Aniebo.

The symposium also marked the launch of the ‘Lagos State Guidelines for Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace’, described by organisers as “a pioneering framework for safer and more inclusive organisations across the State.”

Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri, Consultant Psychiatrist and CEO of Redimed Consulting Services, concluded the event with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to “all partners and participants for advancing this crucial cause.”

“Sexual and gender-based violence concerns us all,” the organisers emphasised.

Sexual and gender-based violence, ranging from harassment, intimidation, and coercion to physical and sexual abuse, is a widespread issue across Nigeria.

Workplace harassment not only affects individuals’ mental and physical health but also reduces productivity, increases staff turnover, and undermines organisational growth.

News

Snoop Dogg ‘In Love’ With Australian Rules Football

Published

6 hours ago

September 25, 2025

Editor

American rapper Snoop Dogg said he was “in love” with Australian Rules football Thursday, ahead of a controversial performance at the sport’s grand final.

The 53-year-old will take to the stage at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, which will be jammed with up to 100,000 fans watching as Geelong face Brisbane.

“I’ve been coming to this country for years and I understand what this game is and what it means,” he told Australian media at a function where no questions were permitted.

“I know that it’s not just a sport, it’s a way of life. I just fell in love with the sport,” he added.

“I always would watch it, but never really understood it.

“It reminded me of American football, rugby and a couple of other things, but now that I understand it, I like it and want to know more about it before the grand finale.”

AFL, which is similar to Ireland’s Gaelic football, traces its roots back to 1858 and is Australia’s most popular spectator sport.

Snoop Dogg was a controversial pick for the grand final entertainment, given his past use of misogynistic and offensive lyrics in some of his songs.

The AFL was accused of hypocrisy for hiring him in August while at the same time banning Adelaide star Izak Rankine for four games over a homophobic slur against an opponent.

AFL chief Andrew Dillon defended the decision to hire the American, whose real name is Calvin Broadus.

“I’ve been really confident with the choice of Snoop,” he said.

“He’s performed at the Olympics, he’s performed at a Super Bowl, and he’ll suit our stage.”

AFP