The Ondo State Government on Monday said it had created a special offences court to prosecute electricity thieves or anybody who commits power-related offences across the state.

The state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi, disclosed this in his office in Akure, the state capital on Monday..

‎Alabi explained that the court was created by the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, to fast-track cases relating to illegal connections, meter bypassing, vandalism, and other violations of the state’s electricity laws.

‎According to him, the new court signalled a zero-tolerance approach to electricity theft, warning to desist from electricity crime as the culprit would face immediate prosecution.

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He said, “The special offences court is meant to prosecute electricity offenders across the state. It began operations about a week ago and was established by the Chief Judge of Ondo State.

‎”We want to appeal to residents and inform them that electricity theft is a criminal offence. Anyone who violates the Ondo State power sector law will be prosecuted.”

‎Alabi further revealed that, to avoid electricity crimes, the state government had procured 50,000 smart meters, which were ready for distribution to residents, noting that smart metering and strict enforcement must go hand-in-hand to build a reliable electricity distribution system.

‎”For this purpose, we have acquired 50,000 meters for immediate deployment and distribution,” he stated.

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‎The commissioner further explained that the newly acquired meters would be monitored remotely from the ministry headquarters, enabling authorities to detect tampering or illegal connections in real time.

‎He also addressed concerns about local communities funding their own transformers and electric poles, describing the practice as an “aberration”.

‎”‎Residents were advised to report infrastructural needs through formal channels rather than spending their own money and later signing away ownership to electricity distribution companies.

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‎”Ordinarily, it is not ideal for consumers to buy electric poles or transformers. It is not normal; it is an aberration. However, the situation we have found ourselves in has pushed us to that point.

‎‎”The Ondo State Government, in time past and even now, is still assisting local communities to procure transformers and install electric poles. We are still involved in electricity expansion projects in some communities. The government has reiterated its plan to acquire transformers for community service, not because it is strictly our responsibility, but as part of our obligation to the people.

‎‎”The electricity business has been privatized, so the power distribution company is supposed to handle these things. We continue to tell people: if you are in need, write to the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau. They will intervene,” Alabi stressed.

The Nigerian Correctional Service on Monday appointed Chief Superintendent of Corrections Jane Osuji as its new Public Relations Officer.

The announcement was made in a statement released by the Controller-General of the Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, who confirmed that the appointment takes immediate effect.

According to the statement signed by the Deputy Controller-General of Corrections, Ado Sale, on behalf of the CG,

“The Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, has appointed Chief Superintendent of Corrections Jane Osuji as the new Service Public Relations Officer with immediate effect.”

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Osuji takes over from Deputy Controller of Corrections Umar Abubakar, who retired on November 19, 2025.

A native of Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, Osuji holds a BSc in Public Relations and Advertising from Lagos State University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.

The Service highlighted her groundbreaking achievement, stating, “The new Spokesperson, who makes history as the first female Service Public Relations Officer of the NCoS, was enlisted into the Nigerian Prisons Service in 2009 as an Assistant Superintendent of Prisons II (as it was then called) and has attended all the requisite courses required for her rank.”

Her professional development includes specialised training such as the Internal Security/Low Intensity Conflict Operations Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.

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Osuji has served in multiple key public relations roles within the Service. The NCoS recalled that “CSC Osuji has had a remarkable tour of duty, having served in the following capacities: Assistant Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, and FCT Command Public Relations Officer before her posting to the National Headquarters as the Assistant National Public Relations Officer at the time, and served under four Controllers-General.”

She also spent eight years working closely with the Ministry of Interior.

“The Spokesperson also worked extensively as Press Secretary to three Honourable Ministers of Interior from 2015 to 2023,” the statement added.

Until her appointment, Osuji was serving at the Public Relations Unit of the Service Headquarters in Abuja. The NCoS noted that “She is happily married with children.”

Nigeria has called on member states of the International Criminal Court to respect the country’s sovereignty and constitutional framework as global cooperation on international justice continues to evolve.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), delivered the message on Monday at the opening of the 24th Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute in The Hague, Netherlands.

Representing President Bola Tinubu, Fagbemi conveyed Nigeria’s appreciation to the ICC and the Assembly for their “tireless efforts in ensuring a successful and meaningful session,” stressing that the country’s commitment to the Rome Statute remains unwavering.

According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the President (Communication and Publicity), Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kamarudeen Ogundele, Fagbemi said Nigeria is determined to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.

He noted that cooperation with the ICC is anchored in the principles of international law and the sovereign equality of states.

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The minister highlighted ongoing national efforts to strengthen compliance with international humanitarian and criminal justice obligations.

These include the High-Level International Humanitarian Law Dialogue convened in May, which brought together ministries, civil society groups and academics to review Nigeria’s adherence to international norms.

Fagbemi added that the government continues to prioritise the protection of civilians during military operations and conducts investigations into alleged violations.

He cited the six-month Demobilisation, Deradicalisation and Reintegration Programme, which he said has reintegrated more than 6,000 former combatants.

He further noted that legislative processes to domesticate the Rome Statute and Additional Protocols I and II to the Geneva Conventions are ongoing, while domestication of the Kampala Convention awaits presidential assent.

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According to the statement, Nigeria recently endorsed the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas and joined the Global Initiative to Garner Political Support for International Humanitarian Law.

Fagbemi reaffirmed that Nigeria has both the capacity and willingness to prosecute serious crimes committed within its jurisdiction in line with the ICC’s complementarity principle.

He said the country looks forward to the “formal conclusion of its situation by the ICC,” adding that Nigeria will continue to cooperate with the Office of the Prosecutor.

Against the backdrop of rising global conflicts, the minister condemned increasing violations of international humanitarian law, the targeting of civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

He also raised concerns over emerging technologies, including lethal autonomous weapons systems, noting that they pose “complex challenges to the protection of civilians and the attribution of responsibility.”

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Fagbemi urged the ICC and the international community to adopt norms and safeguards to ensure that technology “serves humanity and not the reverse.”

He stressed that global justice mechanisms must remain sensitive to the realities of countries grappling with terrorism, insurgency and mass displacement, adding that effective cooperation—including victim support, technical assistance and information-sharing—remains essential.

The AGF reiterated Nigeria’s support for efforts to strengthen the ICC’s independence and credibility but emphasised that Africa’s “peculiar experiences and challenges must be reflected in ongoing ICC reforms.”

Fagbemi also condemned the recent cyberattacks on the ICC’s digital infrastructure, describing them as deliberate attempts to undermine the Court’s independence and erode confidence in international justice. He called for greater collaboration with technology and artificial intelligence experts to safeguard the Court’s systems.

Nigeria congratulated the newly elected member of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims and urged increased voluntary contributions to support its work in reintegration and healing for victims.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to ending impunity for the gravest international crimes, Fagbemi encouraged states that have not yet joined the Rome Statute to do so “in the interest of global peace, justice, and human dignity.”