News

Edo Panel Summons CP Kokumo, SP Over Alleged Murder

Published

5 years ago

December 9, 2020

Editor

The Edo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry for victims of SARS and related abuses, yesterday, ordered that the state Commissioner of Police, Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, (though as nominal party) and Superintendent of Police, John . E. Agaga, to appear before it for the alleged murder of five youths in Itsukwi community, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The duo are to appear before the panel on December 21, 2020.

Counsel to the complainant, Chief U. K. Yahaya and four others, Kami Asunogie, told the panel that in less than five minutes, SP. John . E. Agaga allegedly killed five of the youths of the community over a minor conflict between two neighbouring communities that could have been resolved amicably.

He said the youths were only waiting for an address from their village heads to be read when the police rained bullets and killed them.

“The matter started on the 28 December, 2019. An issue between two communities, brother and sister, named Imiakebu and Itsukwi in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo under the jurisdiction of the police station in Agenebode.

“The DPO, whoever invited him, came into the community, killed five youths under five minutes between 12:30 and 12:45 that he was in my village.

“He killed five youths, they died, he abandoned them, the military that were there, have to take the bodies to the mortuary with the assistance of the people of our local community that he has intimidated by his presence.

“Up till today, every attempt to seek justice has been resisted by the police and just the police, particularly the DPO himself”, he said.

The counsel said they decided to approach the panel to ask the police to release the bodies of the dead to the family for burial and to also recommend to government for compensation.

“We have come to this panel to seek for justice. The bodies of our youths that were killed, have to be released to us for burial. They have been in the morgue since December 2019. It is the DPO that is keeping them.

“We want compensation for our community. Those persons, have relations, and, they must be compensated“, he said.

News

Edo Gov Sacks Education Board Chair, Names Replacement

Published

11 minutes ago

October 13, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has removed Dr Maureen Ekhoragbon as Chair of the State Senior Secondary Education Board, effective immediately.

The Secretary to the State Government, Ikhilor Musa, announced the sack in a statement on Monday and named Dr Rita Otibho Erewele as Ekhoragbon’s replacement.

The statement did not give reasons for the dismissal.

Erewele was described as “an accomplished educationist and administrator” with more than two decades of experience in Nigeria’s education sector.

“She holds a PhD in Educational Administration and Planning, along with a master’s and bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Benin.

“Dr Erewcle has served in various leadership capacities, including as a lecturer, education consultant, and senior education officer.

“Her contributions to policy development, teacher training, and curriculum enhancement have earned her recognition for excellence in academic leadership and educational reform,” the statement read.

Earlier this month, Edo State Government announced the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers under the EdoStar Teaching Programme and recruitment of 500 new teachers to strengthen the state’s education system.

Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, said the move reflected Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to rewarding dedication and addressing the dearth of teachers in public primary and secondary schools.

“Come October 15, we are going to present letters of appointment to about 4,000 EdoStar volunteer teachers who have been teaching for the past three years,” he said.

News

INEC Accredits 121 Observers For Anambra Governorship Poll

Published

2 hours ago

October 13, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission has accredited 121 domestic and international organisations to observe the Anambra State governorship election.

The development was announced in an advertisement published by the commission in The PUNCH newspaper on Monday.

Accredited foreign observers include the British High Commission, the European Union, and the High Commission of Canada, among others.

On the domestic front, organisations such as Yiaga Africa Initiative, The Electoral Hub, and the Centre for Democracy and Development have been cleared to monitor the exercise.

The observers are expected to assess the conduct of the election and report on its transparency, credibility, and compliance with democratic standards.

INEC had earlier confirmed that 2.8 million voters are registered to participate in the election.

The Anambra governorship poll, one of Nigeria’s off-cycle elections, is set to take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

The electoral body has released the final list of candidates and announced the official commencement of campaign activities.

Sixteen political parties met the submission deadline of May 12 and will field candidates in the upcoming election.

News

UPDATED: Renowned Evangelist, Uma Ukpai, Is Dead

Published

3 hours ago

October 13, 2025

Editor

Renowned Nigerian evangelist and spiritual leader of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, is dead.

This was confirmed in a statement on Monday by his family, who said he passed away on October 6 2025 at the age of 80.

The family described his passing as a “glorious transition” from a life of devoted service to eternal rest.

Ukpai, widely recognised as a spiritual general and founding father of faith, dedicated over six decades of his life to evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of God’s power.

His ministry impacted millions of lives in Nigeria and around the world, shaping destinies and nurturing spiritual growth across generations.

“He was a faithful soldier of the cross who devoted his life to spreading the gospel with passion and integrity.

“His teachings, prophetic insights, and mentorship have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire believers for years to come,” his family said.

Over the course of his ministry, Ukpai became known for his fiery evangelistic campaigns, transformative teachings, and commitment to empowering both clergy and lay leaders.

Beyond his spiritual work, he was also celebrated as a loving husband, devoted father, and mentor to countless individuals who regarded him as a guide in faith and life.

The family expressed gratitude for the life and work of Ukpai, highlighting that while they mourn his physical absence, they rejoice that he has “finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.”

They assured the public that details of his obsequies would be shared in due course.

Ukpai’s ministry, spanning over sixty years, leaves behind a profound spiritual and social legacy, with churches, educational initiatives, and humanitarian efforts that continue to influence communities globally.

His life, the family said, was a testament to the biblical truth that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).