Former Edo State deputy governor, Marvellous Omobayo, on Friday escaped a three-month imprisonment for contempt of court after the intervention of his counsel, Ken Mozia, SAN, his apology and an agreement reached with former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu to resolve the matter out of court.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja disclosed during Friday’s proceedings that, his ruling in the matter was ready and that, he had been prepared to commit Omobayo to the Kuje Correctional Centre for three months without an option of fine.

The judge, however, took into consideration the apology and remorse expressed by Omobayo and the steps taken by both parties to resolve the dispute.

Justice Omotosho said the proposed jail term was intended to serve as a warning to public officials, particularly members of the executive and legislative arms of government, against disobeying court orders.

According to the judge, “Let me just tell you, I would have sent you to three months imprisonment with no option of fine. I wanted to use you as an example for others, especially the executive and legislature, who are always in the habit of disobeying court rulings.”

Justice Omotosho said, judgement of the court must be obeyed and that, the sanctity of the temple of Justice must also be protected and warned Omodayo not to make any attempt to disobey a valid order of court.

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The judge consequently vacated the delivery of the ruling in the contempt proceedings which arose from a judgment he delivered on July 17, 2024, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/478/2024, in which the court voided Shaibu’s impeachment as Deputy Governor of Edo State and ordered his reinstatement.

The court had held that the Edo State House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in impeaching Shaibu and that the allegation of gross misconduct relied upon by the lawmakers was untenable in law.

Omobayo, who was sworn in as deputy governor on April 8, 2024, following Shaibu’s impeachment, was subsequently accused of refusing to vacate the office despite the court’s judgment and
Shaibu consequently commenced contempt proceedings against Omobayo.

During Friday’s proceedings, Omobayo expressed regret over his actions and apologised to the court and Shaibu.
In an affidavit he deposed to, which he read before the court, Omobayo described himself as the alleged contemnor and said he regretted the actions that led to the contempt proceedings.

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He apologised for any inconvenience caused to the court and the judgment creditor, insisting that he did not intend to disrespect the court or disregard its July 17, 2024 judgment.

Omobayo further undertook not to engage in any conduct that would violate or disobey the judgment and also undertook not to present or describe himself as the Deputy Governor of Edo State in official or private correspondence, public functions, publications, social media communications or otherwise.

He similarly undertook not to exercise or purport to exercise any powers, functions, privileges or responsibilities attached to the office of Deputy Governor of Edo State, in accordance with the judgment and subsisting orders of the court.

The development followed an earlier request by Mozia, SAN on September 23 for more time to enable the parties to complete negotiations aimed at resolving the dispute.

Mozia told the court that his team had met with Shaibu’s lead counsel, Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, and that extensive discussions had taken place and had agreed on what to do.

The lawyer appealed to the court for additional time for the parties to reconcile their positions.

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Shaibu’s counsel, Kunle Lawal, confirmed that reconciliation efforts were ongoing and did not oppose the request for a short adjournment, a request the judge granted and subsequently adjourned the matter to Friday for ruling.

The judge noted that it was unusual for him to suspend a ruling on the day it was scheduled to be delivered, but said he granted the request out of respect for the senior counsel and because of the ongoing reconciliation.

The contempt charge, dated September 13, 2024, was filed by Ogunleye on September 19, 2024.

Shaibu had sued the Inspector-General of Police, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, the Attorney-General, the Chief Judge of Edo State, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and the Edo State House of Assembly as defendants in the substantive suit.

The July 17, 2024 judgment subsequently became the basis of the contempt proceedings against Omobayo following his continued occupation of the deputy governor’s office.
(TRIBUNE)

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 50-year-old Nicholas Nusa, for allegedly impregnating a minor.

The command operatives also arrested a man claiming to be a military personnel, killed a suspected kidnapper, arrested another for alleged car theft and recovered arms and ammunition in a state-wide raid.

The command Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen, said: “Within the past week, the command have arrested a total of 10 suspects for violent crimes, neutralized 1 suspected kidnapper, recovered 1 AK 47 Rifle, 10 7.62 mm live ammunitions, 1 barrette pistol with 14 live ammunition.”

The statement reads, “On 12th September 2026, the Command received information on the alleged abduction of five female children from the Ibillo/Imoga axis of Akoko Edo local government area. A 50 year-old suspect, Nicholas Nusa, was arrested following police intervention.

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“Preliminary investigation revealed the children were sexually abused, he impregnated one of them who went into early labour. The victim lost the baby after surgery. The children have been reunited with their families and suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

“On 8th September 2026, operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested Sunday Irabor at Efe Classic Crown Hotel, near Oluku Market. Items recovered include three mobile phones, a Samsung tablet, wristwatch and some cash in Naira and Dollars, investigation by the Violent Crime Response Unit has revealed that the suspect is a notorious criminal and has confessed to several criminal activities within the State.

“On 7th September 2026, a report was received concerning the theft of a Toyota Camry with registration number BEN 572 BT. Thorough investigation and tracking by the Violent Crime Response Unit led to the arrest of the suspect, identified as the complainant’s driver, Isiaka Suleiman, in Warri, Delta State, and the recovery of the vehicle. The suspect and vehicle have been handed over to the VCRU for further investigation.”

The statement continues, “In a related incident, On 17th September 2026 at about 1400hrs, Operatives of Iguobazuwa Division on stop and search following emergency message received from the command control room recovered a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla, registration number GGE 675KR, belonging to Yikodeen Company Limited which was stolen from Lagos state.

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“The vehicle was intercepted while on its way to Port Harcourt to be sold with its number plate detached and concealed inside the vehicle. The driver, 21-year-old Ahmed Musa Abubakar, has confessed to the offense and the vehicle has been released to the company.

“On 17th September 2026 at about 07:00hrs, based on credible intelligence, police operatives raided the premises of one Collins Aligwekwe ‘m’, 28 years, at No. 4 Sofia Street, Ovbiogie Community. During the search, one English Beretta pistol and 14 rounds of live 9mm ammunition were recovered concealed in a purse inside a bag of rice in the kitchen. One God’stime Erohuomhea ‘m’, 28 years, was also arrested at the premises. The suspects and recovered exhibits are in custody as investigation continues.

“Also, on 15th September 2026 at about 10:00hrs, following a distress call from community leaders that suspected kidnappers had entered a farm road, police operatives, in collaboration with Edo State Security Corps and local hunters, promptly mobilised men to the area.

“On sighting the operatives, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, leading to a gun duel during which the operatives overpowered them and one suspected kidnapper was neutralised. One AK-47 rifle with 10 rounds of live ammunition was recovered, while the bush is being combed for possible arrests and recovery of additional arms. Monitoring and intelligence efforts remain ongoing.

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“On 16th September 2026 at about 14:00hrs, personnel of 195 Battalion, Agenebode, stationed at Okpella, arrested one Mohammed Manfred Abdulramah, 32, of Okene, Kogi State, along the Auchi–Okene Expressway for suspected impersonation.

“The suspect, who was travelling from Warri, Delta State, to Okene, was found dressed in military camouflage trousers and a camouflage vest. During Police Investigation it was discovered that the suspect is not a military personnel and stole the uniform from a Navy officer based in Niger State. Preliminary investigation is ongoing.”

According to the statement, these operations underscore the Command’s sustained commitment to intelligence- led policing, rapid response and relentless pursuit of persons involved in kidnapping, violent crime, sexual offenses and other criminal activities across Edo state.

Ikoedem also said that the recovery of the stolen vehicles, the arrest of suspects and the disruption of criminal activities within the period under review demonstrate that the Command remains firmly on the trail of criminals and will continue to deploy all available resources to protect lives and property.

The statement reiterated the command’s call on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information to the Police, assuring the people of Edo State that no effort would be spared in bringing perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

Gunmen in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State struck again at a vegetable market, killing five persons and injuring many others.

According to Nigerian Tribune, the gunmen attacked the market at about 8:45 p.m. on Friday when the traders were about closing for the day, opening fire at random on the people and forcing them towards various directions.

A source who escaped the attack told Sunday Tribune that in the confusion that ensued, some traders were injured and others hit by bullets, adding that the attack lasted for about 20 minutes.

The source said: “The unfortunate incident caused a pandemonium in Mangu town as people could not come out of their hiding even when the gunmen had gone. Five persons were killed and many were injured.”

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President of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Deacon BulusDabit, who confirmed the incident, said the gunmen also shot at vehicles leaving the vegetable market.

Dabit said the identities of the victims were not immediately known, adding that several passers-by were injured and were being treated at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.

He said: “Around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, gunmen shot several times at a vehicle leaving the vegetable market in Mangu..

“The names of the victims are not known yet. Several passers-by were injured and are being treated at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.”

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The attack came only hours after the MDA raised concerns over continued threats to communities in Mangu, claiming that more than 750 Mwaghavul people had been killed since 2023.

In a related development, the Plateau State Police Command has recovered 10 rifles, 54 live ammunition and arrested 25 suspects in its August operations.

Addressing newsmen, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ayodeji Faniyan, said those arrested were linked to various offences, including arms possession, kidnapping, drug abuse, armed robbery, theft and sexual offences.

Faniyan said the achievements formed part of the command’s intelligence-led policing strategy, proactive crime prevention measures, rapid response to security threats and strengthened collaboration with communities and other security agencies.