News

Judge Hands Off Natasha’s Case, Cites Akpabio’s Petition

Published

7 months ago

March 25, 2025

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who was assigned to hear a suit that was filed by the suspended Senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, recused himself from the case.

The trial judge based his decision on a petition the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, wrote to challenge his objectivity in the matter.

Though the suit was originally fixed for hearing, however, when the matter was called up by the court’s clerk, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision in a short ruling he delivered.

He said the case-file would be returned to the Chief Judge for a reassignment to another judge.

It will be recalled that Justice Egwuatu had on March 4, issued an interim order that stopped the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions from going ahead with the disciplinary proceeding that was initiated against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over an allegation that she flouted rules of the legislative house.

He held that the disciplinary process should be placed on hold, pending the determination of the suit that was brought before him by the embattled female lawmaker.

More so, Justice Egwuatu gave defendants in the matter, 72 hours to show cause why it should not issue an order of interlocutory injunction to stop them from probing the plaintiff for alleged misconduct, without affording her the privileges stipulated in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

He granted permission for the plaintiff to serve the Originating Summons and all the accompanying processes on all the defendants, through substituted means.

It held that they should be served by handing the processes to the Clerk of the National Assembly or by pasting them on the premises of the National Assembly and publishing same in two national dailies.

The interim orders followed an ex-parte application and an affidavit of urgency that was brought before the court by the lawmaker.

However, despite the orders of the court, the Senate Committee held its sitting and slammed the plaintiff with a six months suspension.

Following an application by the defendants, Justice Egwuatu subsequently amended the interim order he issued in favour of the plaintiff, by vacating the aspect that barred the Senate from undertaking any activity within the pendency of the suit.

The Senate President had through his team of lawyers led by Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, queried the powers of the court to meddle in the affairs of the Senate.

News

Better Days Ahead, New Bendel Insurance Coach Assures

Published

13 minutes ago

October 14, 2025

Editor

New coach of Bendel Insurance Football Club, Benin, Coach Kennedy Boboye, on Tuesday assured management and Supporters Club of the Benin Arsenal that things will change for good.

Boboye spoke at his official unveiling as the new coach of the Benin Arsenal which was held at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Studium, Benin City.

The new Head Coach, who solicited for cooperation and support from both the management, players and supporters of the club, said with this, he would bring his expertise in football management to bear, and make sure the football club took its position in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Earlier, Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, expressed optimism that, going by the track records of the new coach, the Benin Arsenal would experience the needed change.

“This coach is a proven winner. He knows what it takes to succeed in this league, and he brings with him a mindset that aligns perfectly with the ambition we have for this football club,” he said.

On his part, the Chairman, Bendel Insurance Football Club, Jarrett Tenebe, said though he’s not satisfied with the current position of the football club in the Nigeria Premier Football League, this new coach would restore the lost glory.

Bendel Insurance is in the 19th position of the league with six points.

News

Edo Assembly Commission Questions Clerk Over Alleged Age Falsification

Published

4 hours ago

October 14, 2025

Editor

Edo State House of Service Commission has invited the Clerk of the Assembly, Audu Omogbai, for questioning over alleged age falsification.

The invitation of the Clerk followed a petition by some Concerned Staff of the Assembly.

The petitioners alleged that Omogbai, falsified his age to remain in service.

They alleged that the Clerk’s initial appointment dated back to 1993 and that he has exceeded the mandatory 30 years of service.

The petitioners also alleged that the Clerk has surpassed the mandatory retirement age of 60 as well as obstructing investigation.

The petition reads partly, “The Clerk has allegedly withheld official file records, hindering investigations into these matters.

“We humbly request your intervention to investigate these allegations and take appropriate actions to maintain integrity and adherence to regulations within the Edo State House of Assembly.”

It was gathered that Omogbai has been invited for questioning.

He was invited in a letter signed by Chairman of the Assembly Commission, Sir Ezehi Igbas.

Omogbai was asked to appear before a three-Man Ad-hoc Committee for an interview session.

The Assembly Clerk could not be reached for comments.

News

Abductors Demand ₦5m As Teenager Is Kidnapped In Edo

Published

6 hours ago

October 14, 2025

Editor

A 12-year-old girl has been kidnapped in Ayogwiri community, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The abductors, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen attacked some women on their way from the farm and in the process kidnapped the teenager, and injured some of the women.

This incident was said to have created fear and panic in the community.

It was gathered that the kidnappers of the teenager are asking for N5 million ransom.

‎The community in a statement issued by Engr Vincent Ozemoya, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the community, condemned the incident.

“The BoT calls on all relevant security agencies in the area to rise up and rid our Farms and forest of evil elements, be they herdsmen or kidnappers,” the statement reads

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu could not be reached as at the time of this report.