News

Man Whose Wife Died Of Breast Cancer Demands Release Of His Abducted Four Children By Late Wife’s Family

Published

5 years ago

January 20, 2021

A 43-year-old Mr. Emmanuel Obenetie whose wife died of breast cancer in 2018, yesterday appealed to the Edo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry for victims of SARS and related abuses to compel his late wife’s family to release his four children forcefully taken away by them to him.

Mr. Emmanuel who was at the panel to clear himself of the allegation of negligence levelled against him by his in-laws, said he did all in his power to ensure that she lives but all was to no avail.

Emmanuel, was dragged before the panel by Mrs. Christy Oshogue, elder sister to the late Mrs. Aboshogue Isimeme Obenetie on the allegation that the husband to the deceased did not take care of his wife who died of breast cancer in 2018.

Christy accused him of being responsible for the death of his wife alleging that instead of taking his wife to the hospital for early diagnosis and treatment, he allowed her to be massaging and applying Olive Oil on the breast until it got out of hands.

She also accused him of using the police to assault her and thereby demanding the sum of N15 million as compensation.

Narrating his own side of the story before the panel, husband to the deceased, Mr. Emmanuel said he stood with his late wife through thick and thin.

He said he never abandoned his wife as alleged by his sister-in-law and that the threat from his late wife’s family scared him of visiting the mortuary where she was kept by her family.

He also said that the late wife’s family called to inform him two days to her burial that she would be buried and that without his impute as to how she is to be buried just as he accused them of attacking him and his family members who attended the burial ceremony.

He said he could not state where exactly his wife was buried.

The heart broken man told the panel that he has not set his eyes on his four children for three years now as they were forcefully taken away from him and attempt made by him through the police and other agencies to resolve the issue so that he could have his children back has proven abortive.

He noted that he was so happy to have been dragged before the panel by his sister-in-law believing that it could do justice and the children released back to him.

“By the special grace of God, I am expecting them to make sure that my four children are released to me. They were illegally abducted by my in-laws for about three years now.

“I have written to State Criminal Investigation Department, I have written to NAPTIP, I have written to the Ministry of Women Affairs and I have also written to many agencies concerning this matter and presently, the matter is still in court.

“So, I am expecting this panel to make sure that justice is done and my four children are released to me”, he said

News

UBTH CMD Marks 120 Days In Office, Expresses Commitment To Providing Conducive Working Environment

Published

1 hour ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. (Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu on Tuesday reiterated her commitment to providing a conducive working environment for all staff members.

She spoke at a management and staff assembly, which marked her first 120 days in office.

Speaking during the assembly, Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed her commitment to providing exceptional leadership and called on all UBTH employees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their duties.

The CMD highlighted key achievements and milestones attained since assuming office on August 18th.

She thanked the staff for their dedication and commitment to caring for and serving humanity, emphasizing that UBTH’s functionality relies on their continued efforts.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu also outlined significant interventions made within the hospital under her leadership, including the installation of a state-of-the-art 160-Slice CT Scan Machine, among other advancements aimed at enhancing the hospital’s capabilities and service delivery.

She noted that her administration has prioritized inclusion, accountability, and a renewed sense of direction.

“As we move into 2026, every HOD, unit, and department must develop their own actionable plans and timelines for achieving objectives in tandem with the UBTH-CARES agenda.

“These plans should be practical, measurable, and aligned with the broader hospital vision, ensuring consistent progress across all units.

“We seek the full support, commitment, and collaboration of all staff to sustain and build upon the achievements already recorded.

“My dear colleagues, UBTH stands at a defining moment. The vision is clear, and the challenges are real, but the possibilities are greater.

“Let us move forward together with unity, professionalism, and renewed trust – to build an institution worthy of its history and prepared for its future.” Ize-Iyamu said.

The CMD’s address underscored her vision of UBTH as a citadel of excellence, impelled by a workforce characterized by both professional competence and resolute application.

This continuing commitment to service improvement showcases her deep resolve towards the refinement of healthcare delivery mechanisms, thereby securing the hospital’s ongoing prosperity as captured in her Strategic Agenda ‘UBTH-CARES’

News

FIRS Confirms NIN As Tax ID

Published

5 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has clarified that the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) now automatically serves as the Tax Identification Number (TIN) for individual Nigerians.

The announcement was made on Monday as part of a public awareness campaign on the new tax laws, shared by the FIRS on X.

The Service further stated that registered businesses will no longer need a separate Tax ID. Instead, their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number will function as their official tax identifier under the revised system.

The clarification comes amid public concerns over provisions in the new tax laws requiring a Tax ID for certain transactions, including bank account ownership.

According to the FIRS, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), set to take effect in January 2026, mandates the use of a Tax ID for specific transactions.

The Service emphasized that this requirement is not new, noting that it has existed since the Finance Act of 2019 and has now been reinforced under the NTAA.

“The Tax ID unifies all Tax Identification Numbers previously issued by the FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into a single identifier,” the Service said.

“For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used. You do not need a physical card, as the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly to your identity.”

The FIRS explained that the new system aims to simplify taxpayer identification, eliminate duplication, prevent tax evasion, and ensure fairness by making sure all individuals with taxable income contribute their share.

The Service also urged the public to ignore any misinformation about the reform, assuring Nigerians that the updated tax framework is intended to enhance efficiency and transparency in tax administration.

News

KWAM 1 Withdraws From Awujale Race, Ends Court Challenge

Published

6 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Fuji music legendOtunba Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, Fuji music legendOtunba Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate,

Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, has formally withdrawn from the race for the Awujale of Ijebuland, bringing an end to his legal challenge against the ongoing selection process for the revered traditional stool.

KWAM 1 filed a notice of discontinuation at the Ogun State High Court on Monday, December 22, 2025, signaling his decision to step away from the contest.

The notice was submitted by his legal team, led by Dr Wahab Shittu, SAN, effectively closing a case that had drawn public attention and sparked debate within Ijebu traditional circles.

The withdrawal followed a ruling by Hon. Justice A. A. Omoniyi of High Court 3, Ijebu-Ode Judicial Division, who dismissed KWAM 1’s application for an interim injunction.

The application sought to restrain the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and other parties from continuing with the selection of a new Awujale pending the determination of the suit.

In his ruling, Justice Omoniyi held that the application for an interim injunction lacked merit.

However, the court ruled that the substantive suit could proceed and fixed January 14, 2026, for further hearing.

Despite this opening, KWAM 1 chose to discontinue the case altogether, effectively ending his bid for the throne through the courts.

KWAM 1, who holds the traditional title of Olori Omooba of Ijebuland and hails from the Fidipote Ruling House, had approached the court after the Fusengbuwa Ruling House declared him ineligible to contest for the Awujale stool.

The ruling house maintained that the Fuji icon was not a bona fide member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and therefore could not vie for the throne under its platform.

The declaration of ineligibility had generated controversy, given KWAM 1’s prominence as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musicians and a well-known figure in Ijebu cultural life.

By filing the notice of discontinuation, KWAM 1 appears to have accepted the court’s position on the interim application and decided not to pursue the matter further.

The Awujale of Ijebuland is one of the most influential traditional rulers in Yorubaland, and the process of selecting a new monarch often attracts keen interest from both within and outside Ogun State.