News

NBA, Civil Society Members Fume Over Abducted Member In Edo

Published

5 years ago

May 19, 2020

Editor

…Pass Vote Of No Confidence On Security Heads

…Call On IGP To Deploy Team To Investigate Case

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, and Edo Civil Society Organisation members have threatened to make citizen arrest of one ‘Chief Priest Nosaghaire Osadolor’ whom in connivance with his children allegedly abducted a NBA member, Osiobase Omo-Iyoha should security agencies fail to make an arrest on before Friday.

Addressing newsmen in Benin on Tuesday, Chairman, NBA Benin, Prince Collins Ogiegbaen, Esq. disclosed that Omo-Iyoha was abducted on May 9th, 2020 around 5pm at Aduwawa axis of Benin when he made an attempt to separate a man that was mercilessly beaten by Osadolor’s children.

He added that in the attempt to rescue this man from this family he described as threat to the society, Osadolor’s children left their victim and descended on the Barr., beat him to pulp before driving him to unknown place, adding that since then Omo-Iyoha whereabouts is unknown.

“On that faithful day which is the 9th of May, at 5:30pm at somewhere at Aduwawa Benin, Osiobase, being a lawyer saw the children of this man nicknamed Afro mercilessly beating up a man when the lawyer intervened to separate them so that the man could go his way, but they descended mercilessly on Omo-Iyoha, beat him to pulp and took him away, and from that day his whereabouts is unknown”, he said.

Ogiegbaen noted that if a family could be so powerful and terrorise an area and the government of the state could be mute without any action, there is impending danger to in the state.

The NBA Chairman, on behalf of his members called on the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu to urgently deploy his response team to Benin to investigate the adoption of Omo-Iyoha with a view to arresting the culprits.

The NBA called on all security heads to immediately make an arrest of the culprits including Osadolor aka Afro, stressing that failure to do so would be forced the NBA to pass a vote of no confidence on them, including DPO, Aduwawa division for his unprofessional conduct.

“We call on all the heads of security in the state that is: the Commissioner of Police, Brigade Commander, 4th Brigade, Benin, Director of DSS in the state, to within 24hrs of this resolution, arrest the culprits including Osadolor aka Afro, and should they fail, the Bar will summon another meeting and pass a vote of no confidence on their capacity and professionalism to continue with this investigation.

“We also call on the governor of Edo State as the Chief Security Officer of the state to immediately summon a security meeting with the representatives of the Barr. and Civil Society Organisation members in attendance. The security of lives and property in the state is the sole responsibility of the government”, he said.

Speaking, Director-General Edo Civil Organisation (EDOCSO), Agho Omobude promised to lead his members to arrest Osodolor should security agencies fail to do so.

RAED ALSO: 27-year-old Woman In Court For Allegedly Stealing Itel Phone

Also speaking, Public Relations Officer, EDOCSO, Osazee Edigin, called for the deployment of security heads should they fail to make an arrest of the culprits.

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

15 minutes ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

1 hour ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

2 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.