News

NBA Rejects Edo Govt Plan To Try Suspected Looters In Mobile Court

Published

5 years ago

October 26, 2020

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin branch, Monday rejected proposed plan by Edo State government to commence mobile court trial of suspected looters and arsonist, within the premises of the state Police command.

It was gathered that a mobile court was set up to conduct the trial of some persons who allegedly damaged public and private property.

Recall some Benin residents on Saturday invaded few warehouses in Benin believed to be housing COVID-19 palliative distributed by the Federal Government and carted food items.

However, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent in Benin, the chairman of the branch, Pius Oiwoh said the government’s decision was unacceptable, adding that there are existing conventional courts set up to hear such matters.

He explained that using the police command as a venue for sitting would compel those in charge of the mobile court to carry out their orders.

Oiwoh further stressed that the matters cannot be heard summarily.

“Besides, the courts that can hear this matter are intact. By the time you use the police station as a venue for mobile court to be sitting, then be assured that they will do the bidding of the police.

“These are matters that cannot be heard summarily, they are matters for instance, the defendants say they are not guilty they ought to be granted bail, they will go home, and then the matter will be adjourned for hearing; where the defendants will now have an opportunity of calling his witnesses to explain to the court were they where as at that time,” he said.

“Now, when you set up a mobile court with the expectation to hear them summarily, guilty or not guilty they send them to prison, it is not supposed to be like that,” Oiwoh added.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

9 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

9 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

10 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.