News
Okuama-Ewu identifies 11 persons Killed By Military, 413 Houses Destroyed

Okuama-Ewu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State has revealed the names of 11 people that troops of the Nigerian Army purportedly shot dead when they overran the community after the killing of 17 military personnel in the riverside town on March 14.
The community, which instituted a fresh N151 billion suit against the Federal Government, Attorney-General of the Federation, Nigerian Army, Chief of Defence Staff, Nigerian Police, and Commissioner of Police, Delta State, at a Federal High Court in Warri, also listed 413 houses, seven churches, shrines, and other properties allegedly destroyed by the soldiers.
A community leader, and one of the three applicants in the new N151 billion suit, Mr. Bernard Esegba, said: “The following are among the people killed by the personnel of the third respondent (Armed Forces of the Federation): Mr. Wilson Eshebi Okorume; Mr. Joseph Ikpitere Ejomafuvwe; Mr. Teddy Ufuoma; Mr. Avwarariko Akpoprobaro, and Mr. Tega Osiko Oyibo.”
“Others are Mr. Meshack Igho; Mr. Hausa Super; Mr. Agbabuneke Okiemute; Mr. Taiga OmoJesu; Mr. Omogre Ashimini, and Mr. Omotegbono Isaac Esapo.”
He stated that during the invasion, the troops “destroyed and burnt buildings belonging to our Okuama community in the nine quarters of the community and left no single building standing.”
“The third respondent’s personnel razed down the entire community as a form of retaliation or revenge for the killing of their said personnel.”
READ ALSO : Delta Bloodbath: Oborevwori Assures Okuama indegenes Of Safe Return As He Visits Troubled Community
The Okuama-Ewu community enumerated 413 houses belonging to different persons, including Archbishop Cyril Odutemu, UgrLowo family compound, Esegba Okolo family compound, Late Bishop Agori Iwe building, Rt. Hon. Godwon Owoko Esegba building, Madam Ugrowo Okoro, Late Pa Emabi hall, and Pa Oghenehwosa Okoro.
“As of the time of this report, the above are those whose damaged or burned buildings/houses in the community we have been able to ascertain. Several other buildings and houses belong to members of our community in the various quarters.”
‘Other properties destroyed’
“I am aware that during the said invasion of our community by the third respondent’s personnel, they also destroyed or burned down the following church buildings: Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Okuama; Okuama Baptist Church; God’s Grace Ministry, Okuama; Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), Okuama; Okuama Catholic Church; Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, Okuama; and Okuama Anglican Church pastorium.”
“They also destroyed the solar electricity power system installed in the various quarters of our community.
“They burnt several personal belongings of our people in our homes and houses, including wrappers (dresses), of men and women, native shirts, coral beads and other expensive pieces of jewelry, shoes, caps/walking sticks, traditional boxes of clothes, air cooler boxes, television sets, refrigerators, deep freezers, and electricity generators, telephone handsets, and cooking utensils, among others.
“They also destroyed food items at home and the Okuama Market, including yams, garri, fish (fresh and dried fish), plantain, bush meat, snails, shellfish of various kinds, rice, beans, and others.
“The above acts of destruction and burning down of our community by the personnel of the third respondent were carried out between March 14 and March 25, 2024.”
READ ALSO: [JUST IN] Okuama Killings: Army Declares Eight Persons Wanted [FULL LIST]
In the notice of application for the enforcement of fundamental human rights filed in the Federal High Court, Warri, between Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, one of the eight persons the Defence Headquarters declared wanted for the killing of 17 military personnel, Mr James Oghoroko, president-general of Okuama community, and Esegba as applicants, on behalf of residents of Okuama, sought 24 reliefs.
The seven respondents are the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Armed Forces of the Federation, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Delta State.
Chief Albert Akpomudje, SAN is leading the 14-man team of lawyers for the applicants, including Prof Joseph Abugu, O. J. Oghenejabor, Chief Emmanuel Omovie, Dr. Jonathan Ekperusi, Mrs. Efe Olomu, and Andrew Ubido, Felix America, Omoefe Evueyere, Oshevire Gbakeji Esq, Simon Sabuka, Miss Oghomaria Erirhe, Princess Omeyoma Eshemitan and Miss Hope-Marina Uduapi.
Among the reliefs they sought from the court is a declaration that the continuing occupation of the Okuama community by the Nigerian Army until date is ultra vires the powers of the Nigerian Army.
A declaration that the declaration of the first applicant as a wanted person by the third and fifth respondents in connection with the killing of personnel of the third respondent on March 14 or thereabout, amounts to defamation of the character and person of the first applicant as a respected university professor and community leader.
A declaration that the so-called declaration also amounts to usurpation of the constitutional responsibility of the sixth and seventh respondents.
An order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents, whether by themselves, their officers, agents, privies, representatives, or howsoever, from further infringing on the fundamental rights of the applicants’ in Okuama community.
An order setting aside the unilateral declaration of the first applicant and other members of the applicants’ Okuama community as wanted persons by the third and fifth respondents as well the killing of personnel of the third respondent on March 14 or thereabout.
READ ALSO: Delta Killings: Military Sets To Build Barracks On Okuama As Demolition Of Houses Continues
An order of perpetual injunction restraining the third and fifth respondents from usurping the constitutional responsibility of the sixth and seventh respondents on investigation of crimes allegedly committed by civilians in Nigeria, under Section 215 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
An order of mandatory injunction directing the sixth and seventh respondents to investigate every allegation of crime levelled against the first applicant, and other members of the applicants’ Okuama community.
An order of mandatory injunction directing respondents to immediately rebuild and immediately rehabilitate members of the applicants’ Okuama community by rebuilding their houses, homesteads, farmlands, churches, shrines, schools, markets, forests, villages, and properties destroyed during the respondents’ unlawful invasion and destruction of the lives and properties of the applicants’ Okuama community.
An order of mandatory injunction directing the first and second respondents to set up a valuation committee that must include representatives of the applicants’ Okuama community, and the Delta State Government to carry out a thorough valuation of the extent of damage and destruction committed in the applicants’ Okuama community by the personnel of the third and fifth respondents.
An order of mandatory injunction directing the personnel of the third and fifth respondents to discontinue their occupation of the applicants’ Okuama community to enable the people of the Okuama community to return to their ancestral homes to treat the wounded, bury the dead, and reintegrate back into their community.
They demanded N150 billion as general damages for the gross violation of the fundamental rights of the applicants’ Okuama community.
The applicants also request one billion naira as general damages for the defamation of the character and person of the first applicant, whom the third and fifth respondents declared wanted in connection with the killing of the personnel of the third respondent on March 14, 2024, or thereabouts.
VANGUARD
News
Lagos Inaugurates 24-hour Traffic Management Operations

The Lagos State Government has launched two transformative initiatives designed to recalibrate traffic governance and restore environmental sanctity across the metropolis.
In a visionary bid to guarantee seamless mobility and safe commuting at all hours, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has formally instituted a 24-hour operational framework for traffic management and enforcement across Lagos State.
The groundbreaking initiative, officially commissioned by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, constitutes a seminal moment in the evolution of Lagos’s transportation governance.
It manifests Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s strategic ambition to ensure the uninterrupted movement of people, goods and services within Nigeria’s economic epicentre—a city that operates continuously, unhindered by congestion or disorder.
According to Giwa, the 24-hour operational regime epitomises the administration’s steadfast dedication to constant vigilance, operational efficiency and disciplined traffic regulation, especially as the metropolis approaches the festive period, traditionally characterised by heightened vehicular and commercial activity.
READ ALSO:‘One-way’ Driver Kills Tricyclist, Flees Scene – LASTMA
This information was contained in a statement yesterday by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq.
He elaborated that the framework is meticulously designed to facilitate continuous monitoring, rapid emergency response and immediate clearance of traffic obstructions irrespective of time, thereby mitigating congestion and enhancing the commuter experience.
“This initiative exemplifies the Lagos State Government’s resolute commitment to safeguarding mobility, preserving lives and sustaining economic productivity through perpetual traffic oversight,” Giwa stated.
A pivotal component of the initiative is the establishment of the Night Rapid Response Gang, a specialised unit within LASTMA charged with swiftly addressing nocturnal traffic incidents, including vehicular breakdowns, collisions and other obstructions along critical arteries of the metropolis.
In tandem with these traffic management reforms, the Lagos State Government also executed a comprehensive clearance operation along Apapa Road, Costain and the Ijora Under Bridge, eliminating illegal structures, shanties and unregulated trading that had long obstructed free vehicular flow and compromised public safety.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: LASTMA Rescues Two Accident Victims In Lagos, Blames Brake Failure
The far-reaching enforcement exercise, spearheaded by Sola Giwa in coordination with LASTMA, the Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police (MOPOL), the Lagos State Task Force and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), culminated in the removal of unauthorised traders, makeshift structures and multiple environmental infractions.
During the operation, enforcement teams uncovered an illegal diesel dumping site and impounded substantial quantities of expired plantain chips and cheese balls, stored under unsanitary conditions—a testament to the government’s prioritisation of public health and environmental integrity.
The exercise followed persistent warnings and public sensitisation campaigns urging illegal occupants under bridges to vacate. Teams also identified blocked drainage channels choked with metallic debris, contributing to perennial flooding and environmental degradation.
Furthermore, several commercial buses and tricycles operating unlawfully along the newly constructed Costain Bridge and Apapa Road were impounded.
READ ALSO:EFCC Probes Travellers Over Undeclared $6m, £53,000 At Lagos Airport
Shanties adjacent to St. Catholic Church School, Apapa Road, were demolished, reinstating the area to its intended urban and educational purpose, while criminal hideouts beneath the Ijora Bridge were dismantled to enhance public security.
Giwa reaffirmed that the Sanwo-Olu administration will not compromise on public safety, environmental protection or the rule of law, stressing that Lagos must remain a city distinguished by structure, order and discipline.
General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, appealed to traders, transport operators and commuters to comply with government directives, utilise designated markets and parking facilities, and actively support the administration’s efforts to maintain a safe, efficient and orderly metropolis.
He emphasised that the integration of 24-hour traffic management with environmental enforcement represents the Lagos State Government’s holistic approach to sustainable urban mobility—one that blends innovative regulation, proactive enforcement and civic responsibility.
News
Delta Assembly Suspends Poly Rector, Bursar Over Financial Misconduct

Delta State House of Assembly has imposed a six-month suspension on the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Professor Emmanuel Achuenu, over alleged financial recklessness, misappropriation of funds, and gross administrative misconduct.
Also suspended for six months is the institution’s Bursar, who was found complicit in the financial irregularities uncovered during the Assembly’s investigation.
The resolution followed the consideration and adoption of a report by a parliamentary investigative committee set up by the House to probe the financial and administrative operations of the polytechnic.
READ ALSO:Delta: Police Officer Arrested Over Shooting Incident
Presiding over the plenary, Speaker Hon. Dennis Guwor said the investigation revealed “multiple instances of unauthorized expenditures and administrative lapses” under Professor Achuenu’s leadership.
Lawmakers described his conduct as a “flagrant abuse of office” and a “violation of the statutes governing public tertiary institutions.”
According to the committee’s findings, the Rector allegedly disregarded the directives of the Governing Council and violated established financial procedures in managing the institution’s resources.
READ ALSO:Police Begin Enforcement Of Tinted Glass, Siren Regulations In Edo, Delta
In its resolution, the Assembly upheld the six-month suspension earlier imposed by the Governing Council, noting that the move was necessary to reinforce accountability and discipline within the institution.
The House also directed the Delta State Ministry of Higher Education to supervise the polytechnic’s affairs during the suspension period to ensure transparency, stability, and adherence to due process.
Lawmakers reaffirmed the Assembly’s zero tolerance for financial mismanagement in public institutions, emphasizing that the decision was aimed at restoring integrity and public confidence in the state’s tertiary education system.
News
Nnamdi Kanu: Court Summons Wike, Buratai, T. Y Danjuma, Uzodinma, Others As Witnesses

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has disclosed that the witness summons requested by Nnamdi Kanu to be issued against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and 22 others to give evidence in his terrorism trial have been signed and are ready for dispatch to the listed witnesses.
Others whose summons have been signed and ready for delivery are Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwoolu and two former Chiefs of Army Staff, General T. Y Danjuma and Tukur Buratai.
They are part of notable Nigerians listed by Kanu to be compelled by the judge to appear in court to give evidence in the terrorism charges slammed against him by the Federal Government since 2015.
Justice Omotosho announced in the open court on Thursday that he had given effect to Kanu’s request, signed the witness summons and that they are available for him to collect and serve on the said witnesses as required.
Kanu, had in a notice to defend, filed on October 21, listed the names of prominent Nigerians, including former and serving governors, ministers, military and security chiefs as his intended witnesses, who he said should be compelled to attend court.
The judge directed Kanu to pick up the witness summons and serve them individually as required by law to ensure quick response of the witnesses.
At Thursday’s proceedings, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, announced that he had fired all members of his legal team.
READ ALSO:IPOB Faults Soludo For Linking Igbo Youths To Kidnapping
Kanu, who announced the decision himself on Thursday, told the court that he was willing and ready to now conduct his own case by himself.
At the resumed hearing in Kanu’s terrorism trial on Thursday, the prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, announced his team for the prosecution.
When it was time for the defendant’s legal team to announce appearance, the leader of the team, Kanu Agabi, SAN, stood up and told the court they were only present out of the respect for the court.
Kanu said they were in court to formally announce their withdrawal from further participation in the trial.
Agabi explained that the reason for their decision “is because the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that”.
He gave the names of the other SANs, who are also withdrawing to include: Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba and one other.
READ ALSO:IPOB Rejects FG’s Ranching Proposal, Says It’s ‘Land Grabbing’
Following Agabi’s announcement, Justice James Omotosho turned to Kanu, who was in the dock, for his response.
Kanu confirmed sacking all his lawyers and told the court that he was willing and ready to conduct his own case by himself.
Justice Omotosho then ordered other members of the defendant’s legal team, who were in court, except the SANs, to vacate the courtroom immediately, a directive they promptly complied with.
The judge then turned to Kanu and asked him to open his case.
In response, Kanu commenced by indicating his intention to make an oral submission, an indulgence the judge granted him despite opposition from the Federal Government lawyer.
Kanu said he would not open his defence as ordered by the court, because he was questioning the jurisdiction of the court to try him, adding: “This is a jurisdictional issue that goes to the heart of this case.”
READ ALSO:Police Fire Tear Gas At #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow Protesters In Abuja
He hinged his objection to the court’s jurisdiction on four grounds, the first being his claim that the Federal Government, through the prosecution, was in contempt of a Court of Appeal judgment, which he said ordered his acquittal and release.
Kanu argued that for the court to grant the prosecution audience, it (the prosecution) must first comply with the said Court of Appeal judgment.
He said the second ground was that the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 and and Customs and Excise Act, under which the charge against him was brought, are repealed laws.
On the third ground, he claimed to have been denied fair hearing. He said his continued detention in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, has denied him the opportunity for adequate consultation with his lawyers to enable him prepare for his defence.
He hinged the fourth ground on his claim that the medical report submitted to the court by a medical team empanelled by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, which certified him fit to stand trial, was forged.
READ ALSO:Jonathan To Meet Tinubu Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention — Sowore
Kanu denied being examined by any medical team, insisting that his blood and urine samples were never obtained for analyses.
He urged the court to declare the proceedings void and order his immediate release in line with the Court of Appeal judgment.
Reacting, Awomolo said Kanu deserved no formal response from the prosecution because all the allegations he made ought to be put down in the form of a sworn affidavit and effectively demonstrated to enable the other party respond appropriately.
Awomolo faulted Kanu’s claim that a Court of Appeal decision acquitted him, arguing that the said judgment was set aside by the Supreme Court in a judgment delivered on December 15, 2023.
He said: “The judgments of the Supreme Court that was given on December 15, 2023 has set aside the judgment they are claiming discharged him.
READ ALSO:Nnamdi Kanu Slams N50bn Defamation Suit Against Reno Omokri
“If he has a preliminary objection he should file it and demonstrate all his claims,” Awomolo said.
The prosecuting lawyer also faulted Kanu’s claim that his right to fair hearing has been breached.
Awomolo argued that Kanu’s claim that the medical report was forged was an indictment on the senior lawyers.who were in his legal team, who, according to him, saw the report and found no fault in it.
He prayed the judge to determine all the issues that Kanu raised in his Thursday’s submission when delivering the final judgment.
In his intervention, Justice Omotosho noted that when the medical report was bought up in court on October 16, he sought the views of lawyers to both parties, who did not raise any objection to the report.
The judge said since the report has been admitted by the court, which acted on same and made decisions based on it, the court could no longer go back on the issue.
He said all the decisions taken by the court, based on the medical report, stand.
READ ALSO:Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial: Court Okays FG’s Bid To Shield Witness Identities
The judge noted that all the issues raised by Kanu in his Thursday’s submission were substantially raised in the no-case submission which the court overruled in a ruling delivered on September 26.
The judge said: “On the 26th of September 2015, I considered those issues and held that he has a case to answer. This was to enable him exercise his right to fair hearing to make his case.”
Justice Omotosho recalled that in the spirit of fair hearing, he vacated this courtroom on Wednesday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm to enable Kanu and his lawyers have a private consultation session, despite the absence of evidence to support his claim that his conversation was being secretly recorded by the DSS, in whose custody he is being detained.
The judge said although all the issues raised by Kanu in his Thursday’s submission had previously been determined by the court, the defendant is not foreclosed and he can still raise them at the final written address.
READ ALSO:Travelers Stranded In Rivers As Soldiers Block Road After IPOB Clash
He then proceeded to call on Kanu to open his defence and overruled him when the IPOB leader attempted to insist on his objection to the court’s jurisdiction.
Justice Omotosho said: “I call upon and appeal to the defendant to open his defence. I beg the defendant, in the name of the Almighty God, to comport himself and conduct his defence.
“This is the opportunity that the Constitution gives him under Section 36. It is a right that he can exercise or waive either expressly or by conduct.
“I beg and I appeal to the defendant to make use of the opportunity, given him by the Constitution to put in his defence, except he choses to waive it either expressly or by conduct.”
At that point, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, intervened and drew the attention of the court to the fact that Kanu’s lawyers’ withdrawal took effect on the morning of Thursday.
READ ALSO:Ijaw Not Biafra, Count Us Out Of Your Planned Attack Military, INC Warns IPOB
He prayed the court to grant Kanu time to gather his thoughts and compose himself for the task ahead.
Taking a hint from what Ikpeazu said, Kanu said: “In the exercise of my right, I wish to state on record that I have not had the opportunity to prepare for my defence.
“I only had three hours yesterday in this courtroom. Section 36 of the Constitution allows me to be given adequate facilities to defend myself. My lord, I need time,” he said.
The prosecuting lawyer did not object, following which Justice Omotosho adjourned till Friday, October 24 for Kanu to open his defence.
He said the opportunity given the defendant to conduct his defence began to run from Thursday.
Entertainment5 days agoAnnie Idibia Finds Love Again
Politics4 days agoOshiomhole Criticised For ‘Eating Own Vomit’
Entertainment4 days agoNed Nwoko Breaks Silence, Blames Regina’s Outburst On Drug Abuse
Politics4 days agoJUST IN: ADC Suspends South-South Vice Chairman Over Anti-party, Insubordination
Politics3 days agoTenebe Fingers Edo APC Chieftains As Plot To Replace Him As Chair Thickens
News5 days agoOPINION: Amupitan’s Magical Marriage To A Buffalo
Metro4 days ago[PHOTOS] #FreeNnamdiKanuNow: Gridlock Hits Abuja Expressway
Headline4 days agoPope Leo Creates Seven New Saints In Historic Vatican Ceremony
News4 days agoBREAKING: PDP Dismisses Anyanwu’s Forgery Claim, Says He Signed Convention Letters
News3 days agoEdeduna Obaseki Descendants Felicitate Benin Monarch On Coronation Anniversary, Birthday














