News

Rights Lawyer Seeks Withdrawal Of Facebook User’s Alleged Defamation Suit

Published

4 months ago

February 6, 2026

Lagos-based Human Rights Lawyer and secretary, Citizens’ Liberties Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Inibehe Effiong Esq. has called on Akwa Ibom State government to halt the ongoing defamation suit against one Princess God’sown Udoito, a facebook user, describing it as unnecessary and drain on the state resources.

Udoito is standing trial on charges bordering on criminal defamation against Governor Umo Eno, threats, publication of false information and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

Effiong, who appeared in court as a trial observer of the case, urged the state government to channel its resources to developmental projects in the state, not to look for comments or posts on social media by citizens against the governor.

He said Governor Eno should understand that he is serving the public and bound to face criticism sometimes. He added that the governor should rather look into the allegations by Udoito and not shut her down with legal battle.

The Rights lawyer pointed out that one of the charges against Princess Udoito was, ‘Sedition’ noting that sedition is unknown to the law as the court of appeal had since declared the offense of sedition unconstitutional.

He observed that the foregoing, Governor Umo Eno had not come out to complain of defamation but a lawyer who he described as a ‘busy body’ decided to make a mountain out of a molehill.

According to him, ”To the best of my knowledge, as I’m speaking to you this moment, Umo Eno has not complained that Princess has defamed him and every lawyer knows defamation is personal. It is personal to the person who feels he or she has been defamed.

“This case is a drain on the resources of the state, by the way, if you are prosecuting somebody for allegedly insulting the governor, when will they start prosecuting sycophants of the governor? People that go on social media to lie to paint a false impression about what is going on in the state. So let the charge be dropped. I quite hope people have more serious things to do. You cannot be wasting our resources, chasing everything.”

The activist also expressed reservations over Udoito’s undue detention querying why the DPP should oppose the defendant’s bail? arguing, ”If they are prosecuting, they should tell us, if they are persecuting, they should tell us. So because of insults, she shouldn’t be on bail? If this trial is to subsist for the next one month, two months, five months, she’s going to be there because of a comment she made?”

Earlier, the first prosecuting witness,(PW1) Emmanuel Nicholas Udo, Esq., Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Documentation and former Chairman of the NBA, Uyo Branch had told the court during the opening of hearing that the defendant through her Facebook account, made videos that could threaten the internal security of the State and the person of the Governor.

Led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Friday Itim, Esq, the witness said the defendant in the videos alleged that Governor Eno fraudulently sold ancestral lands belonging to her people, the Ekid people to a private company, BUA and embezzled the proceeds.

The witness also told the court that the defendant, in one of the videos, claimed to be a custodian of certain traditional deities of Ekid land and invoked them against the Governor, members of the government and others allegedly involved in what she described as fraudulent land transactions.

According to the witness, the defendant also accused the Governor of stealing, described him as a liar and alleged that he was hiding under the cover of government to commit fraud. He said he subsequently instructed a lawyer to petition the State Commissioner of Police to investigate the allegations to safeguard lives and public order in the state.

Responding, defence counsel, Akpadiaha Ebitu, Esq., former Chairman of the NBA, Eket Branch, told the court that the notice was served on him in court via a flash drive, which he had not yet accessed and requested time to review its contents, citing the need for adequate service as required by law.

After listening to counsel, the trial judge, Justice Winifred Umohandi, adjourned the matter to Wednesday, 18th February and Thursday, 19th February, 2026, for continuation of hearing and cross-examination of the first prosecution witness.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
‎

News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.