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NBA president meets CDS, decries lawyers’ harassment
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe (SAN), has bemoaned the persistent attacks on legal practitioners by security agencies in the country.
He bemoaned the case of two lawyers, Okorie Kevin, who was reportedly detained by the Navy for over 120 days and Mr Ernest Okpaga, who was unlawfully detained and assaulted by officers of the Nigerian Police Force.
Speaking on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters, where he was received by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, the NBA President raised the case of Kevin, calling for intervention.
Osigwe also brought the attention of the CDS to reports of military checkpoints being used as avenues for extortion by some unscrupulous personnel.
He criticised the practice of collective punishment in communities experiencing crises involving the military.
The legal luminary stressed the need for a collaborative relationship between the NBA and the military to ensure justice, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Gen Musa, in his response, acknowledged the issues raised by the NBA President.
While denying knowledge of Kevin’s case, Gen Musa assured the NBA President that immediate steps would be taken to investigate and resolve the matter.
He said the Defence Headquarters remained committed to maintaining a people-centric approach and adhering to rules of engagement when interacting with civilians, including lawyers.
The CDS expressed a willingness to collaborate with the NBA to strengthen mutual understanding and ensure adherence to the rule of law.
He assured the NBA that any soldier found engaging in unlawful activities at checkpoints would henceforth face disciplinary action.
In a separate press statement on Tuesday, Osigwe, while hosting members of the NBA National Litigation Committee in Abuja, commended the committee for professionalism, dedication and proactive response to Okpaga’s matter.
He added, “The commitment demonstrated by the National Litigation Committee in addressing critical issues affecting lawyers is a testament to the strength and integrity of the NBA.”
Osigwe reiterated that the NBA remained resolute in its commitment to defending the rule of law and safeguarding the sanctity of the legal profession.
Finally, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu said the decision would take effect from April 30, 2026, to allow for a smooth transition.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture, President Bola Tinubu, has sent a formal communication to the House of Representatives on seeking legislative approval for the repeal and re-enactment of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (NPTF) Establishment Act, 2025.
The request which was transmitted to the House for consideration and passage on Wednesday at plenary, underscores the need to improve the management and administration of the fund, enhance police training, and provide modern equipment for the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the letter,, the proposed amendment is aimed at boosting the operational capacity, accountability, and sustainability of the Police Trust Fund in line with current security challenges.
The President urged lawmakers to give the bill expeditious consideration, as the said the reform will improve the welfare of police personnel and support skill development across the force.
In another development, the House Committee on Rules and Business has moved to tighten legislative discipline, directing all standing and ad hoc committees to submit reports on bills and motions within set timelines in line with House procedures.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Francis Uwaive, reminded all committee chairmen to treat all assigned matters within 30 days, with the risk of losing such assignments after 60 days if no progress is made, except where a short extension is granted.
A firm deadline has also been set for all outstanding reports, with the end of April 2026 as the cut-off point, and non-compliance attracting automatic discharge.
Amid the formal proceedings, lawmakers briefly paused to celebrate two members marking their birthdays, acknowledging their contributions to public service and national development.
The mood later shifted as the House paid tribute to a former member of the Fifth Assembly, observing a minute’s silence in his honour following his passing after a prolonged illness.
He was remembered for his dedication and service to his constituents in Benue State, with colleagues noting that his death represents a significant loss to the legislature and the country.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that their naval forces stopped two ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz and directed them to the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic.
“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval force this morning identified and stopped in the Strait of Hormuz two violating ships,” the Guards said in a statement.
“The two offending ships… were seized by the IRGC’s naval forces and directed to the Iranian coast.”
They identified one ship as “MSC-FRANCESCA”, which they said belonged “to the Zionist regime” in reference to Israel, and the other as “EPAMINONDAS”, which they said was “tampering with navigation systems and jeopardising maritime security.”
The Guards further warned against any action against the regulations imposed by the Islamic republic in the strait “as well as activities contrary to the safe passage” through the waterway.
Tehran has said vessels must seek permission to leave of enter the Gulf through Hormuz, through a route that in peacetime accounts for a fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports along with other vital commodities.
Source: AFP
BREAKING: Finally, Power Minister, Adelabu resigns from Tinubu’s cabinet
Reps Begin Review of Police Trust Fund Law, Tighten Timeline for Committee Work
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