By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The monarch of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, has been remanded at the Ilaro Correctional Centre in Ogun State after failing to fulfill his bail conditions.

The spokesperson for the correctional facility, Yinka Odukoya, confirmed that Oba Ogunjobi having failed to meet his bail conditions has remained in the custody of the Correctional Service.

Odukoya stated, “Yes, he is in our custody, which means he has been unable to meet the bail conditions granted by the court yesterday. However, as soon as he does, he will be released.”

The charges against Ogunjobi stemmed from a viral video showing him assaulting 73-year-old Abraham Areola.

The Ogun State Police Command had charged Ogunjobi with conspiracy, assault, and behavior likely to cause a breach of the peace. The charge sheet specifies that the incident occurred on January 21, 2025, at Sojuolu Street in the Ifo Magisterial District, where Ogunjobi allegedly conspired with others to assault Areola by slapping him on the face and ear.

Additionally, the charges accuse him of causing a public disturbance by forcing Areola to kneel and assaulting him in front of others

The charge states, “That Abdul-Semiu ‘m’ and others at large, on 21st January 2025, at about 1100 hrs at Sojuolu Street, Ifo Magisterial District, did conspire to commit a misdemeanour, to wit: assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.”

It further reads, “That you, Abdul-Semiu ‘m’, and others now at large, on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did unlawfully assault one Areola Abraham by slapping him on the face and ear, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 351 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.”

In addition, the charges state, “That you, Abdul-Semiu ‘m’, and others at large, on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did conduct yourselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by forcing one Areola Abraham ‘m’ to kneel down and assaulting him in public, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 249 (d) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.”

Oba Ogunjobi appeared before Magistrate F A Iroko and pleaded not guilty to the charges and was admitted to bail. Among the conditions for bail, Oba Ogunjobi was to provide two sureties, each in the sum of ₦5 million, who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. The case has been adjourned to March 6 for a hearing.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A tragic incident occurred in the Ukubie community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, last Monday, when a woman, identified as Madam Stella, drowned her six-year-old daughter, Rachael, in a moment of uncontrollable anger.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened after Rachael repeatedly ignored her mother’s warnings to stay away from the river. Despite previous scoldings, the child ventured to the waterfront again, prompting Stella to confront her. In a fit of rage, she allegedly grabbed her daughter and threw her into the river twice, leading to her untimely death.

The shocking event left the community in disbelief. Confronted by residents, Stella admitted to the act, expressing deep remorse.

“I regret my actions. I never knew it would happen this way,” she pleaded.

A relative, Jeph Nation, described the tragedy as particularly painful.

“I have already recorded two deaths in my paternal family in Ukubie this year. Each one has been heartbreaking, but this is the most devastating,” he lamented.

Viral Videos Capture the Aftermath
Videos circulating online show Stella surrounded by an angry crowd, speaking in the Ijaw language and confessing to the act. Another clip captures her sitting in a boat beside her daughter’s lifeless body as it is being transported away.

Despite the public outcry, Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, stated that the authorities had not yet received an official report on the incident. However, it is expected that law enforcement will investigate the matter thoroughly

This heartbreaking event has sparked conversations about parental discipline, anger management, and child safety, with many calling for greater awareness and support systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for medical doctors and other healthcare professionals in Nigeria, extending it from 60 to 65 years.

The announcement was made by the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Mannir Bature, in a statement released on Wednesday. He also confirmed that the president has sanctioned the allocation of funds to clear outstanding arrears owed to healthcare workers.

Policy Implementation and Final Approval
Dr. Bature revealed that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has been directed to formally present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for final ratification.

According to him, the policy shift was conveyed by Prof. Pate during a key meeting with NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, alongside major stakeholders in the health sector.

Payment of Outstanding Salary Adjustments
In addition to the retirement age extension, the minister confirmed that payments related to adjustments in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) would soon be disbursed.

Dr. Bature noted that President Tinubu has authorized updates to both the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) to reflect the new minimum wage implementation.

“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” Bature stated.

He emphasized that the corrections are in the final stages, ensuring long-awaited financial relief for doctors and healthcare professionals. This policy update is expected to positively impact members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), leading to better remuneration and improved healthcare service delivery across the country.

Implications for the Healthcare Sector
This development is seen as a strategic move to address brain drain in the healthcare sector by improving working conditions and financial incentives for medical professionals. With the new retirement age and salary adjustments, the government aims to retain experienced personnel, enhance healthcare services, and ensure a more sustainable workforce in the medical field.

The implementation of these reforms is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, fostering better motivation and productivity among healthcare workers nationwide.