News
Chicken Theft: Man Freed From Death Sentence Shares Prison Notes
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
An Osun man who was sentenced to death over the theft of a fowl has recounted his harrowing experiences in prison, calling for urgent reforms in the criminal justice system.
He began by emphasizing that he harbors no ill feelings toward the judge or anyone involved in his case, but he highlighted systemic failures that led to his ordeal.
Sharing his insights, he urged the police to act with responsibility and civility in their duties. “The police should thoroughly investigate and weigh the level of an offense before rushing to try suspects in court. Not everyone will have the grace of coming out of such experiences with a good heart or improved character,” he said.
He stressed the importance of reforming individuals accused of minor offenses instead of exposing them to hardened criminals in prison. “I have seen many instances where people jailed on trumped-up charges or for minor crimes became hardened criminals after leaving prison,” he revealed.
The former inmate described the predatory behavior of long-term convicts, who often exploit vulnerable newcomers, particularly minors. “Some hardened criminals, who have spent 25 to 30 years in jail, prey on these innocent minors. They manipulate them with small items like tea or garri and force them into acts of sodomy,” he disclosed.
Hunger and lack of support make young inmates easy targets. “These minors often fall for these tricks because they are hungry and have no one to help them. Sadly, this exploitation occurs frequently,” he added, urging police and courts to consider the long-term implications of incarcerating young offenders alongside hardened criminals.
Prison Conditions
Discussing the prison conditions, he highlighted overcrowding as the biggest challenge. “The congestion is severe. Fifty inmates are crammed into a room meant for ten people. We sleep like fish packed in a carton, with every inch of space measured for each person,” he explained.
He expressed concern for innocent individuals who remain imprisoned without hope of release. “Many people have spent over 30 years in prison and are due for freedom, but they have no one to help them. I pray to be a voice for their liberation,” he said passionately.
The man concluded by urging the justice system to ensure fair trials, proper investigations, and alternative measures for minor offenses. He called for improved prison facilities to preserve the dignity and rights of inmates, especially the vulnerable.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says there will be a seven-hour power outage in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said the affected areas will experience blackout on Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day.
She attributed the action to scheduled annual preventive maintenance on two transformers.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria informs the public that its maintenance crew will conduct annual preventive maintenance on the 2x100MVA, TR3 & TR4 transformers at the Apo 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Abuja,” the statement read.
“The planned power interruptions are unavoidable, as Abuja DisCo will be unable to receive bulk power supply from the transformers during the maintenance period. Power supply will be restored to the affected areas upon completion of the maintenance exercise.”
Transmission Line Tower – TCN
Mbah explained that on Saturday, February 22, the power disruptions will affect the National Hospital, G2 Injection Station, Garki, Area 1, and Asokoro for seven hours.
According to the statement, areas including Apo Legislative Quarters, Apo Resettlement, Gudu, Apo Mechanic, and surrounding areas will also experience a seven-hour power outage.
Mbah explained that the interruption is necessary as Abuja Electricity Distribution Company will be unable to receive bulk power supply from the affected transformers during the maintenance period.
TCN apologised for any inconvenience caused to the affected customers during this time.
“Power supply will be restored once the maintenance exercise is completed. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause the affected electricity customers,” the company said.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of over 100 senior officers to higher ranks within the force.
The decision includes the elevation of 38 Assistant Commissioners of Police to Deputy Commissioners, alongside 100 Chief Superintendents of Police.
The approval was confirmed in a statement by the PSC Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, following an extraordinary plenary session held on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The meeting was chaired by the PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), and attended by key officials, including retired Supreme Court Justice Adamu Paul Galmuje, DIG Taiwo Lakanu, and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani.
Notable officers promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police include Emmanuel Deenom, Olufemi Takeet, and Yusuf Doki Sani, while others like Ibrahim Mohammed Agava and Akinloye Joseph Oyegade were promoted to Assistant Commissioners.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Federal University Lokoja has been shut down following students’ lingering protest.
The students began the protest on Monday following the killings of their colleagues by a trailer who rammed into the school shuttle bus, killing seven people instantly.
The closure of the school was disclosed in a circular with Ref. Number FUL/R/GEN/REGC/03 issued on Thursday by Dr. Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, Registrar and Secretary to Council, and copied Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command Director, DSS Kogi State.
The circular reads “Following the unfortunate loss of the lives of five students to a tragic trailer accident at Felele city centre on Monday, 17 February, 2025, students have barricaded the gates of the university despite magnanimous interventions from the the State Government as well as frantic efforts and appeal by the University Management for calm.
“Accordingly, arising from the advice of the State Security Agencies and to forestall further loss of lives, the Vice-Chancellor after due consultation with Management, has decided on behalf of Senate, that the University (both campuses) be closed down Indefinitely within one hour of release of this circular.
“Students are therefore to vacate the campuses on/or before 12 noon today, Thursday, 20th February, 2025. Please note for strict compliance.”
TCN envisages seven-hour blackout in parts of Abuja
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