News
Okuama: Court orders military to produce detained leader
The Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, to produce the detained President General of the agrarian Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, in court at the next adjourned date of September 30, 2025.
Justice H. A. Ngajiwa gave the order on Monday, during the hearing of the bail request for Prof Ekpekpo in the suit No: FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, filed before it by the Okuama community.
Prof Ekpekpo, Mr Julius Oghoroko, Mr Bernard Esegba and others were arrested in 2024 over the killing of 17 soldiers who were purported to be on a peace mission in the Okuama community.
Other Okuama leaders arrested by the military between August 18 and 20, 2024, were the President General of the Okuama Community, Pa James Oghoroko; Treasurer, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria and Mrs Rita Akata.
Pa Oghoroko died in a military cell on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
Pa Okugbaye, who was also among those detained, reportedly collapsed in the military cell and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
They were all arrested after the initial invasion of the community by the military, which forced residents to flee and take custody at the internally displaced camp established by the Delta State Government at Ewu.
Following the detention, the community filed a case in court, seeking the release of all their detained leaders.
Earlier before the Monday hearing, counsel for Prof Ekpekpo, Dr Jonathan Ekperusi Esq, had filed and submitted a motion on notice seeking bail for the community President General before the Court.
In its ruling over the bail request, the court ordered “the third and fifth respondents to produce the first applicant (Prof Arthur Ekpekpo) on the next adjourned date.”
The court order read, “After hearing Dr Jonathan Ekperusi Esq, counsel for the applicants, the court, having considered the circumstances of the case, hereby ordered as follows: ‘An order is made against the 3rd and 5th respondents to produce the 1st applicant (Prof Arthur Ekpekpo) in court on the next adjourned date.
“The order is also to be served on the second respondent, the Attorney-General of the Federation.
“The case is adjourned to the 30th day of September 2025 for hearing of the pending motion for bail.”
The Director, Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, did not pick up his calls and was yet to respond to the message sent to him on the matter as of the time of filling this report.
The PUNCH reported that the lawmaker representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, while reacting to the news of the death of Okuama President General in military detention in December 2024, called on the military authorities to release Prof Ekpekpo, Chief Adogbo, Pa Okugbaye, Pa Ahwemuria and Mrs Akata unconditionally or charge them to a civil court without further delay.
News
2027: Tinubu Can Be Shoved Aside If INEC Is Closely Monitored – Dele Momodu
Ex-presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has said it is possible to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election if the opposition gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) close monitoring.
Momodu made the remark during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, stressing that removing President Tinubu from office is not impossible.
According to the politician, who recently announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the opposition needs candidates with the political strength and capacity to challenge the ruling party.
“I don’t know why people think it’s impossible that Asiwaju is not removable. Trust me, as long as we give INEC close marking, and that is why you need candidates who will be able to generate the firepower,” he said
News
VP Shettima, Akpabio, Other Dignitaries Commemorate Armed Forces Remembrance
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade and Wreath-Laying Ceremony took place at the National Arcade in Abuja on Thursday
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, and other dignitaries attended the event.
Vice President Shettima at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, January 15, 2026
The dignitaries were led to the cenotaph in a solemn march by soldiers, where they laid a wreath in remembrance of the fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.
Prayers were also conducted for the living and fallen heroes who fought gallantly for global peace and national integration.
The prayers were led by the Director of Chaplain Services (Protestants) Army, Colonel Rev. B.P. Nyam; followed by the Director of Air Force Islamic Affairs, Group Captain H. Idris; and finally, the Director of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Navy Captain Very Rev. Fr. R.C. Diala.
Following the prayers, a minute of silence was observed in honour of the fallen heroes, immediately followed by the firing of the artillery gun.
The wreath-laying ceremony, which involves the placing of flowers at a memorial site, then commenced at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Leading the wreath-laying ceremony was Vice President Kashim Shettima, who solemnly proceeded to lay the wreath, accompanied by the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya.
Next to lay wreaths were the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
Following them, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, laid her wreath, immediately succeeded by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Abbas Salaheeden, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cameroon.
The Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and the Inspector General of Police also participated in laying wreaths to honour the fallen heroes.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) is observed annually on 15 January. It serves to honor veterans of World War I and II, as well as the Nigerian Civil War, and to commemorate the servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
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Armed Forces Remembrance Day: HoR minority caucus honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes, say “your sacrifices not forgotten”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The House of Representatives Minority Caucus commemorate with Nigerians on 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, says their sacrifices cannot be forgotten.
This was contained in a commemorative message signed on behalf of the caucus leadership by the Minority Leader, Rep Kingsley Ogundu Chinda stating that:
“Today, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives joins the rest of the nation in solemn reflection as we honour the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism of the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces (past and present) who laid down their lives in defence of our country.
“On this Armed Forces Remembrance Day, we remember with deep gratitude those who paid the ultimate price to preserve Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity, and democratic ideals.
“Their selfless service, often rendered in the face of grave danger and personal loss, remains a powerful reminder that our freedoms were hard-won and must never be taken for granted.
“We also salute our wounded heroes and veterans whose sacrifices did not end on the battlefield, as well as the families of fallen soldiers who continue to bear the pain of loss with quiet strength and dignity.
” Your resilience embodies the true spirit of national service, and the nation owes you an enduring debt of gratitude.
“As a Caucus, we reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.
“This includes sustained advocacy for improved welfare packages, adequate equipment, mental health support, timely pensions, and the fulfilment of all statutory obligations owed to those who have served our nation with honour.
“At a time when our country continues to confront security challenges, we urge renewed national unity, responsible leadership, and collective resolve to support our Armed Forces, not only in words, but through concrete policies and actions that strengthen morale, accountability, and professionalism within the security sector.
“May the souls of our fallen heroes rest in perfect peace. May their sacrifices continue to inspire us to work tirelessly for a safer, more just, and more united Nigeria.
“We remember. We honour. We will never forget.
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