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Family Of Slain Policeman Seeks Justice, As Delta DPP Exonerates Main Suspect

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The Delta State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Anthony Orhorhoro, has reacted to the concerns raised by the family of one late Inspector Itobi Green, who was brutally murdered by an armed robbery gang in Delta State.

Inspector Green, along with his colleague, Inspector Bienowu Richard, was violently attacked and robbed of multiple AK-47 rifles.

Despite compelling evidence, including witness statements and the recovery of firearms from his residence, Chief Hyacinth Okolie was released following the Delta State Ministry of Justice’s decision to enter a nolle prosequi, thereby discontinuing the prosecution against him.

Chief Hyacinth Okolie, a prominent figure in the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, was initially arrested in connection with the crime.

Mr. Anthony Orhorhoro, the Director of Public Prosecutions, responded to an inquiry from our correspondent, stating that there was no prima facie case against Chief Hyacinth Okolie that warranted prosecution.

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Adding that those alleging that Okolie was guilty of wrongdoing should reinvestigate their facts.

However, when our correspondent reminded him that charges had already been filed against Chief Okolie under Charge No. A/71/2018, indicating that a prima facie case had indeed been established, Mr. Anthony Orhorhoro ceased communication and directed the reporter to the Commissioner for Justice.

Attempts to reach the Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ekemejero Ohwovoriole SAN were unsuccessful as he did not answer calls placed to his line.

Our correspondent has been unable to get a clear response as to why the Ministry of Justice terminated the prosecution of the suspect.

Two weeks prior, the Green family presented their grievances to federal authorities during a meeting in Abuja. They accused the Delta State Ministry of Justice of prematurely releasing Chief Hyacinth Okolie, who was arrested alongside other members of the gang.

The family maintains that Chief Okolie was identified as the mastermind and leader of the gang, with substantial evidence, including witness testimonies and the recovery of firearms from his home during a police raid.

According to a police investigation report (Reference AB: 4099/DTS/X/D13/VOL 3 dated 30th July 2018) prepared by then-Deputy Commissioner of Police (now AIG) Wale Abass, a nine-man armed robbery gang attacked and robbed Sgt. Ayo Fidelis and Cpl. Daniel Gana of two AK-47 rifles (breach numbers 09981 and 19874) containing fifty-nine rounds of live ammunition on 13th July 2018 and 16th July 2018. The gang also robbed Sgt. Godwin John of an assault rifle (breach number 07015337) with twenty-four rounds of live ammunition at Rain Oil Petroleum along the Benin-Asaba road. Furthermore, Inspector Green, Sgt. Yakubu Mallam, and Inspector Bienowu Richard were attacked and robbed of two AK-47 rifles, one with breach number 0887722 and another without a breach number.

Tragically, Inspector Green was fatally stabbed multiple times by the assailants.

The investigation, conducted by the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crimes Squad (SAKCCS), the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS), and the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), resulted in the arrest of several suspects.

The family of Inspector Green remains deeply troubled by the nolle prosequi decision. They allege foul play and are calling for a thorough investigation by the Federal Government.

Elder Solomon Green, representing the family, has vowed to pursue justice relentlessly, condemning the release of Chief Okolie despite clear evidence and confessions implicating him as the gang leader.

Elder Solomon emphasized that a nolle prosequi does not equate to an acquittal, and he urged that the charges be reinstated.

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APC Leaders in Kano South Urge Senator Sumaila to Rejoin Party

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Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila

 

The Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their Secretaries from Kano South Senatorial District have called on Senator Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila to return to APC.

Speaking on behalf of the 16 APC Chairmen, their secretaries and ward leaders, the APC Chairman of Albasu Local Government, Alhaji Iliya Jibrin Hungu, said the call became necessary considering the value Sen. Sumaila would add to the party if returned.

Hungu added that “if Sen. Sumaila succumbs to our plea and returns to APC, no any other party will shine in Kano south, just as the man will unite the party members in the district.

“We knew the capacity and value of Sen. Sumaila in Kano politics. Though he is not a card carrying member of the APC, yet the man extends his hands of fellowship to all irrespective of their party affiliation.

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“This is the kind of politician we need in APC. We are therefore, appealing to our serving and former APC state lawmakers from Kano south, APC caucus, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Senator Barau Jibrin and the APC state chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas to help us in pacifying Sen. Sumaila to consider our plea.

“We have confidence that Sen. Sumaila will play a greater role in promoting APC in Kano. We really missed the man when he left the party and we are calling on him to return and join us to promote the party together, Hungu said.

The chairman explained that APC needs committed politicians like Sen. Sumaila who always devote their energy and resources for the well-being of their constituents.

He attested that “Sen. Sumaila has no match in Kano south. We really need the man back into the APC. We will be happy if the Senator accept to return to the party.”

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Federal Government Warns Expatriates Against Visa Overstay

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The Federal Government has warned expatriates against overstaying their visas in Nigeria, announcing a $15 daily fine for defaulters starting August 1, 2025.

Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed that expatriates who overstay their visas by more than six months will face a five-year entry ban, while those exceeding one year will be banned for 10 years.

This is part of the new Expatriate Administration System, set to launch on May 1, 2025. The system aims to improve immigration compliance and data accuracy on foreign residents. Expatriates will have a three-month grace period to regularize their status before penalties are enforced. Additionally, the new e-visa system will replace the visa-on-arrival process, allowing travelers to get their visas within 48 hours.

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Prof. Sule Yau Sule, Dr. Ruqayyah Yusuf Aliyu Named to Lead Key IPI Nigeria Committees

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Professor Ruqayya Yusuf Aliyu

 

Muhammad Sani Uba

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has appointed Professor Sule Yau Sule of Bayero University, Kano, and Dr. Ruqayyah Yusuf Aliyu, also of Bayero University, Kano, to head two of its strategic committees as part of efforts to bolster press freedom and professionalism in the media space.

Professor Sule, a renowned communications scholar and respected academic, will serve on the Advocacy Committee as member, while Dr. Ruqayyah chairs the Membership Committee, highlighting IPI Nigeria’s commitment to intellectual depth and diversity in its leadership structure.

The appointments were announced by IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, in a statement issued by the institute’s Secretary, Ahmed Shekarau, on Sunday in Abuja. In total, 30 seasoned media professionals were named to serve across four standing committees – Fundraising, Programming, Advocacy, and Membership.

Mojeed said the reconstitution of the committees would “accelerate efforts to safeguard press freedom and promote ethical journalism practices in Nigeria.”

The Fundraising Committee is led by Ms Funke Egbemode, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), with Alhaji Yusuf Alli as secretary. Members include Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information, Garba Shehu, Juliet Bumah, and Ken Ugbechie, publisher of Political Economist.

Other members are Victoria Ibanga, Olufunke Fadugba, and Gbemiga Ogunleye, a former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.

Prof Sule Yau Sule

Prof Sule Yau Sule

Mr Oladotun Oladipo, Managing Editor of Premium Eagle Ltd, chairs the Programming Committee, with Hajia Sani of Voice of Nigeria as secretary. Members include Zainab Okino, Dayo Aiyetan of ICIR, Catherine Agbo of 21st Century Chronicle, Emma Agu, and Ahmed Shekarau.

Tobi Soniyi, Media Adviser to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, chairs the Advocacy Committee, assisted by Ochiaka Ugwu of Peoples Daily. Other members include Danlami Nmodu, Laide Abbas of NTA, David Ajikobi, and Fred Ohwahwa.

On the Membership Committee, Linda Kpum of IPI Nigeria will serve as secretary, with members including IPI Nigeria Deputy President Fidelis Mbah, Naziru Abubakar, and Dr Bolanle Ismail of Crescent University.

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