Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Heliconia Park, a homegrown hospitality brand, has explained that it decided to keep investing in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, because of the city’s energy, commerce and culture.

Speaking at the launch of the Heliconia Park Port Harcourt Hotel and Resort at the Aba Road Estate, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the park, Pasquale Fiore, described the Rivers capital city as a destination and home of excellence.

He said the company’s investment underscored its commitment to the city, its people and its future recalling that the firm started in 2022 with the opening of its Hotel in the city followed by the Lagos Luxury Apartments and Suites in 2024.

Fiore said: ‘This is not just another hotel. This is a destination and a home for excellence. Port Harcourt has long been a hub of energy, commerce, and culture, and by investing here we reaffirm our commitment to this city, its people, and its future.

Heliconia Park was founded on the belief that true luxury is welcoming, personal, and tailored, and this resort embodies that very spirit.

‘We started Heliconia Park in 2022 with the opening of its first hotel in Port Harcourt, followed by the Lagos Luxury Apartments and Suites in 2024, officially inaugurated in February 2025.

‘The launch marks a significant milestone in the brand’s growth journey in Nigeria, each chapter reflecting a vision of fine hospitality rooted in excellence, inspired by culture, and crafted with timeless standards of service’.

Also speaking, Mike Epelle, Director at Heliconia Park, said the arrival of Heliconia Park Hotel and Golf Resort was a welcome addition to Port Harcourt.

‘It reflects the city’s growing appeal as both a business and leisure hub, and we are proud to see such an investment that will not only elevate hospitality standards but also contribute to local tourism and economic growth’, he said.

Residents of Akinlalu community in Ife North council area of Osun State are crying for justice over the killing of at least three of their members and injury of many others by operatives of Amotekun Corps in the state. Amotekun is the local security outfit raised by governments of South-west states to foster security at the grassroots in complement to operations of the Nigeria Police.

Akinlalu residents said an unprovoked attack on their community by Amotekun personnel 30th September resulted in four fatalities, with eight others – mostly women and youths – severely injured. Among those killed were three children of the Aro of Akinlalu, Chief Kamorudeen Oyebamiji – two from his younger wife and one from the elder. ‘Hooded Amotekun corps killed my three children in a single day,’ he was reported lamenting. Community ruler, Alakinlalu of Akinlalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, demanded justice for the slain and denied claims by Amotekun that persons killed were bandits. According to him, it was innocent residents attacked at the market square. He implored community youths to stay calm and trust in government’s ability to bring erring corpsmen to justice.

The Osun Amotekun had in a statement claimed its operatives acted in self-defence after being ambushed by hoodlums, and that the encounter left three people suspected to be hoodlums dead. ‘Our men were ambushed while attempting to retrieve two rifles forcibly taken from them during an earlier confrontation with suspected thieves. In the exchange of gunfire that followed, three of the attackers were neutralised,’ its statement read in part.

But community members insisted it was wild cat aggression perpetrated by corpsmen suspected to be under the influence of drugs. Akinlalu Youth Leader, Musbau Adeboye, said: ‘We heard there was theft of farm produce at Abaoba, a village under Akinlalu. Amotekun men went there and arrested suspects. Later, we learnt two rifles were seized from them by the sons of a retired soldier. The next day, they returned heavily armed and started shooting indiscriminately. By the time I arrived, it was a gory sight. The whole community looked like a slaughter slab.’

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed shock over the violence and said he had ordered full-scale probe. ‘This matter is being investigated and any infraction will be dealt with within the context of the law,’ he said in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

The police said they would ensure those involved in the mayhem were apprehended and prosecuted. Last week, police personnel stormed Amotekun Corps’ operational bases in Oke-fia, Osogbo, and Ife Central division in Ile-Ife where they arrested a number of corpsmen and sealed off the facilities.

The Akinlalu incident raises the red flag again about allowing secondary security outfits to bear lethal arms without worsening the challenge of misuse.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Frontiers in Enugu North Senatorial Zone has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to appoint an indigene of the area as minister, lamenting that the zone has never produced one since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

In a statement titled ‘A Humble Request for You to Break the Jinx’ jointly signed by the group’s National Convener, Ejikeme Ugwu (Agunechemba), and National Secretary, Sydney Eze, the group described the situation as ‘a clear manifestation of marginalization and lack of fairness.’

According to them, while Enugu West has produced four ministers (57%) and Enugu East three (43%) since 1999, Enugu North has had none, despite constituting over 52 percent of the state’s population.

The group argued that their zone has consistently supported the APC and nurtured the party’s growth in Enugu, stressing that many qualified professionals, technocrats, and loyal members from the area are capable of serving in the Federal Executive Council and other federal positions.

They noted that between 2015 and 2023, no person from the zone held any executive appointment, except General Eze, who served as ambassador, and the late Senator Ayogu Eze, who was appointed a commissioner at the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in 2023.

Appealing for equity, the group urged President Tinubu to ‘renew the hope of the good people of Enugu North’ by appointing a minister from the zone. They pledged continued support for his administration and promised to deliver massive votes to the APC in 2027 if their request is granted.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday urged the Senate to consider and confirm Hon (Mrs) Ayo Omidiran from Osun State as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

The Senate also forwarded the names of 28 other nominees for confirmation for appointment into the agency.

Some of the newly nominated federal commissioners for FCC are Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara State), Babangida Bwala (Bauchi State), Mrs Eunice Thomas (Akwa – Ibom State), Obinna Oriakwu (Abia State), etc.

After reading the letter, Akpabio referred the request to the Senate Committee on Establishment and Inter- governmental Affairs to report back in two weeks.

First runner-up of Big Brother Naija Season 10, Dede Ashiogwu, has shared insights into her journey on the reality show, describing the experience as transformative and deeply fulfilling.

Speaking in Guinness Africa’s ‘The Dip’ series, Dede reflected on her time in the Big Brother house, her personal development, and her relationships with fellow housemates.

She said reaching the final felt like a blessing, expressing gratitude for the support she received throughout the competition.

‘At that time, I actually felt way more grateful than anything. I felt blessed. I’d always rooted for the winner, Imisi, so being the first runner-up was a huge thank-you moment to God,’ she said.

Dede credited the show for broadening her perspective and helping her grow emotionally and mentally. She described Imisi as the funniest housemate, while naming Jason and Koyin as the most competitive. She added that she was the most unpredictable among them.

Addressing her earlier remarks about Jason, Kola, and Koyin being her ‘fishes,’ Dede clarified that her statement had been taken out of context, though she understood why fans might have misinterpreted it.

Looking ahead, the reality star revealed that she has several exciting projects in the works and promised fans fresh, stylish, and engaging content. She also expressed her eagerness to explore new opportunities and continue improving her craft.

When asked how Guinness would describe her personality, Dede smiled and replied, ‘All smooth, charm, and rich energy.’

Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, the biological father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, who was murdered by his wife, Maryam Sanda, in 2017, has revealed how he appealed to late President Muhammad Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pardon his daughter-in-law.

He made the revelations in a joint interview conducted in Abuja with Alhaji Garba Sanda, the father of Maryam.

In an unexpected turn of events, which underscores an exceptional demonstration of forgiveness and large-heartedness, he expressed his joy over the pardon of his daughter-in-law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He recalled how he had been on a quiet quest to secure freedom for Maryam, who had been on death row since her sentencing for the murder of her husband.

He said his motivation was purely humanitarian, and that he wanted his daughter-in-law released so she could look after her two young children, and that executing her would not bring back his son.

He explained that, as a devout Muslim, he had long accepted the tragic incident, which has been a subject of public discussion, choosing to forgive and leave judgment to Allah.

It has been revealed that Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa had previously written to both the then Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command in 2019, to seek clemency for Maryam Sanda.

Although those early appeals went unanswered, the recent pardon granted by President Tinubu under the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy finally brought his request to fruition.

He made the first plea for Sanda to be set free even before her conviction in January 2020.

He recalled writing to the Commissioner of Police on 17th January 2019, stating that he had forgiven whoever was responsible for his son’s death and appealing that the charge be withdrawn ‘so that my son’s soul could rest in peace according to Islamic injunction.’

He also swore an affidavit at the FCT High Court on 21st June 2019, reaffirming his forgiveness and pleading that the prosecution be withdrawn.

Also in his letter dated 16th December 2024, titled ‘Request for Exercise of Prerogative of Mercy for My Daughter-in-Law, Maryam Sanda Sentenced to Death by Hanging,’ Alhaji Bello Isa wrote:

‘There is nothing more painful than for someone to lose a son in the way I lost my son, Bilyaminu. However, what gives me some measure of comfort is that he left behind two beautiful children, my granddaughter, Sa’adatu Bilyaminu, and my grandson, Bilyaminu Bilyaminu, named after his father.

‘I have forgiven Maryam, who was found guilty of killing my son. Before the end of the trial, I made every effort to let both the Police and the Court know that I did not want her prosecuted, because I did not want a situation where my grandchildren, who had lost their father so tragically, would also lose their mother.’

In his words, ‘I have taken it as the will of Almighty Allah, what happened to my son, and I do not blame Maryam for it. However, now that she has been sentenced to death, I beg in the name of Almighty Allah for mercy. If she is killed, who will take care of her two children? They will grow up as orphans, without a father or a mother’s love.’

The grieving father emphasised that since the 2020 judgment, the children had only been able to see and bond with their mother during occasional visits to the Suleja Correctional Facility, a situation he described as ‘heartbreaking for innocent children.’

Responding to reports that some family members objected to his forgiveness and petition for clemency, Alhaji Bello Isa said he understood that people would hold different opinions on such a sensitive matter, but as both a father and a Muslim, he believes this was the best course of action for peace and humanity.

‘Vengeance cannot bring back my son,’ he said quietly. ‘But forgiveness can bring peace to my family, to her family, and to the children who must not suffer any longer.’

Also speaking, Alhaji Garba Sanda, father of Maryam, expressed deep gratitude to Alhaji Bello and his entire family for their rare act of compassion, describing it as ‘a true reflection of faith and forgiveness.’

He said, ‘Words cannot describe our appreciation to the Bello family for this gesture of mercy and reconciliation. We continue to pray that something positive may yet emerge from this regrettable tragedy, that our families may heal, and that these children will grow up knowing love from both sides of their family.’

The two families stated that they have chosen forgiveness, compassion, and faith over pain and have committed to working together to raise the children in an atmosphere of peace and love.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has charged his Commissioners and Special Advisers to always wear the Asiwaju mandate cap as a practical way of showing their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

Governor Okpebholo said any Commissioner who failed to wear the cap would not be allowed into the State Executive Council meeting.

He spoke in Benin City, swearing in 19 new Commissioners and boards of agencies and commissions.

According to Okpebholo, ‘This could not have happened if we did not have a responsible president. We have done many elections here, and the major problem we have had is that the president is not with us, but today we say thank you. I will not forgive any commissioner who is not wearing this cap. In our exco meetings, if you are not wearing a suit and you are coming to the meeting without this Asiwaju cap, you will go back.’ He said.

Governor Okpebholo charged the Commissioners that the focus of his administration was not propaganda but practical governance that would benefit the people positively.

He warned the new Commissioners that his administration would not tolerate corruption and reminded them that their appointment was not for self-enrichment.

Governor Okpebholo told the Commissioners that their nominations was not a reward or patronage, but a call to serve the people of Edo State.

His words, ‘This administration came into office on the promise of practical governance – to touch the lives of our people directly.

‘Our focus is not on propaganda, but on service delivery and tangible results that can be felt in every community across our state.

‘While I congratulate you on your deserved elevation, I want to warn that your appointment is not for personal enrichment. You are not here for Money-making, but for service, for sacrifice, and for a better life for Edo people.

‘I hereby call on you to brace up for action, as your success will be measured by your impact in bringing about better services and opportunities to our people.

‘May I remind you that this administration has zero tolerance for corruption and you’re expected to display discipline, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose.

‘Most importantly, I expect loyalty to the people of Edo State. You must always remember that History will judge us for our actions and not our intentions.’

The newly sworn-in Commissioners are Barr. Vincent Osas Uwadia, Etin-osa Ogbeiwi, Saturday Uwuilekhue Idehen (JP), Charity Amayaenvbo, Barr. Nosa Adams, Yakubu Oshiorenua, Felix Akhabue, Prof. Omorodion Ignatius, and Ohimai Ehijimetor.

Others are Eugenia Abdallah, Godwin Afekokhe Eshieshi, Prince Kassim Afegbua, Dr. Jerry Uwangue, Mr. John Akhigbe, Festus Ebea, Dr Elizabeth Ebosele, Dr Jerry Uwangue, Dr Kenneth Okoruwa Ihensekhien, and Barr. Usenbo Paul Ehigie.

Governor Okpebholo also swore in Blessing Agbomhere as Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Funding and Hon Frank Okiye as Chairman of Edo State Lottery Regulatory Commission, while John Osi Akhigbe was sworn in as Chairman of the Edo State Bursary and Scholarship Board.

Chairmen and members of the Senior Secondary Education Board and the Edo State Law Reform Commission were sworn in.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Tayo Oyetibo, yesterday accused the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), of abusing the court process in the ongoing trial of three defendants – Alex Ochonogor, Ademola Owolabi, and Adebayo Akeju – over alleged forgery and willful property damage.

The defendants were arraigned before the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square for allegedly forging land documents and demolishing a property in Lekki. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

At yesterday’s proceedings before Justice Sherifat Sonaike, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, said the trial would not proceed because the Attorney-General had ordered a reinvestigation of the case.

He requested an adjournment to allow the police to carry out the directive.

But Oyetibo, representing Ochonogor, opposed the move, calling it ‘an abuse of court process.’

He argued: ‘You cannot file a matter and then ask the police to reinvestigate it. That is oppression.’ He added that the case should not have been filed if investigations were incomplete.

Dr. Martins explained that the decision followed concerns raised by the first defendant’s counsel, Abiodun Layonu (SAN), who had earlier requested further inquiry.

Justice Sonaike noted that Layonu had previously written to the court suggesting reinvestigation, though the prosecution claimed it was unaware of the letter.

Oyetibo maintained that the police had already concluded their inquiry, saying: ‘If the defence is aware of a letter that the prosecution isn’t, then there’s a problem.’

Justice Sonaike adjourned the matter to January 12, 2026, for the police to communicate their findings to the prosecution.

A letter from the Lagos Ministry of Justice dated August 22, 2025, and signed by DPP Director Adeshola Adekunle-Bello, directed the police to reopen the investigation and interrogate new witnesses, including Dr. Obidigwe Eze and Major Hamza Al-Mustapha.

This followed a second police report, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Dahiru, which cleared Ochonogor and Owolabi of wrongdoing. The report stated that no documents were forged and that the demolition was authorised by Lagos State officials.

It further confirmed that the demolition notice was genuine and published in The Punch of September 11, 2009, and that documents attributed to Al-Mustapha were properly signed and registered.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has expressed delight over the admission of the National Association of Judges in Nigeria (NAJN) into the International Association of Judges (IAJ).

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by her media aide, Mr. Tobi Soniyi, the CJN noted that it was truly a moment of pride and privilege for Nigeria to join the global community of judges, which is dedicated to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the protection of human rights.

She said: ‘Nigeria embraces this membership with humility, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility.

‘We recognise the values that this association upholds, and we are determined to contribute actively to its mission.

‘We are committed to further strengthening the independence of our judiciary, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring the continued protection and promotion of human rights in our country.’

The NAJN, which will represent Nigeria at the global judicial body, was admitted at the 67th annual meeting of IAJ, held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The admission of Nigeria into the global body demonstrates international recognition and confidence in the Nigerian judiciary.

Before admitting NAJN, the IAJ had considered some of the challenges the Nigerian Judiciary faces, but also acknowledged the reforms being implemented by Justice Kekere-Ekun.

The IAJ was founded in Salzburg (Austria) in 1953. It is a professional, non-political, international organisation, bringing together national associations of judges, not individual judges, approved by the Central Council for admission to the association.

The main aim of the association is to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, which is an essential requirement of the judicial function, guaranteeing human rights and freedom.

The organisation currently encompasses 92 such national associations or representative groups, from five continents. Nigeria has now become the 93rd member of the association.

The Central Council of the IAJ is its executive body. Each member-association has two representatives in the Council. The Central Council meets annually, preferably in a different country.

At the Taipei Central Council meeting, which took place during September 2023, the judge from Croatia, Mr. Duro Sessa, was elected President of the IAJ for the following two years.

The judge of the Civil Court in Turin, Mr. Giacomo Oberto, was confirmed as the Secretary-General for a sixth mandate.

The association has consultative status with the United Nations (UN) – with specific reference to the International Labour Office and the UN Economic and Social Council and with the Council of Europe.

The Cheetahs of Benin have fired the Super Eagles warning ahead of today’s high-stake FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo.

Managed by former Super Eagles boss Gernot Rohr, the Beninese are just one step away from securing their first-ever World Cup qualification and they brimming with confidence for the ‘battle of Uyo’ holding at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The Beninese captain Steve Mounie expressed his team’s determination to make history, describing the encounter as a typical every footballer’s dreams.

‘We play football for this kind of match. It will be a historic meeting. We will give everything to take Benin to the World Cup,’ the powerful striker affirmed.

Their confidence has been buoyed by a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rwanda last Friday at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali – a result that kept them top of Group C with 17 points from nine matches.

The Cheetahs need just a single point in Uyo to officially seal their World Cup berth. Even in defeat, their qualification could still be confirmed if South Africa fail to beat Rwanda in the group’s other decisive fixture.

For the Super Eagles, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sitting just behind Benin on the table, Nigeria must deliver a victory in front of their passionate home fans to keep their World Cup hopes alive.