Autopsy clears Edo hospital of complicity in death of premature twins

An autopsy report released on Monday, November 3, 2025, has cleared a Benin, Edo State-based hospital, Med-Vical Medical Centre, of any wrongdoing in the death of a pair of referred severely-ill, extremely premature twin babies.

The autopsy formed part of the investigation initiated by the Edo State Police Command, following the widespread allegations of negligence and malpractice levelled against the hospital by the parents of the twin babies in August 2025.

According to the report, which was conducted on September 4, 2025, by a team of four independent pathologists: Dr Duncan Iyawe, Dr D.E. Imasogie, Dr K.O. Abinokhauno, and Dr Ijomone, one of whom was the Police pathologist, the babies died of natural causes.

The findings listed the cause of death as foetal squames in the lungs leading to respiratory distress, acute foetal asphyxia, neonatal sepsis and bronchopneumonia.

‘The autopsy has shown clearly that the babies died of natural causes and there was in fact no case of negligence, secrecy, or any form of malpractice as alleged,’ the report stated.

The medical team emphasised that all the babies’ organs were intact and that death resulted from complications associated with extreme prematurity and severe illness.

‘The twin babies were originally delivered prematurely in another hospital, referred to another private facility before subsequent referral to Med-Vical Medical Centre for advanced neonatal intensive care and life support,’ the report added.

Despite the hospital’s intervention, the infants could not survive the severe complications linked to their early birth and critical conditions.

It would be recalled that the parents, Mr Jerry Sylvester and Mrs Edwina Jerry, had earlier petitioned the Edo State Commissioner of Police, accusing Med-Vical of professional misconduct and concealment.

Their allegations circulated widely on social media and were reported by several traditional news outlets, prompting the Police to order a formal autopsy to ascertain the cause of death.

The autopsy process was reportedly transparent and witnessed by all relevant parties, including family members of the deceased babies, human rights activists, lawyers, Med-Vical officials, and a representative of the Edo State Commissioner of Police.

The final report was read in the presence of the Edo State Commissioner of Police, the Ministry of Health, and the Nigerian Medical Association (Edo State Chapter).

Reacting to the report, Ms Onyedikachi Nwizu, speaking on behalf of Med-Vical Medical Centre’s Management, in a statement expressed relief at the findings but described the allegations as ‘false, malicious, and devilish.’

She disclosed that though pained by the loss of the babies, the hospital had instructed its legal team to take steps to redeem its reputation, which had been ‘seriously dented’ by the false accusations.

Furthermore, the hospital reiterated its commitment to ‘quality healthcare delivery in line with global best practices.’

Nwizu added that Med-Vical would continue to focus on its mission of saving lives and improving population health through expert clinical services, free health outreaches, and free training and capacity building programs for healthcare workers in the state and environs.

Ondo PDP tackles Aiyedatiwa over $50bn refinery, free trade zone investment

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has criticised the Ondo state government’s announcement of a $50 billion refinery and free trade zone project in Ilaje, describing it as a political distraction.

In a statement by its Director of Media and Public Communications, Wande Ajayi, the party said the government’s claim lacked evidence of feasibility studies, environmental clearance, or land preparation.

The PDP called on the state government to publish the full Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), disclose the financiers, and release the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report to prove the authenticity of the investment.

According to the statement, the party questioned the credibility of the companies involved, Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited and its Canadian partner, NEFEX, claiming the latter was only recently incorporated and had no track record of major projects.

The opposition party described the deal as a ‘publicity stunt’ and urged the government to focus on governance, transparency, and infrastructure development rather than making unverified investment announcements.

‘The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Ondo State wishes to address the people of our dear state on what has now become a recurring spectacle of illusion, the so-called $50billion refinery and free trade zone project announced by the Aiyedatiwa administration.

‘When next you hear that Ondo State has secured a fifty billion dollar investment, take a deep breath and remember that arithmetic is not witchcraft. What we are witnessing is not development but classic performance art. The government has mastered the act of conjuring figures that dazzle the eyes and insult the intelligence of the people.

‘According to official statements, a company called Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, in partnership with a Canadian firm known as NEFEX, has secured a staggering fifty billion dollars to build a refinery and free trade zone in Ilaje.

‘For perspective, the Dangote Refinery, which is the largest in Africa, cost nineteen billion dollars and took nearly a decade to complete. Yet, without a single sign of feasibility study, environmental clearance, or land preparation, Ondo State is told to believe that fifty billion dollars has suddenly appeared like manna from political heaven.

‘The facts, however, are less divine. NEFEX, the supposed foreign partner, was only incorporated in February this year in Canada. It has no verifiable record of handling any project beyond the digital ink of its registration certificate.

‘No credible financial institution has confirmed the existence of the funds it claims to have secured. Even the Memorandum of Understanding that anchors this phantom project remains hidden from public view. The people have not seen the terms, the obligations, or the liabilities. Everything exists in the realm of storytelling, not transparency.

‘It is deeply insulting that a government which has failed to maintain basic infrastructure or maintain academic calendar on our campuses now seeks refuge in fantasy economics. The people of Ondo State are not gullible. They are tired of empty declarations that make headlines but deliver no hope. If the government truly believes in this project, let it publish the full MoU, disclose the names and profiles of the financiers, release the Environmental Impact Assessment, and present verifiable evidence of any actual funding.

‘Until these are done, the so-called fifty billion dollar deal remains exactly what it appears to be, a media illusion crafted to distract the public from glaring failures in governance.

‘Governance is not a theatre and development is not a press release. The people deserve truth, not trickery; results, not rhetoric,’ the statement read.

Tinubu commissions 100 housing units for widows in Kaduna

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned 100 housing units for widows in Kaduna, under the presidential initiative to construct houses for vulnerable women in every ward of Nigeria, as part of efforts to uplift widows and orphans across the country.

The President, while commissioning the project in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable, people-centred development that empowers Nigerians to achieve lasting prosperity beyond housing and basic infrastructure.

Represented by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, President Tinubu said the initiative was part of a grassroots-driven development plan designed to address local needs and uplift vulnerable Nigerians in all 8,889 wards nationwide.

He explained that the Federal Government’s approach allows each community to identify its own priorities and economic opportunities for targeted intervention. ‘While some communities may prioritise housing, others may require agricultural support, skills development, or business expansion,’ he said.

Tinubu noted that though ongoing economic reforms are challenging, they are laying the foundation for a stronger and more inclusive economy.

He assured that the benefits would be reinvested in programmes that promote social welfare and uplift households nationwide. ‘This project is about hope, compassion, and opportunity, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of circumstance, has access to a decent home and a fair chance to thrive,’ he said.

National Coordinator of the Adashe Women Society, Dr. Umma Sani, cimmended President Tinubu for launching a programme that directly impacts widows and orphans, describing it as the first of its kind in Nigeria’s history.

She said the Adashe Women Empowerment Society has long championed the cause of vulnerable women through skills training, entrepreneurship, and cooperative support, adding that the free housing initiative complements their mission to uplift and empower disadvantaged women across the country.

According to her, the Tinubu administration is the first to provide free homes to widows without financial commitment, a move she said would restore dignity and stability to countless women. Dr. Sani assured the President and Governor Uba Sani that Nigerian women would continue to support leaders who prioritise their welfare and empowerment.

She urged beneficiaries to take full ownership of the homes and use them as foundations for rebuilding their lives, improving family wellbeing, and contributing to their communities. ‘This is not just a house; it is a new beginning for every woman who has struggled without shelter and stability,’ she said.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani in his address commended President Tinubu for selecting Kaduna among the first states to benefit from the free housing scheme, describing the gesture as a testament to the administration’s compassion and inclusivity.

He said the initiative would not only provide shelter but also rebuild hope among women who have endured years of hardship. ‘This project represents more than housing, it represents dignity, stability, and renewed confidence for our women,’ the governor said.

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, praised the collaboration that made the project possible, noting that it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda to expand access to affordable, quality homes through innovative construction and strong partnerships.

Chairman of Family Homes Funds Limited, Mr. Ademola Adebise, described the project as ‘a symbol of renewed hope and restored dignity,’ particularly for the 100 widows empowered through the initiative.

He said the partnership between the Federal Government, Adashe Women Society, and Family Homes Funds demonstrates how inclusive collaboration can turn policy commitments into real social impact for citizens.

Oyo/Osun Customs generates N77.8bn in 10 months

ýTHE Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has generated N77,880,153,197.62k between January and October 2025.

ýThis was disclosed by the Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu, during his maiden press briefing at the command headquarters, Ikolaba, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

ýComptroller Aliyu said the amount generated represented a 17.5 percent increase, compared to the same period last year, just as he commended officers and men of the command for a job well done.

ýHe said the figure represented a commendable level of commitment by officers despite the prevailing economic challenges, just as he added the achievement demonstrated the command’s dedication to achieving and surpassing the monthly revenue set by the Service.

ýThe Comptroller also said that the Area Command’s officers made seizures of intercepted items, among which were foreign parboiled rice, premium motor spirit (PMS), used compressors, used tyres, used clothes, shoes, bags, cannabis sativa, unregistered pharmaceutical products and used vehicles, which all has a duty paid value (DPV) of N818, 789, 310.25k.

The Customs boss disclosed that some suspects who were arrested with some of the seizures had been charged to court for prosecution.

ýTo continue to achieve the command’s mandate, Comptroller Aliyu said he would continue to deepen engagement with critical stakeholders, including traditional institutions, sister security agencies, the business community and the media.

ý’As a result of this, we recently embarked on familiarisation visits to key stakeholders within the command’s area of responsibility to foster stronger partnerships and enhance mutual understanding.

ý’The command remains committed to maintaining open channels of communication to ensure seamless trade facilitation and compliance with Customs regulations,’ Comptroller Aliyu said.

HYPREP probes water tank’s collapse in Rivers

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has launched an investigation into the collapse of an overhead water tank in Gwara community in Khana local government area of Rivers State.

The incident occurred after the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, last Saturday inaugurated two water projects in Bane and Gwara communities of Khana LGA.

But the Gwara water station meant to provide safe drinking water for about 14 communities caved in on Tuesday.

The Vice-Chairman of the committee and HYPREP Legal Adviser, Gowon Ichibor, said a high level investigative committee had been set up to deteemine the immediate and remote causes of the incident

Ichibor said the committee visited the site on Wednesday morning to assess the situation and conveyed its preliminary findings to the HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibari Zabbey.

Ichibor said ‘As part of the team that visited the site this morning, what we discovered was broken walls with wreckage all over the ground, water pulling down the front walls. We had to inform the PC (Project Coordinator) of our discovery.’

He said that a team from the Rivers State Ministry of Environment and the Committee jointly visited the incident.

He said: ‘When the engineering team visit later in the day with investigation from our team, I am sure we must at then have discovered remote cause of the damages.

‘Whoever needs to be punished will be punished. We pray that at the end of it all it won’t be human error. What we are more interested in is to see that we get water back to the Gwara people.’

On his part, the Chief Resident Engineer of HYPREP, Tabe James said: ‘There is a collapse of the water tank and investigation is still ongoing.

‘There is debris all over the place but if you go there you will see that the foundation is still intact. So it is only when we carry out proper investigation, testing of materials and certification that we will know the real measure. For now the investigation is still ongoing.’

Tinubu appointed me minister because of my Christian background – Keyamo writes Trump

Nigeria’s minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, has reacted to comments by United States President Donald Trump alleging mass killings of Christians in Nigeria, stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him minister because of his Christian background and ethical pedigree.

Keyamo, in a letter addressed to Trump via his X page, urged the US President to broaden his sources of information on alleged Christian genocide against Nigeria, describing Tinubu as a ‘moderate’ Muslim leader who would ‘be the last person to either adopt the killing of Christians as a State Policy, or condone such acts or be complicit in them.’

The minister, who noted his years of activism in promotion and protection of human rights, earned the Global Human Rights Award from the United States Global Leadership Council, said there is no iota of truth in the claims that Christians are being targeted in Nigeria because of their faith.

‘There is, therefore, a need for me to add my little voice to the issue that has agitated your mind lately (with the hope it would be heard, even as a whimper): the purported ‘mass killings’ of Christians in Nigeria.

‘I was appointed by the present President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as his Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, along with other Christians. Because of my strong Christian background and ethical pedigree, it would have been most unconscionable for me to associate with – let alone accept to serve or continue to serve – a government if truly there is any scintilla of truth in the assertion that Christians are SPECIFICALLY targeted in Nigeria for persecution, killings or harassment ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR FAITH. It is simply not true,’ the letter partly reads.

Continuing, Keyamo explained that just like the United States and other countries of the world, Nigeria has faced its own fair share of societal violence.

‘Just like the U.S and many countries in the world, we have faced our own fair share of societal violence; ours has been perpetrated by deadly groups known as Boko Haram (now seriously decimated), herdsmen, and cattle rustlers. These decades-old problems were inherited by our President, who has made great progress in the fight against these insurgents. In fact, most of the security Chiefs appointed by him are Christians, so it would be unthinkable to imagine them being complicit in the killing of fellow Christians in Nigeria.

‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, though a Muslim, is a known ‘moderate’, whose wife is a Pastor of one of the biggest Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria, and most of his children are practising Christians. When he was the Governor of Lagos State, he regularly invited Christian Pastors for prayers and worship sessions at the Government House. He will be the last person to either adopt the killing of Christians as a State Policy, or condone such acts or be complicit in them.

‘Nigeria is a secular state and our Constitution explicitly provides for freedom of religion and prohibits the adoption of a state religion, reflecting its status as a multi-faith nation. This legal framework underpins the country’s diverse religious landscape, which includes significant populations of Muslims, Christians, and adherents of traditional African religions, coexisting within a nation’s space.

‘In all honesty, the insecurity in some parts of the country over the years has impacted adherents of all religions, and this government has not sought to protect one set of adherents and ignore the others.

‘Ordinarily, opposition politicians will oppose the government of the day. But on this matter, President Trump, you would have observed that leaders of the opposition parties in Nigeria are united on one point: there is no TARGETED killing of Christians in Nigeria.

‘President Trump, the Nigerian people ask for deep and sincere understanding from your government at this point; the Nigerian people ask for support and cooperation from your government at this point to confront this decades-old menace of terrorism; we ask for collaboration; we ask for frank and open dialogue at this time with your government; we ask that you broaden your sources of information at this time so as to get a balanced view of the happenings in Nigeria,’ the letter added.

Earlier, Tribune Online reports that Trump, in a post on his Truth Social account a few days ago, instructed the U.S. War Department to prepare for possible actions in Nigeria.

He accused the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to what he described as the killings of Christians across the country.

Trump warned that the United States would immediately halt all aid and assistance to Nigeria if the attacks on Christians continue.

Two injured in twin tanker explosion in Mokwa

Two persons have sustained injuries following a twin petrol tanker explosion on Tuesday night at the sawmill area of Mokwa local government area in Niger State.

It came two weeks after the tanker explosion in Essa Community in Katcha local government area that left over 40 dead.

The Niger Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Aishat Saadu, confirmed the incident.

According to her, the explosion happened while two tankers were transloading fuel from one to another.

She explained the victims, who suffered varying degrees of injuries, have been taken to the hospital and are receiving treatment.

Saadu added that FRSC personnel promptly cordoned off the area to prevent further danger and to control traffic flow.

PDP crisis: BoT intervenes, raises six-member reconciliation committee to end dispute

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) moved on Wednesday to resolve the party’s current crisis by setting up a six-member reconciliation committee.

The committee, which is chaired by Ambassador Hassan Adamu, has a representative from each of the six geopolitical zones of the country.

It was given the task of resolving the ongoing dispute among members of the National Working Committee (NWC) by reconciling the two warring groups.

The NWC led by the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, suspended the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and three others last week for alleged anti-party activities.

Anyanwu, in turn, led another four members of the NWC to suspend Damagum and five national officers, accusing Damagum in particular of ‘incompetence.’

But, the BoT, after an emergency meeting chaired by Senator Adulphus Wabara in Abuja on Wednesday, appointed the committee to see to the resolution of the differences between the two parties, especially that the PDP is going ahead with its planned November 15 National Elective Convention scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The organ, among other resolutions, said while it would not take sides with any of the parties, reaffirmed that the PDP remained united under the Damagum-led NWC and applauded the ruling of an Oyo State High Court, which recognised the right of the PDP to regulate its internal affairs.

Frankfurt-based Urhobo women pass no confidence vote on UPU leadership

A prominent Urhobo women’s group based in Frankfurt Am Main, State of Hessen, Germany, under the aegis of ‘Uk? k? R’e Eguono R’e Iya Ru? Urhobo,’ has passed a vote of no confidence in the Chief Ese Gam-led Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide.

The group accused the current UPU Executive of bringing the Urhobo nation into disrepute and insisted that it has no moral right to seek re-election after what it called ‘a disastrous tenure marked by failure and silence in moments of national embarrassment.’

In a statement by its President, Mrs Joan Ogheneruemu Scheil, the group lamented that the Urhobo nation ‘has never had it this bad,’ noting that the union’s present leadership has reduced Urhobo’s influence to its lowest ebb since the founding of the UPU in 1931.

‘Looking at the poor performance of the current executive, our forebears would be turning in their graves. Urhobo people are known for courage, hard work, and excellence across all spheres-politics, business, and academia-but this leadership has failed to uphold those values,’ Scheil said.

She accused the current administration of lacking strategic direction and political relevance, arguing that ‘in the past three years of Chief Ese Gam’s leadership, the fortunes and influence of the Urhobo nation within Delta State and Nigeria have dwindled abysmally.’

The group cited the UPU’s alleged silence during critical moments such as the Okuama crisis and the Warri South violence, which led to the attack on the UPU headquarters, describing these as clear signs of weak and compromised leadership.

‘The only visible achievement of this executive,’ the group added, ‘is the ceremonial sharing of kola nuts and empty rhetoric, while Urhobo’s collective dignity suffers.’

The association announced that it has passed a vote of no confidence on the Ese Gam-led UPU Executive, calling on all well-meaning Urhobos at home and abroad to unite and rally behind more credible and visionary candidates ahead of the next UPU election.

The statement added: ‘Given this below-average performance, we, the members of ‘Uk? k? R’e Eguono R’e Iya Ru? Urhobo,’ have passed a vote of no confidence on the current UPU executive. We call on all well-meaning Urhobos to rally behind credible and capable candidates who truly represent the aspirations and values of our people.’

The group further appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to put Urhobo first by aligning with the overwhelming desire of the people for change.

‘We also appeal to our amiable Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to put Urhobo first and do what is right by supporting the overwhelming majority of Urhobos who desire change, having lost faith in the capacity of the present UPU leadership to steer the Urhobo Nation at this critical moment in our history.

‘This is a defining moment for Urhobo unity and progress,’ Scheil stressed. ‘We must restore the integrity of the UPU and reposition our nation for respect, pride, and influence once again.’

Interpretation of legal instruments vital for Nigeria’s blue economy – NIMASA DG

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, on Wednesday said that Nigeria’s blue economy requires an ‘all hands on deck’ approach, with the Judiciary as a crucial actor, where interpretation of legal instruments and case decisions remains a vital tool for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s blue economy.

Speaking in Lagos during the 4th Nigerian Admiralty Law Colloquium, the NIMASA DG implored participants to immerse themselves in the discussions and proffer strategies to chart the course for Nigeria’s blue economy.

Mobereola said, ‘I welcome you to the 4th Nigerian Admiralty Law Colloquium, themed ‘Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Blue Economy’.

‘Nigeria’s Blue Economy agenda, evidenced by the creation of a Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy with the mandate to institutionalise blue economy as an essential pillar for economic diversification. It encompasses a holistic vision for leveraging our marine resources to drive socio-economic growth, strengthen regulatory frameworks, develop human resources, and ensure safety, security and environmental sustainability.

‘In this vein, the Agency is working tirelessly to secure and advance Nigeria’s blue economy through continuous development of strategies, approaches and mechanisms that balance economic and sectoral growth.

‘Key initiatives initiated include: The review and update of existing regulatory frameworks in alignment with global best practices; Ratification and domestication of key IMO and ILO Conventions and Protocols; and enhancement of maritime safety and security through the Deep Blue project, which secures our waters.

‘Nigeria’s blue economy requires an ‘all hands on deck’ approach, with the judiciary as a crucial actor, where interpretation of legal instruments and case decisions remains a vital tool for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s blue economy.

‘As we commence deliberations, I implore participants to immerse themselves in the discussions and proffer strategies to chart the course for Nigeria’s blue economy.’

In her keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kekere-Ekun, said that the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which has the mandate to harness the country’s vast marine resources for sustainable economic growth, improved livelihood and job creation, is a testament to the administrative focus of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Chief Justice of the Federation, who was represented by Justice Emmanuel Agim, added that harnessing the full benefits of Nigeria’s maritime endowment faces persistent challenges, including illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing; oil theft and pipeline vandalism; piracy and armed robbery against ships; environmental degradation; weak regulatory enforcement; and inadequate judicial understanding of maritime and admiralty law.

‘There is a need to continuously engage with relevant stakeholders to surmount these challenges. Indeed, establishing a sustainable and efficient blue economy requires an integrated institutional response, supported by a judiciary that is not only independent but also knowledgeable and agile in handling maritime-related disputes.

‘The judiciary, though not a direct participant in maritime trade or resource exploitation, occupies a pivotal role in ensuring that the framework supporting the Blue Economy is founded on law, order, and justice.

‘Commerce thrives where the rule of law is strong, where disputes are resolved efficiently, and where judicial interpretation provides clarity and predictability. Our courts are the custodians of maritime jurisprudence – from the enforcement of contracts for carriage of goods by sea, to issues of marine insurance, ship arrest, pollution control, piracy, and now, emerging frontiers such as offshore renewable energy and marine biotechnology,’ the CJN added.

Goodwill speeches were also delivered by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho, and the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, amongst others.