Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Colleagues of late ARISE News correspondent, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, have expressed outrage over reports that the 29-year-old journalist was denied medical care after sustaining injuries during a robbery at her Abuja residence on Monday.

During Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show, anchors Ojy Okpe and Reuben Abati described her death as tragic and preventable, highlighting both the dangers journalists face and the gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Okpe recounted that Maduagwu had jumped from her home to escape 14 armed robbers and survived the fall, but later died after allegedly being refused treatment at a General Hospital in Abuja.

‘She jumped down from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers had come to her house. She did not die on the spot.

‘She was taken to the hospital, but she was rejected. This really is a tragic, tragic incident. Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital refused to treat her,’ Okpe said.

The hospital staff reportedly demanded identification documents before attending to her, which led to a delay in treatment.

The alleged denial of medical attention has sparked outrage among her colleagues, who describe it as a preventable death.

Dr. Abati condemned the hospital’s conduct, stating that it was a violation of medical ethics and the law, which requires immediate treatment for accident victims.

Abati said, ‘This is an issue of the law in Nigeria. Anybody who is a victim of an accident. should be treated immediately.

‘But those who were taken to the hospital were refused treatment because staff were looking for identification. It is the duty of doctors and nurses to stay faithful to their oath, which is to save lives.’

He added, ‘I hope the hospital is properly identified, and sanctions where appropriate are applied to those on duty. Lives could have been saved.’

Abati also reflected on the risks faced by journalists, describing the profession as one that ‘can lead to a pathway of death.’

‘This job that we do is a very dangerous one. Unfortunately, a young woman has fallen,’ he said.

Maduagwu’s death has sent shockwaves through the journalism community, with many paying tribute to her courage and professionalism.

Her final post on X in August, where she prayed that Nigeria’s challenges would not affect her or her loved ones, has resurfaced, adding to the emotional impact of her passing.

‘I pray from the depth of my heart that Nigeria never happens to me or anyone I care about’, she had written.

The FCT Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident, and there are calls for justice and accountability for those responsible.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Ms. Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu, a young news anchor with Arise News Television, describing her passing as painful and untimely.

Reacting in a post on her verified X handle, @SenRemiTinubu, on Tuesday, the First Lady said she was saddened by the tragic loss of ‘one of our young and brilliant minds in the journalism profession,’ noting that the late broadcaster was cut down in her prime.

‘Her death is painful and quite unfortunate. She has been cut down in her prime. I condole with the Chairman of Arise News Media, Chief Nduka Obaigbena, her family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. It is my hope and prayer that the perpetrators will be apprehended as soon as possible and brought to book,’ Mrs. Tinubu wrote.

The First Lady prayed for the repose of Maduagwu’s soul and urged God to grant her family and associates the strength to bear the ‘irreplaceable loss.’

Maduagwu was reportedly killed in her Katampe, Abuja, residence during a robbery attack, a development that has sparked widespread outrage and grief across Nigeria’s media community.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Tuesday sustained the shutdown of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The association commenced the industrial actions on Monday because Dangote Refinery laid off over 800 workers for unionizing.

Recall that PENGASSAN President Comrade Festus Osifo on Sunday confirmed on Channels TV that the association had cut gas supply to Dangote Refinery and Fertilizer plant.

The Nation monitored the situation on Monday to discover that the protesting PENGASSAN unionists remained at the entrances of the NNPCL, NUPRC, and NMDPRA despite a court order that barred the association from cutting gas supply to the refinery.

Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has congratulated Sir Victor Akpoguma, Principal Partner of the law firm V.E. Akpoguma and Co., on what he described as his well-deserved conferment of the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

In his statement, Dafinone noted Akpoguma’s elevation is a recognition of his over three decades of meritorious service to the legal profession and society at large.

‘Sir Victor has demonstrated uncommon brilliance, integrity, and resilience in the practice of law since establishing V.E. Akpoguma and Co. in 1999. His elevation as SAN is not only a personal triumph but also a source of pride to the Urhobo Nation and Delta State,’ the Senator remarked.

Describing him as an illustrious son of Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Senator Dafinone emphasized that Akpoguma’s professional journey reflects the virtues of hard work, excellence, and commitment to justice. He added that Akpoguma’s recognition brings honour not only to his family and community but also to the entire Urhobo Nation.

‘On behalf of the good people of Delta Central, I congratulate Sir Victor Akpoguma SAN on this outstanding achievement. May this milestone inspire the next generation of legal practitioners to strive for excellence, and may God grant him continued wisdom, strength, and success in his service to the nation and humanity,’ Dafinone stated.

Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in Gobirawa Ward, Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, Alh. Amadu Danfulani, on Tuesday joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Gobirawa is the largest ward in Nigeria, with the highest number of polling units in the country, it was learnt.

Alh. Danfulani said he was disappointed in the Kwankwasiyya Political Movement and its leader, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

He added that he and thousands of his followers were not happy with the anti-people’s policies and programmes of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) that rules the state.

Danfulani’s defection ceremony was held at the Kano State APC Headquarters, located along Hotoro-Maiduguri Road.

State Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Abbas, who was represented by the APC Zonal Chairman, Kano Central, Alh Shehu Aliyu Ungoggo, and the Managing Director (MD) of Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, ‘baptized’ the decampees, while receiving them.

Kano State Youths Leader who doubles as the Northwest Zonal Youths Leader, Alh. Labaran Kura, was also present to welcome the decampee and the youth accompanying him.

APC Chairman of Dala Local Government, Alh Munir Haruna, was also present to welcome Danfulani, after he was received by the Gobirawa Ward Chairman of APC.

Speaking at the occasion, Abbas, who was represented by Alh. Ungoggo, stated that the party’s doors were open to welcome members from all opposition parties willing to join the APC, provided they follow the party’s procedure, rules and regulations.

He disclosed that even the Leader of Kwankwasiyya and NNPP (Kwankwaso) was free to return to APC, if he follows the party’s due process and obeys the party’s laws, constitution and principles.

He explained that ‘Gobirawa, being the largest ward in the state and Nigeria, with the highest number of polling units, the decamping of Danfulani and thousands of NNPP members to APC is a plus for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election.’

Alh. Amadu Danfulani said he was happy to join the APC, promising to join hands with the MD of HJRBDA, Suleiman Bichi, and the party executives to work assiduously and deliver President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates at the 2027 polls.

The Attorney General of the Federation(AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi has hinted of plans to probe the September 11 United Kingdom judgment involving Senior Advocate Mike Ozekhome and the late Gen. Jerry Useni over a disputed London property.

The Tribunal judgment was given by Judge Ewan Paton.

The late Gen Useni was the true owner of the disputed property located at 79, Randall Avenue, LondonNW2, purchased in 1993, according to the Tribunal. He got the property under false identity-Tali Shani.

Ozekhome’a application to register the property was ordered to be cancelled by the Tribunal. It ruled that Tali Shani couldn’t pass ownership because the name was used as a conduit for the late General’s fraudulent acquisition.

Fagbemi spoke yesterday at a special court session to mark the beginning of the Supreme Court’s 2025/2026 Legal Year and the inauguration of 57 senior advocates of Nigeria(SANs).

Fagbemi expressed concern about the rising number of complaints of professional misconduct against senior lawyers.

He noted that his office receives such complaints frequently.

Fagbemi said: ‘My office has, in recent times, taken note of the increasing number of complaints against senior members of the bar.

‘Thankfully, these are few and far between, but they still constitute such numbers as to be troubling.

‘The complaints border on professional misconduct and, if not addressed urgently, are capable of bringing this prestigious rank into disrepute locally and, as we have seen recently, internationally.

‘We need to reverse the perception that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria confers immunity from disciplinary measures for professional misconduct.

‘We simply cannot have a Bar where one law applies to juniors and another to seniors.

My Lords, of note is the topical and trending matter that recently struck at the standing of our profession in Nigeria in the eyes of the world and in a way that stands out in recent memory.

‘It bears sadly on the high esteem and integrity that our noble profession commands as a sine qua non for our collective commitment and investment in the legal brand.

‘I am referring to the recent decision (11th September 2025) of an English property tribunal, by Judge Ewan Paton.

‘It will be remiss of me not to bring such an egregious development to the attention of my lords, in the hope that it is addressed frontally against the backdrop of the hallowed rules that guard and define the finest traditions by which our nobility should be measured.

‘It is for this reason that my office has now taken the unusual step of verifying the authenticity of this and often complaints with a view to referring them to the appropriate disciplinary bodies.

‘I look forward to receiving the cooperation of the Nigerian Bar Association and the Body of Senior Advocates in this regard,’ Fagbemi said.

The AGF, who challenged the Judiciary to be transparent in its operations, said ‘it is quite concerning to see the adverse ratings and negative perception indexes of our Judiciary.’

He went on: ‘Public confidence in the judiciary has been shaken by perceptions of undue influence, inconsistent rulings, and delays that frustrate justice.

‘Allegations of corruption, though often unproven, cast long shadows.

‘While I agree that the judiciary should be accountable less to public opinion and more to public interest, may I respectfully insist that in this climate, the judiciary should discharge that accountability by being principled, independent and impartial.

‘It must not only deliver justice, it must do so transparently, consistently, and with intellectual rigour.

‘It is therefore the responsibility of everyone present here and beyond to ensure that, like Caesar’s wife, the judiciary is above reproach and suspicion,’ Fagbemi said.

Also yesterday, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun expressed concern over the inadequate funding of states’ Judiciaries by the governors.

Justice Kekere-Ekun said the unfortunate development hampers the capacity of courts in states to effectively function.

She said: ‘The judiciary, especially at the sub-national level, is often underfunded, which impacts its ability to function effectively.

‘Inadequate funding leads to poor infrastructure, insufficient resources, and inadequate training for judicial staff members and support staff.

‘This, in turn, affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial process. I need to state unequivocally that the challenges facing the Judiciary are not the responsibilities of the judiciary alone.

‘They require a collaborative effort involving all the three arms of government – the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary – as well as the active participation of the citizens.

‘I therefore, call upon the executive arm of government, especially in the states to provide adequate funding for the judiciary, improve judicial

infrastructure, and support the implementation of technological advancements.

‘I urge the legislature to enact laws that support the independence of the Judiciary, strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms, and streamline court processes,’ she said

The federal government and major players in the agricultural sector have launched a crackdown on breeders, wholesalers, and retailers involved in the sale of substandard seeds.

According to them, seed security is fundamental to achieving food security, stressing that fraudulent dealers often deceive farmers into purchasing seeds they claim are high grade, but which in reality are inferior.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Abdullahi Sabi, speaking on Tuesday in Abuja while hosting the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Evaluation Mission Team, warned that Nigeria cannot achieve food sufficiency with poor-quality seeds despite heavy investment in the sector.

‘If we must guarantee food security, farmers must have access to quality and affordable seeds at all times. That is the reason behind this initiative,’ Sabi said.

He added that Nigeria is eager to strengthen global collaboration, noting that the country’s current yield gap is troubling.

‘We believe we can do better. Sometimes, the failure to meet our yield potential is because what farmers plant as seeds are not truly seeds, and even when they are, their quality is questionable.’

Director-General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Fatuhu Mohammed, also vowed to end the malpractice, noting that the circulation of fake seeds has cost Nigeria millions of dollars in lost food production.

He lamented that, unlike countries such as the United States and Israel, where seed councils are regarded as vital national institutions, Nigeria has failed to give its council the same priority.

‘In the U.S., the seed council is considered a national asset. In Israel, they do not joke with seed quality. Unfortunately, here we take it lightly,’ he said.

Mohammed disclosed that weekly inspections will be carried out across the six zones of the country to prevent adulterated seeds from reaching farmers. The monitoring exercise, he said, will involve agro ranchers, 36 state coordinators, and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

He further urged the public to report anyone selling fake seeds, stressing that the campaign requires collective responsibility.

‘We are strengthening compliance monitoring and enforcement. If you see someone trading fake seeds and fail to alert security agencies, you are not only harming yourself but also the country,’ he said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security and law enforcement agencies to fish out those responsible for the killing of Ms. Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu, a promising news anchor with Arise News Television, who was murdered during a robbery attack at her Katampe residence in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President condemned the crime, describing it as ‘cruel and condemnable.’

He tasked investigators to conduct a swift and thorough probe to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay.

‘Security and law enforcement agencies should conduct a quick and thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice without delay,’ the President said.

While commiserating with the Maduagwu family, the management and staff of Arise News, and the wider media community, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow at the loss of the young journalist, whom he described as ‘a promising professional whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.’

The President assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to securing lives and property, noting that additional measures are being strengthened to combat crime in all its forms.

Maduagwu’s death has drawn widespread grief across the media industry, with colleagues and viewers mourning her as one of the brightest talents in television journalism.

The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has declared its support for Nigeria’s new tax laws, describing them as vital for economic growth and sustainable development across the continent.

In a statement issued by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, ATAF pledged technical assistance to ensure Nigeria reaps the benefits of its tax reforms.

The Executive Secretary of ATAF, Ms. Mary Baine, who assumed office recently, made this known during a courtesy visit to the FIRS chairman in Abuja on Tuesday.

Baine recalled ATAF’s intervention in Zambia’s mining sector, where the organisation helped the country improve its capacity to generate revenue. She assured that Nigeria could expect similar support in key sectors of its economy.

‘When you look at the strategic vision of FIRS, we see the things you are doing and the way you’re changing the tax system, the kind of reforms and the time that it has taken and of course the movement forward.

‘So, we applaud you, and I wanted to say that ATAF is here to say that we stand with you, we applaud you, and we’re ready to provide whatever support that could lead to its success.

‘In terms of your strategic vision-people, technology and data-we find that this is something that is really critical for the rest of the continent and that it is an area where ATAF will be happy to support as well,’ she said.

Baine also said ATAF would leverage Nigeria’s influence on the continent and beyond to mobilise other member countries towards strengthening the organisation’s work.

In his remarks, Adedeji praised Baine’s leadership qualities and expressed optimism that her tenure would advance the forum’s objectives. He urged African countries to devise their own solutions to pressing challenges rather than rely on external assistance.

‘My belief has always been that solutions to Africa’s challenges can only come from Africa. There is no free lunch anywhere. I have said that I don’t believe in aids; I believe in cooperation.

‘There is a saying that when you are not on the table, you are definitely on the menu. So, Africa must be on the table and that is it. We should stop being on the menu. That is my charge to you.

‘So, the expectation from us as a continent is also to bring what we can contribute to the work, most especially in tax matters. For us, we have to evolve our own fiscal policies which is what Nigeria has done with the new tax laws,’ he stated.

Adedeji noted that Nigeria’s new tax regime replaced colonial-era legislation that had long outlived its relevance.

‘Before now, we had tax laws that were colonial relics. We had the Stamp Duties Act of 1939 which was enacted when there was no internet,’ he added.

The new tax laws, he explained, were crafted to align with Nigeria’s current realities and position the economy for sustainable growth.

The Akoko Youths Forum (AYF) in Ondo State has launched the distribution of business start-up tools and financial support to empower over 40 young entrepreneurs, in a bid to tackle unemployment and boost economic growth across Akokoland.

The empowerment programme held in Ugbe Akoko, Akoko North-East Local Government Area, formed part of the activities at the Forum’s annual summit, which attracted young business owners and community stakeholders.

President of the Forum, Engr. Blessing James Akeju described the initiative as a milestone in the Forum’s commitment to youth empowerment and economic development.

‘Today represents a historic moment in the history of this organization. We have been able to change the lives of 40 young persons in Akoko by empowering them to build a life for themselves,’ Akeju said, stressing that the support would enable beneficiaries to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

He further lauded the resilience of Akoko youths and assured them of the continued support of the Forum’s national executives.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Regent Tinuade Babalola, represented by Prince Temitope Obamuwagun, urged the youths to embrace peace and unity, noting that the development of Akoko depends largely on their collective resolve to work together.

Guest speaker at the summit, Dr. Bayo Fasunwon challenged the youths to maximize their talents, steer clear of vices such as cultism and internet fraud, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and academic pursuits.

He also reiterated his call for the creation of Ose State, which he argued would accelerate development and economic growth in the region.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Akoko North-East Local Government Area, Hon. Mutiu Olawale Mohammed, applauded the AYF leadership for initiating the empowerment scheme, which he said aligns with his vision of seeing young people thrive and live decently in society.