A chieftain of the Labour Party, Patrick Utomi, has urged stakeholders of the party to work towards producing leadership that would promote the party’s ideals.

Professor Utomi stated this while reacting to the Supreme Court’s ruling on the party’s leadership crisis, on Friday.

Naija News reported that the apex court, in its ruling, struck out an Appeal Court’s ruling that recognized Julius Abure as the party’s national chairman.

The court dismissed Abure’s cross-appeal for lacking merit and upheld Nenadi Usman‘s appeal on the leadership crisis.

Reacting to the ruling, on Saturday, Utomi told the party’s stakeholders that the efforts of the former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Ayuba Waba, Wale Okuniyi and himself produced the surge that powered the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

He emphasized the need for them to uphold the social democratic ideology of the party.

It read: “As the leadership of the Labour Party looks to reconstruct its house and reconcile all, let me remind stakeholders of the motives that brought then NLC President, Ayuba Waba and I, with Wale Okuniyi as ground engineer, together, to work a process that produced the Labour surge which powered Peter Obi and the Obidients in 2023.

“It was an expression of a desperate need to save Nigeria through rejecting machine politics that just seeks to capture power. We learnt in 2015 that just capturing power is without any use unless shared values and a collective accountability frame was firmly established ab initio.

“As Ayuba Waba firmly expressed in his speech at an event marking my birthday on February 6th 2022, we desired to change the course of electoral democracy in Nigeria by building political parties as platforms for setting a clear path for national advance.

“The party we wanted to build should then recruit people of character, competence, compassion, and commitment, who are champions of service to the people; and then form, prune, and align their disposition to entrepreneurial social democratic principles that put people first. while seeking rapid economic growth to reduce poverty by creating jobs in a competitive economy with social harmony.

“In the many hours of meetings in Ayuba Waba’s office at the NLC offices in Abuja which I chaired, I never hid my admiration for Scandinavian free enterprise models in which education and health care were radically socialized, universal and geared to production.

“Finding people whose ways align to these foundational principles of that third force we set out to build is critical for impact.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied rumours suggesting he has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called the claims false, malicious, and a “political hatchet job.”

The clarification was made in a statement released Friday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, following fresh reports circulated on social media alleging Atiku’s exit from the opposition party.

“We ordinarily would not waste words on faceless social media platforms like the so-called ‘Adamawa Happenings,’” the statement began.

“However, in light of inquiries from concerned Nigerians and credible members of the press, we are compelled to set the record straight: His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007) and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has not — we repeat, has not — resigned from the PDP. He remains a steadfast, bonafide, and loyal member of the party.”Nigerian cultural tours

According to the statement, the rumour originated from a Facebook page accused of spreading falsehoods and allegedly operated by political actors intent on creating confusion.Political candidate merchandise

“The source of this baseless rumour is a Facebook page peddling falsehoods, evidently orchestrated by desperate political operatives with nothing but mischief and confusion on their agenda,” Ibe said.

He described the publication as deliberate disinformation designed to mislead the public and stir tension among Atiku’s supporters. “This is not just fake news — it is a crude, shameless political hatchet job,” he said.

The statement called on the public, especially Atiku’s followers, to ignore the rumour. “We urge Nigerians, especially supporters of the Waziri Adamawa, to disregard this malicious fabrication. It is a vile, vexatious ploy that deserves nothing but contempt,” it added.Political candidate merchandise

Atiku, the statement concluded, remains committed to the PDP and the democratic hopes of Nigerians. “Atiku Abubakar remains committed to the ideals of the PDP and to the democratic aspirations of the Nigerian people.”

This marks the second time in recent weeks that Atiku’s camp has refuted similar claims, including a previous rumour linking him to a defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In a first major global seizure of its kind in 2025, the Murtala Mohammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 3,765kg pangolin scales in the Lekki area of Lagos.

Speaking to journalists, the Customs Area Controller, MMA command, Micheal Awe, said the operation, which was with the support of the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), led to the arrest of five suspects involved in the illegal wildlife trade.

According to the Customs boss, the 3,765kg pangolin scale seizures mark the first major global seizure of its kind in 2025.

He argued that the seizure highlighted both the persistent threat to pangolin species and the heightened vigilance of the NCS in dismantling these criminal networks.

He also disclosed that the current seizure raised the total amount of pangolin scales seized through the joint efforts of the NCS and WJC to over 25 tons since the start of the collaboration in 2021.

“On the 2nd of April 2025, the NCS MMA Command under the leadership of Comptroller Micheal AWE, with the support of the WJC, conducted 2 major operations that resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of 3,765kg of pangolin scales in the Lekki area of Lagos.

“NCS has been continuing investigations into organized criminal networks trafficking in endangered wildlife and exporting wildlife products to Asia.

This operation followed a recent bust of a major trafficking network in Nigeria that resulted in the arrest of a Chinese national Zheng Chao Hong, also known as Zheng Gao Peng, in February 2025 by the joint efforts of the Customs Police Unit and WJC.

“This seizure of 3,765kg of pangolin scales marks the first major global seizure of its kind in 2025, highlighting both the persistent threat to pangolin species and the heightened vigilance of the NCS in dismantling these criminal networks. Additionally, it raises the total amount of pangolin scales seized through the joint efforts of the NCS and WJC to over 25 tons since the start of the collaboration in 2021.”

Additionally, the Customs boss expressed his appreciation for the partnership with WJC, saying the service will not relent in its efforts in fighting wildlife crime to a standstill.

He stated that the service won’t tolerate wildlife trafficking anywhere either through the Airports, Seaports, Land borders or even within the community.

“Comptroller Awe reaffirmed the commitment of the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi and the management team as he continues to encourage and give maximum support in facilitating legitimate trade whilst sending a strong signal that the service will equally not relent in its efforts in fighting wildlife crime to a standstill.

“We won’t tolerate it anywhere, not through our Airports, Seaports, Land borders or even within the community. Investigations are ongoing, and NCS does not rule out making further arrests.”

The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Gqeberha, has sentenced Lindile Hini (44) to life imprisonment for the rape of a 70-year-old woman, three years for housebreaking with intent to commit rape, and two years for contravening the Older Persons Act. These offences took place on the eve of 29 October 2023 in Kwazakhele, Gqeberha.

The pensioner was at her home in Kwazakhele, sleeping with the lights on, and had left the back door unlocked for her son. Hini, her next-door neighbour since 1984, entered the house through the back door, undressed, and told her he had been waiting for “the opportunity” for some time. He then forcibly removed her pants and sexually assaulted her.

After the assault, Hini requested a bucket of water, washed his genitalia, got dressed, and left. The complainant later contacted a friend, informing her that her neighbour had raped her. The following day, she told her son about the assault, and they called the police. Hini was arrested at his residence on 02 November 2023. The complainant was taken to the Thuthuzela Care Centre, where she received medical attention and counselling to address both her physical and emotional well-being.

Senior State Advocate Ansiot Kimfley argued for an appropriate sentence, stating the assault was premeditated, as Hini admitted to lusting after the complainant for some time. Kimfley emphasised the brutality of the attack, highlighting Hini’s calculated entry into the complainant’s home and his disregard for her safety. In his defence, Hini claimed the elderly woman had seduced him while drunk. This claim was rejected by the court, as it was clear the complainant, a vulnerable woman in her seventies, had been subjected to a violent, non-consensual assault.

In a Victim Impact Statement, compiled by Court Preparation Officer Ayanda Heugh, the complainant expressed suicidal thoughts and fear. She ultimately decided to sell her home, fearing Hini might not receive a prison sentence and that she would continue to live in fear.

Hini, a first-time offender, was convicted on 16 January 2025 and has been incarcerated since his arrest. His sentences will run concurrently with the life sentence. It was also ordered that Hini may not possess a firearm, and his name will be entered into the sex offenders register.

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence, emphasising that it sends a strong message regarding the seriousness with which such crimes are treated by the court.

The United States government has expressed concern over the recent tribunal decision on the Edo State governorship election.

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria said the ruling may have come from a process with problems.

In a message posted on the official X account of the U.S. Embassy on Friday, the diplomatic office said there were “serious lapses in the collation process” during the election. They added that civil society groups and election observers are also worried about these issues.

“Ambassador Mills reiterates his statement of September 24 that transparency and due process are crucial to maintaining public confidence in any democratic system.

“The United States reaffirms our commitment to supporting free, fair, transparent, and credible elections in Nigeria and will continue to monitor the situation closely,” the statement said.

There have been complaints following the September 21 governorship election in Edo. Some stakeholders have accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of election malpractice.

Three sisters from the same parents have reportedly died in their home after consuming poisoned egg sauce prepared by their stepmother.

The incident occurred in DSC Steel Town, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

The father of the three girls was nowhere to be found at the time of this report.

Their remains have been deposited in the mortuary, leaving many, including neighbors, in tears.

Meanwhile, the stepmother of the three girls has confessed to poisoning the egg sauce she gave them to eat last night.

According to her, she did not intend to kill them but only wanted to make them sick for a while because they refused to accept her as their stepmother.

It was learned that the stepmother was the best friend of the late mother of the three girls, who died a year ago.

It was also gathered that the stepmother, who had children with three different men (all of whom are now deceased), moved into the home of her late best friend and married her widowed husband less than a year ago.

Suspension: Court restrains Senate president, Kogi senator, others from speaking with media

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday responded to an allegation by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that he was involved in a plot to assassinate her.

The response from Akpabio came same day a Federal High Court under trial Justice Binta Nyako restrained both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan as well as other named parties in the case before her to stop speaking to the press on their case. The restraining order issued by Justice Binta Nyako, was sequel to a complaint by Akpabio’s lawyer, Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged at a rally she organised in her hometown on April 1, that Akpabio was working with a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to kill her.

However, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Eseme Eyibo, in Abuja, the Senate President described the Kogi Central Senator’s allegations as baseless and totally false.

Part of the statement read, “The Office of the President of the Senate strongly condemns the recent baseless, false and inflammatory accusation made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in which she falsely alleged that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio was involved in a plot to assassinate her.
“While speaking in Kogi State on April 1, 2025, the suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan recklessly and maliciously claimed that Senator Godswill Akpabio “recruited” former Governor Yahaya Bello to “assassinate her in Kogi State rather than in Abuja.”

“This outrageous accusation is not only false but a complete fabrication and deeply irresponsible and dangerous attempt to provoke public unrest, attract media attention, and discredit the person and office of the President of the Senate for ulterior motives.

“It is important to remind the public that this same individual had previously made an unsubstantiated accusation of sexual harassment against Senator Akpabio, a claim she seem to have abandoned without explanation.

“Having failed to gain traction with that narrative, she has now escalated her campaign of misinformation to a deadly and defamatory dimension.
“This pattern of deliberate falsehoods and manipulative theatrics reveals a troubling willingness to exploit public sensitivities through recurring victimhood narratives.

“It is a matter of public record that she has previously made assassination allegations against former Governor Yaya Bello and others in 2019 and 2023, along with multiple unsubstantiated claims of sexual harassment against other dignitaries.

“Her recurring persecution narrative and evident lying complex should not be weaponised to malign individuals or destroy hard-earned reputations.”
Furthermore, the statement noted that, “this latest reckless allegation is not occurring in isolation. Barely 24 hours later, on April 2, 2025, former Senator Elisha Abbo appeared on Arise Television to revive a previously withdrawn claim that Senator Akpabio “manipulated the judiciary” to secure his removal from the Senate.

“Nigerians will recall that Mr. Abbo, in 2023, publicly retracted this same accusation and tendered an apology after acknowledging that his claims were founded on incorrect assumptions.

“His removal from office was the outcome of a constitutionally grounded judicial decision by the Court of Appeal, which independently determined that he was not duly elected to represent Adamawa North.

“In a further twist, Mr. Abbo also alleged that he was denied his entitlements by the Senate President.

“This, too, is categorically false. Entitlements such as salaries and allowances are processed strictly through administrative and legal procedures.  The Senate President does not and cannot unilaterally approve or deny such requests. Any delays or rejections would have been based solely on due diligence and compliance with established protocols.”

According to the statement, “the timing, tone, and striking similarity of these coordinated attacks point clearly to a politically motivated smear campaign.
“These individuals, backed by undisclosed interests, appear united in a desperate effort to undermine the credibility of the Senate and its leadership and intended to distract from their own personal and political shortcomings and failings.

“Senator Godswill Akpabio remains undeterred. As a statesman devoted to national unity, institutional integrity, and the rule of law, he will not be distracted by malicious falsehoods or inflammatory rhetoric.

“Regardless of the necessity for legal redress, formal letters of demand, seeking immediate public retractions, apologies, and compensation for reputational harm, are underway to be served on both Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Mr Elisha Abbo.

“We call on the Nigerian public in particular and the International Community to reject these baseless and provocative narratives.
“The Senate, under Senator Akpabio’s leadership, remains focused on its constitutional mandate: to promote legislative excellence, safeguard democratic values, and deliver meaningful progress for the Nigerian people.”

Court Restrains Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan, Others from Speaking with Media

Meanwhile, the restraining order issued yesterday by Justice Binta Nyako, was sequel to a complaint by Akpabio’s lawyer, Ogunwumiju, SAN.
The senior lawyer at yesterday’s proceedings had accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of going from one television house to another, granting press interviews on issues relating to her case, currently pending before the court.

Ogunwumiju added that the Kogi Central Senator had also been to the BBC and CNN to speak on the issue.

Reacting, Justice Nyako ordered that there shall be no press interviews by all parties and their lawyers as regard the subject matter of the case.
While observing that the case was sub-judice, she further barred parties and their lawyers from engaging in streaming of proceedings in the case on social media.
At the commencement of proceedings yesterday, plaintiff’s lawyer, Jibril Okutepa (SAN) told the court that the case was coming up for the first time,  having been transferred from another court, under  Justice Obiora Egwuatu.

He informed the court that parties had filed and exchanged all relevant documents, except one and prayed the court to grant a consolidated hearing of all pending applications along with the substantive suit.

According to the senior lawyer, time was of the essence because his client’s suspension was for a limited period, adding that Akpoti-Uduaghan was desirous of expeditious determination of the case.

Responding, the Clerk of the National Assembly represented by Mr. Charles Iyoila as well as Paul Daudu, SAN, who represented the Senate, did not object to Okutepa’s application that the substantive case should be heard with the objections raised by the defendants.

However, the application was opposed by Ogunwumiju and Umeh Kalu, SAN, representing the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuem.

In a short ruling, Justice Nyako granted the application and held that the court would hear all pending applications, including preliminary objections along with the substantive suit. The judge subsequently adjourned till May 12 for hearing.

Listed as defendants in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 are the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the President of the Senate and Senator Neda Imasuem (Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct).

Akpoti-Uduaghan had approached the court to challenge her investigation and subsequent suspension for six months over alleged misconduct.
Amongst others, the plaintiff claimed that she was not given fair hearing before her suspension by the Senate.

A bomb explosion on Taiwo Street, Idi-Araba, in the Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State was triggered by a scavenger, Saturday PUNCH has gathered.

The explosion claimed the life of the scavenger and left three others injured.

Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the scavenger was attempting to dismantle military-grade grenades with the intention of collecting them as part of the scrap metal he was searching for.

The scavenger, whose identity is yet to be known, was handling one of the grenades when it detonated, killing him instantly.

Three other individuals, whose names and addresses are also unknown, sustained varying degrees of injury and were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident.

He said, “At 13:30 hours on April 3, 2025, a distress call was received by the EOD unit based in Ikeja that there was a bomb explosion on Taiwo Street, Idi-Araba. Our team of EOD-CBRN operatives was swiftly mobilised to the scene.

“On arrival, the team ensured the area was safe, and after a thorough inspection, it was discovered that the explosion was caused by military-grade grenades that had been tampered with by a scavenger who was trying to split one of them. Sadly, the scavenger lost his life at the scene, while three others were injured and taken to a nearby hospital.”

Hundeyin further confirmed that the scene was secured, photographed, and crucial evidence was collected for analysis.

“The deceased’s body has been moved to a public morgue for autopsy, and an investigation has been initiated. Further developments will be communicated,” he added.

Police in Benue State have rescued the passengers abducted on Thursday night near Otukpo.

In a statement issued Friday night, the spokesperson for Benue State command, Catherine Anene, said that police, in collaboration with members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, were able to rescue 14 kidnap victims.

Anene confirmed that the driver of the bus and a passenger died from gunshot wounds.

“The team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest immediately.

“On 4/4/2025 at about 1500hrs, they sighted the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a gun duel. The superior firepower of the police subdued them and they took to their heels, abandoning their captives.

“Unfortunately, they had inflicted matchet cuts on two of the victims before the rescue. Fourteen (14) victims were rescued and taken to the hospital, where one was confirmed dead and others are currently receiving treatment.”

In preparation for a befitting burial for the late renowned leader of the Ijaw Nation, Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, the Burial Committee paid a visit to suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, at his private residence in Port Harcourt on Friday.

Led by Chairman Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the delegation included National President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof Benjamin Okaba, among others.

The committee briefed Governor Fubara on the progress made so far in preparing for a successful burial ceremony.

Late Pa Clark was a respected leader and elder statesman who played a significant role in nation-building and the pursuit of social justice.

His contributions to the Ijaw Nation, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria as a whole are immeasurable.

Governor Fubara had earlier described Pa Clark as a quintessential leader who remained fearless in speaking against acts of injustice, leadership recklessness, and marginalization while propagating national unity.

The visit by the Burial Committee was described by the chairman of the burial committee, Lulu Briggs, as a significant step in ensuring that Pa Clark is given a burial ceremony that befits his status and contributions to the nation.

He noted that the committee’s efforts demonstrate the high esteem in which Pa Clark is held, and the ceremony is expected to be a celebration of his life and legacy.