NEWS
Bar, Bench Back Okpebholo’s Anti-Cultism, Kidnapping War
The judiciary and legal practitioners in Edo State have declared full support for Governor Monday Okpebholo’s ongoing battle against cultism and kidnapping.
The endorsement was the highlight of a high-level meeting held on Tuesday at the Government House in Benin City, when Governor Okpebholo received the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, alongside a delegation, comprising judges and members of the legal profession in the State.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized the need for closer collaboration between the executive and the judiciary, describing their relationship as “very cordial.”
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The Governor remarked: “I appreciate the synergy we have enjoyed so far. I usually get quick and helpful responses whenever I seek legal advice.”
He reiterated his firm stance against rising insecurity in the state, particularly the menace of cultism and kidnapping. He appealed to the judiciary for continued cooperation in the enforcement of law and order.
“There is a fight against cultism, and I am taking it very seriously. I need your cooperation. These crimes are a major setback to our economic development. We must bring them down to the barest minimum so we can feel safe again, our children can invest here, and their investments will be protected,” he added.
The Governor’s renewed call for a joint action comes on the heels of recent legislative reforms aimed at curbing insecurity.
Earlier this year, he signed into law the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025, and the Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025.
The laws impose strict penalties including a mandatory 10-year jail term for anyone who harbors cultists; 21 years for cultists who cause injury or damage property; and the death penalty for kidnappers in cases where victims lose their lives.
In a bid to strengthen the judicial system’s ability to administer justice swiftly and fairly, Governor Okpebholo also pledged his administration’s support for addressing critical institutional needs, including the recruitment of additional judicial staff.
Earlier in the meeting, Chief Judge Okungbowa had informed the Governor of the judiciary’s staffing challenges, noting that several professionals had left in search of better opportunities abroad.
Governor Okpebholo responded positively, acknowledging the urgent need to equip the judiciary with adequate human resources to also ensure effective prosecution of cases related to insecurity.
The Chief Judge was accompanied by a delegation of judges and other judicial officers, symbolizing a unified commitment from Edo’s legal community to uphold peace, justice, and security in the State.
The meeting ultimately reaffirmed a shared resolve between the executive and judicial arms of the government to rid Edo State of criminal elements and ensure a safe environment for all.
Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is set to address a world press conference at his residence in Abuja on Friday.
The specific reason for the media briefing has not been disclosed as of the time of filing this report.
SEE ALSO: Mambilla: ICC Orders Sunrise Power to Pay Nigeria $11.8m After 9-Year Battle
Atiku’s planned engagement comes amid several developments attracting public attention, including a recent report from TheCable concerning a $500,000 payment allegedly transferred in 2003 to his former wife, Jennifer Douglas, by Leno Adesanya, promoter of Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited.
TheCable reported that Adesanya told an international arbitration tribunal that the payment was part of a foreign-exchange transaction carried out for Atiku.
The report further stated that the payment was made through China Castle Investments Limited, an offshore company controlled by Adesanya.
The development comes shortly after an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) tribunal ruled in favour of Nigeria in the $2.35 billion arbitration dispute brought by Sunrise Power over the Mambilla hydropower project.
The tribunal also ordered Sunrise Power and its promoter to reimburse Nigeria for a portion of its legal fees and expenses.
However, there is currently no official indication that Atiku’s scheduled press conference is connected to the Sunrise Power report, the arbitration ruling or any other specific issue.
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that no one found culpable in the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State will be shielded.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in a statement released on Friday while expressing the Federal Government’s condolences to the Niger State Government, the families of the deceased and the people of the Wushishi community.
The deaths occurred following the arrest of the suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State.
ALSO READ: 37 Miners’ Deaths: Interior Minister Arrives Minna, Set to Inspect Detention Centre
Idris said the circumstances surrounding the deaths require a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation, stressing that the government’s responsibility is to establish the facts and ensure justice is served.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had ordered the suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and directed a full investigation into the incident.
“The swift action taken by the Honourable Minister of Interior underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Government views this matter,” Idris said.
He added that the investigation would be allowed to establish exactly what happened and that appropriate action would be taken based on its findings.
“There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation. The Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served,” the minister said.
Idris stressed that while the Federal Government remains committed to combating illegal mining and other unlawful activities, enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and with respect for human life and dignity.
He appealed for calm in Wushishi and across Niger State, urging residents and other concerned parties to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
The minister also assured the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State that the Federal Government shares in their grief and remains committed to fully establishing the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday arrived at the Niger State Government House in Minna following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The minister’s visit comes as pressure mounts on authorities to explain the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detainees.
SEE ALSO: How Can 37 Suspected Illegal Miners Die in Gov’t Custody? Nigerians Demand Answers
Tunji-Ojo is expected to meet with officials of the Niger State Government as part of his visit to the state.
He is also expected to proceed to the detention centre where the suspected illegal miners were held before their deaths.
The incident has sparked public concern and protests in Minna, with residents demanding answers over the deaths of the detainees while in government custody.
The Federal Government has ordered an investigation into the incident, while the Niger State NSCDC commandant has been suspended pending the outcome of the probe.
Details shortly…….
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