In Edo State, the Police Command has detained a 14-year-old boy accused of raping a minor in the Sobe community, Owan West Local Government Area. The incident reportedly occurred when the teenager lured the victim into his room and defiled her.

The suspect was detained after the victim’s father reported the case to the local police station. However, the father later sought to withdraw the case, claiming he had reached an agreement with the family of the accused to settle the matter privately. Despite this, the police decided to proceed with the case, transferring it to the command headquarters in Benin.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident and stated that the matter had been escalated to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched an investigation after a viral video surfaced showing a woman tearing a Nigerian passport, allegedly belonging to her husband, at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, occurred upon their arrival in Nigeria.

In response to the act, NIS spokesperson Kenneth Udo confirmed that the individuals involved have been identified and summoned for further investigation. Udo emphasized that if the allegations are confirmed, the woman’s actions would constitute a violation of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015. This could result in severe penalties, as outlined under Section 10(h) of the Act.

The punishment for passport mutilation, as stipulated in the Act, includes a possible five-year imprisonment term or a fine of One Million Naira, or both, for altering or assisting in the alteration of travel documents without lawful authority. Additionally, for offenses under the Act where no specific penalty is provided, the convicted individual may face a one-year imprisonment term, a fine of One Hundred Thousand Naira, or both, and the court may also order the deportation of the offender.

Udo reiterated the NIS’s commitment to enforcing the Immigration Act, highlighting the importance of maintaining the integrity of the country’s legal documents and national security.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections, has reiterated his strong commitment to the vision of a “New Nigeria.” In a statement shared on his X handle on Sunday, August 11, Obi urged Nigerian leaders to address the escalating poverty and suffering in the country, reflecting on the #EndBadGovernance protests. He expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the protests, including security personnel, and emphasized the urgent need for leaders to respond to the legitimate demands of the suffering masses.

Obi stressed the importance of addressing key issues such as insecurity, corruption, and poverty, urging leaders to take immediate action. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the vision of a “New Nigeria,” expressing hope and inspiration for a brighter future, and declared, “A New Nigeria remains possible.”

The Nigerian Army has taken a pioneering role in inspiring and training Nigerians in tree planting and food cultivation, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and food security. This initiative was highlighted during a tree planting ceremony at the Infantry Zoological Garden in Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna, led by Maj-Gen. Henry Wesley, the Chief of Special Service and Programmes.

Wesley emphasized the symbolic and significant nature of the tree planting ceremony, viewing it as an opportunity to project the Army’s commitment to environmental sustainability to the world. He noted that this initiative predates the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is unique within Sub-Saharan Africa. The Nigerian Army has established the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches department, which focuses on crop development and animal husbandry, as part of its broader efforts to promote environmental conservation.

Additionally, Maj-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, Commander of TRADOC, discussed the development of the Infantry Zoological Garden, soon to be renamed the Nigerian Army Conservation Education Centre. This facility was initially set up in 2020 to create a therapeutic environment for families residing in Jaji and to advocate for conservation. The garden also houses specimens of all the mascots of the Nigerian Army, serving as a symbolic “library of mascots.”

The Army’s efforts aim to educate the younger generation on the vital culture of tree planting and conservation, with aspirations to affiliate the center with global conservation and wildlife organizations. This initiative reflects the Army’s commitment to expanding its scope in environmental conservation and raising awareness about the dangers of deforestation to human and food security in Nigeria.

“Constituents Threaten Recall of Osun Lawmaker Rabiu Atanda Over Alleged Poor Representation”

Rabiu Atanda, the lawmaker representing Iwo State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, faces a potential recall as his constituents express dissatisfaction with his performance.
The Iwoland Indigenes Council, through an open letter signed by Ayo-Akano Ayokunmi, criticized Atanda for alleged inaction since his election. The letter was highlighted by on Monday.
The Council accused Atanda of failing to sponsor any bills or motions, not establishing a Constituency Office in Iwo, and not influencing any local projects. They also questioned the status of two offices he reportedly inaugurated in July 2024.
The Council claimed that there is no Constituency Office and that constituents are struggling to contact Atanda for feedback.
They expressed frustration over Atanda’s lack of action regarding the deteriorating Osogbo-Iwo Road, a significant issue in his campaign.
In his rebuttal, Atanda denied the allegations, stating that it was premature to judge his performance. He claimed to have opened a Constituency Office in Iwo, addressed issues related to the Osogbo-Iwo Road in the Assembly, and mentioned ongoing projects, including the construction of offices at Oluwo and Kara market.
Atanda highlighted achievements such as addressing local issues through the Constituency Office and initiating skill acquisition and youth empowerment programs.

This situation reflects a critical moment for Atanda as he seeks to address his constituents’ concerns and prove his effectiveness in office.

“Tinubu’s Adviser Bayo Onanuga Reports Significant Drop in Food Inflation: Yam and Tomato Prices Plummet

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has announced a notable decrease in food inflation.
Onanuga highlighted that prices for essential foodstuffs, including yam and tomatoes, have seen a dramatic reduction.

According to recent reports, the price of a large basket of tomatoes at Ketu market has decreased to about N55,000 to N60,000, down from an average of N150,000 a few months ago.

The cost of a large basket of habanero pepper (rodo) has also fallen, now averaging N25,000 compared to N55,000 during the peak of the price surge.
This significant drop in food prices is seen as a positive development in the fight against food inflation, which could help alleviate the cost of living for many Nigerians.

“Ohaji Communities Demand Urgent Repairs for Crumbling Owerri-Port Harcourt Expressway”

Residents of Ohaji in Ohaji Egbema LGA, Imo State, have expressed deep frustration over the deteriorating condition of the Owerri-Port Harcourt Expressway. Town Union President Daniel Clifford Ogbuehi and other local leaders have called for immediate intervention from both state and federal governments to address the severe road damage, which they say has worsened over time.

Ogbuehi highlighted the critical role of the road in connecting Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa States, lamenting that despite its importance, it remains in disrepair. He noted that the road, briefly upgraded during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, has since been neglected.

Residents have reported that the road’s poor condition, particularly in Ohaji, creates significant hardship for commuters, disrupts local businesses, and poses safety risks. The dilapidated sections of the road also attract criminal activity, further endangering road users.

Chijioke Osimiri from Awarra Autonomous Community added that the frequent accidents involving heavy trucks exacerbate the situation, with many such trucks being owned by oil companies that have not contributed to road repairs despite their heavy use.

Local leaders have conducted multiple protests to urge the relevant authorities to address the issue, but their appeals have yet to yield results.