“The Kano State Emirate Councils Amendment Bill passed its first reading at the House of Assembly on Tuesday. Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini (Dala-NNPP) introduced a motion of urgent public importance during the plenary session in Kano, with the aim of advancing the state’s progress. The motion was seconded by Shu’aibu Rabi’u (Dawakin-Kudu-NNPP).

The bill, which was previously amended in 2019, resulted in the creation of four additional emirate councils, thereby increasing the number of first-class emirs in Kano to five.”

The issue of paternity fraud in Nigeria remains a hot topic on social media, as it has devastating consequences for men who are often advised to suppress their pain and emotions, leading to unresolved trauma. In contrast, society tends to focus on supporting women through heartbreak and emotional distress.

### What Is Paternity Fraud?

Paternity fraud occurs when a woman falsely claims that a man is the biological father of her child, leading him to believe he fathered the child. This deception can stem from various motivations, including financial gain, social status, fear, shame, and stigma.

Paternity fraud not only shatters trust in relationships or marriages but also profoundly affects the lives of innocent children, especially adults.

According to statistics, three out of ten men in Nigeria are victims of paternity fraud, making the country second only to Jamaica in paternity fraud cases.

### A Case of Paternity Fraud

In 2019, Nigerian media personality Nedu Chinedu Ani, known as Nedu, discovered through a DNA test that the child he had nurtured for years was not his biological offspring. Amid the ensuing controversy, Nedu’s ex-wife, Uzoamaka Ohiri, claimed she did not intentionally deceive him and was unaware that the child was not his. She maintained that she had not cheated on Nedu during their marriage but had been in a relationship before meeting him.

Following several online stories about paternity fraud, some Nigerians have recommended that DNA tests be conducted immediately after childbirth, alongside other necessary tests. On-Air Personality Oladotun Kayode, also known as Do2dtun, supported this notion, suggesting on X that DNA testing should be a standard procedure at birth to prevent trust issues later on.

In an exclusive interview with Naija News, Nigerian lawyer Barrister Ehis Okoebor confirmed that there is no criminal conviction for paternity fraud in Nigeria, despite several high-profile cases. He noted that paternity fraud could only be prosecuted if connected with criminal deceit or breach of trust.

“There is no record of a criminal conviction for paternity fraud in Nigeria,” Ehis said. “However, there have been cases where high-profile men disclosed that they are not the biological fathers of the children they raised. While the act of a woman having multiple sexual partners is regarded as adultery and cheating, it is not considered a criminal offense under matrimonial laws. What she did is morally wrong but not legally wrong. For example, in Nedu’s case, no one was convicted, and he did not pursue legal damages.”

Ehis suggested that paternity fraud should be addressed under laws relating to criminal deceit or breach of trust, allowing affected men to seek redress in criminal or civil courts for emotional or financial suffering.

### Addressing Paternity Fraud

Given that Nigerian legal frameworks do not specifically address paternity fraud, it is challenging for victims to seek justice. To curb this issue, the following approaches are recommended:

1. **Public Awareness**: Educational campaigns and public discussions are needed to highlight the emotional and social consequences of paternity fraud.
2. **Legal Reforms**: The Nigerian legislature should consider enacting laws to address paternity fraud and provide guidelines for victims to seek redress.
3. **Access to DNA Testing**: Promoting access to affordable and accurate DNA testing facilities can help individuals confirm paternity more easily. The average cost of a DNA test in Nigeria ranges from N210,000 to N1,400,000.
4. **Support for Children**: Adequate psychological support systems should be in place to assist children affected by paternity fraud.

By implementing these measures, Nigeria can better address the issue of paternity fraud and provide support for its victims.

“Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo advocates for the establishment of a database for private security guards, emphasizing its potential to bolster national security. Speaking at a gathering with private guards in Abuja, the minister underscored the crucial role played by private security personnel in various countries’ security frameworks and stressed the importance of Nigeria aligning with global standards in this regard.

Tunji-Ojo highlighted the untapped potential of the private security industry and its impact on national security, attributing past inefficiencies to a lack of standardization and adherence to global best practices. He proposed the creation of a database to enhance productivity, efficiency, and adherence to policies within the industry.

The minister emphasized that establishing such a database would not only create more job opportunities but also improve security, both in formal and informal sectors. By ensuring proper tracking and accountability, the database aims to address concerns regarding the misconduct of some guards, thereby alleviating fears among Nigerians about the safety of their families and properties.

Furthermore, Tunji-Ojo outlined the benefits of the proposed database, including enabling background checks on guards, fostering trust between guards and the public, and ensuring swift justice in case of misconduct. He stressed the importance of instilling confidence in Nigerians regarding the individuals hired to safeguard their homes and communities.”

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a fresh application filed by the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking to be released on bail pending the determination of the charges brought against him by the federal government.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, the court stated it was not obligated to exercise any discretion in favor of the defendant.

Justice Nyako highlighted that Kanu’s previous escape from the country led to the sureties who had guaranteed his bail to disassociate themselves from the case. The sureties, in their applications, claimed they were unaware of Kanu’s whereabouts, prompting the court to forfeit the N100 million bail bonds.

Kanu was initially arrested in Lagos on October 14, 2015, and was granted bail on health grounds after spending 18 months in detention. However, during the trial, the IPOB leader escaped from the country. He was later re-arrested in Kenya on June 19, 2021, and has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since then.

The court also refused Kanu’s request to be either transferred to prison custody or placed under house arrest. However, it ordered the DSS to always grant him access to his lawyers and doctors of his choice.

Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the explosion at Larabar Abasawa in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

Earlier reports indicated that a 38-year-old man, Shafi’u Abubakar, had detonated a petrol bomb at a mosque in Laraba Abasawa, resulting in the deaths of at least fifteen people.

Sharing his thoughts on the incident via his X account, Atiku insisted that the perpetrator must be punished for committing such a heinous crime.

Posting on X, Atiku wrote: “I am deeply saddened by the horrendous arson involving 23 people who were burnt alive while praying in a mosque at Larabar Abasawa in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

“This horrific killing of trapped worshippers, and indeed of any other innocent citizens, has no place in our society. I share my condolences with families who lost loved ones to this criminal act. While wishing the surviving victims a quick recovery, it is hoped that available medical resources will be deployed in their care. May Allah accept the souls of the victims, forgive their sins, and grant them eternity according to their beliefs.

“I urge the Kano State government and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that the perpetrator of this heinous crime is brought to book.” -AA

The Port-Harcourt refinery is set to commence operations by the end of July.

This was revealed by Chief Ukadike Chinedu, National Public Relations Officer of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria, on Monday.

He stated that this development would stimulate economic activities, reduce the price of petroleum products, and ensure an adequate supply.

Last December, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, announced the mechanical completion and flare start-up of the largest crude refinery in Port Harcourt.

The refinery, with a capacity of 210,000 barrels per day, comprises two units: the old plant, which can refine 60,000 barrels per day, and the new plant, which has a capacity of 150,000 barrels per day.

The refinery was shut down in March 2019 for the first phase of repair works after the government secured the services of Italy’s Maire Tecnimont as a technical adviser to review the refinery complex, with oil major Eni also appointed as a technical adviser.

On March 15, 2024, it was reported that the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, stated that the Port Harcourt refinery would commence operations in about two weeks.

Kyari disclosed this during a press briefing after appearing before the Senate Ad hoc committee investigating the various turnaround maintenance projects of the country’s refineries.

He said, “We completed the mechanical phase of the refinery in December. We now have crude oil already stocked in the refinery. We are conducting regulatory compliance tests that must occur before starting operations, and I assure you that this Port Harcourt refinery will start in two weeks.”