WSTV Edit News

The Abia State Police Command has announced the rescue of three kidnapped victims in Abia State, revealing that a cash ransom of two million naira and other notable exhibits were recovered from the arrested suspects.

The rescued victims are Onyedikachi Peter Onyegesi from Akpou, Isuochi, Abia State; Ifeanyi Nnabuife from Anambra State; and Amarachi Nwaebubu, also from Anambra State.

In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, it was stated that following a report of a kidnapping incident at Afojide Market, Isuochi, operatives of the command’s Intelligence Response Unit, in collaboration with other tactical teams, successfully rescued the three victims.

The Police spokesperson explained that the rescue operation took place on July 12, 2025, at approximately 5:30 pm.

She said: “In the course of the operation, a red Lexus 350 Jeep, two million naira cash (part of the ransom payment), three mobile phones, and two leg chain shackles were recovered.

“Some kidnappers connected with the heinous crime have been apprehended and are currently undergoing interrogation.”

A fatal accident in Delta State has resulted in the death of at least six people and left several others injured.

It occurred Monday afternoon by the Udu Bridge, Warri.

According to eyewitnesses, the accident happened when a Julius Berger truck, said to have lost control, rammed into a stationary trailer carrying electric poles.

The trailer, which was faulty, was being repaired by a mechanic working under it when the crash happened.

The truck, whose brakes failed according to reports, reportedly lost control while trying to avoid hitting a commercial tricycle (Keke).

“In the process, the truck rammed into the broken-down trailer. The impact was so severe that the trailer fell, killed the mechanic, and crushed the other moving tricycles with passengers.”

Six dead bodies were recovered from the scene, while the exact number of deaths has not been officially confirmed as at press time.

“It was terrifying. The sound was like an explosion. Before we knew it, people were screaming and running,” an eyewitness said.

The road became completely blocked following the crash, causing heavy traffic and leaving many stranded. Students, workers, and traders heading into Warri and nearby areas had to abandon their vehicles and continue on foot.

Emergency rescuers found it difficult to access the scene due to the gridlock.

Chairman of Udu Local Government Area, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, quickly left his office to personally lead rescue efforts.

His intervention helped speed up the removal of the damaged truck and trailer, though the road remained closed for hours as cleanup continued.

Super Falcons defender, Oluwatosin Demehin has declared that the nine-time champions are stronger than Zambia.

Nigeria, and Zambia will clash in a quarter-final fixture at the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.

The game is slated for the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca. It will kick-off at 5pm Nigerian time.

The Copper Queens have impressed with their fluid attacking play in Morocco.

Their attacking pair, Barbara Banda, and Rachel Kundananji have also terrorised opposing defenders with ease.

The duo have scored three goals each in the competition.

Despite their high rating, Demehin is adamant the Super Falcons are the better side.

“Zambia is not a tough team compared to the Super Falcons. We are yet to concede a single goal after playing three matches, but they have conceded four goals,” the Galatasaray centre-back told Brila FM.

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika is a transfer target for Serie A giants Juventus.

The Bianconeri have lined him up as a replacement for Douglas Luiz, who is on the verge of sealing a move to Premier League club Everton.

The player has also been linked with clubs in England and Turkey.

Another Nigerian, Wilfred Ndidi, has also been linked with Juventus.

Onyedika’s Transfermarkt valuation is €20m, but Belgian Pro League outfit Club Brugge are expected to demand more for the defensive midfielder.

Brugge signed the Nigeria international from Danish side FC Midtjylland in 2022 for €9m.

He caught the eye with his impressive displays for the club in the UEFA Champions League last season.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed an appeal seeking to overturn the verdict of the Federal High Court, which ordered the Senate to lift the suspension imposed on Kogi Central lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

According to report that the notice of appeal, dated July 14, 2025, was filed at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

The Senate President is challenging the July 4 judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, which described the six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan as overreaching and in violation of her constituents’ right to representation.

Justice Nyako, while acknowledging the Senate’s constitutional authority to discipline its members, ruled that the length and nature of Natasha’s suspension were excessive.

The court also slammed a ₦5 million fine on the senator for contempt, citing a satirical Facebook post made during the proceedings that allegedly breached an earlier restraining order.

Responding, Natasha has filed her own appeal, challenging the contempt ruling on jurisdictional grounds.

The embattled lawmaker argued that the trial court does not have the authority to entertain a contempt charge based on conduct that occurred ex facie curiae, that is, outside the courtroom.

Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team, in a cross-appeal, has also opposed the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, arguing that the matter involves internal parliamentary affairs, which are beyond judicial scrutiny under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.

The Senate President, in his 11-ground appeal, faulted the trial court for dismissing his preliminary objection and making pronouncements that, in his view, intrude on the legislative autonomy guaranteed under the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

Akpabio argued that parliamentary procedures, including suspensions, utterances during plenary, and Senate resolutions, are shielded from judicial interference.

The appeal further argued that Natasha’s suit was premature, as it failed to exhaust internal mechanisms, notably the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, as required by the Senate Standing Orders (2023, as amended).

Akpabio also accused the trial judge of denying him a fair hearing by raising and deciding on issues, such as whether the suspension was excessive, that neither party canvassed. He described this as a breach of judicial neutrality.

In addition, the appeal criticised the court for merging interlocutory reliefs with substantive claims, a move Akpabio’s lawyers said violated legal procedure.

They also argued that the suit should have been struck out for failure to comply with Section 21 of the Legislative Houses Act, which mandates a three-month pre-action notice to the Clerk of the National Assembly before instituting legal proceedings.

Akpabio is asking the appellate court to allow his appeal, set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court, and affirm the Senate’s disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Nasarawa State, Barr. Yusuf Musa has been kidnapped by suspected gunmen.

SP Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer of the Nasarawa State Police Command made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday.

The PPRO said the sad incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when the assailants invaded the victims resident in Lafia.

He explained that at about 0305hrs, a patrol team from B Division, Lafia, “discovered a Peugeot pick-up van with all doors left wide open in a suspicious manner.

“Upon closer examination, officers observed that the gate to the victim’s residence was also ajar, prompting immediate security concern.

“A swift search of the premises confirmed that Barr. Yusuf Musa was missing, along with his GMC vehicle, bearing registration number KUJ 88 PA, raising strong suspicion of an abduction.

“In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, promptly activated a coordinated tactical operation by alerting all relevant police divisions across the state, including units in Akwanga, Andaha, Garaku, and Kadarko and deploying surveillance along strategic routes to track and intercept the fleeing suspects.

“The Commissioner has ordered an intensive statewide manhunt and reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the victim’s safe rescue and the immediate apprehension of those behind the act.”

Purp has emerged the winner of Season 10 of Nigerian Idol, which ended with a grande finale on Sunday.

After weeks of fierce competition and electrifying performances, Purp was announced as the winner during Sunday’s live show, beating a fellow finalist, Raymu, in a thrilling showdown.

The show which was hosted by media personality, IK Osakioduwa, featured captivating performances, special guest appearances and heartfelt tributes from the judges.

The esteemed panel of judges, featuring Omawumi, Ric Hassani, Iyanya and 9ice as a special guest judge, commended both finalists for their outstanding progress and unwavering dedication to their craft throughout the competition.

Purp’s victory earned him a fantastic reward package, consisting of a N30 million cash prize, a state-of-the-art SUV, a highly sought-after recording contract, and a DStv Explora decoder with a year-long premium subscription.

Reacting to the win, Purp said, “This moment feels surreal, I am grateful to everyone who voted, supported and believed me me.

“This is just the beginning and I cannot wait to share more music with the world.”

Determined to end unlawful detention and protect citizens’ rights, Delta State Chief Judge, Justice Tessy Diai, has ordered the immediate release of 10 inmates from custodial centres across the state.

Justice Diai, who embarked on a jail delivery exercise to Warri, Sapele, and Kwale custodial centres, reviewed a total of 676 warrants, leading to the release of 10 inmates on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The DPP held that the released inmates had no case to answer.

She emphasized that her visit was to ensure that no individual was unjustly held in any of the custodial centres in the state beyond the lawful period or without proper charges.

At the Warri Custodial Centre, Justice Diai reviewed 345 cases, resulting in the release of two inmates.

The chief judge praised the judges – particularly the judge handling criminal cases at High Court 1, Ughelli – and the prosecuting team for their diligent handling of cases.

“We have come to the end of the exercise and reviewed 345 warrants. Most cases are either already in court or awaiting DPP advice. I commend the prosecuting counsel and the judges for their diligence. Without their efforts, we wouldn’t have achieved this much,” she said.

Justice Diai also noted challenges such as the failure to produce defendants in court, particularly at the Magistrate Court level. She expressed hope that such courts will seize the benefits of the zoom facilities installed in Warri and Ughelli high courts.

At Sapele and Kwale custodial centres, she emphasized that the exercise was not aimed at mass releases but towards ensuring fairness and legality in detentions.

“We don’t want situations where individuals are detained without charges or held longer than they should. In cases of ill-health or on compassionate grounds, we may consider releasing inmates.

“However, once a case is in court, the Chief Judge has limited powers, except to guide the trial judge or magistrate,” she clarified.

Justice Diai reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice, assuring that the exercise would continue at the Agbor and Ogwashi–Uku custodial centres to end the second quarter prisons visitation.

Among those freed were a couple — Aforkeoghene Thompson and Maureen Kent — alongside others including Moses Yinkore, Funakpo Fuobo, Usman Adamu, Kekere Jonathan, Addi Azunya, David Onajite, Kingsley Desmond and Michael Tyo.