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Return to site or face contract termination – Umahi to contractors

Minister of works, Engr. David Umahi, has issued a marching order to all the contractors handling the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi-Okpella- Okene- Lokoja road to commence rehabilitation work or face termination of their contracts.

Umahi handed over the warning during his inspection visit to the various project sites in Edo State at the weekend.

This was contained in a statement issued by the special Adviser to the Minister of works, on media and publicity, Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji.

The Minister, who disclosed that the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu had released funds to the contractors handling the federal projects, warned that contractors who fail to fully mobilize and commence work on the projects would have their contracts terminated and such companies blacklisted.

Speaking after a meeting with the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, the Minister described as unacceptable the delay by the contractors despite the FG’s prompt release of funds to them for the projects.

On the recent protest along the Jattu axis of the Benin-Auchi highway by the residents of the area which disrupted vehicular movements, the Minister said that his meeting with the Governor was to brainstorm on the drastic measures to tackle the issues affecting the progress of work in the area.

 

“I have had a very serious meeting with the Governor here. We are concerned about what is happening between Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi-Okpella and the axis of Kogi State.

“That is what we have been brainstorming on. I have worked with him throughout last night to direct that the road should be unblocked, and if you see the grievances of those people you will not blame them so much, because people are dying, trucks are falling,” he said.

On his part, the Governor Obaseke thanked the Minister for his deep sense of commitment to the development of road infrastructure in Nigeria.

He assured of the unwavering support of his administration to the concrete technology initiative introduced by the Renewed Hope administration, which he said was the best model for the road infrastructure along the East West and indeed other parts of the country.

“First, let me thank my brother and very good friend, the Honourable Minister of Works, who you know is an engineer par excellence, for the concern he has shown. Same time last year when I cried for help ahead of the rainy season, we didn’t get this kind of response.

“We shall not continue to use expensive asphalt to do our roads. We should use sustainable local materials; we produce cement and steel, there is no reason we cannot begin to move towards utilizing more concrete in building our roads for sustainability so that our roads can last longer,” he stated.

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EFCC arraigns one for suspected internet fraud in Uyo

The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Omereonye Solomon Chigozie (a.k.a Kolor Cabiek Ye) before Justice Maurine A. Oyetenu of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for alleged internet fraud to the tune of $1,500 ( One Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars).

He was arraigned on Thursday, March 20, 2025 on a two-count charge bordering on impersonation, possession of fictitious messages and obtaining by false pretence through a fictitious Facebook account: “Kolor Cabiek Ye”.

One of the charges reads, “That you Omereonye Solomon Chigozie (a.k.a Kolor Cabiek Ye) Sometime between 2019 and 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to obtain property and gain advantage fraudulently presented yourself as Kolor Cabiek Ye on social media platform (Facebook) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b) (i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) (Amendment) Act 2024 and punishable under Section 22(2) (b) (iv) of the scime Act”.

Count two reads “That you Chigozie Omereonye Solomon (aka Kolor Cabiek Ye) sometime between 2019 and 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did take possession of the sum of $1500 (One Thousand, Five Hundred United States Dollars) while impersonating Kolor Cabiek Ye on Facebook which you reasonably ought to have known forms proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act”.

Chigozie pleaded not guilty to both counts when they were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Enobong Ubokudom prayed the court to fix a date for commencement of trial and remand him in a Correctional Centre. Defence counsel, Ikwere Davies did not oppose the prayers.

Justice Onyetenu adjourned the matter to May 22, 2025 for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Correctional Centre, Uyo.

Chigozie was arrested in Uyo on October 3, 2024 on credible intelligence regarding his suspicious activities on the internet. Investigations showed that he impersonated foreigners to defraud his victims across the world.

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Catholic priest kidnapped in Imo

A Catholic priest identified as Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, has been abducted by unknown gunmen along Ejemekwuru road in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo state.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri Reverend Father Patrick Mbarah, the priest was kidnapped on Sunday March 23rd, 2025 on his way to the Priests’ Annual retreat.

The Archdiocese called on all Christian faithful and all men and women of goodwill to earnestly pray for the quick and safe release of the priest.

Meanwhile the Imo State Police Command through its spokesman Henry Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, Danjuma Aboki, has launched an investigation into the incident and has directed an intelligence led operation for the possible rescue and release of the priest unconditionally.

He urged the general public to help the police with any useful information that might aid the work of the police in securing the release of the abducted priest.

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Fubara denies links with militants

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has refuted allegations linking him with militant groups, dismissing recent social media posts and videos as fake and malicious attempts to incite tension in the state.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the Fubara condemned the circulation of fabricated videos purportedly depicting explosions at oil and gas facilities in the state.

The statement clarified that affected communities have debunked the claims, assuring that all critical infrastructure remains intact and operational.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no link to any militant group, does not contemplate any such association, and has no reason to encourage any criminal elements to undertake actions that threaten peace, security, or the economy,” the statement read.

Fubara restated his commitment to maintaining peace in Rivers State, emphasising that governance and development can only thrive in a stable environment.

He also warned against attempts to exploit the state’s ongoing political crisis for ulterior motives.

Fubara further cautioned bloggers and social media influencers against spreading false information, stating that their actions could escalate tensions and disrupt stability.

He urged security agencies to investigate and take decisive action against those responsible for spreading misinformation.

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