News
Correctional Service Explains Position in Row with Activists over Ohiri
Correctional Service Explains Position in Row with Activists over Ohiri
By: Michael Mike
A confrontation over the remand of a female defendant in Abuja has ignited fresh debate about the limits of civil activism and the enforcement of judicial authority, after the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) accused a group of obstructing officers from executing a valid court order.
The dispute centres on Tracynither Nicholas Ohiri, who was ordered remanded at the Keffi Correctional Centre on 26 February 2026 by Magistrate Court 7 in Wuse Zone 2, Federal Capital Territory, pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
According to the Correctional Service, officers acted in strict compliance with a duly issued warrant of commitment when they attempted to transfer the defendant from the court to the custodial facility in Keffi. However, the movement was halted after a group of individuals, some identifying themselves as civil society actors, allegedly blocked the officers and insisted that Ohiri would not be moved.
Faced with mounting tension at the court premises, officers opted to place the defendant in protective custody at a nearby police station for the night, describing the decision as a measure aimed at preserving order and ensuring her safety.
The situation flared again the following morning when correctional personnel resumed efforts to enforce the remand order. The Service said the same group reassembled and continued to resist the transfer. During the standoff, Ohiri reportedly complained of ill health and was taken to a hospital for medical attention.
What began as a custodial dispute escalated at the medical facility, where a larger crowd gathered. The NCoS stated that senior officers and a team of medical doctors deployed from its headquarters were subjected to verbal abuse and intimidation while attempting to carry out their statutory duties.
In a strongly worded statement, the Service dismissed allegations circulating online that remand documents had been forged or manipulated. It insisted that both the Warrant of Commitment to Prison on Remand and the Order to Reproduce Prisoner were lawfully issued and signed by the presiding magistrate, describing claims of irregularity as a deliberate attempt to undermine public confidence in the justice system.
The Correctional Service emphasised that it does not possess the authority to grant bail, stressing that bail remains solely within the jurisdiction of the courts. Where a court orders detention pending fulfilment of bail conditions, correctional officers are legally bound to execute that directive until the conditions are met and verified.
While accusing the group involved of employing delay tactics and emotional pressure, the Service maintained that its personnel exercised restraint throughout the incident to avoid confrontation. It underscored that its overriding priority was the safety of the defendant, officers and bystanders.
Legal observers note that the episode highlights a recurring tension between public advocacy and procedural law, particularly in high-profile or emotionally charged cases. However, the Correctional Service warned that obstructing officers from carrying out lawful court orders constitutes interference with custody and poses risks to institutional security and the rule of law.
Authorities say the immediate crisis has now been contained, though the broader implications of the confrontation — including potential legal consequences for those accused of obstruction — remain to be seen.
Correctional Service Explains Position in Row with Activists over Ohiri
Military
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the critical role of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in strengthening discipline, leadership and operational effectiveness across the Nigerian Army.
The COAS made the remarks on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed 6 Division Regimental Sergeant Major’s House in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
Speaking at the event, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described RSMs as the backbone of regimental administration and custodians of discipline, standards and morale within the Army.
He said the provision of dedicated accommodation for RSMs was not merely a welfare initiative but a strategic investment aimed at enhancing leadership at the unit level and improving operational efficiency.
According to the Army Chief, RSMs play a vital role in translating command directives into action, maintaining troop cohesion and ensuring effective implementation of operational orders across various theatres of operation.
He added that the senior non-commissioned officers also serve as the crucial link between officers and soldiers, fostering professionalism, mutual trust and esprit de corps within formations and units.
Shaibu noted that the influence of RSMs in mentoring soldiers, enforcing discipline and sustaining troop morale remains indispensable to the success of military operations.
He stressed that providing conducive accommodation for key regimental leaders would enhance their ability to discharge their responsibilities effectively and contribute to improved operational readiness.
The COAS reiterated that under his “Soldier First” philosophy, the welfare of personnel, particularly those occupying critical leadership positions, remains a top priority.
He maintained that sustained investment in welfare infrastructure and leadership development would continue to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to remain a resilient, professional and combat-ready force capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intercepted a herd of cattle found grazing in a restricted area in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Sector 4 OPEP responded to a report of illegal grazing at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday in Nyerwie village.
The sources said that upon arrival at the location, the troops found a herd of cattle grazing in the restricted area.
The herders reportedly fled into nearby bushes on sighting the troops, abandoning the livestock.
The intercepted cattle were subsequently moved to a secure location for necessary administrative action, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing herders, the sources said.
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected vandals in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State for allegedly stealing construction materials from an ongoing road construction site.
Security sources said the suspects, identified as Arin Itse, 21, and Agwom Christopher, 19, were arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on Friday during a routine patrol by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, along the Kwanga road in Jos North.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted while in possession of iron rods suspected to have been stolen from a road construction company handling an ongoing project in the area.
According to the sources, the suspects were taken into custody for further investigation, while the recovered iron rods were handed over to the construction company.
The sources added that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and whether other persons were involved.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
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