Connect with us

News

Be Circumspect to Avoid Untoward Circumstances While Abroad, NIDCOM Advises Travelers

Published

on

Be Circumspect to Avoid Untoward Circumstances While Abroad, NIDCOM Advises Travelers

By: Michael Mike

Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has reiterated on the need for Nigerians travelling outside the shores of the country to be more circumspect to avoid any untoward circumstances.

Dabiri-Erewa gave this advisory during a visit by the CEO of Oasis of Faith Intercontinental Limited and President of the Christian Tourism Practioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN), Rev. Dr. Israel Kristilere,, who lamented the maltreatment he suffered at Cairo Tarmac during a stopover on his pilgrimage to Israel.

Kristilere, recounting the events of April 30th, 2024, when he and 27 pilgrims, were en route to Israel during a four-hour layover in Cairo, said: “Myself and another first-class passenger were resting in the lounge. Around midnight, when I observed that boarding has commenced, yet my group remained seated. Upon inquiry, I learnt they had instructed us to wait.”

Kristilere added that when he attempted to board, he was detained by airport security personnel on accusations of sexual abuse, based on a trump-up complaint and a supposed video recording he was not allowed to view.

Forced to apologize to the alleged victim to avoid court proceedings, he expressed his sympathy for the lady in case someone else had abused her and she mistook him for the person. He also documented his refusal to sign an Arabic document by writing “I DO NOT KNOW” above his surname while recording the audio of the encounter through his phone.

Amidst this ordeal, the intervention of the Desk Manager resulted in the return of Rev. Kristilere’s passport and his release. On May 1st, at around 1 a.m, the 27 pilgrims, who had refused to board without him, finally departed Cairo together.

Reacting to the sordid narrative, the Chairman/CEO NiDCOM who was represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi clarified that NIDCOM would bring his petition to the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Egypt , adding that they have the powers and jurisdiction to intervene and investigate.

She apologized for the maltreatment Rev. Kristilere endured, emphasizing that no Nigerian should face inhumane treatment abroad.

Dabiri-Erewa commended Rev. Kristilere for securing support from the Christian Pilgrims Commission and encouraged him to forward relevant documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Egyptian Embassy.

The NiDCOM Boss further assured that the commission will continue to advocate for dignified and humane treatment and privileges of Nigerians all over the world.

Be Circumspect to Avoid Untoward Circumstances While Abroad, NIDCOM Advises Travelers

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court

Published

on

Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court

Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court

Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State — It is with immense pride and joy that the 1978 graduating class of Nshiagu College, Ogwashi-Uku, extends heartfelt congratulations to our their own distinguished alumna, Hon. Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge (née Osadebay), on her transfer from High Court 4, Asaba, to a much-anticipated homecoming posting at the Ogwashi-Uku High Court.

A Homecoming Long Awaited
The news of Justice Azinge’s transfer to Ogwashi-Uku High Court has been received with keen excitement across her old class circle. For many members of her class of ’78, this is more than a judicial reassignment — it is what feels like a return to her roots, an opportunity for her to serve in the ancestral community where she went to school, close to the people who have watched and celebrated her rise through the years.
As a daughter of Chief Dennis Osadebey, former Premier of the defunct Mid-West Region, Justice Azinge carries both the weight of a distinguished lineage and the expectation of public service.

During her tenure in Asaba, she earned attention — for her firm judgments. In 2023, she presided over a chilling case in which a 28-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his four-year-old daughter. In delivering judgment, she described the offender’s act as “callous, animalistic, barbaric.”

Her strong stance in exposing attempted bribery in tribunal settings has also made headlines. In a high-profile case, she disclosed that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria attempted to corrupt proceedings in which she was presiding.

These episodes have only reinforced her image as a no-nonsense jurist with integrity, which adds to the pride with which her classmates now celebrate her return to Ogwashi-Uku.

Bonds of Friendship and Support — Chief Mike Nwaukoni & Classmates
Among those leading the congratulations within the community is Chief Mike Nwaukoni, widely known in Ogwashi-Uku as “Supu Lele,” a wealthy clearing and forwarding magnate and senior chief in the Kingdom.
Over the years, Chief Nwaukoni has become particularly close to Justice Azinge, offering both moral support. It is well known among the 1978 class that she has frequently opened her home to key classmates — to dine, socialize, share stories, and to strengthen class bonds. In every such gathering, she is said to have welcomed her peers with warmth, and many in the class say that those experiences helped deepen loyalty to her success.

In acknowledging her homecoming, classmates note that Chief Nwaukoni has been a steadfast ally — not merely in name, but in action — supporting her, uplifting her profile, and affirming her. She has also been very good to him and has always welcomed him to her house for meals and exchange of banter. The existing relationship of friendship, respect, and mutual backing between her and Chief Nwaukoni is thus a cornerstone of this congratulatory message.

Other members of the class of ’78 also join in this chorus of support. From professionals in law, business, education, and public service — many of whom credit Justice Azinge’s example as inspirational — the message is unanimous: she has made them proud, and they will walk with her in this new leg of her judicial journey.

In Her New Station — A Promise of Growth and Service
While Ogwashi-Uku is now her station, the class expects nothing less than excellence from Justice Azinge. They express unshakeable confidence that she will elevate the Ogwashi-Uku High Court, bring to it the same zeal, fairness, and integrity she displayed in Asaba, and even surpass them.
In heartfelt words circulated among class WhatsApp groups and letters, they promise: “Now that she is practically in her home, we will be there to support her at every step of the way.” That promise, made in unity, underscores how personal and collective this transition is for them.

Looking Ahead: What This Move Means Locally
Her return holds significant symbolic and practical value for Ogwashi-Uku. Having a high court judge of her caliber locally can speed up access to justice for the people, reduce burdens on litigants who otherwise travel to Asaba, and potentially strengthen the judicial presence in the community. For her classmates, neighbours, and the kingdom at large, her appointment is more than a personal victory — it is a community asset.

As she settles into her role, the Class of 1978 encourages all stakeholders — from the judiciary to the local bar, traditional institutions to civil society — to rally around her, support her, hold her accountable, and celebrate her success. They look forward to the stories of justice done, reforms made, and lives impacted under her watch in Ogwashi-Uku.

Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court

Continue Reading

News

Borno Council Elections set for Dec 13th

Published

on

Borno APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba

Borno Council Elections set for Dec 13th

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Chair of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) party in Borno state Bello Ayuba has said the next council elections will take place on Dec 13th.

To this end, he assured recently that his party will work with the Borno state electoral commission to ensure that they conduct a free and fair party primaries to encompass everyone in the game.

Ayuba who addressed newsmen recently noted that his party has hit the ground running by inaugurating four committees that will guide the democratic process of electing the next sets of council chairmen in the state.

He said his party has formed a special reconciliation committee to ensure that aggrieved card carrying members will have a place for stabilization in the process of conducting the primaries within the 320 wards of the 27 council areas of the state.

Larger committees he posited will also be setup soon to work with the party leadership even after screening, appeal and reconciliation committees have concluded their service.

The chairman noted that his party has directed that candidates for the position of Councillor has been pegged at N 0.5m while Chairmanship candidates will pay only N2m for their forms compared to what goes on in other progressive states.

Borno Council Elections set for Dec 13th

Continue Reading

News

Police arrest 54 suspects in coordinated raids across FCT

Published

on

Police arrest 54 suspects in coordinated raids across FCT

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have arrested 54 suspects during coordinated raids across various parts of Abuja.

Zagazola Makama that the operation, which took place late on Tuesday, was part of ongoing efforts to rid the territory of criminal elements.

It said the raids were carried out simultaneously by operatives from Nyanya, Karu, Kurudu, Life Camp, Apo, Karmo, Zuba, Byazhin and Bwari Divisions at identified black spots, criminal hideouts, and uncompleted buildings.

According to the sources, all 54 suspects are in custody undergoing screening and interrogation, while those found culpable will be charged to court.

Police arrest 54 suspects in coordinated raids across FCT

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights