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GIVE US A FAVOURABLE JUDGMENT IN OVOKE’S KILLING, PETITIONER’S COUNSEL BEGS IIP-SARS

GIVE US A FAVOURABLE JUDGMENT IN OVOKE’S KILLING, PETITIONER’S COUNSEL BEGS IIP-SARS
By: Michael Mike, Abuja
Complainant’s Counsel, Onome Okoroze-Egbo in the case of alleged extra-judicial killing of Mr Ovoke Godwin Onomrerhino on Monday told the Independent Investigation Panel on Allegations of Extra-Judicial Killing by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other units of the Nigeria Police to enter judgment in favour of the deceased family considering the preponderance of the evidence laid by the complainant in the petition.
When the matter was called up on Monday, Okoroze-Egbo was not present at the panel but she had pleaded with the Panel’s legal team led by Chino Obiagwu (SAN) to assist her to adopt her final written address before the panel.
The crux of the Complainant’s Counsel’s written address as adopted on her behalf by a member of the Panel’s legal team, Pwadundi Oko is that police allegedly tortured Godwin Onomrerhino to death and therefore they should take responsibility.
Before Monday’s adoption of written address, Okoroze-Egbo had informed the 11-Menber panel chaired by Justice Suleiman Galadima (rtd) that the deceased, Godwin Onomrerhino was beaten to death by a team of police officers led by Inspector Kabari Tambari.
The Complainant’s Counsel had while cross-examining the Investigation Police Officer (IPO), Inspector Tambari, told the panel that autopsy report on the late victim showed that he died of anemia as a result of injury around his trunk and not as a result of jumping down from a police moving vehicle, as alleged by the police.
The petitioner’s counsel had observed that the IPO and his team killed Ovoke following a misunderstanding involving his father (Ovoke’s father) in their community and not as a result of the jumping down from a moving police vehicle, as was alleged by Inspector Tambari, Sgt. Musa Sunday and Sgt. Lucky Okuku.
She had as well rejected a medical report produced by Inspector Tambari which she noted was not signed by any medical officer. According to the lawyer, Inspector Tambari obtained the documents while the petition was already pending before the panel. She noted that the medical report was not issued at the very time Ovoke was allegedly taken to Government Hospital, Abaraka, Delta state.
On the other hand, the police gave a different account on the cause of death of Godwin Onomrerhino. When the Complainant’s Counsel cross-examined Sgt Musa Sunday and Sgt Lucky Okuku (police driver) both of them testified before the panel that Ovoke jumped down from the vehicle after taking them to the location where his armed robbery gang hid two cut-to-size guns and two live cartridges in the bush.
Specifically, the police driver, Sgt Okuku had said that immediately Ovoke jumped down from the vehicle that his other colleagues hit the body of the vehicle to alert him that something was amiss and that he immediately applied the brake and looked at the side mirror only to find the victim on the ground. He (Ovoke) was confirmed dead on arrival when he was taken to the hospital
The matter was adjourned for the panel’s report.
Similarly parties adopted their final written addresses in another matter of alleged extra-judicial killing of Emmanuel Ita Ephraim by defunct SARS Calabar, Operation Skolombo Calabar and three other respondents.
Operation Skolombo is a multi-security task force made up of the Police, Department of State Service, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps and the Nigerian Navy, established by the Cross River state government to maintain peace and order in the state.
In adopting their written address in defence of the petition against the police, police Counsel, Malik Taiwo told the panel to hold that the police cannot be held accountable for the death of Emmanuel Ita Ephraim saying that no specific name was mentioned as police officer concerning the matter.
He argued that if anybody or authority needs to be asked questions over the death of Ephraim, it should be the authority that set up Operation Skolombo, which is under the Cross River state government and not the police.
Besides, the police lawyer stated that the family of the deceased reneged in their responsibilities when they knew that the deceased had some mental issues, yet they allowed him to move about in the nights where he allegedly had problems leading to his death.
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According to him, the family of the late Emmanuel Ita Ephraim should have maintained an intense control over him knowing his mental state.
It will be recalled that an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kabiru Salisu, during cross-examination, told the panel that Police personnel were not part of Operation Skolombo the very day the incident happened.
Earlier, the younger brother to the deceased, Mr Paul Offiong, had told the panel that his brother had on June 17, 2017, gone to Church for the purpose of worship and never came back.
According to him, the deceased who was suffering from depression was frequently going to the Church to worship and to be possibly healed so that he could go back to his normal business only for someone to inform the family that their brother had been shot and his dead body in the custody of the Police.
Other respondents in the petition are CPL Mohammed Inuwa Hafiz (defunct SARS), SP Kabiru T. Salisu (defuct SARS), and the Inspector General of Police.
Justice Suleiman Galadima (rtd) adjourned the petition for the panel’s report.
GIVE US A FAVOURABLE JUDGMENT IN OVOKE’S KILLING, PETITIONER’S COUNSEL BEGS IIP-SARS
National News
Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism
By: Zagazola Makama
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the true meaning of jihad, noting that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence in all spheres of life.
The Sultan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
He cautioned against misinterpretations of Islamic concepts, saying extremists and uninformed commentators had for decades wrongly associated jihad with terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.
“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.
He explained that Islam, properly understood, promotes peaceful coexistence and good governance, adding that Islamic teachings have over the years helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by emphasising justice, accountability, and leadership responsibility.
According to him, Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in the country by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.
“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.
The Sultan also called for stronger interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.
“If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.
He commended Gen. Irabor for writing the book, describing it as a timely resource that not only documents the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and national healing.
The launch attracted dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism
National News
Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions
By Hamza Suleiman
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Boko Haram insurgency remains one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s history, warning that military action alone cannot end the crisis.
Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).
He said that unlike previous crises in Nigeria such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious violence, the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external connections, extremist ideology, and advanced weaponry.
“Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine. At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved,” Jonathan said.
The former President noted that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 remained one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no form of cosmetic remedy could erase it from the nation’s collective memory.
He recalled his personal engagement with Niger Delta militants as Vice President, saying that his decision to personally visit their camps without armed escorts was borne out of the conviction that dialogue must complement military action.
“In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps. We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to them, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.
Jonathan, however, emphasised that Boko Haram presented a different challenge. According to him, the insurgency must be tackled through a holistic strategy that combines security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.
He said: “We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace.”
According to him, Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to Boko Haram by tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment.
He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his reflections, saying the book would enrich national understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders in shaping policy responses.
“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future,” he added.
The event attracted dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.
Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions
National News
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.
Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.
She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.
According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.
She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.
“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.
“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.
While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.
She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.
The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.
“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.
Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.
Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.
She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.
The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
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