News
#EndSARS: Drama As Two Women Fight Over Maternity Of ‘Adult Child’
There was drama at the Independent Investigative Panel on human rights violations by the disbanded SARS on Wednesday following revelations by a clinical pathologist that the 16 markers used in analysing DNA samples for contending paternal or maternal issues showed that “Esther Tanko is not the biological mother of Elijah Tanko.”
The test result has further corroborated an earlier DNA test conducted by the Nigeria police that Esther Tanko was not genetically similar to Elijah.
A statement issued on Wednesday evening by the Deputy Director (Media and External Linkages) in the National Human Rights Commission, Fatimah Agwai, said, a pathologist with Synlab, Chukwukah Isuajah, made the revelation to the panel when he read the analysis of the test carried out.
Presenting the result before the Chairman of the panel, Justice Suleiman Galadima (retd.), the pathologist stated that bucal swap samples were collected from both parties.
In his testimony, Isuajah stated that in analysing the samples 16 markers were used in analysing the similarities between persons.
Reading the result to the 11 man panel, Isuajah said, “The genotype of child and mother did not share similarities in 9 out of the 16 markers.
“Therefore the alleged mother is excluded as the mother of the child”, Isuajah concluded in his testimony.
After his presentation, one of the panellist Dr. Uju Agomoh, inquired from Isuajah the margin of error in DNA testing, to which he responded that there is 0.001 per cent error of margin.
“The pre-analytical has to do with collection of samples, that if the source of sample is not tainted then you can be sure of your result”, Isuajah said.
He added, “We also have what we call quality control in DNA testing, this enables the pathologist know the sex of those ,whose samples were taken by the lab, once that is correct, then the result can be said to be 99.9% accurate”.
On Octobe 18, 2021 the panel rejected the DNA result presented by the police and directed the National Human Rights Commission to conduct an an independent DNA test on Elijah.
The NHRC had constituted a four-man committee headed by Nduka Ezenwugo, a Deputy Director of the Women and Children Department, over the matter.
The committee wrote a letter to the Officer in Charge of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team requesting that the IPO in the matter, Desmond Abella, to produce the child for the collection of samples for the DNA test.
The commission informed the Diagnostic Centre, Synlab, of its intention to use their facilities and that a relevant professional from the diagnostic centre be made available to present and interpret the result of the DNA test to the panel.
On November 3 2021, members of the committee, IPO, petitioner and child Diagnostic centre.
Earlier, Rosemary Diakeocha, another claimant to the maternity of Elijah through her counsel, Kevin Okoro, pleaded to be joined as party to the petition, though not a party to the petition abinitio.
The panel rejected the request and directed she remain as an observer.
After the delivery of DNA report which did not favour the petitioner, Kevin Okoro persuaded the panel to hand over the boy to Rosemary Diakeocha since the earlier DNA test conducted by the police revealed that she is the biological mother.
The panel in its verdict gave its ruling following the disclosure by Isuajah of the DNA result which excluded Esther Tanko as the mother.
The matter has been referred to the NHRC for appropriate action.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
-
News2 days agoImpeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
-
News2 days agoYour Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
-
News1 day agoHow Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
-
News13 hours agoBoko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
