News
Court Sentences Killer Of Jumia Agent To Death By Hanging
Justice Chigozie Igwe of the Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced the killer of Jumia delivery agent Chukwuma Eleje to death either by hanging or firing squad.
Sodienyem Mbatumukeke killed Eleje, 37, in Port Harcourt about four years ago when the latter delivered an ordered iPhone to Mbatumukeke’s house.
His remains were later found in a septic tank in the house.
Mbatumukeke and one Excel Destiny were charged for the murder of the victim.
Delivering the judgement on Monday, the court discharged and acquitted Destiny but found Mbatumukeke guilty as charged.
Justice Igwe described Mbatumukeke as a hardened criminal that deserves no mercy, adding that he was not remorseful.
He said, “You are convicted for the murder of the Jumia delivery agent on March 25, 2017 and sentenced to die by hanging. You are to be tied hands and legs and hanged on your neck until you die, or by firing squad and may your sin be on your head.” Justice Igwe announced.
Reacting to newsmen after the judgment, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Ibiene Ibano who prosecuted the trial on behalf of the state expressed satisfaction with the judgment, noting that it will serve as a deterrent to such killers.
Asked how he got into the case, Destiny said, “I do tattoo for a living, all the tattoos on the Sodienyem’s body were drawn by me. I came to his house that faithful day to do my normal home service work, before I got myself into this mess.”
He said he was about to raise the alarm on seeing a pool of blood when Mbatumukeke rushed at him with a gun and told him to shut up.
“He then directed me to begin to clean up the mess with him, and I did amid fear and panting,” he said.
Wife of the deceased, Blessing, who was in court with her three children, expressed gratitude to God, on the outcome of the case.
“I am grateful to God, the state, the court for how the case has ended, although my husband is no more, but the law has taken its course on the killer of my husband by this judgement today.”
The convict’s defence said they will appeal the judgment.
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.
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