By Our Reporter

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State says he will sign the death warrants of the four kidnappers recently sentenced to death by the state’s Special Criminal Court.

The governor, however, said the death warrant would be signed if the kidnappers fail to appeal within 30 days.

Okpebholo stated this while recounting his administration’s efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities at the God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, Ekpoma, on Friday.

DAILY POST recalls that the criminals were sentenced to death by an Edo State Special Criminal Court on September 29, over the abduction of a woman at the vegetable market along Airport Road, Benin.

The governor said insecurity was a major concern when he assumed office and he decided to prioritise tackling it after raising the issue with President Bola Tinubu, who urged him to go ahead.

“When the kidnappers attacked the vegetable market area, I told the commissioner of police that I wanted them arrested without delay ,” he said.

The governor said the suspects had been sentenced to death and expressed hope that they would not appeal the judgment.

“If within 30 days they don’t appeal, I will execute,” he added.

By Our Reporter

The Ebonyi State Government has sealed the Jimoh Guest House in Abakaliki, the state capital.

The action followed an operation that led to the arrest of more than 30 persons, while substances suspected to be hard drugs, were also recovered.

The operation was jointly conducted by security operatives, a task force from the state Ministry of Internal Security, and the Ministry of Capital City and Urban Planning.

It was part of efforts to address perceived illegal activities going on in the Guest House, and enforce urban planning regulations in the capital city.

The facility was also sealed over security concerns, and alleged use of a building for Guest House without the necessary approvals from relevant government authorities.

The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Capital City and Urban Planning, Richard Idike told journalists during the operation that there was concern over reported illegal activities at the premises.

He said the decision was taken to protect residents and maintain public safety.

The commissioner explained that the inspection was part of efforts of the state government to ensure that buildings within the state capital complied with approved development plans, and were used for purposes authorised by the relevant authorities.

He explained that substances suspected to be hard drugs, including materials allegedly identified as ‘Colos’ and Indian hemp, were recovered during the operation.

Iidike said, “the suspected substances were handed over to security operatives for further investigation, while the individuals arrested during the exercise were taken into police custody for questioning.

“The state government is determined to prevent the use of unapproved hotel at buildings for activities that could compromise public safety, security and the orderly development of the state capital.”

The commissioner urged property developers, landlords and property owners to obtain necessary approvals from the Ministry of Capital City and Urban Planning before commencing construction or converting existing buildings to other uses.

He noted that the government would continue to enforce relevant regulations and to take appropriate actions against property owners who failed to comply with established building and urban planning requirements.

He further ordered the indefinite sealing of the Guest House pending clarification of the circumstances surrounding it, including outstanding regulatory issues.

Meanwhile, the owner of the guest house whose name has remained anonymous, was also directed to report to the ministry for questioning, and possible clarification of the allegations.

In a remark, the Commissioner for Internal Security, Etta Uka Ude, reaffirmed the commitment of the state government towards the protection of lives and property of residents of the state, and the maintenance of law and order across Ebonyi State.

The Commissioner warned that the state government would not tolerate business premises being used as havens for criminal activities or becoming potential threats to the safety and security of residents.

Ude said the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru was6 determined to sustain peace and security across the state, adding that security agencies had been encouraged to strengthen surveillance and monitoring of establishments suspected of engaging in unlawful activities.

He also called for greater cooperation among government ministries, security agencies, property owners and members of the public, to identify and address potential security threats before they escalate.

At the time of this report, the identities of the arrested suspects, and the outcome of police investigations had not been made public, while the owner of the guest house was still unknown.

By Ikenna Okoli

Globacom on Wednesday drew the curtain on the 2026 Ofala Festival with a Royal Banquet in honour of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Agbogidi.

The elegant event, which was attended by the monarch, cabinet chiefs, Glo trade partners and high net-worth customers, marked the grand finale of the festival sponsored by the telecommunications and digital solutions company

Mike Ehumadu, Globacom’s Divisional Head, South East, said that, by hosting the event, the company underscored the enduring value of partnerships between corporate organizations and traditional institutions in sustaining the country’s cultural legacy.

He congratulated Igwe Achebe, the Ofala Festival organizing committee and the people of Onitsha on the successful celebration of this year’s event, and restated the company’s commitment to initiatives that celebrate Nigeria’s cultural diversity, strengthen community bonds and project the nation’s rich heritage to the world.

The evening was a rich blend of culture, music and comedy, with guests treated to performances by Aniweta Mazeli, Boy o Boy and the Groove Band, while comedian MC Ezegetive brought laughter and excitement to the gathering. Their stagecraft complemented the grandeur of the occasion, and created memorable moments for the royal household, community leaders and other guests.

Globacom also used the occasion to celebrate the competitive spirit, discipline and community pride demonstrated by the various Onitsha age grades during the festival by rewarding those who won the different competitions with cash prizes and trophies. It also presented hundreds of bags of special Basmati rice to all the members of the different age grade associations.

The company’s continued association with the Ofala celebration demonstrates how private-sector investment can help traditional institutions preserve heritage, while expanding the social and economic values of cultural events.