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 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.

Salisu Maradun 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), under the inspired and discerning leadership of the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi _mni OFR_, the Corps is committed to civil centred access to justice and has adopted effective measures for the prevention and eradication of illegalities within the confines of the nation.

In accordance with the Corps’ statutory mandate and in collaboration with sister security agencies, the Zamfara state command, under the adept headship and supervision of CC Sani Mustapha, established a proactive modules of thwarting these incessant activities disturbing the peace and order of the state; regulatory and investigatory structures are in place to efficiently contain these unethical dealings and criminal elements rampaging the socio-economic wellbeing of the state.

The statement by ASCI Umar Mohammed Mansur Head, Public Relations of the Command,vit was revealed that, the suspect, Abdulraheed Abdullahi ‘M’ 24 years old, was apprehended on the 18th October, 2026, at a checkpoint in Anka LGA, Zamfara state, at about 1130 hours (11:30am) whilst in possession of suspected hard substances.

The case was transferred from Anka Divisional Corps Office to the State Headquarters, Gusau on the same day, 18th October, 2026, the suspect is an indigene of Bagega village of Anka LGA.

He is a commercial driver, the items were concealed and packaged in an indomie noodles carton, he claimed to have collected the parcel from a union member (at large)

The concealed items arrested include the following: 50 sachets of Lara Tramadol, 2 leather containing Methanphetamine (ice), 1000 pieces of Diazepam tablets (D5) and l2 tied packs of cannabis.

In fairness, transparency and collaboration with sister security agencies, the state commandant, directed the immediate transfer of the case to the relevant authority in National Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and necessary action(s).

NSCDC is uncompromising and has zero tolerance for criminality and its vices; any suspect apprehended shall face astute investigation and upon completion, arraigned before a competent court of law for prosecution.