security
1,100 Inmates Await trial, 144 Convicted in Agodi Correctional Centre -NCoS

Abduljelil Odunlami, a Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), says 1,100 inmates from the Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan are currently awaiting trial for various offences.
Odunlami, while visiting the Ibadan Branch of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), said the facility currently housed a total of 1,244 inmates.
He added that the inmates comprise 24 female and 1,220 male, with 144 of the total number of inmates already convicted of various offences.
Odunlami disclosed that the aim of the visit was to seek for cooperation and support of members of the Ibadan Branch of NBA in helping inmates.
”We want you to assist inmates without financial means to get legal assistance, as our Agodi facility is housing many inmates who do not have financial capacity to get legal aid,” he said.
He added that the Agodi Correctional Centre was supposed to house inmates in the Ibadan axis by virtue of regulations.
“But some inmates are now being taken to the Oyo axis, and this is an aberration to the NCoS.”
Odunlami said the awaiting trial inmates needed NBA’s support for a quick dispensation of justice, especially those who do not have the financial capacity to get lawyers and are with critical sickness.
“If an offender within Ibadan is being remanded in the Oyo town correctional facility, there may be delay in justice.
“There may be an attack on the road, as well as the problem of safety on the road. Time must also be considered.
“So, I want us to join hands and work together to ensure that inmates within Ibadan are retained in the Agodi correctional facility for a quick administration of justice.
“Government is doing its best, but corporate organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like NBA also need to complement government’s efforts in the provision of welfare packages for inmates,” he said.
In her response, the Chairperson of Ibadan Branch of NBA, Folashade Aladeniyi, said the awaiting trial inmates have constitutional rights to be visited.
She said this would be within a specified timeframe and by their relations and lawyers without any financial obligation.
The chairperson, who was represented by the branch’s Secretary, Olakunle Akintola, urged correctional facility officers to ensure easy protocol for relations’ attention without intimidation or extortion.
Aladeniyi also urged correctional officers to always ensure proper evaluation of inmates to be presented for pardon or release during facility decongestion exercise, especially inmates with critical and life-threatening sickness.
“We are still finding it difficult to get medical certificates from medical facilities within correctional centres to apply for bail applications in courts.
“Something must be done about this because the medical facilities within the correctional facilities can not handle some inmates’ sickness,” the chairperson said.
Speaking also, Olakunle Faokunla, Chairman of the Advocacy Committee of Ibadan Branch of NBA, assured of continued partnership between the NBA and correctional centres in the state.
He said this would be in the areas of administration of justice and welfare support.
“Our branch has been visiting correctional facilities in the state and will continue to engage with the inmates to provide necessary support when needed.”
CRIME
Police Nab Woman, Accomplice Over Alleged Gunrunning in Delta

The Delta Police Command have confirmed the arrest of a woman and her accomplice over alleged case of gun-running in Okpanam community, near Asaba.
Command spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement in Asaba on Monday said that the suspects were nabbed last Friday during a sting operation by operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team.
“At about 1600hrs of 13/6/2025, operatives of the Commissioner of Police’s special assignment team embarked on a sting operation at Okpanam community, near Asaba, the state capital.
“During the operation, the team effected the arrest of one Ekene Chioma, (f), a 36 years old native of Issele-Uku community and one Okafor Jonathan (m), an 18 year old native of Onicha-Ugbo community both in Aniocha North LGA of Delta State.
“Upon search, two English Single Barrell guns and one hundred and ten live cartridges were recovered from the suspects,” he stated.
Edafe said that police preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were suspected of being involved in the business of gun running.
He said the suspects and the exhibits recovered were taken into custody while investigation is ongoing.(NAN)
DEFENCE
Escalating Insecurity in Benue worries Mark

Former Senate President, David Mark, has once again expressed deep concern over the continued and escalating killings of citizens in Benue.
This is contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Paul Mumeh, in Kano on Monday.
He urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to check the deteriorating security situation in the state.
The former Senate president described the killings as “senseless, tragic, and unacceptable.
”Mark emphasised that the primary responsibility of any government is the welfare and security of its citizens.
“This is the unfortunate reality the Benue people are confronted with. Government must rise to its responsibility,” he said.
Mark urged the Federal Government to fulfil its constitutional obligation to safeguard the lives and property of all Nigerians.
He called on the state government, under the leadership of Gov. Hyacinth Alia, to intensify its efforts in ensuring the safety of the people.
Mark appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the culprits.
He offered a message of solidarity and resilience.“This is a trying moment for our people.
“We must unite, mobilise, and speak with one voice against the invaders. We must refuse to bow to fear,” he said.
He urged the people to remain law-abiding, stay united, and uphold the enduring spirit of being their brother’s keeper.( NAN)
DEFENCE
Ohanaeze Decries Benue Killings, Urges urgent Government Action

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has decried the wanton killings in Benue, urging the Federal and Benue State Governments to end the needless bloodletting forthwith.
The group made the call in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, and made available to newsmen in Enugu on Monday.
According to Chukwu, Ohanaeze unreservedly condemns the horrifying massacre of over 100 people and burning of houses by gunmen, who reportedly invaded Yelwata Community in the early hours of Saturday.
“The deadly night attack, which has caused massive displacement, in addition to the loss of innocent lives and property, is seen by Ohanaeze as callous, inhuman and unacceptable.
“Human life remains sacrosanct, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or social status.
“This idea of ruthless mass bloodletting at any slightest provocation is ungodly and antithetical to national conviviality in a multi-ethnic country as ours,” Chukwu stated.
He added that Ohanaeze decried the prolonged inability of government and security agencies to stem the escalation of attacks in Benue and other parts of the country.
The statement explained that there would be dire consequences of the incessant attacks to the progress and wellbeing of the Nigerian state, if not contained.
“We, therefore, call on government and stakeholders at different levels to put in place adequate measures that would address this theatre of carnage, by finding a lasting solution to the vicious circle of violence between herders and farmers.
“Benue Government and stakeholders may, as a matter of urgency, collaborate with the Federal Government and security agencies to convoke a national dialogue on the unending destruction of lives and property in the state,” he added. (NAN)