NEWS
Turkey promises to partner NAF, transfer defence technology

The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Hidayet Bayraktar, has expressed the readiness of Turkey to deepen the existing defence collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) through transfer of defence technology.
Bayraktar said this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters NAF, on Wednesday in Abuja.
This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, in Abuja.
The Ambassador said that Turkey had, over the years, collaborated with the NAF and would not relent in ensuring that the partnership was taken to a much higher level.
He also assured that his country would not only sell defence products to the NAF but would be happy to assist the NAF develop its capacity to manufacture and maintain some of the products.
Bayraktar promised to ensure the delivery of TK-1 helicopters to the NAF as scheduled as well as ensuring their sustenance through an effective maintenance strategy with the NAF.
Responding, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, thanked the Ambassador for his assurances and noted that the NAF would leverage on the opportunities presented to improve its Research and Development (R&D) drive.
Abubakar added that the offer of technology transfer aptly aligned with one of the key enablers of his Command Philosophy, which prioritised R&D leveraging cutting-edge technology as well as lessons learnt.
He said that the support of the Turkish Government was key to sustaining the ongoing country insurgency operations in Nigeria and implored the ambassador to use his office to help fast-track the delivery of the six TK-1 helicopters to Nigeria.
The CAS emphasised the painstaking resolve of the NAF to capitalise on the prospects presented by key partners to develop and enhance NAF’s capability to effectively secure the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
Highlight of the visit include the symbolic laying of wreath by the Ambassador at the NAF Memorial Arcade in honour NAF personnel who paid the ultimate price in the defence of Nigeria.
JUDICIARY
Court Remands Man for Alleged Defilement of Minor

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Thursday remanded a man, Erickson Iyanagbe for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old minor (names withheld).
Iyanagbe was arraigned by the Lagos State Government on a one-count charge of defilement.
The defendant, whose residential address was not given, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Justice Abiola Soladoye ordered the the remand of the defendant at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the commencement of trial and determination of the case.
Soladoye adjourned the case until July 9 for the commencement of trial.
The State Counsel, Mrs Ibukun Ibikunle told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence sometimes in 2023 on Chosen Avenue, Greenville Estate in Ajah, Lagos.
Ibikunle alleged that the defendant defiled the minor by having an unlawful sexual intercourse with her.
The
prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. (NAN)
CRIME
Court Remands 3 For Alleged Burglary, Theft in Osun

An Osogbo Magistrates’ Court in Osun, on Thursday , remanded three defendants in Ilesa Correctional Facility for alleged burglary and theft of household items whose worth was yet to be disclosed.
The defendants, Adewumi Ademola ,Adedokun Isiaka and Abdullahi Hassan are being charged for conspiracy, burglary and theft.
The Magistrate, Mr O.
Odeleye , ordered that the defendants be kept behind bars due to the magnitude of the alleged offence committed.Odeleye adjourned the case until May 14, pending their formal bail application.
The Police Prosecutor,ASP Jacob Akintunde told the court that the defendants conspired among themselves to broke into the apartments of Okeyinka Adeniyi M r Olagunju Rilwan between April 24 and May 2 at Abidogun area in Osogbo .
Akintunde alleged that the trio forcefully entered the apartments and took away some household items worth thousands of naira belonging to the complainants.
He said the offence contravened sections 516 ,312,213,509,382(1) punishable under section 390 of the criminal code, Cap 34 Vol.11 ,laws of Osun, 2002.
The trio pleaded not guilty to charges
Defence counsels, Mr Najite Okobie and Mr Kehinde Adepoju ,prayed the court to grant their clients bail in the most liberal terms which was declined.(NAN)
Education
Tinubu Inaugurates Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies in Anambra, Lauds Legacies

President Bola Tinubu has lauded Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a diplomat and former Commonwealth Secretary-General for his contributions to good governance, democracy and world peace.
Tinubu made the commendation while inaugurating the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy, located inside the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka.
He described Anyaoku as a “great Nigerian and a patriotic man with commitment to values and nation building”.
According to him, Anyaoku should be commended for promoting democracy, good governance and world peace in the course of his service.
“We must invest in education as it is the greatest weapon against poverty.
We are doing so believing we have leaders like Emeka Anyaoku.“Here is a man who helped tremendously to bring about constitutional democracy, freedom and stability.
“His patriotism is boundless. His commitment to values and nation building is invaluable. I’m glad he is alive.
“I’m glad my friend, Gov. Charles Soludo, his team and many of you are here to honor him, immortalise him and ensure he remains a fulcrum of our learning and intellectual development and diplomacy,” he said.
The president urged the management of the institution to ensure adequate maintenance of the building and its facilities.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to advancing the education sector.
He said that significant resources had consistently been allocated, especially toward tertiary education.
“Let me divert attention to the Governing Council and Management of the university.
“In recent times, we have had cause to intervene in the affairs of this university and a few others, to arrest what could be described as administrative rascalities.
“My government is committing lots of resources to the education sector and shall not allow wrong use of autonomy to derail us,” he said.
Earlier, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of NAU, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, expressed gratitude for the President’s visit to the university.
Ikechebelu praised the President for his intervention to what he described as ‘Administrative rascality’ in 2024.
He also expressed gratitude at the decision to establish the world-class institute within the institution.
“This facility is built by contributions from friends of Anyaoku to immortalise and internalise his diplomatic activities.
“We will ensure the efficient operation of the institute to achieve its primary goal of equipping prospective students with globally recognised principles of peace and conflict resolution.
The Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy was established to offer degree and certificate programmes in International Relations, Diplomacy, and Peace and Conflict Resolution. (NAN)