Okpebholo Joins Benin Protesters Against BEDC Over Power Outages And Billing Issues

Governor Monday Okpebholo joined protesters in Benin, Edo State, on Monday as residents demonstrated against frequent power outages and the billing practices of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). The protest started at Ring Road in the city center, with demonstrators carrying banners reading, “We say no to BEDC oppression,” “No light, no bill,” and “Edo people say no to bulk billing.” Residents voiced frustration over constant blackouts, estimated bills, and the high cost of prepaid meters. Speaking for the group, Ogbidi Emmanuel described the protest as a response to what he called “oppressive practices” by BEDC. “We pay for light, and they give us darkness,” he said, questioning the transparency of the company’s free meter distribution scheme and calling for a public list of beneficiaries. He added that meters reportedly cost between N150,000 and N400,000. Okpebholo addressed the crowd, urging calm while promising swift engagement with relevant stakeholders. “We need to engage them to see how we can bring in more investors into the business of electricity distribution. Once that is done, we will all be more assured of stable power. Let us remain calm and allow the engagement to take place,” he said. The governor noted that BEDC is privately owned and not directly controlled by the state government, but assured residents that steps would be taken to address their concerns. He announced a stakeholders’ meeting for Tuesday and invited protesters to nominate five representatives to take part. “I was just passing by and saw people gathered here at Ring Road. I stopped to find out what the issue was, and they said you were protesting. I said, yes, we are all youths, and I have come to join you. The only way we can fight this is to bring new investors into the business of distribution. We will break the monopoly. We want to operate like the telecom sector, where you have alternatives. Bringing in more investors will give our people options,” Okpebholo added. The demonstration remained peaceful, with security personnel ensuring order as protesters dispersed after the governor’s address. BEDC has yet to issue an official response to the complaints.

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Jigawa Shari’a Court Judge Sadisu Muhammad-Haruna Retired Over Corruption And Misconduct

The Jigawa Judicial Service Commission has ordered the compulsory retirement of Shari’a Court judge Sadisu Muhammad-Haruna following findings of corruption and misconduct. The announcement was made on Tuesday in Dutse by the commission’s Director of Protocol and Publicity, Abba Wangara. The decision came after an investigation into a petition filed by Abdullahi Hamza, which revealed that Muhammad-Haruna had collected unauthorized fees from the petitioner in violation of the Jigawa Shari’a Court Civil Procedure Rules (2012). He was also accused of illegally detaining the petitioner, an action deemed a serious breach of judicial ethics. “The compulsory retirement of Muhammad-Haruna sends a strong message that corruption and abuse of power by judicial officers will not be tolerated,” Wangara said. At the same meeting, the commission promoted over 80 staff members to reward outstanding performance and enhance morale. Several senior appointments were also made within the state Shari’a Court of Appeal. Key appointments include Aliyu Muhammad as Deputy Chief Registrar I (Administration), Abdulrashid Alhassan as Deputy Chief Registrar II (Litigation), Isma’il Sani as Chief Inspector of Shari’a Courts, Umar Malam as Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Muhammad Lawan as Director of Personnel Management, and Kabiru Isyaku as Deputy Chief Inspector. The commission emphasized its commitment to upholding integrity in the judicial system and ensuring that all judges and staff operate within the law and established regulations.

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DSS Arrests Suspect Over Alleged Assassination Attempt On Peter Obi In Benin

The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken into custody a man accused of orchestrating the recent attack on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, in Benin, Edo State. The incident occurred while Obi was attending a political meeting in Benin alongside former Edo State Governor John Oyegun and other figures within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Armed men reportedly stormed the gathering and fired gunshots, causing chaos before fleeing the scene. Soon after the attack, a social media user identified as Udeme Monday Stephen, operating the X handle @stevetom788, publicly claimed responsibility. In his posts, he not only boasted about the Benin incident but also threatened further action against Obi. “We warned Obi against his entrance into Edo State, but he mistook our resolve for his Obidiots online noise. Thank his stars he (Obi) survived this one… “I learnt he’s going to my Rivers State… Na my men go handle that one and dem no dey miss target… Speak no peace to a bastard and wish him no long life, for he’s destined to die.” Security sources revealed that immediately after the threats surfaced online, DSS operatives initiated a covert probe, using forensic technology to trace the suspect. The investigation reportedly led to the arrest of the 26-year-old Udeme Monday Stephen. According to insiders, Stephen is a teacher at Jessica High School in Eliozu, Rivers State, situated within the Umuehere Community in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area. A security source maintained that forensic findings strongly linked him to the threats and alleged plot. In a related development, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has instructed public officials under his administration who intend to contest the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments. The directive, contained in a February 28, 2026 statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, set March 1, 2025 as the deadline for compliance. The government explained that the move is designed to ensure transparency, fairness and institutional neutrality ahead of the electoral season. “Public office holders are reminded that the responsibilities of governance must not be compromised by partisan political engagements. “All affected officers are therefore advised to take immediate and necessary steps to comply with this directive within the stipulated timeline.” Following the order, two officials — Deputy Chief of Staff Pius Alile and Edo State Audit Service member Terry Igiebor — have reportedly stepped down to pursue their political ambitions for 2027.

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Popular Nigerian Photographer Kola Onifoto Dies After Lone Motorcycle Crash In Lagos

Nigerian photographer and biker Orowole Kolapoz, popularly known as Kola Onifoto, has died after being involved in a lone motorcycle accident in Lagos. The 32-year-old creative, admired for his passion for travel and vibrant presence as a brand influencer, was said to have crashed on Sunday while embarking on what he described as his first solo biking trip outside Lagos. He had announced plans to travel to Akure, expressing excitement about joining the league of experienced riders who have explored different parts of Nigeria and beyond. In a post shared hours before the accident, he celebrated seasoned bikers with the words: “Big shout out to those who have ridden their bikes to every state in this country, to Africa, and across the world, especially women. My eye see wheeen,” he wrote. Following the crash, he was reportedly rushed to a Federal Road Safety Corps emergency facility in Ojota. He was later moved to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where friends and supporters held onto hope as prayers poured in for his recovery. However, he succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Monday, March 2. News of his passing has since sparked an emotional response across social media, with many describing him as bold, inspiring and deeply committed to both photography and biking. The exact circumstances that led to the accident remain unclear. Just weeks earlier, in January, Kolapoz had celebrated fulfilling a long-time dream of fully embracing the biking lifestyle, sharing photos of himself and his motorcycle. Attempts to reach the Lagos Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps for official confirmation were unsuccessful, as calls and a text message sent to its spokesperson were not returned as of the time of this report.

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Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Price To N875 Per Litre As Global Oil Prices Surge

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by N101, raising it from N774 to N875 per litre, fueling concerns of fresh fuel price surges across Nigeria. A senior official at the refinery confirmed the adjustment, attributing it to recent fluctuations in global crude oil prices. “Yes, the price has been reviewed. The new gantry price is now N875 per litre from N774. The review became necessary due to changes in global crude fundamentals and replacement costs,” the official said. Industry monitoring site petroleumprice.ng has already reflected the revised rate, signaling a shift in downstream pricing benchmarks. The increase follows the refinery’s suspension of petrol loading operations starting midnight on March 2, 2026, after international crude prices jumped past $80 per barrel. Reports indicate that PMS loading and the issuance of Proforma Invoices were temporarily halted, while diesel (Automotive Gas Oil) continued to be loaded. The move prompted several private depot operators nationwide to suspend petrol sales for the day. “Several depot owners suspended PMS sales because of the crude rally. The market is already factoring in risk premiums. Nobody wants to sell below replacement cost,” a downstream operator noted. The spike in global crude prices is linked to heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, raising fears of potential supply disruptions, particularly in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

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Police Council Unanimously Endorses Olatunji Disu As Substantive IGP

The National Police Council has formally approved the appointment of Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police, giving him unanimous backing at its meeting in Abuja. The development was confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Bola Tinubu, shortly after the session at the State House. The meeting, which lasted about 40 minutes, began around 2:15 pm when the President arrived at the Council Chamber. “Yes, they have unanimously endorsed Disu as IGP,” Onanuga said. The council’s deliberation followed the resignation of former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. In an earlier statement announcing Egbetokun’s exit, the Presidency had indicated that the Police Council would be convened in accordance with the Police Act 2020 to consider Disu’s appointment. “In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation,” Onanuga had stated previously. Chaired by the President, the Police Council comprises the 36 state governors, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police.

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Islamic Movement of Nigeria Protests In Lagos Over Killing Of Ayatollah Khameini

Supporters of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in the South West staged a protest on Monday in the Maryland area of Lagos following the reported killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khameini. The group expressed outrage over the development, accusing the United States and Israel of carrying out the strikes that led to his death. Demonstrators described the attack as an unjust assault on Iran and criticised what they called foreign interference in the affairs of sovereign nations. Speaking during the march, the South West coordinator of IMN, Muftau Zakariya, said the protest was organised to register their opposition to what he described as aggressive policies under President Donald Trump. “I said to you that nothing good is coming from the US intervention. It is only interested in their economic gains and not minding the consequences thereafter,” Zakariya said. The protest in Lagos followed similar demonstrations a day earlier across several northern cities, where thousands of IMN members gathered to condemn Khameini’s killing. Participants waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans including “death to America and Israel” and “Allahu Akbar” (“God is Great”). Beyond Nigeria, protests have also been reported in Iran and India as reactions continue to trail the late cleric’s death.

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JAMB Announces Start Of 2026 Direct Entry Registration

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially opened registration for the 2026 Direct Entry (DE) programme. According to a statement on the board’s official X account, the sale of application forms began on Monday, March 2, 2026, and will close on Saturday, April 25, 2026. JAMB emphasized that registration is only available at its offices across the country. “2026 Direct Entry Registration: Prospective DE applicants are hereby informed that the sale of application documents has started today, Monday, 2nd March 2026, and will end on Saturday, 25th April 2026. This service is accessible only at our offices nationwide,” the statement read. Candidates are advised to complete their registration within the stipulated period to ensure they do not miss the deadline.

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