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Akatu Onche: Ex Immigration Comptroller killed by suspected herdsmen buried in Benue

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The remains of retired Immigration Officer, Chief Akatu Augustine Onche (JP), who was gruesomely murdered by unknown gunmen in his home on March 31, have been laid to rest.

Akatu, was said to have been shot at his home, in Asa 2 area of Otukpo town of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

A funeral service was held at St. John’s Vianney Catholic Church, Asa 2, in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State.

Among those present at the funeral service was the Senator representing Benue South and Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro PhD, who described Chief Onche as a personal friend and a man deeply committed to community development.

In his funeral oration, Senator Moro revealed that he and the deceased were classmates at Emmanuel Secondary School, Ugbokolo, and had maintained a close bond until his tragic demise.

He recounted seeing Chief Onche and his wife just days before the incident, when they paid him a visit in Otukpo.

The senator condemned the killing in strong terms, calling it a senseless act against a man who had served the country with honour and later dedicated himself to building his community.

He offered prayers for comfort and strength for the grieving family and friends, describing the loss as irreplaceable.

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Dangote to Uzodimma: Just show me where to invest

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Dangote

By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI

The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his group will be one of the biggest investors in the state.

Dangote gave the assurance at the opening session of the Imo Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri on Thursday.

The renowned Africa’s industrialist urged Uzodimma to indicate his preferred area of investment and forget the rest.

Dangote described the Imo governor as a personal friend of decades and commended him for providing enabling environment for investment.

“We will be one of your biggest investors in Imo. So, please tell me the area to invest and we will invest”, Dangote declared.

He called on entrepreneurs to always invest at home, adding that foreigners cannot drive the economy of any nation more than the nationals.

“What attracts foreign investors is a domestic investor. Africa has about 30 percent of the world’s minerals. We are blessed,” he submitted.

Dangote reiterated that his refinery was set to launch 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, the highest for any single refinery in the world.

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Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s brother court appearance

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to accept Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was recently convicted and handed a life sentence, had filed a new motion asking to be transferred to Sokoto prison.

The application was brought before the court by Emmanuel Kanu.

He informed the court that since it was impossible for Nnamdi Kanu to appear personally to move the motion, the judge should go ahead and hear the matter in his absence.

Kanu argued that it would serve the interest of justice for him to be moved to a correctional facility closer to Abuja so he can properly pursue his appeal.

However, when the case was called, Justice Omotosho refused to recognise the appearance of Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel, who had attempted to stand in for the IPOB leader.

The judge informed Emmanuel that he was not permitted to move the application since he is not a qualified lawyer.

“This ex parte motion cannot be moved on the convict’s behalf because you are not a legal practitioner,” the trial judge insisted.

He advised the applicant to hire a qualified lawyer or seek assistance from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria for proper legal representation, as provided by law.

“When I said representation, it is not his (Kanu’s) father, brother, sister or relations I meant. I mean his counsel.

“I am not going to the merit of this application now in the interest of justice.

“But you cannot represent a human being when you are not a lawyer; you can only represent a corporate body.

“Therefore, you cannot move the application because you are not a solicitor or advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“For you to be qualified as a lawyer, it will take you another six years or thereabout. So get a counsel to move the application,” the judge added.

Understanding the court’s position, Emmanuel then asked for a new hearing date.

Justice James Omotosho subsequently adjourned the motion to December 8.

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President Tinubu Swears In Gen. Christopher Musa As Minister of Defence

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, swore in General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd) as Minister of Defence at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

General Musa’s appointment follows the resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar on Monday, December 1, 2025. His nomination was announced the following day and transmitted to the Senate, where it received expedited screening and confirmation.

Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Nigerian Army in 1991 and had a distinguished military career. He was appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023 and retired in October 2025.

As Chief of Defence Staff, he championed inter-service security collaboration.

With his swearing-in, the new Defence Minister is expected to immediately assume duties as the Tinubu administration seeks to consolidate recent security gains and fast-track reforms aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability nationwide.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, attended the swearing-in ceremony.

Also in attendance were the spouse of the new Minister, Mrs Lilian Oghogho Musa; Chief of Defense Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs (rtd).

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