EVENTS
Court of Appeal clears ex-NIMASA DG, Akpobolokemi of N754.8m fraud case
The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has discharged and acquitted former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi, of alleged fraud involving N754.8 million.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on Friday, the appellate court upheld Akpobolokemi’s appeal and overturned the ruling of the Ikeja High Court, which had earlier dismissed his no-case submission.
The court quashed the 12-count charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The EFCC had initially accused Akpobolokemi of conspiracy, stealing, and forgery in connection with purported illegal transfers from the account of the VIMSAS Committee.
While he was initially arraigned alongside several others, the charges were later amended to focus solely on him and one co-defendant.
Justice Raliatu Adebiyi of the trial court had previously held that the EFCC had established a prima facie case against the defendants and directed them to open their defence.
Akpobolokemi, through his counsel, Ogbonna and Kunle Gbolahan, challenged the ruling, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish any direct link between him and the alleged offences.
The appeal pointed to the reliance on inadmissible evidence and uncorroborated testimonies of prosecution witnesses, including PW9, PW10, and PW11, as well as Exhibits P59 to P61.
The appellate court found merit in the appeal, holding that Akpobolokemi was neither a member of the VIMSAS Committee nor a signatory to any of its accounts.
It also held that he did not authorize or sign any withdrawal instructions or internal memoranda related to the transactions in question.
The court emphasized that trial courts are bound to act only on legally admissible evidence and noted that the evidence relied upon in this case should have been excluded, regardless of whether objections were raised during trial.
By striking out the charges and entering an acquittal, the Court of Appeal brought the protracted legal proceedings against Akpobolokemi to a close.
During the trial, Akpobolokemi’s defence consistently argued that the EFCC had not substantiated its case, while the prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, maintained that the testimonies of 12 witnesses supported the charges.
EVENTS
EID-EL-FITR: IGP DISU FELICITATES MUSLIM FAITHFUL, ORDERS NATIONWIDE DEPLOYMENT OF TACTICAL ASSETS
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has extended warm felicitations to the Muslim faithful across Nigeria on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
In furtherance of his commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment during the festive period, the Inspector-General has directed Commissioners of Police and Tactical Commanders across all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory to implement robust security arrangements.
Operational measures include:
Strategic deployment of tactical teams and intelligence operatives.

Deployment of the Special Intervention Squad and conventional police personnel to Eid prayer grounds and critical infrastructure.
Increased presence at highways, motor parks, recreational centers, and other public spaces to ensure peaceful, hitch-free celebrations.
The IGP has also ordered heightened visibility policing, coordinated patrols, enhanced surveillance operations, and intelligence-led stop-and-search duties. These actions are aimed at proactively deterring criminal activities and ensuring a swift response to any emerging threats.
IGP Disu calls on members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the following emergency lines:
08057000001, 08057000002, 09133333785, and 09133333786.
IGP Tunji Disu wishes all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc(+) mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
20th March, 2026
EVENTS
Hon Success Opara celebrates Mothering Sunday with St. Peter women, hails them as the ‘neck that controls the household
Hon Success Opara, former councilorship candidate for Ikenegbu Ward 2, celebrated Mothering Sunday with the women of St. Peter Anglican Church, Ikenegbu, extolling them as the backbone of their households.
He described them as the “neck that controls the household,” acknowledging their vital role in shaping families and communities.
Opara’s gesture is seen as a testament to his commitment to uplifting and empowering women.
The celebration, which coincided with the Christian observance of Mothering Sunday, featured fellowship and words of encouragement from Opara, who prayed for the women’s well-being.
This event highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating mothers and mother figures in Nigerian society.
EVENTS
“Early marriage is better than fornication” – Mixed reactions as young Nigerian couple trends after welcoming a child
A young Nigerian couple are currently trending on Arewa social media circles after they welcomed their first child.
The pictures taken by a Kaduna-based photographer have sparked mixed reactions, with some people saying that the girl is underaged and not old enough to be a wife and mother.

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