News
State Governments Can Offset, Waive Minor Fines Owed By Inmates – Aregbesola
The Federal Government has revealed that state governors can offset or grant waivers to inmates with fines less than N1 million.
This is according to the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, during the commissioning of a 20-bed space medical facility at Port Harcourt maximum security custodial centre.
Aregbesola said while the Federal Government is finding long time solutions to the challenge of prison decongestion, the State Government can in the meantime provide basic supports, like offsetting the meager fines and debts, building court houses at the correctional services premises or try the defendants virtually from the Correctional Centres for speedy determination of cases.
He held that some of the inmates are held behind bars for minor offences that can be easily waved by the states.
The Minister further stated that he recently asked the comptroller of Correctional centres to compile the list of inmates whose reason for incarceration is a fine or a debt not more than one million naira that are meant to be paid to the state governments.
According to him, about 5,000 inmates where shortlisted under this category and most of them have stayed long enough in the care of the Federal Government to consume foods worth more than they are supposed to pay as fines and debt to the states.
According to him, in Rivers State, there are about 22 of such inmates and the 22 of them are collectively owing a little above 3million naira, an amount he thinks the State Government can offset or wave for the inmates to be freed.
The minister noted that apart from reducing the financial burden on the Federal Government, such decisions by the state will also help in decongesting the correctional centres.
He said for instance, the Maximum facility in Port Harcourt was built 1,800 inmates, but as of May 12, 2023 the centre was holding 3,100 inmates.
While emphasizing that the situation in Port Harcourt is a reflection of the cases in most of the facilities across the country, the minister said Additionally, the Federal Government is building 6 mega facilities with at least 3,000 capacity in the six geopolitical zones to further decongest the existing facilities.
The one for the South-South is located in Bori in Khana Local Government Area of the Ogoni ethnic group in Rivers State.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to pilot national communal ranches in six locations as part of efforts to modernize the livestock sector, reduce greenhouse gas emissions (especially methane from livestock), boost productivity, and help resolve farmer-herder conflicts.
The selected pilot sites are Adamawa State, Benue State, Kaduna State, Kano State, Plateau State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy for climate-smart livestock production and improved feed and fodder systems.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, revealed the plans while restating the administration’s commitment to moving away from open grazing toward structured ranching. He highlighted plans for large-scale fodder production supported by solar-powered irrigation, micro earth dams, and upgraded grazing reserves.
According to the minister, land allocation for these national communal ranches is expected to be finalized ahead of the next rainy season. “This is no longer about theory. It is time for boots on the ground,” Maiha said, pointing to Nigeria’s available land, political will, and partnerships as key drivers to transform the sector while addressing climate change, security concerns, and food system challenges.
The development marks a significant step in implementing the National Ranching Policy and related reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The goal is to establish sustainable, conflict-free livestock hubs that create economic opportunities across the value chain.
While some stakeholders have welcomed the move as a practical step toward modernizing pastoralism, previous attempts at similar initiatives have received mixed reactions. Further details on implementation, timelines, and funding are expected in the coming months.
News
Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Arise News Anchor Murder Suspects’ Hearing adjourn February 9-11
Aside from the killing of the Arise News Anchor, they are charged with armed robbery involving other residents at the estate where Somtochukwu was killed.
Photo: Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Arise News Anchor and lawyer
The FCT High Court Abuja has slated three days hearing for suspects that killed Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Arise News Anchor and lawyer.
Ohibaba.com learned that the matter is adjourned to 9, 10 and 12 February, 2026 for definite hearing.
The suspects were arraigned on amended Charges filed on 10th January before the FCT High Court.
Aside from the killing of the Arise News Anchor, they are charged with armed robbery involving other residents at the estate where Somtochukwu was killed.
All of them pleaded not guilty.
Defendants to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Facility.
News
Suicide bomber Kills Five Soldiers in Borno Waylaid
Security sources said that the attack occurred as troops were returning from a successful clearance operation that dislodged several insurgent camps and neutralised many fighters.
Five soldiers were killed while several others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a military convoy at the Timbuktu Triangle axis of Borno State.
Security sources said that the attack occurred Tuesday as troops were returning from a successful clearance operation that dislodged several insurgent camps and neutralised many fighters.
Two senior officers, a Major and a Lieutenant, were among those affected.
The military has yet to issue an official statement, as clearance operations are still ongoing in the area.
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