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State Governments Can Offset, Waive Minor Fines Owed By Inmates – Aregbesola

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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.

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Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026, in picture

Remembering the fallen heroes and the living soldiers

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Location: Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Thursday, 15 January, 2026

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FG releases Senator Akpoti- Uduagan”s travel document after withdrawal of defamation charges

Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.

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• Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduagan feeling happy in the court room.


‎Following the Senate president ‘s Goodwill Akpabio ‘s New Year forgiveness, the Federal Government on Thursday officially withdrawn the criminal charges of defamation levelled against Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The government, through the Attorney General’s office, discontinued the case

at the High Court in Abuja.

‎The AGF had filed a notice of discontinuance on 12 December 2025.

Justice Chizoba Orji , during Thursday’s proceedings, struck out the suit and discharged the defendant.

‎The trial judge also made further orders releasing the Senator’s travel papers as well the title deeds of her sureties.

‎This ends a protracted legal battle that began in July 2025, sparked by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public accusations against Akpabio during Senate plenary sessions.

‎The withdrawal caps months of litigation that caused a rift in the 10th Senate and fueled debates on political accountability versus personal vendettas.

Reacting, senator Akpoti- Uduagan said that the development vindicated her position and reaffirmed her confidence in the rule of law.

“Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.

She expressed gratitude to her legal team, constituents, and supporters for their steadfast backing throughout the legal process.





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Delta Governor Oborevwori gifts 65 SUVs to traditional rulers

In response, the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), Orhue I, described the gesture as a timely and symbolic intervention that strengthens grassroots governance and peace-building across the state.

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•Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has presented 65 brand new Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs, to traditional rulers across the state.

During the presentation of the 60 brand new Prados and five Land Cruisers to the beneficiaries, Oborevwori described traditional fathers as “tools of service” for guardians of peace and stability.

Governor Oborevwori said that the decision to provide rugged SUVs was deliberate, given the rural and difficult terrains in which many traditional rulers operate.

He emphasised that traditional rulers are not merely custodians of customs, norms and traditions but vital intermediaries between government and the people at the grassroots.

Oborevwori explained that the state’s traditional rulers have made governance easier and more effective for him.

In response, the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), Orhue I, described the gesture as a timely and symbolic intervention that strengthens grassroots governance and peace-building across the state.

He assured the governor of the traditional institution’s unwavering support for his administration.

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