
News
Natasha: Court summons Akpabio, Nwaebonyi over sexual harassment, defamation claims
Two High Courts of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have individually and separately summoned Senate President Godswill Akpabio and, Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, over allegations of sexual harassment, defamation and the violation of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental rights.
A judge of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Abubakar Idris Kutigi, in suit no: FCT/HC/CV/754/2025, granted leave to Natasha, the senator representing Kogi central, to serve the writ of summons and other court processes on Akpabio in person and in his official capacity as senate president.
The judge also directed that Mfon Patrick, Senior legislative aide to Akpabio, and the Clerk of the National Assembly be served accordingly.
Kutigi fixed June 9 for the report of service after granting motion no. M/6603/2025.
The motion, which was moved by U.J. Udoh, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and supported by a six-paragraph affidavit, was deposed to by Hamzat Mogaji, litigation manager at Victor Giwa & Associates.

Another judge of the same court, A.O. Otaluka, in a separate suit, no: FCT/HC/CV/1359/25, granted leave for Nwaebonyi to be served by substituted means.
The ex parte motion dated May 10 was supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit and a written address. Michael J. Numa, SAN, and counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan moved the motion Otaluka adjourned the matter to June 25 for the report of service.
Natasha had earlier filed a N5 billion defamation suit against Nwaebonyi over a claim that she had six children with different men.
The suit, filed by her legal team led by Numa, described the statements as false and a deliberate attempt to damage the lawmaker’s reputation.
Numa told the court that Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi north central, made the allegations during a live interview on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme aired on March 6.
The lawyer said the lawmaker called the Kogi senator a “gold digger”, an “habitual liar”, and an “habitual blackmailer” and alleged that her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, married her under duress.
Natasha’s counsel stated that the remarks were made to depict the senator as someone who extorts money through dishonest means.
Through her lawyer, Natasha further said Nwaebonyi was fully aware that the statements were false and made them to discredit her and justify her illegal suspension by the senate.
She also said the lawmaker, a member of the senate committee on ethics and public petitions, made the remarks to influence public opinion against her ongoing petition before the senate.
Among other reliefs, she is asking the court for a perpetual injunction restraining Nwaebonyi and his associates from publishing or causing the publication of defamatory content about her.
Natasha also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and said his aide defamed her character.
She is seeking N100 billion in general damages and N300 million in litigation costs from Akpabio’s aide.
Recall that Natasha was suspended from the senate for alleged gross misconduct following her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio.
However, the lawmaker rejected the senate’s position that she was not suspended over her sexual harassment claim against Akpabio.
News
Soldier declared wanted over terrorism
The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) has declared one of its personnel wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.
It said that preliminary investigations indicated that the soldier, who was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, absconded from his unit on June 3, 2026.
“The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) has declared one of its personnel, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements,” it said in a statement by Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Oluwatope Aluko, on Thursday.
It said that intensive efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him to face a full investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with extant military laws.
“The Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps wishes to state unequivocally that it has zero tolerance for misconduct, indiscipline, or any act capable of compromising the operational effectiveness, integrity and reputation of the Nigerian Army or threatening national security,” it added.

The military authorities said any personnel found to have aided terrorists, criminals or other non-state actors through the unauthorised sale, diversion or distribution of military uniforms, accoutrements or other controlled items would be subjected to the full weight of military and civil laws.
The Corps, therefore, appealed to members of the public to support ongoing efforts by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of the wanted soldier.
It noted that such information should be reported immediately to the nearest military formation or any security agency.
“The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps reassures Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to accountability, professionalism and the protection of military assets.
“The Corps will continue to strengthen internal control measures and ensure that every allegation of misconduct is thoroughly investigated while those found culpable are held fully accountable,” it added. (Channels TV)
News
Mbah reacts to Enugu Air runway incident, declares Safety Non-Negotiable
The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has reacted to Thursday’s runway incident involving the state-owned airline, Enugu Air, at Benin Airport, empathizing with the passengers and crew members over the traumatic experience.
Mbah, in a statement he personally signed, commended the aviation authorities for immediately initiating an investigation into the incident, saying that, for Enugu Air, safety remained non-negotiable.
In the statement made available to newsmen on Friday, the governor said, “The Enugu State Government is aware of the runway excursion incident affecting Enugu Air, Embraer E170, Flight 4264, operating until the Benin Airport from Lagos on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
“The government empathizes with the 63 passengers and five crew members on board the aircraft over the traumatic experience and is thankful to God that no life was lost and no injuries have so far been reported.
“The government commends the swiftness of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in embarking on the ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances and factors that may have led to the incident. The government will ensure the full cooperation of its going concern, Enugu Air, with the investigation and regulatory authorities.

“While the outcome of the investigation is awaited, the government assures the public that the operations of Enugu Air are guided by the highest safety standards. The airline is founded on a corporate culture that places safety above profit and schedule, and its quality assurance and quality control systems stipulate a safety threshold that is considerably higher than the industry benchmark.
“This accounts for the growing confidence and patronage the airline has continued to enjoy from both passengers and industry stakeholders. Enugu Air will therefore continue to serve its teeming customers and abide by its utmost commitment to safety, professionalism, and a sense of hospitality.”
He thanked Nigerians for their support following the incident, as many continued to relive their pleasurable experiences flying the airline.
“The Enugu State Government wishes to express its profound gratitude to Nigerians for the outpouring of solidarity since the unfortunate incident. Quite uncommonly, Nigerians have continued to share their positive experiences with Enugu Air since it was launched a year ago. This matters so much to us as a government at this time,” he concluded.
News
Pastor found dead inside church
A pastor of the Power in the Word of God for the World Ministry has been found dead inside his church in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, with the circumstances surrounding his death still unknown.
The incident happened on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the church located on Etim Inyang Street in Oron.
The discovery of the pastor’s body has caused concern among residents, while many people in the area have been discussing different claims about what may have happened.
Some residents believe the pastor may have taken his own life. However, there has been no official confirmation from the police, and the reports circulating on social media remain unverified.
Videos shared online showed people believed to be members of the church carrying the pastor’s body out of the building.

Another video showed the body, wrapped in cloth, inside a police pickup van belonging to the Oron Area Command.
As of the time of reporting, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command had not released an official statement explaining the cause of the pastor’s death or the outcome of any investigation.
Efforts by Premium Times to get a response from the police were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson for the command, Timfon John, did not answer phone calls or reply to text messages seeking comments on the incident.
Authorities are expected to investigate the case to determine the exact cause of the pastor’s death.
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