By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
18- DEC- 2025

A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Owerri, Imo State, has ordered the remand of a 38-year-old businesswoman, Juliet Igwe, at the Owerri Correctional Centre following allegations of severe abuse against a five-year-old girl under her care.

The defendant was arraigned by the Imo State Police Command on a one-count charge bordering on attempted murder, arising from accusations that the minor suffered serious injuries while in her custody at Oha, Ideato North Local Government Area.

A journalist and human rights advocate, Chidiebube Okeoma, who was present in court, disclosed that the matter was brought before the court by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma. Okeoma, whose organisation, Stand For Humanity Foundation, rescued the child, stated that the prosecution alleged the offence is punishable under Section 320 of the Criminal Code applicable in Imo State.

During the proceedings, the police prosecutor, S.O. Obodo, informed the court that the offence carries a possible life sentence upon conviction and urged the court to remand the accused, noting that the Magistrate Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the substantive matter.

When questioned by the court, the accused reportedly admitted to the act but claimed she did not anticipate the extent of harm caused.

In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, B.U. Adikibe, agreed with the prosecution that the offence is a serious felony beyond the court’s jurisdiction. She consequently ordered that the accused be remanded at the Owerri Correctional Facility and directed that the case file be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

The court adjourned the matter to February 5, 2026, for an update on the DPP’s response.

The accused was not represented by counsel, while Miriam Ogbu appeared on behalf of the Imo State Ministry of Justice.

Also present in court was the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Lady Nkechi Ugwu, who assured that the matter would be escalated to the Wife of the Governor, Barrister Chioma Uzodimma, noting her interest in the protection of children and vulnerable persons.

The Stand For Humanity Foundation disclosed that it rescued the child on December 2 from Osina, Ideato North LGA, facilitated the arrest of the suspect, and ensured the minor was admitted to the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where she is currently receiving medical care.

Medical reports, according to the foundation, indicate that the child will require corrective medical procedures due to the injuries sustained. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring the child’s full recovery and protection.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), following the Senate’s confirmation of its members on December 16.

Members of the reconstituted Board are:

• Musiliu Olalekan Oseni, PhD. — Chairman

Dr Oseni started his service as a Commissioner in January 2017. He was subsequently appointed Vice Chairman of the Commission.

His appointment as Chairman took effect from 1 December 2025 and shall subsist until the completion of his ten-year tenure at the Commission, in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2023.

• Yusuf Ali, PhD. — Vice Chairman

Dr Ali was first appointed as a Commissioner in February 2022. His designation as Vice Chairman took effect on 1 December 2025 and shall remain in effect until the completion of his first term.

• Mr Nathan Rogers Shatti — Commissioner

Mr Shatti is serving a second term as commissioner. He was first appointed in January 2017.

• Mr Dafe Akpeneye — Commissioner

Mr Akpeneye is serving a second term, having been first appointed as a Commissioner in January 2017.

• Aisha Mahmud Kanti Bello — Commissioner

Aisha Bello is serving her second term, having been first appointed as a Commissioner in December 2020.

• Dr Chidi Ike — Commissioner

Dr Ike is serving his first term, having been first appointed as a Commissioner in February 2022.

• Dr Fouad Animashaun — Commissioner. Dr Animashaun is serving his first term, effective December 2025.

He is an energy economist with extensive experience in the Nigerian power sector and most recently served as Executive Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the board members of NERC to deepen and consolidate the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s power sector, in strict alignment with the letter and spirit of the Electricity Act, 2023.

Bayo Onanuga,

Special Adviser to the President,

(Information & Strategy)

December 18, 2025

The Federal Government has confirmed the release of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft and 11 soldiers detained in Burkina Faso after a forced landing.

Confirming the development on Wednesday night, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the aircraft and personnel had been released.

He said, “Yes, they have been released.”

The confirmation came after the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Yusuf Tuggar, on Wednesday met Burkina Faso junta leader, Mr Ibrahim Traoré, in Ouagadougou.