Four Sentenced to Death for Murder of Ahoada DPO in Rivers

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced four individuals to death by hanging for their involvement in the brutal killing of Superintendent of Police (SP) Bako Amgbashim, the former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada East Division. The verdict, delivered on Thursday, February 12, 2026, marks a major milestone in a high-profile case that captured national attention nearly three years ago.

Justice Sika Aprioku, presiding over the case, found Robinson Sonabari, a native doctor; Bright Okparawo; Precious Amaeze, popularly known as “Selina”; and Loveday Jack, also called “Ragged Excess,” guilty of conspiracy, murder, membership of a secret cult group, and robbery. The judge ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and ordered that the four convicts be executed by hanging, the maximum penalty under Nigerian law.

Additionally, Samuel Nwadinma, the sixth defendant, was convicted of conspiracy and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. One defendant was discharged and acquitted due to insufficient evidence, while five others — previously found guilty of cult group membership — were freed after the court noted they had already served the statutory term while in custody.

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The case arose from the murder of SP Bako Amgbashim on September 8, 2023, during a police operation in Odemude community, Ahoada East Local Government Area. The officer was ambushed and killed by suspected cultists, and his body was reportedly mutilated, sparking widespread outrage and prompting intensified security operations in the area.

During the trial, it emerged that Robinson Sonabari played a key role, allegedly preparing the charm used to execute the attack on the late DPO. Prosecutors presented eyewitness testimony, forensic evidence, and confessions, while the defense failed to disprove the charges, leading to the death sentences.

Speaking to journalists after the ruling, lead prosecution counsel Chigozie Amadi of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice described the judgment as a triumph of justice. He was joined by Celestine Dickson, representing the Nigeria Police, who condemned the rising attacks on law enforcement officers and stressed that the ruling would serve as a deterrent to criminal elements targeting security personnel.

Akasco Amgbashim, elder brother of the slain officer, expressed relief at the verdict, thanking the judiciary, the state government, and the police for pursuing justice. He emphasized that the ruling should remind all that no one has the right to unlawfully take another person’s life.

The four condemned convicts were among 72 individuals originally arraigned before the court by a joint prosecution team from the Department of Public Prosecutions and the Rivers State Police Command. During the trial, 61 defendants, including traditional ruler Eze Kelvin Anugwo and former Ahoada East Council Chairman Cassidy Ikegbidi, were discharged and acquitted due to lack of evidence, leaving 13 to face final judgment.

Thursday’s verdict brings closure to a case that began with the tragic murder of SP Amgbashim, reinforced by joint security operations that later led to the killing of a suspected cult leader, David Okparanwo (“2Baba”), believed to have orchestrated the attack. The judgment is seen as a strong statement that violent crimes against law enforcement officers will not go unpunished.

Four Sentenced to Death for Murder of Ahoada DPO in Rivers

Nigerian Army Rescues Eight Kidnapped Wedding Guests in Kano

Nigerian Army troops have successfully rescued eight of the ten people abducted during a wedding ceremony in Dabawa, Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, security sources confirmed on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The operation highlights the military’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and kidnappings in northern Nigeria.

According to a credible Army Headquarters source, a group of gunmen dressed in military camouflage stormed the wedding on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and forcibly abducted several guests. The assailants reportedly fled toward neighboring Katsina State after the attack.

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Troops stationed at an ambush position along the Yankwada River line responded immediately after receiving a distress call, pursuing the kidnappers to Garu Village in Katsina. Contact with the fleeing gunmen was later lost along the Katsina–Gidan Mutum Daya road axis, but the operation led to the safe rescue of eight victims, who have now been reunited with their families.

Military authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining two victims still in captivity. Operations in the area continue to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of local communities.

The rescue operation forms part of a broader counter-kidnapping strategy by the Nigerian military in Kano and neighboring states, aimed at protecting civilians and deterring banditry. Analysts say the swift response demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in combating organized kidnapping networks in northern Nigeria.

Residents have expressed relief and gratitude to the troops, urging continued vigilance and enhanced security measures at public events to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Nigerian Army Rescues Eight Kidnapped Wedding Guests in Kano

IKEDC Sets Feb 20 Deadline for Customers to Submit Valid IDs or Face Disconnection

The Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) has directed all customers to submit valid identification details by February 20, 2026, warning that failure to comply may result in invalid electricity bills and possible service suspension. The directive is part of the company’s effort to align with the Nigeria Tax Act (2025), which came into effect on January 1, 2026.

According to a public notice issued by IKEDC on Wednesday, February 12, 2026, the Nigeria Tax Act (2025) mandates that all invoices, including electricity bills, must include at least one valid customer identifier. Acceptable forms of identification include a Tax Identification Number (TIN), National Identification Number (NIN), or a Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number.

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“To comply with this statutory requirement and ensure your January 2026 and subsequent bills are valid, we request that customers submit any of the above identification details using the designated form,” IKEDC stated. The company emphasized that bills issued without valid IDs will be considered invalid, and non-compliance could result in electricity supply interruption after the deadline.

The notice affects millions of households and businesses across IKEDC’s service areas, including Ikeja, Oshodi, Ikorodu, and other parts of Lagos State. IKEDC said the update is part of efforts to improve tax compliance, transparency, and revenue tracking under the new law.

Industry experts say the measure aligns with broader tax reform initiatives aimed at expanding the tax base and enhancing financial traceability across sectors. By linking utility billing to verified identification, authorities can better monitor economic activity and improve revenue administration.

However, the short compliance window has raised concerns among consumers who may lack immediate access to TINs, NINs, or CAC registration, particularly in informal or underserved communities. Similar ID requirements are also being enforced across other sectors, including banking and vehicle registration, under strengthened regulatory frameworks.

IKEDC urged customers to submit their identification details promptly to avoid billing disruptions or service disconnections, thanking them for their cooperation in complying with the new regulations.

IKEDC Sets Feb 20 Deadline for Customers to Submit Valid IDs or Face Disconnection