US-Based Nigerian Doctor Dies During Free Medical Outreach in Nigeria

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of U.S.-based Nigerian physician, Dr. Uzoma Nwaubani, who passed away while participating in a free medical outreach in Abia State.

In a condolence message personally signed and released in Umuahia, the governor described the late doctor as a committed, compassionate, and selfless professional who died in the line of humanitarian service.

The outreach programme, organised by the Abia State Government in partnership with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), was a five-day free healthcare initiative held from April 13 to April 17, targeting underserved communities across the state.

According to Otti, Dr. Nwaubani, a respected obstetrician and gynaecologist, travelled from the United States alongside her husband and daughter—who is a final-year medical student—to render free medical services to residents.

READ ALSO:

• Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Fully Open
• Troops Arrest Bandit Kingpin’s Deputy, Wife in Gombe
• Power Supply Drops in Lagos as Transmission Faults Trigger Load Shedding

During the outreach, she reportedly suffered a sudden medical emergency and was rushed to a hospital for urgent care. The governor revealed that both ANPA members and local medical professionals worked intensively in a coordinated effort to save her life.

“Despite the gallant efforts of the highly skilled medical team to resuscitate her, she could not make it,” Otti said.

The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to her family, colleagues, and ANPA leadership, noting that the Abia State Government has already made contact with them and will provide the necessary support during the mourning period.

He further commended the resilience of ANPA and the late doctor’s family for allowing the outreach programme to continue despite the tragic loss, ensuring that many residents still benefited from the humanitarian medical mission.

Describing her death as a huge loss to Nigeria’s healthcare sector and the diaspora community, Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Abia State and safeguarding the well-being of both citizens and visiting professionals.

He also prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and strength for her loved ones in this difficult time.

US-Based Nigerian Doctor Dies During Free Medical Outreach in Nigeria

Saraki Denies Offa Robbery Link, Accuses AbdulRazaq of Witch-Hunt

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has strongly denied any involvement in the 2018 Offa armed robbery, accusing Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, of reviving “baseless allegations” to pursue a political witch-hunt.

In a statement issued on Friday, Saraki described attempts to initiate criminal proceedings against him as “insidious,” insisting he has no direct or indirect link to the crime or any form of criminal activity. He said he was compelled to respond due to growing public concern and what he described as deliberate efforts to mislead Nigerians.

Saraki further alleged that the Offa robbery case was politicised from the outset, claiming it was used during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari as a tool to weaken his political influence ahead of the 2019 general elections. According to him, the renewed claims are part of a broader attempt to tarnish his image following his recent comments on insecurity in Kwara State.

The former Senate President also cited legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, noting that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) had twice found no evidence linking him to the Offa robbery. He explained that the reports concluded there was no nexus between him and the suspects and that no prima facie case could be established for offences including armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, and culpable homicide.

READ ALSO:

• Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Fully Open
• Troops Arrest Bandit Kingpin’s Deputy, Wife in Gombe
• Power Supply Drops in Lagos as Transmission Faults Trigger Load Shedding

He added that suspects arrested in connection with the robbery were prosecuted and convicted, with their convictions upheld on appeal, while the matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court. Saraki argued that revisiting the case despite these outcomes amounts to an abuse of judicial process.

Saraki also vowed to challenge any fresh move against him in court, stating that his legal team is prepared to defend his innocence. He further alleged that attempts were made to involve families of victims in civil actions against him, but claimed those efforts failed.

The Offa robbery incident, which occurred in April 2018 in Offa, involved coordinated attacks on banks and police facilities, resulting in the deaths of several people, including security personnel. The case drew nationwide attention and led to multiple arrests by the Nigeria Police Force.

The renewed controversy highlights ongoing political tensions in Kwara State between Saraki and Governor AbdulRazaq, with analysts suggesting the dispute may be linked to evolving political alignments and early positioning ahead of future elections.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Government has not issued a detailed response to Saraki’s latest claims.

Saraki Denies Offa Robbery Link, Accuses AbdulRazaq of Witch-Hunt

Troops Arrest Bandit Kingpin’s Deputy, Wife in Gombe

Nigerian troops have arrested the deputy to a notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Auta, alongside his wife in Gombe State following an intelligence-driven operation that tracked the suspects across multiple locations in northern Nigeria.

Security sources confirmed that the suspects, identified as Bala—popularly known as “Pakapaka”—and his wife were intercepted after fleeing from the Dajin Madam Forest in Plateau State, where the criminal group was previously believed to have maintained a hideout.

The arrest followed sustained intelligence surveillance and coordinated ground tracking by security operatives targeting fleeing members of the armed network.

The suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing interrogation to determine their level of involvement in the group’s activities, logistics operations, and possible links to other cells operating across state boundaries in the North-Central region.

According to counter-terrorism analyst Zagozola Makama, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle bandit networks that frequently relocate across forest corridors linking Plateau, Bauchi, Taraba, and Gombe states to evade security pressure.

READ ALSO:

• Power Supply Drops in Lagos as Transmission Faults Trigger Load Shedding
• Nigeria Rejects Fresh IMF Loans Amid Push for Economic Reforms
• FG Ends Physical Certificate Verification as Process Goes Fully Digital

Follow-Up Operations in Duguri Axis

In a related development, troops reportedly conducted follow-up patrols around Bayar village in the Duguri axis after intelligence suggested that the main bandit kingpin, Kachalla Auta, may have fled into the area.

However, security sources confirmed that no contact was made during the search operation.

Despite the absence of direct engagement, troops have maintained heavy presence in the area, carrying out sustained patrols aimed at restricting the movement of armed groups and preventing regrouping.

Sustained Pressure on Bandit Networks

Security officials say ongoing operations are part of a wider strategy to disrupt criminal networks operating in forested areas across Plateau, Taraba, and neighbouring states.

The Nigerian military has intensified surveillance, reconnaissance missions, and joint patrols in recent months as part of efforts to degrade bandit command structures and cut off escape routes used by fleeing fighters.

Authorities say investigations into the arrested suspects are ongoing, while efforts continue to locate other members of the group still at large.

Troops Arrest Bandit Kingpin’s Deputy, Wife in Gombe