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Military officer shot UNIPORT student dead – Police

Published

5 months ago

June 9, 2025

Military officer shot UNIPORT student dead – Police

Godwin Akpakpan, a 300-level of University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) who was killed on 16 April at a security checkpoint died from a gunshot fired by a military personnel, Rivers State Police Command has said.

Spokesperson for the Police Command in Rivers, Grace Iringe-Kok, said this while confirming the death of Akpakpan on Sunday.

She said the command had launched an investigation into the incident into the killing of the Computer Science student

According to her, the fatal shot was not fired by a police officer, but rather by personnel identified as belonging to the military.

However, she declined to reveal the specific security agency involved.

“The Police Command is aware of the incident that resulted in the death of a 300-level student of UNIPORT.

“The command, in collaboration with a sister security agency, has commenced an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the shot was fired by a military personnel,” Iringe-Koko stated.

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Akpakpan was reportedly apprehended by security operatives during a stop-and-search operation in Port Harcourt.

The incident occurred late on April 16, as the deceased was returning from his brother’s lounge.

An eyewitness familiar with the incident said while the officers were conducting a search on Akpakpan, an altercation ensued between the security personnel and a group of individuals dressed in military uniform.

The confrontation escalated into an exchange of gunfire, during which Akpakpan was struck by a stray bullet and died at the scene.

Dr Sam Kpenu, Head of Information, Publications and Public Relations at UNIPORT, confirmed to journalists that the deceased was a registered student at the institution.

He stated that the university received news of the incident with profound shock and had commenced an internal inquiry to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

“UNIPORT is also actively engaging with the relevant security authorities to gain a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

“We anticipate a thorough investigation and expect that appropriate action will be taken to hold those responsible accountable,” he said.

Kpenu urged students and other members of the university community to remain calm and to allow the relevant agencies to carry out their investigations without disruption.

He affirmed the university’s unwavering commitment to the safety, dignity, and welfare of its staff and students, stating that necessary measures would continue to be implemented to uphold the principles.

“We extend our condolences to the Akpakpan family, his friends, and colleagues during this deeply distressing time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them,” Kpenu concluded.

Military officer shoots UNIPORT student dead – Police

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Disputed FCT land: FCTA faults claimants’ documents, says no approval granted

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November 14, 2025

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Disputed FCT land: FCTA faults claimants’ documents, says no approval granted

Officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have taken responsibility for the confrontation between FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, at a disputed site in Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja.

The incident, which went viral in a video showing naval personnel blocking the Minister from accessing the site, stemmed from a development linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd).

Speaking after the FCT Executive Committee meeting, the Director of the Department of Development Control, Tpl Mukhtar Galadima, apologised to the Minister and the public, expressing regret over the circumstances that escalated into a tense standoff.

“It is with a sense of commitment, emotion and regret that we address this press conference on the incident that happened on Tuesday, 11th November, 2025, at the Gaduwa District,” Galadima said.

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Galadima said he appealed repeatedly to officers on site to produce valid approvals and later invited the Minister when the presence of armed men suggested imminent danger.

“Seeing armed men strategically positioned, ready to shoot, I sent a distress call to the Honorable Minister to come for an on-the-spot assessment. And on getting there, that ugly incident happened,” he said. “I sincerely apologize to the Minister and to all Nigerians for what happened.”

He stressed that the development was illegal under the FCT Act of 1976 and the Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992.

The Director of Lands Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, also clarified that the claimants had no statutory title to the property, noting that the 18-year-old letter of intent they relied on neither conferred ownership nor granted approval to build.

He said the letter contained strict conditions—such as submission of a detailed technical proposal within 21 days and completion of development within one year—none of which were fulfilled. He further noted that no lease agreement was issued, and no development occurred on the site by the required 2008 deadline.

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The officials reaffirmed that the enforcement action was necessary to uphold Abuja’s development standards and the rule of law, while acknowledging the disruption caused by the episode.

Disputed FCT land: FCTA faults claimants’ documents, says no approval granted

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Regina Daniels: Abuja hospital disowns leaked medical document

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November 14, 2025

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Regina Daniels

Regina Daniels: Abuja hospital disowns leaked medical document

Serenity Royale Hospital has distanced itself from a medical report circulating online and allegedly linked to Regina Daniels, the estranged wife of Senator Ned Nwoko.

In a statement issued by the management of the Abuja-based facility, the hospital said the document did not originate from it and urged the public to disregard the report, which purports to detail a “mid-term home detox” programme.

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The viral report had claimed the actress tested positive for several substances, including marijuana, cocaine and high levels of alcohol, as part of an alleged detoxification exercise.

However, the hospital’s disclaimer has cast doubt on the authenticity of the document, reinforcing its stance on protecting patient privacy and upholding professional ethics.

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Ex-PDP ward Chairman abducted in midnight raid in Kwara community

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November 14, 2025

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Public Relations Officer, Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire‑Adeyemi

Ex-PDP ward Chairman abducted in midnight raid in Kwara Community

A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Boriya–Shiya Ward of Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, Abubakar Sabi Sise, has been abducted by suspected kidnappers.

Sise, who is also a well-known trader in the area, was reportedly taken from his residence in Boriya during a midnight attack on Thursday.

According to Barutem TV, the assailants stormed the house around 12 a.m., firing several shots into the air before forcing their way into the compound. Sources said one of Sise’s sons returned home late and unknowingly walked into the incident. The gunmen allegedly compelled him to summon his father and open the door.

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Once inside, the attackers took only Alhaji Sise, leaving other family members unharmed.

Residents said spent shells and live rounds were found around the house at daybreak, indicating heavy gunfire during the operation. They described the attack as brief but frightening, noting that the kidnappers left within minutes.

Local vigilante operatives were immediately alerted and have since launched a search of surrounding areas in an attempt to locate the victim and apprehend the suspects.

The incident is the second kidnapping in the area in less than two months. On September 17, a businessman was abducted from his home in Shiya, a neighbouring community a few kilometres from Boriya.

As at the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of Sise remain unknown.