The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya Nlia, has reiterated the vital role the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) plays in addressing the critical needs of the Nigeria Police Force, saying that the interventions complement the Ministry’s efforts in managing the multifaceted challenges faced by the police.

He stated this, according to a statement made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), during a visit to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) Headquarters in Wuse by the Management of the Ministry of Police Affairs led by the Permanent Secretary.

The Permanent Secretary appreciated the fund for their efforts in mobilizing resources, ensuring transparency, and strategically investing in the welfare, training, and equipment of our police officers.

In his words, “We firmly believe that a well-equipped, well-trained, and motivated police force is paramount to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians. In this pursuit, the Nigerian Police Trust Fund stands as a crucial partner.”

Dr. Anuma pointed out that the Ministry has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of the Trust Fund’s initiatives, ranging from the provision of essential equipment to the improvement of training facilities. These contributions are tangible and are making a real difference on the ground.

According to him, “The Ministry of Police Affairs, under the leadership of His Excellency Senator Dr Ibrahim Gaidam, is steadfast in its dedication to enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness as well as aligning our strategies and working in concert, we can maximize the impact of our collective efforts in support of the Nigeria Police Force.”

The Permanent Secretary expressed that, as part of the efforts of the Ministry to improve the welfare and operational efficiency of the NPF, the Ministry is an advance stage of concluding the procurement process of Rehabilitation/Construction of internal Road Network in Osun State Police Command, Construction and Equipping of 50 Bed Hospital for Nigerian Police in Kebbi, Adamawa. Rehabilitation of Police Barracks in Kebbi State, Procurement of seven Modified Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles, and Procurement of 6000 Tactical Ballistic vests as well as 6250 Tactical Gear Ballistic Helmets.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), Mr. Mohammed Sheidu stated that the visit of the present of the Permanent Secretary is both symbolic and significant it marks the beginning of what it is call shared collaboration and strengthening partnership between the Ministry and Nigeria Police Trust Fund, one which it is grounded strategic alignment and shared commitment to service delivery.

“Ministry of Police Affairs plays a crucial role in guiding and supporting the work of Nigeria Police Trust Fund, and we are committed to our core mandate which is to intervene in the funding, training, equipment and welfare of the Nigeria Police Force despite many challenges we have implemented numerous platform intervention, infrastructure vehicle training, welfare, technology and logistics across commands nationwide.

Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced the husband of late gospel singer, Osinachi, Peter Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme found him guilty of culpable homicide resulting in the death of the deceased on April 8, 2022.

The judge sentenced Nwachukwu to death while sentencing him after the court had held that the prosecution had proven the burden of proof placed on it by the law and subsequently found the defendant guilty.

Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), on behalf of the Federal Government, on a 23-count charge bordering on culpable homicide punishable with death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, criminal intimidation of children, spousal battery, among others.

In the course of trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses, including two children of the late Osinachi, who testified as fourth prosecution and fifth prosecution witnesses, PW4 and PW5 respectively, while it tendered 25 documents as exhibits before the court.

The defendant testified for the defence and further called four other witnesses and tendered four exhibits in his defence.

Shortly before sentencing the defendant, counsel for Nwachukwu, Reginald Nwali, pleaded with the court to be lenient in its judgment, while the prosecuting counsel, Mrs Aderonke Imala, urged the court to give force to the law as stipulated.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme subsequently sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1, while he was sentenced to two years imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8,9, 12, 13, and 18.

The court sentenced the defendant to six months imprisonment on Count 10, three years imprisonment on Count 11, while he was fined the sum of N500,000 and N200,000 respectively on Counts 6 and 7, respectively.

The late gospel artist who had several tracks, including Ekwueme died on April 8, 2022, at the age of 42. Her death triggered outrage in the country, with fans and Nigerians calling for justice for the singer.

In a heartwarming display of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Prostar Sport International, a renowned sports equipment and apparel company, has partnered with the ‘Pad Me A Girl Initiative,’ to promote menstrual health awareness and empower young girls.

The project enunciated by Gatmash Media has commended the company, renowned for providing high-quality sports dresses, has supported the initiative with customized shirts.

Theresa Moses, Convener of the Pad Me A Girl Initiative said “We’re thrilled to have Prostar Sports International on board this initiative. Their customized shirts will not only promote our cause but also serve as a symbol of solidarity with the girls we’re working to support”.

Mr. Paul Maduakor, CEO of Prostar Sports International said “At Prostar Sports International, we believe in empowering young girls and promoting menstrual health awareness. We’re proud to support the Pad Me A Girl Initiative and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive community”.

The shirts feature a bold design with the Pad Me A Girl Initiative’s logo. This is aimed to promote menstrual health awareness and obliterates stigmas attached to it. It was disclosed that the shirts are made from high-quality, breathable fabric for comfort and durability.

The initiative has made significant impact, and has reached over 2,000 young girls and women in Abuja and Benue IDP camps, and has provided reusable sanitary pads and menstrual health education, empowering girls to manage their menstruation with dignity.

The next phase of the project will kick off in June/July 2025, with plans to expand the initiative’s reachout and impact. Through the ‘Access PAD Me A Girl,’ PAD Bank, young girls will continue to receive free sanitary pads every month, empowering them to manage their menstrual health with dignity.