Metro
Police Araign Pastor for Alleged Defilement of Five-Year-Old Pupil in Ebonyi
The Ebonyi State Police Command on Friday arraigned a 45-year-old man, Christopher Ebenyi, for allegedly defiling a five-year-old pupil in Ebonyi State.
The defendant was said to have gone to the victim’s house to sell some immune booster drugs to her mother, when the incident took place.
The victim’s mother was said to have gone out to buy some items when Ebenyi allegedly took advantage of the girl.
The mother, who spoke to PUNCH Metro on condition of anonymity, said, “The pastor came to our house to sell some drugs to me. Before he came, I had it in mind to get some things for the house. So, I left him and my daughter to go and buy those things.
“When I got back home, I saw the pastor inserting his fingers in my daughter’s private parts. I shouted and he said it was the devil. I called people, who came around and beat him up. Eventually, he was arrested.”
The defendant confessed to the crime.
In his confessional statement, he said, “I am Pastor Christopher Ebenyi. I am from Eziulo in the Ishielu Local Government Area. I know the victim at Convent in Abakaliki. I got to their house and called her; she came and I touched her private parts.”
He was arraigned on one count of indecent assault before the magistrate’s court.
The police prosecutor, ASP Mathias Eze, told the court that the offence was punishable under Section 222 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33, Vol 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.
The charge read, “That you, Christopher Ebenyi, on December 15, 2020, on Nsi Road, Abakaliki, in the Abakaliki Magisterial District, did finger the vagina of one (name withheld) aged five, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 222 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.”
The counsel for the defendant, C.F. Ogbonnaya, applied for his bail, which the prosecuting counsel opposed on the grounds that he might run away.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Nnenna Onuoha, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.
According to Onuoha, the defendant must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court.
She adjourned the matter till January 28, 2021, for trial.
The Punch
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has intensified support for community-based security with the donation of 100 anti-riot kits and 1,000 pairs of operational boots to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
The high quality modern equipment was presented on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, to the General Manager of LNSA, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, at the Agency’s headquarters in Oshodi.
The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency plays a critical role in grassroots security as they support the police through intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and community policing initiatives across all local government areas in the state. The Corps is also tasked with maintaining law and order, detecting suspicious activities, and fostering safety awareness within communities.
The intervention is expected to further strengthen neighbourhood-level security architecture and deepen collaboration between communities and formal law enforcement agencies in State.
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.
The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.
The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.
The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.
It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.
The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.
It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.
The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.
It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.
