Metro
Police Arrest, Release Man Who Infected Teenager with HIV
The police in Rivers State have released a 75-year-old man, Shedrack Ejinwo, arrested last week for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old girl at Kendox Medical Services, where he received treatment as an HIV patient.
A Delta-based human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, who confirmed the release of the suspect in a telephone interview with our correspondent, said Ejinwo entered into an out-of-court settlement with the father of the victim, Rufus Felix, to pay N370,000 monthly until February 2020.
Gwamnishu, who is the Director-General, Behind Bars Rights Foundation, claimed the victim was persuaded by the wife of the medical director of the clinic, where she worked as a salesgirl, to keep the rape a secret and placed on treatment.
He said, “When that (rape) happened, they placed the girl on drugs for prevention of the virus. So, they opened a card for the girl at the hospital. The man has been released from custody based on a settlement agreement.”
A copy of the settlement seen by our correspondent showed that the signatories included Ejinwo, counsel for the suspect, Amaechi Enere, counsel for the victim, Ibe Ukagha, State PRO, Behind Bars Initiative, Mr Emmanuel Wokoma, Mr Ogbonna Asonye and the victim’s father.
It read in part, “That Chief Shedrack N. Ejinwo will be totally responsible for cost of all medical treatment of Miss Gift Felix from now till February 10, 2020, when there will be a final check on her.
“That upon the final check of Miss Gift Felix on February 10, 2020, if/and having been certified medically fit, Miss Gift and her family will withdraw the petition against Chief Shedrack Ejinwo.”
Gwamnishu told our correspondent that upon Ejinwo’s arrest, he returned to Delta and assigned Ukagha to follow up on the case and make sure the suspect was charged.
The activist said, “He (Ukagha) called me two days ago and said the people wanted to settle the matter. I said, ‘No settlement, please. Take this suspect to court. I will foot the medical bills of the girl.’ We got a place for the girl through the Doctors without Borders in Port Harcourt.
“I was surprised to see the agreement signed by the person I told to monitor the process and make sure the suspect is charged to court.”
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Nnamdi Omoni, did not respond to calls or a text message.
The Punch
By Eric Elezuo
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has clarified reports making the rounds concerning the death on Tuesday of a former Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, David Shikfu Parradang.
Contrary to reports that the ex-NIS boss was murdered by armed robbers, who attacked him on his way from a bank, he was found dead, seated on a chair, in an Abuja hotel room, according a statement signed by the FCT Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, and made available tobthis medium.
The statement titled FCT POLICE RESPOND TO MISREPORTED DEATH OF RETIRED COMPTROLLER GENERAL DAVID PARRADANG, noted that “On March 3, 2025, at approximately 12:00 PM, Mr. Parradang arrived at Joy House Hotel, Area 3 Junction, driving a black Mercedes Benz. He checked into the hotel, paying a sum of Twenty two thousand naira (N22,000) for one night’s stay. Shortly thereafter, he directed the hotel room attendant to escort a female guest who had come to visit to his room. This lady left the hotel premises around 04:00PM of the same day.
“Mr. Parradang did not exit his room after the lady left. Around 04:00 AM of 04 March 2025, a friend who is a military officer, concerned for his wellbeing, traced him to the hotel. Upon arrival, the hotel receptionist and the officer proceeded to his room, where Mr. Parradang was found deceased, seated in a chair.
“The Durumi Police Station was notified and officers promptly arrived at the scene, secured the area, took photographs, and collected all relevant evidence to preserve the integrity of the crime scene. The body has been transferred to the National Hospital for necessary procedures, and hotel staff are currently cooperating with Police investigations.
“Effort is in top gear to effect the arrest of the lady.”
In the light of the corrected misappropriation of report, the Police therefore, “urge the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified information, including claims of kidnapping, that may incite fear or panic.”
The Command further vow its commitment “to conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding Mr. Parradang’s death” while appreciating the cooperation and understanding of the public.
Parradang served over three decades in the NIS.
During his career, he occupied numerous roles, culminating in his appointment as comptroller general.
His career took him across multiple regions, where he served in states such as Kano, Lagos, Kwara, Enugu and the FCT.
Mudashiru Obasa has been returned as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Obasa was reinstated following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda, who stepped down from the role with immediate effect.
He was returned as the speaker during Monday’s plenary session.
In January, Obasa was impeached by members of the Lagos State House of Assembly over multiple allegations of fraud.
Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has partnered with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to host the 2025 International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja. Organized by the Ministry in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), the summit brought together international stakeholders and experts in the telecommunication sector to drive innovation, collaboration and tangible actions. It was co-sponsored by Globacom.
The company, which owns the Glo 1 submarine cable wholly, joined other global stakeholders in the telecommunications and digital landscape in the discussions aimed at bolstering the resilience of cable networks for the benefit of consumers.
Having realized the importance of submarine cables quite early, Globacom deployed Glo 1 from Europe to Africa in 2010. In 2024 when fibre cuts impacted economic, governmental and private activities across West Africa, Glo 1 saved the day for many customers. The cable system was up and running due to its resilience and the constant maintenance strategies deployed by the company. Its capacity was recently upgraded to serve more and more customers and ensure reliable connectivity at all times.
Declaring the two-day summit open, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, highlighted the significant role submarine cables play in enhancing smooth operation of modern economies.
“Submarine cables form the backbone of global digital connectivity, carrying over 95% of international data traffic, linking continents, and enabling the smooth operation of modern economies. Yet, despite their significance, these infrastructures remain vulnerable to disruptions—whether from natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, accidental damage, or evolving cyber threats”, he stated.
In the light of this, the Minister emphasized the various commitments Nigeria has made under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen its digital infrastructure and advance policies that support connectivity, innovation, and economic growth.
“We have taken decisive steps as a nation to recognize and protect telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, aligning with our broader efforts to enhance digital resilience across sectors,” he noted.
In her address, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, emphasized the symbolism of the global undersea network in the realm of innovation and the investment necessary to connect the world meaningfully, highlighting the extent of human reliance on digital infrastructure.
Also speaking, Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Co-Chair, Advisory Board of ITU, addressed the challenges and the need to preventing cable cuts from occurring, emphasizing the importance of bolstering resilience by guaranteeing the availability of technical resources, such as vessels, stockpiles, and spare parts, in areas with lower submarine cable density. Additionally, he underscored the need to align regulatory measures with the demands of resilience.
The event also featured several panel sessions dedicated to the critical dimensions of submarine cable resilience.
