Women in Iraq Lead the Way in the Fight Against Violence

Across Iraq, women are stepping up to prevent and respond to violence, creating safe spaces for one another and transforming fear into trust, silence into action, and isolation into solidarity.

In Ameriyat Al-Fallujah, Anbar, one of the first women-led Community Police Forums is showing what empowerment looks like in practice. The forum brings together 20 women from the community alongside local community police officers to share their safety and security concerns and, most importantly, take the lead in making their communities safer for women and girls.

“My goal is to be the voice of women who have faced violence and to protect them,” says Ghufran, a 26-year-old community police officer. 

For her, this role is both a calling and a source of strength. Despite stereotypes about women’s roles in her community – and being the only woman in her area to choose this professional path – she never hesitated to join the Community Police. She knew that women need other women to break barriers, find protection, and speak about issues that are often difficult to discuss openly.

Court jails fake lawyer for personation and forgery

By Akpokona Omafuaire, UGHELLI 

THE Magistrate Court 1 sitting in Otor-Udu, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State Tuesday sentenced a fake lawyer Alex young Vweta Egone to prison for over five years for impersonation and forgery after pleading guilty to four count charge.

The Court ordered that the sentences will run consecutively.

The suspect was arraigned by police in Court on allegations of impersonation and forgery.

The convict has been parading himself as a legal practitioner within Udu and its environ before he was arrested by D.O Omage Esq in the company of G.O Fenfe Esq and Odogun Stanley Esq, members of Udu Branch of the NBA on the 2nd of August, 2025.

The convict was promptly handed over to the police at the Ovwian Division, Udu, Delta State. 

"Following his arrest, the committee for the prohibition of unlawful practice of law without license of the NBA UDU and the police found in his possession, copies of Deed of conveyance and various copies of petitions written by the suspect to various commands of the Nigeria Police whilst parading and presenting himself as a lawyer and acting for unsuspecting members of the public. 

"Also found in his possession was forged NBA stamp and seal bearing his name and a Supreme Court number of another lawyer. 

"He was also in possession of ink pad with a stamp with his name written on it." Omage narrated.

At the trial on Tuesday, NBA UDU was represented by D.O Omage Esq and G.O Fenfe Esq. 

Egone was subsequently found guilty and sentenced to one and half year imprisonment for each of the first three count charge and 2 years imprisonment for the fourth count. 

The Court ordered that the sentences will run consecutively, he was thereafter taken to the facilities of the Nigeria Correctional Services, Okere in Warri.

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Buhari wasn't materialistic, Tompolo mourns former President

By Akpokona Omafuaire, UGHELLI 

THE Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) and the Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation, High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has described late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a non-materialistic leader who served the country.

Tompolo made the call in his personally signed mourning statement of the demised leader.

According to him, "Buhari was a principled and patriotic Nigerian who contributed his quota to the development of Nigeria during his tenure as  President from 2015 to 2023.

"He was not a materialistic person and was content with what God blessed him with.

"He sought persons of character, goodwill, and vigour to serve the country while he was President. 

"That informed his hiring of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to handle the surveillance of critical oil and gas facilities in 2022, when the country's oil and gas infrastructures were bleeding. 

"Today, the story is different as the country is progressing steadily towards attaining a peak in oil production. 

"Nigerians will miss his contributions to the unity and peace of their country.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the country, his family, and close associates. May his soul rest in peace." He added.

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Delta Police arrest five suspected kidnappers, kill others

***** Recover N.5m and arms 

By Akpokona Omafuaire, UGHELLI 

THE Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has arrested five suspected kidnapper, kill others and recovered arms in series of operations  in Oshimili and Ughelli areas of the state.

This was revealed in a press statement by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.

According to the statement "On 12th July 2025 at about 0630hrs, the command Special Anti-kidnapping and cyber crime squad, CSP Godwin Osadolor led operatives and trailed suspected kidnappers terrorising Delta State to their hideout at Ogwashi Ukwu in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State.

"A suspected kidnapper named Sanusi Abdulahi was arrested in possession of ransom of Five Million Naira (#5,000,000) which was part of the ransom they collected from one of thier victims. 

"Preliminary investigation revealed that they were allegedly responsible for a series of kidnappings at Ibusa  Ogwash-Ukwu, Obulu-Okiti, Isele-Ukwu, Isele-Asagba and most recently the kidnapping of a young lady at Ogwash-Ukwu on the 9th July 2025. 

"The suspect led the operatives to their hideout at second Deputy, and Oko in Asaba, where four other members of his gang were also arrested. Investigation is ongoing.

"On the 9th of July, 2025, at about 0835 hrs, along the Patani-Ughelli Expressway, near the Unenurhei axis, Operatives of CP-Special assignment team in a sting operation raided the hideout of Solomon Danisco aka “Picolo”, Nelson Jacob, Oruma Saturday, Olise Jude, Precious Urhobowin, Whisky Rufus, aka “Asawana”, a native of Ewu community. 

"During the operation, the suspects, heavily armed, engaged the operatives in a fierce gun duel during which the suspects and their gang members sustained serious gunshot injuries. 

"They were taken to the hospital, where six of them were confirmed dead while two others are still receiving treatment. Exhibit recovered includes four (4) locally-made guns and nineteen (19) rounds of live cartridges." It added.

TANTITA: CMA tackles UPU leaders, clarifies facts

By Akpokona Omafuaire

THE Common Men Assembly (CMA) has condemned calls by leadership of Urhobo Progress Union for the termination of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited contract in Urhobo land, and clarifies that such call was misplaced.

The group made the call in a statement signed by Sct. Jude P Angodideke, National Chairman yesterday.

The group said that it finds it imperative to set the records straight in the interest of truth, justice, and national security.

The statement read, "The Common Men Assembly, a grassroots socio-developmental platform committed to the empowerment of ordinary citizens and the peace of the Niger Delta region, strongly condemns the deliberate misinformation and baseless accusations leveled against Tantita Security Services – a company that has, over time, demonstrated rare courage and commitment to combating crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and environmental sabotage in the Niger Delta.

"Tantita Security Services, under the leadership of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) has recorded landmark successes in curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism, thereby boosting Nigeria's oil production and contributing significantly to the national economy. These feats are well documented and recognized by the Federal Government, security agencies, and international observers.

"Contrary to the UPU’s claims of exclusion or marginalization, Tantita operates across ethnic and regional lines engaging youths and contractors from various communities – including Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, and others. The company has fostered unity and shared responsibility in tackling oil-related crimes.

"Tantita Security Services operates under a legitimate contract with the Nigerian government, and its activities are regularly monitored by relevant regulatory and security agencies. The attempt by UPU to malign such a strategic partner in national development is not only reckless but also counterproductive.

"We urge the leadership of the UPU to exercise caution and seek dialogue rather than incite division. True progress lies in collaboration, not in tribal sentiment or falsehoods. Any grievances should be addressed through proper institutional channels, not through public smear campaigns.

"The Common Men Assembly stands solidly in support of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited* and its transformational work in restoring peace, protecting critical infrastructure, and empowering communities in the Niger Delta. We urge the public and stakeholders to disregard the malicious claims by the UPU, which appear to be motivated by narrow interests rather than the collective good.

"We reaffirm our commitment to truth, unity, and peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups in our region." It added.

Ayewa commends NBA, cheers Osigwe, others

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

CANDIDATE for the office of Assistant Publicity Secretary of the NBA in the just concluded elections, Lawrence Ayewa Esq has commended members of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, for the support given him during the election.

In the spirit of a good sportsman, he congratulated Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, President Elect and all the winners including his fierce opponent in the contest.

This was contained in a personally signed statement made available to newsmen in Udu.

According to him: "I, Lawrence I. Ayewa, a candidate in the just concluded election for the office of Assistant Publicity Secretary say a big thank you for the massive support and votes the Bar found me worthy of which was over 9,500 votes. I am overwhelmed by the show of love.

"I congratulate Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN the 32nd President elect of our dear association. I also congratulate all other elected officers for the 2024 to 2026 term. 

"For the Assistant Publicity Secretary elect Ebiere Emmanuella Ekpese I say a big congrats to her and I have accepted the result and do not intend to contest the outcome. She is a deserving winner.

"This is my first shot at the National elections and the experience has been awesome. *Lawrence Ayewa is coming in 2026*. Thank you my dear leaders and colleagues for all the support." He added.

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NBA Udu Branch congratulates Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN on emergence as President Elect

By Akpokona Omafuaire 

THE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Udu Branch Sunday congratulated Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN on his emergence as President Elect at the just concluded 2024 NBA National Officers' elections.

Udu Branch in a congratulatory message signed by J. E. Odohisi, ESQ, Chairman and Austin E. Nyekigbe, ESQ, Secretary respectively expressed confidence on the new President.

According to the message: "On behalf of the members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Udu Branch, Delta State, we congratulate you on your emergence as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association at the just concluded 2024 NBA National Officers' elections.

"Your endorsement and adoption by our Branch prior to the elections was as a result of the confidence we have in your ability to effectively lead the Nigerian Bar.

"We are confident that you have the required capacity to promote the Rule of Law, advance the administration of justice and transform the Nigerian Bar into a proactive Bar.

"May God Almighty guide you to succeed in your new position. Congratulations." The statement added.

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