society
DSS in Alleged Abused of Powers as Edo Citizen Cry Out Over Abused on their Rights
DSS in Alleged Abused of Powers as Edo Citizen Cry Out Over Abused on their Rights By Chinyere Festus
Few months after he was brutally arrested, have his house and family scattered by the Nigerian police from the force headquarters in Abuja,Glory Ikponmwosa is now a guest of the Directorate of Secret Service, DSS in Edo state Command.
Ikponmwosa, the chairman of Okaighele group,a community development association in Benin,capital city of Edo state was picked up on 2nd December, 2021 by the DSS at a junction located near Army Check point, Benin/Auchi Road, Benin city, Edo State. He was taken to his house and later detained at the Edo DSS office. The DSS also arrested and detained vice chairman of the youth group, Orobosa Williams Eruse. They are said to have remained in detention without being allowed to communicate with their families.
The wife of the detained youth leader, Faith Ikponmwosa in a chat with our reporter narrated how her home was violently raided by the Nigerian security operatives in August 8th and on the 2nd December, 2021. “We live in perpetual fear now because the police that came in August and the DSS that just arrested my husband were not friendly at all. They were very brutal. They destroyed all our houses; beat me and my children mercilessly’’
According to her, “I was not at home when the DSS came because ever since the police attack in August, we have been receiving threats here and there sometimes by people who masked and peep into our compound. We have sensed we are into a serious danger. I was in my shop when the DSS came two Thursdays ago; my children were at home when they dragged in their dad and started molesting them.
They vandalized all our television sets, chairs, fridges and other valuables. They even took away our properties including my clothes. As I speak to you, I’m leaving on borrowed clothes. We don’t even have food to eat at home. Our situation is so terrified and pathetic”, Mrs Ikpomwosa who appealed to government and civil society to rise up in their defense added that she has not been allowed to see or speak with her husband since he was arrested two weeks ago.
Bright Oviasogie, Secretary of Okaighele wonders why his group who has been contributing to the peaceful co-existence of their community suddenly becomes enemy of the security agencies. “The members of the Okaighele were in shock with the outright impunity exhibited by the DSS squad that invaded community youths homes, beat up their wives, smashed their cars and looted their valuables, turned their homes upside down and forcefully arrested and detained the chairman and his vice”.
Counsel to the detained youth leaders, Hope Iyare told our correspondent that his clients’ fundamental rights are been abused by the DSS operatives. He stated that he has filled application to their bails but appears the DSS are bent at inflicting punitive measures on the youth leaders.
“My clients were arrested in December 2, four days after their arrest; the DSS sought court order to detain them for additional 14 days. They claimed a petition was written against them, alleging them of being criminals, kidnappers and armed robber. Although, the 14 days remains few days to lapse but the DSS has refused to charge them to court or grant them bail”
Sources confided in our correspondent in Benin City that Ovbokhan Ediae who’s a former CDA Chairman and an alleged notorious murder suspect currently facing murder case wrote the petition on which the DSS acted.
It was gathered that early this year, Ovbokhan wrote similar petition to the Nigeria Police force which led to the arrest of Glory Ikpomwosa and vandalization of his house on the 8th, August, 2021. His four vehicles and other valuables were also taken away. IKpomwosa was detained for weeks at the force headquarters in Abuja but later released without being charged.
After thorough investigation into the petition against Ikpemwosa and his subsequent release from the police custody, A Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr Joseph Egbunike was said to have reprimanded the police officers who arrested and detained Glory Ikponmwosa.
Findings depicts DIG Joseph as a thoroughbred professional police officer at the Force Headquarters in Abuja who was said to have further instructed the officers to return the money and the four cars removed from Ikpomwosa’s house in Benin. It was said that N250, 000 was returned with three cars as at the time of filling this report. Ikpomwosa’s relatives narrated that one of his cars and N550.000 are still with the police till date
Friends and associates of Ikpemwosa alleged that DSS head of operations, Mr Zakari Muhammed is hobnobbing with a suspected criminal, Ovbokhan Ediae and others to infringe on fundamental rights of the youths group who was said to have initially exposed alleged corrupt lifestyle of the disbanded CDA (Community Development Association)
A source who pleads not to be mentioned added that “Mr. Ovbokhan with Hon. Matthew Ikhide whom he illegally sold the community lands measuring 800 by 1000 hectares to after the Edo State House of Assembly passed a law disbanding the CDA”
The source continued “Zakari Mohammed embarked on the illegal operation because Hon Mathew Ikhide gave him 10 plots of land as a compensation for vandalizing and looting community youth leaders houses”.
“It’s a known fact that Mr Zakari Muhammed has landed property across the seven Local Government Area in Edo South Senatorial District as a result of his unprofessional conduct and corrupt inclination”, he alleged.
Mr Zakari is said to have spent a total of twenty two years in Benin DSS office. This according to sources may be unconnected to his fraternal relationships with suspected criminals and the recent allegation against him as the youth group appeals to DSS authority to beam searchlight on the activities and lifestyle of Edo DSS Head of Operation. The youths alleged that Zakari has been using his powerful connection in Abuja to return himself back to Edo State each time he’s posted out of the State.
Our correspondent was at the DSS office in Edo on Tuesday but was disappointed as the personnel who attended to him could not react to the issues raised.
Peter Afunanya, DSS Spokesman also did not pick calls or respond to series of messages sent to his mobile line.
When contacted Zakari Mohammed, the Edo DSS Head of Operation declined to confirm his identity or react to text messages sent to him. Even when multiple sources, including true caller confirmed his mobile line, Zakari when he eventually picked call simply said “You are calling a wrong number. I’m not Zakari Mohammed”.
Wisdom of a Mature Believer: Don’t Judge What You Don’t Know — Dr. Chris Okafor
“To provoke mercy, keep sowing mercy.”
Mercy is often defined as compassion shown to someone who deserves punishment. It is the conscious decision to forgive when one has the power to condemn.
This formed the core of the message delivered by the Generational Prophet of God, Christopher Okafor, during the Grace Nation Glorious Sunday Service held at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
The Act and Power of Mercy
Preaching on the topic “The Act and Power of Mercy,”
Dr. Okafor emphasized that mercy is the believer’s escape from judgment. Referencing Psalm 136:1–20, he explained that mercy does not appear randomly; it is activated by deliberate spiritual actions and attitudes.
According to him, many people forfeit divine privileges because they are quick to judge.
A mature believer, he warned, must resist rushing to conclusions. In some cases, what appears to be clear evidence may not reflect the full truth.
“Don’t judge what you do not fully understand,” he cautioned, stressing that premature judgment can shut the door to mercy.
What Provokes Mercy?
Dr. Okafor outlined key spiritual principles that activate divine mercy:
Prayer
Prayer in deep and sincere dimensions attracts mercy. At the throne of grace, God considers the petitions of those who remain committed to Him. Even when a believer falls short, consistent prayer and kingdom partnership can move God to show mercy.
Total Repentance
Acknowledging wrongdoing and genuinely turning away from it provokes mercy. When a person presents their case before God with sincere repentance, divine compassion is released.
Sowing Mercy
Mercy operates like a seed. What a person sows is what they reap. Showing compassion, forgiveness, and kindness to others creates a harvest of mercy in return.
Unjust Hatred
Dr. Okafor also noted that when individuals are hated without cause, God may respond with mercy and divine elevation. What others fail to see in a person, God recognizes.
Conclusion
In closing, the Generational Prophet reiterated that mercy is both a principle and a harvest.
“To provoke mercy,” he declared, “keep sowing mercy.”
The service was marked by strong prophetic manifestations, including testimonies of deliverance, miracles, healings, restoration, and solutions to diverse challenges presented before God.
The Glorious Sunday Service concluded with a special thanksgiving celebration by members born in the month of February.
Sunday Adeyemi writes from Lagos
society
NOVO Announces Spring 2026 Launch: The World’s First Diamond-Backed Digital Currency and Wealth Platform Devoted to Feeding Africa
NOVO Announces Spring 2026 Launch: The World’s First Diamond-Backed Digital Currency and Wealth Platform Devoted to Feeding Africa
February 2026 — NOVO, an emerging global leader in diamond manufacturing, crypto‑banking, and ethical wealth management, today announced the upcoming Spring 2026 launch of NOVO Coin, the world’s first digital currency fully backed by certified, lab‑grown, cut, and polished diamonds stored in secure vaults in Singapore and Switzerland.
Designed for stability, transparency, and humanitarian impact, NOVO represents a new class of asset‑backed digital currency engineered to serve both global markets and vulnerable economies facing inflation, currency instability, and limited access to banking.
A Currency With a Mission: Feeding a Continent.
In a groundbreaking commitment, NOVO has pledged 50% of all corporate profits to support nonprofit micro‑finance organizations across Africa that specialize in food production, farming, fishing, and sustainable agriculture.
This initiative aims to:
Expand access to affordable capital for small and mid‑scale food producers
Strengthen local food systems and reduce dependency on imports
Dramatically lower grocery prices across African markets
Build long‑term economic resilience for millions of families
NOVO’s leadership believes that empowering Africa’s farmers and food‑producing cooperatives is the fastest path to stabilizing regional economies — and ultimately driving down global food prices.
Diamond‑Backed Stability for a Volatile World
Unlike speculative tokens or inflation‑prone fiat currencies, every NOVO Coin is backed by real, verifiable diamond reserves, manufactured through advanced laboratory processes and held in audited international vaults.
This structure provides:
Intrinsic value tied to a globally recognized commodity
Transparency through third‑party reserve verification
Security via geographically diversified vaults
Long‑term price stability for users and institutional partners
NOVO’s diamond‑reserve system is designed to offer a safe, durable alternative for nations and communities seeking protection from currency devaluation.
A Full‑Spectrum Financial Ecosystem
Beyond the currency itself, NOVO is launching a vertically integrated platform that includes:
Diamond manufacturing and certification
Crypto‑banking and digital asset management
Wealth management and life‑insurance services
Humanitarian micro‑finance distribution channels
This unified ecosystem positions NOVO as one of the first fintech institutions to combine commodity‑backed digital currency with large‑scale social impact.
A New Era of Ethical Finance
“NOVO was built on a simple belief: a currency should serve the people who use it,” said the organization’s founder. “By backing NOVO with diamonds and dedicating half of our profits to African food producers, we are proving that financial innovation and humanitarian responsibility can — and must — coexist.”
Spring 2026: A Global Debut
NOVO Coin will be available to the public in Spring 2026, with early institutional partnerships already underway across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
For more information. Here is the organizations website TOPOFTHEPYRAMID.org
Tinubu Mourns Rear Admiral Musa Katagum: A National Loss for Nigeria’s Military Leadership
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“President Tinubu Pays Tribute as Nigeria’s Naval Command Mourns the Sudden Loss of a Strategic Maritime Leader at a Critical Security Juncture.”
Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially mourned the death of Rear Admiral Musa Bello Katagum, the Chief of Naval Operations of the Nigerian Navy, who died on February 19, 2026, after a protracted illness while receiving treatment abroad. His passing has sent ripples through Nigeria’s defence establishment and national security architecture, marking the loss of one of the most experienced and respected maritime commanders in recent memory.
In a statement released on February 20, 2026 by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Rear Admiral Katagum’s death as a “significant blow to the military and the nation,” noting the late officer’s vast experience and “invaluable contributions” to both the Nigerian Navy and the broader “Armed Forces of Nigeria”. The President extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, naval personnel and the nation at large, while praying for solace and strength for colleagues and loved ones.
Rear Admiral Katagum’s career was marked by distinguished service in several strategic capacities. Before his appointment as Chief of Naval Operations in November 2025, he served as Director of the Presidential Communication, Command and Control Centre (PC4) and Chief of Intelligence of the Nigerian Navy-roles that placed him at the nexus of naval operational planning and intelligence gathering. His leadership was widely credited with enhancing the Navy’s capacity to respond to growing maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea, including piracy, illegal bunkering, and transnational crime.
Security policy experts emphasise that Katagum’s loss comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria. Dr. Adebola Akinpelu, a defence analyst at the Institute for Security Studies, observes that “Nigeria’s maritime domain remains a frontline in the broader security challenges facing the nation; the loss of an adept operational leader like Rear Admiral Katagum is not just a personnel change but a strategic setback.” His insight reflects broader concerns about continuity in military leadership amid intensifying threats.
The Nigerian Navy’s own statement, confirmed by the Directorate of Naval Information, affirmed that Katagum’s “exemplary leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering loyalty” were central to boosting operational readiness and national defence. According to Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information, “His legacy remains a source of inspiration across the services.”
As Nigeria grapples with complex security landscapes at its land and maritime frontiers, the death of Rear Admiral Katagum underscores a broader national imperative: strengthening institutional capacities while honouring the service and sacrifice of those who defend the nation’s sovereignty. In the words of military scholar Professor James Okoye, “Leadership in security institutions is not easily replaceable; it is built through experience, trust and strategic clarity; qualities that Katagum embodied.”
Rear Admiral Musa Katagum has since been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites, leaving behind a legacy that will inform Nigerian naval operations for years to come.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
society5 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING