The Plateau State Police Command has recorded no fewer than 64 cases of rape and defilement since February 2026, according to the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah. Speaking on Friday while parading 18 suspects in Jos, the state capital, the police boss described the situation as a “disturbing epidemic” and warned that such crimes would no longer be treated as private or family matters. “Rape Is Not a Family Matter” Ewah stressed that sexual offences are criminal acts against the state and must be handled through legal channels—not settled informally. “Rape and defilement are not family matters. No individual or group has the authority to shield offenders from justice,” he said. He also issued a stern warning that anyone attempting to interfere in such cases or plead on behalf of suspects would be treated as an accessory and prosecuted. Disturbing Cases Highlighted The police commissioner shared several ongoing cases, revealing a troubling pattern of abuse, often involving minors and trusted individuals: An 18-year-old suspect was arrested for allegedly assaulting a toddler after repeated incidents. A 19-year-old man was taken into custody for repeatedly abusing a young girl and threatening her into silence. A 40-year-old man was accused of assaulting his niece over a prolonged period, with other suspects still at large. In another case, a woman and a 34-year-old man were arrested following the assault of a teenage girl in her care. Ewah noted that many of these crimes involved victims being abused by people they trusted, including relatives and guardians. Police Crackdown and Zero Tolerance The command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling crime across the state, including sexual offences, illegal arms possession, homicide, and cultism. Among other arrests, police also recovered locally fabricated firearms and investigated a mob killing incident in Jos. Ewah directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to ensure all reported rape and defilement cases are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. “There will be no settlement of such cases at any police division,” he declared. Call for Vigilance The commissioner urged parents and guardians to be more vigilant and proactive in protecting children, encouraging the public to report any suspicious activity. “See something, say something,” he advised. He emphasized that safeguarding vulnerable individuals, especially children, is a collective responsibility and that the police remain committed to ensuring justice is served.
PresidentTinubu nominates Joseph Tegbe as Minister of Power
President Bola Tinubu has nominated Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement released on Thursday, April 30, said the nomination has been transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation in accordance with the Constitution. The nomination follows the resignation of the former Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down from office to pursue elective office. Onanuga stated that Mr Tegbe, from Oyo State, is a fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors. He added that the President expects the Minister-Designate, upon confirmation, to bring his extensive expertise to bear to advance critical reforms and deliver improved outcomes for Nigerians in the power sector.
Dangote Refinery Recalls Engineers After “Conditional Pardon”
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has approved the recall of engineers who were previously redeployed across its business units, following what it described as a “conditional pardon.” In a statement released on Thursday, the company explained that the decision came after an internal review process, as well as appeals from stakeholders, respected industry figures, and the affected engineers themselves. Why the Engineers Were Recalled According to an internal memo signed by Devakumar Edwin, Group Vice-President for Oil and Gas, the engineers will be invited for a meeting before being reassigned to resume duties at the refinery. The recall also extends to those who initially declined earlier redeployment opportunities offered by the company. The refinery emphasized that this move reflects its commitment to fairness and giving employees a second chance—while maintaining strict standards of discipline and professionalism. Company’s Position on Discipline Despite the recall, the company made it clear that its core values remain unchanged. The decision, though difficult, reinforces the importance of loyalty, professionalism, and adherence to organizational standards. The refinery also issued a warning: any repeat of misconduct will result in immediate sanctions, underlining its zero-tolerance policy for actions that could disrupt operations. What This Means Going Forward Returning engineers are expected to show renewed dedication as the refinery continues efforts to strengthen efficiency and deliver high performance in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Background to the Situation The issue dates back to October 2025, when some refinery engineers were redeployed to other companies within the Dangote Group after being dismissed. The move sparked tension in the industry, with the Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria directing its members to embark on a nationwide strike in protest. The situation eventually drew intervention from the federal government, leading to negotiations and adjustments by the company. This latest development signals a fresh start for affected engineers—and a strategic move by the refinery to balance discipline with opportunity as it scales up operations.