Senbanjo, also a Consultant Physician at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos.

She expressed concern over the high and alarming rate of antibiotics abuse, self-medication, and the use of unprescribed antibiotics in Nigeria, describing it as a major threat to the nation’s healthcare system.

“The use of antibiotics without a prescription from qualified medical experts is one of the major causes of antimicrobial resistance across the country, leading to severe infections, complications, longer hospital stays, and increased mortality,” she said.

Senbanjo explained that AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. She added that drug resistance renders antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents ineffective, making infections difficult or impossible to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.

“There is an increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance, whereby antibiotics are no longer effective for the treatment of infectious diseases for which they were specifically designed.

“This is why a doctor may admit a patient and administer a particular antibiotic that ordinarily should cure the patient’s ailment, but it will not work.

“Antibiotics, known as antibacterials, are drugs that destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria. They are meant to treat specific types of bacteria and cannot be interchanged to treat any infection other than the one they were designed for.

“But today, they are indiscriminately used to treat diverse ailments, which has led to resistance and made antibiotics ineffective against targeted infections,” Senbanjo said.

She stressed the importance of proper examination and diagnosis by qualified medical practitioners before prescribing antibiotics.

“Before prescribing antibiotics, both the patient and the drug should undergo a culture test in a laboratory to identify the causative organism and determine the exact antibiotic that can combat it,” she said.

The endocrinologist decried the common practice of using antibiotics to treat viral infections such as colds, flu, coughs, and sore throats without a medical prescription or laboratory confirmation. She also warned against incomplete antibiotic treatment.

“A lot of people stop taking antibiotics after three days because they feel better. This is drug abuse and very wrong. It can make the antibiotic ineffective in the person’s body, such that when taken again for the same ailment, it will not work.

“The normal prescription duration for antibiotics is usually seven days, regardless of how the patient feels,” she said.

Senbanjo urged the Federal Government and regulatory authorities to intensify efforts toward effective regulation and enforcement of policies on the use and sale of drugs in the country.

She also called for increased public awareness campaigns through television, radio, and social media to educate citizens on the proper use of antibiotics and other drugs.

(NAN)

A coalition of civil society organizations in Nigeria has dragged the embattled Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, and Justice M. M. Adamu of the FCT High Court before the Chief Justice of Nigeria over alleged abuse of office and disregard for court process.

The group urged Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to intervene in order to restore the integrity of the judiciary.

The coalition, alongside protesters in Abuja on Monday, called for urgent action against what they described as a gross violation of judicial ethics and due process in the handling of the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal.

Recall that Justice M. M. Adamu of the FCT High Court had ordered the Benue State Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal to sit in Abuja to hear and determine all petitions arising from the October 5, 2024, local government elections.

This is despite a subsisting order relocating the tribunal back to Makurdi.

The group, led by Chief Convener Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta, during a protest in Abuja on Monday, accused Justice Maurice Ikpambese of unlawfully granting waivers to petitioners, bypassing a constitutional requirement for security deposits in election cases.

They also condemned his decision to relocate the tribunal to Abuja, arguing that this move is a clear breach of Benue State’s electoral laws.

Addressing newsmen during the protest, Igwe criticized Justice M. M. Adamu of the FCT High Court for issuing an order compelling the tribunal to sit in Abuja, despite an earlier court ruling that prohibited such action.

He said, “We are here as concerned Nigerians who believe in the rule of law. Our democracy is in clear danger, and the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, must save it.

“How on earth could a Chief Judge of a state flagrantly abuse his office by flouting state laws, while the National Judicial Council (NJC) remains silent? Justice Maurice Ikpambese, the Chief Judge of Benue State, unilaterally granted a waiver to petitioners of the Local Government Election Tribunal, exempting them from paying the security deposit—a constitutional prerequisite for any valid petition—and he has not been sanctioned.

“On the strength of the NJC’s refusal to punish him, he again violated the electoral laws of Benue State by relocating the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal to Abuja, which is clearly outside its territorial jurisdiction, in violation of the Benue State Electoral Law, yet the NJC is just watching.

“In an attempt to protect the Constitution of Nigeria and the laws of Benue State, the Attorney General of Benue State approached the Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, which granted an order restraining the tribunal from sitting anywhere outside Benue State, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) House, Abuja. This order was granted on March 7, 2025, to the admiration of Nigerians.

“Surprisingly, on Friday, March 14, 2025, an FCT High Court, presided over by Justice M.M. Adamu, frivolously issued another order compelling the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal to conduct its sittings in Abuja, particularly at the NBA House.

“The question is, can Benue State laws be applied in the FCT or any other state apart from Benue State? If the answer is NO, then it is also clear that the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal cannot sit outside Benue State.

“We are here today to submit a petition against Justice Maurice Ikpambese and Justice M.M. Adamu, who, by their actions, have turned justice into injustice.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to fold his arms while the judiciary is being bastardized daily. Mr. President, sir, the Benue situation is the worst at the moment because the petitioners did not even participate in any part of the election process.

“The petitioners ordinarily have no locus standi to approach the tribunal because the Austin Agada-led APC executive was dissolved and a caretaker committee inaugurated before Justice Theresa Igoche’s order restraining the National Working Committee of the APC from dissolving the Benue State Executive was served.

“We demand the urgent intervention of Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun, we demand the intervention of Mr. President, and we demand that the NJC call its members involved in the ongoing crisis to order in the interest of peace and justice in Benue State.”

A socio-political group, Tinubu – Plan Rehabilitation, has pledged to drastically reduce the number of youths being used by politicians while under the influence of drugs.

It emphasised that drug addiction should not be treated as a crime but as a societal issue that requires rehabilitation and awareness.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, the group’s national chairman, Dr Aminu Aminu Bizi, urged the government and society to take urgent steps in addressing drug abuse.

“We must make sure we drastically reduce the number of youths being used by politicians under the influence of drugs. Believe me, you and I can do it,” Dr Bizi said.

Dr Bizi rejected the idea of waging war against drug addicts, stressing that a more compassionate approach is necessary.

“We don’t believe in a war with drugs. We need to bring our children who are addicted closer to society and rehabilitate them properly,” he said.

He warned that drug abuse is fueling violent crimes, with young people committing heinous acts under the influence.

“People kill over phones just to sell them for as little as 5,000 naira because of drugs. This is our fault–mine, yours, and that of all politicians and society at large,” he lamented.

Dr Bizi also raised concerns about the growing number of women and girls involved in drug abuse, cautioning that many families are unaware of the problem.

“A lot of housewives and young daughters are on drugs. Parents leave home for work without realising what is happening in their own houses,” he said.

He urged parents to be more vigilant about their children’s friendships, warning that peer influence plays a significant role in drug addiction.

The group is calling on religious leaders, schools, and civil society organisations to join the fight against drug abuse.

“We are not here to help the government; we are here to help ourselves. We need Nigerians—rich or poor—to support this cause. Principals, teachers, and university authorities must work with us to combat this issue,” he added.

Dr Bizi further highlighted that drug addiction contributes to rising insecurity, as many bandits and criminals operate under the influence of narcotics.

“No politician today can sleep peacefully in their village because of jobless, drug-addicted youths,” he warned.

 

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has charged the newly recruited police constable to abhor all forms of lawlessness, human rights abuse, and unprofessional conduct and use their authority to protect citizens, enforce laws, and apprehend criminals.

IGP told the constable, “Throughout your career, demonstrate boldness, responsibility, discipline, and loyalty to the Force, while remaining calm and composed in the face of adversity. As you progress, uphold the values of patriotism and dedication to service”.

IGP Egbetokun was speaking in Bauchi on the occasion of passing out parade of 10, 000 police constables nationwide in four premier colleges and 12 police training schools across the nation.
He reminded them that the uniform they wear and their office are symbols of trust and responsibility, never to be exploited for intimidation, harassment, or perversion of justice.

Represented by the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Musa Mohammed, in Bauchi for the passing out parade of 212 constables for the Bauchi and Gombe zone of the training, the IGP tasked the constables with striving to be perceived as a friend and partner to the public.

“I must charge all the graduating Constables to note that the responsibility of policing requires the highest level of professionalism and integrity, adhering strictly to the rule of law and established procedures.”

IGP explained that the role of the  police officer demands empathy and compassion towards the civilian population, particularly the vulnerable, while maintaining firmness and fairness in all interactions.

The chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hamisu Argungu (Retired), had earlier said that the commission is vested with the powers to appoint, which includes recruitment, enlistment, promotion, posting, dismissal, and exercise disciplinary control over members of the Nigeria Police, except the Inspector General of Police, among other powers.

He assured them that the commission would continue to support them and ensure that their career progression would be predictable and within the requirements of established rules and regulations.

Represented by the director procurement office of the commission Ahmed Aliyu said, “I believe that you are aware of the Constitutional Mandate of the Commission, which is provided in Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria(as amended).”

Argungu charged them to reciprocate the government’s good gesture and strive to work in partnership with other security agencies to eliminate or reduce the security challenges currently bedevilling the nation

He explained that the commission would closely monitor their activities  and will not hesitate to sanction anyone who deviates from the time-tested established Police rules of engagement, while it will also commend and recognise gallantry and commitment to duty.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has charged the newly recruited police constables to abhor all forms of lawlessness, human rights abuse, and unprofessional conduct.

Instead, the police boss encouraged the new officers to utilise their authority to protect citizens, enforce laws, and apprehend criminals.

The IGP told the constables, “Throughout your career, demonstrate boldness, responsibility, discipline, and loyalty to the Force, while remaining calm and composed in the face of adversity. As you progress, uphold the values of patriotism and dedication to service”.

Egbetokun gave the charge on Thursday while speaking in Bauchi at the nationwide passing out parade of 10, 000 police constables held simultaneously in four premier colleges and 12 police training schools across the nation.

He reminded them that the uniform they wear and the office are symbols of trust and responsibility, never to be exploited for intimidation, harassment, or perversion of justice.

Represented by the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Mohammed where the parade was held for 212 constables for the Bauchi and Gombe zone of the training, the IGP tasked the constable to strive to be perceived as friends and partners to the public, inspiring hope and confidence in the security apparatus.

“I must charge all the graduating Constables to note that the responsibility of policing requires the highest level of professionalism and integrity, adhering strictly to the rule of law and established procedures.”

The IGP explained that the role of the police officer demands empathy and compassion towards the civilian population, particularly the vulnerable, while maintaining firmness and fairness in all interactions.

For his part, Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hamisu Argungu (retired) earlier assured that the commission will continue to support them and ensured that their career progression will be predictable and within the requirements of established rules and regulations.

Argungu, represented by the Director, Procurement Office of the Commission, Ahmed Aliyu charged them to reciprocate the government’s good gesture and strive to work in partnership with other security agencies to eliminate or reduce the security challenges currently confronting the nation

He explained that the commission will closely monitor their activities, and will not hesitate to sanction anyone who deviates from the time-tested established Police rules of engagement, while it will also commend and recognise gallantry and commitment to duty.

Police operatives in Bauchi State have arrested two suspects for child abuse and criminal intimidation, while dismantling an armed robbery syndicate and recovering firearms and stolen items.

In a press release on Tuesday, the Bauchi State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, provided details of the incidents.

It was noted that on December 30, 2024, a complaint was lodged at the Tilden Fulani Divisional Police Headquarters against 41-year-old Aminu Musa of Sabon Garin Narabi. Musa was accused of engaging in unnatural sexual acts with an 11-year-old boy, Hassan (name withheld for privacy).

“The suspect lured the boy into his room, located near a shop where he worked, and repeatedly assaulted him,” Wakil said.

He added that Musa manipulated the victim by offering food and money in denominations of ₦300, ₦200, and ₦100.

During interrogation, Musa confessed to the crime, admitting he exploited the boy under the guise of kindness.

In another case on December 31, 2024, a businessman, Adamu Abdullahi, 38, known locally as “Baban Bola,” was reported to the ‘B’ Divisional Police Headquarters, GRA Bauchi, for abusing a 10-year-old boy.

According to Wakil, Abdullahi intimidated the child while he was hawking and forced him into an uncompleted building, where the assault took place. The suspect was arrested and confessed to the crime.

In a separate development, on January 8, 2025, intelligence reports led the police, in collaboration with the Peace and Security Committee, to arrest two suspects, Abubakar Yakubu and Almustapha Hassan, who were found in possession of locally made firearms.

“During a search of their residence, two fabricated pistols were discovered hidden in the ceiling,” Wakil disclosed.

The suspects admitted to acquiring the firearms from an anonymous source in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

Further investigations revealed the suspects were involved in multiple robbery operations, primarily targeting Gwallaga and the Behind NIDB areas of Bauchi.

The stolen items included motorcycles and household goods such as pots, which were dismantled and sold to buyers at Muda-Lawal Market.

“The suspects also dismantled stolen motorcycles into parts for sale, claiming proceeds were used to purchase other motorcycles,” Wakil stated.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include two fabricated pistols, two motorcycles, one machete, two ATM cards, and one ring.

The Bauchi State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging the public to report suspicious activities promptly.

The wife of Arsenal striker Kai Havertz has shared screenshots of abuse she received on social media amid Sunday’s FA Cup loss to Manchester United, including threats to the couple’s unborn child.

The forward missed a good chance to win the game in normal time and then had his penalty saved by United keeper Altay Bayindir in the shootout as United won 5-3 on penalties following the 1-1 draw.

The German’s wife Sophia posted to her Instagram story two direct messages she had received on the platform.

Arsenal have reported the abuse to the police and are working with a specialist data firm to try to identify the culprits.

“For anyone to think it’s okay to write something like this is so shocking to me. I hope you are so ashamed of yourself,” she wrote as she shared one of the direct messages.

On another she added: “I’m not sure what to even say but please guys, be more respectful. We are better than this.”

The couple have been together since 2018 and got married last year with Sophia announcing in November that she was pregnant.

OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman has refuted allegations of childhood sexual abuse made by his sister, Annie Altman, in a lawsuit filed on Monday.

The accusations, spanning incidents alleged to have occurred between 1997 and 2006 have been described as ‘entirely untrue’ by the tech entrepreneur and his family.

In a letter co-signed by his mother and two brothers and published on X (formerly Twitter), the Altman family addressed the claims, expressing concern for Annie’s mental health.

“Annie has made deeply hurtful and entirely untrue claims about our family, especially Sam,” the statement read.

“Our family loves Annie and is very concerned about her well-being. Caring for a family member who faces mental health challenges is incredibly difficult.”

The family acknowledged years of strained relations with Annie, citing their continued financial support despite her growing demands.

“We have tried to help Annie, covering her expenses and guaranteeing her monthly financial support, which we expect to continue for the rest of her life,” the letter stated.

However, the family said they felt compelled to respond publicly following the legal complaint and escalating tensions.

“The worst allegation she has made is that she was sexually abused by Sam as a child,” they wrote, adding that her claims “have evolved drastically over time” and now include incidents allegedly occurring after Sam turned 18.

“All these claims are utterly untrue,” the statement concluded.

Annie Altman, who is nine years younger than Sam, alleged that the abuse began when she was three years old and continued until she was 12.

Her accusations come after a 2023 report in New York Magazine, which detailed Annie’s struggles with depression, her growing estrangement from her family, and reliance on online sex work to support herself.

Thirty-nine years old Sam Altman became one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent figures, gaining global recognition following the launch of ChatGPT in 2022.

As the CEO of OpenAI, he positioned himself as a leader in the race to develop advanced artificial intelligence while advocating for its responsible use to “benefit all of humanity.”

The family reiterated their support for Annie’s well-being while firmly denying the allegations. “Despite this, Annie continues to demand more money from us,” the family said, describing the lawsuit as part of ongoing tensions within the family dynamic.