EXCLUSIVE : DSS Operatives Invade NBS Office, Arrest CEO Over Ransom Survey Report – Website Shut Down Not Hacked

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EXCLUSIVE : DSS Operatives Invade NBS Office, Arrest CEO Over Ransom Survey Report – Website Shut Down Not Hacked

Operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS), have arrested the Statistician-General of the federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Semiu Adeyemi Adeniran in his office yesterday, News Point Nigeria can authoritatively report.

News Point Nigeria gathered that the arrest was in connection to the latest Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey report released by the Bureau on Tuesday.

Recall, this newspaper had reported that, the NBS released survey revealed that Nigerians paid a total of N2.23tn as ransom over 12 months between May 2023 and April 2024.

According to the survey, this sum was paid by households affected by kidnapping incidents, highlighting the growing threat posed by criminal activities in the country.

It added that, an estimated 51.89 million crime incidents were recorded across Nigerian households in the reference period.

The survey showed that the North-West region had the highest incidence of crime, with 14.4 million cases reported, followed by the North-Central region with 8.8 million incidents.

But a senior official at the Bureau, who pleaded anonymity told News Point Nigeria that Mr Adeniran was arrested by the operatives of the DSS, Wednesday morning in his office , less than 24 hours after the release of the report.

“As we speak, the CEO is still in DSS custody, the operatives invaded our headquarters, took away our computers and the crime survey documents and also arrested Mr Adeniran on Wednesday”, the source said.

“The CEO added about N2bn to our 2024 budget for the new Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey report, and we got govt approval for the funds but after the conclusion of the report, which took a bout seven months, instead of liaising with the security agencies and the supervisory finance minister, Atiku Bagudu – the CEO went on to publish the report independently.

“We were told the president and the minister were not happy with the report because the survey was deemed to have embarrassed the govt and the security agencies especially in their fight against insecurity in the country.

“After the publication of the report, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu summoned a meeting with the finance minister and some top security officials in the country and afterwards there was an instruction to shut down the website and then the DSS raided our office and arrested Mr Adeniran”, the source added.

Recall, NBS had announced that its official website has been compromised by unidentified hackers.

The Bureau disclosed this in a statement posted on the bureau’s official X (formerly Twitter) account Wednesday night.

The NBS urged the public to disregard any information or reports shared on its behalf from unofficial sources until the website is fully restored.

All efforts to reach the spokesperson of the NBS proved abortive as text messages and calls were not responded to as at the time of filing this report.

The NBS is the principal agency responsible for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of statistical data in Nigeria.

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Source : https://newspointnigeria.com/exclusive-dss-operatives-invade-nbs-office-arrest-ceo-over-ransom-survey-report-website-shut-down-not-hacked/

BSHA orders SUBEB chairman to step aside over recruitment investigation

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BSHA orders SUBEB chairman to step aside over recruitment investigation

The Benue House of Assembly, presided over by its Speaker, Hyacinth Dajo, ordered the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Grace Adagba, to step aside from her official duties forthwith.

The lawmakers took the decision during Thursday’s plenary to allow the house to investigate the recruitment exercise embarked upon by the board.

The resolution followed a motion moved by the Chief Whip, Mr Peter Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala West).

Ipusu said that the house had earlier adopted the resolution directing the chairman of the board to suspend the ongoing recruitment of primary school teachers to allow for investigation into controversies surrounding the exercise, but the directive was ignored.

The chief whip stressed that a day after the resolution was duly conveyed, the chairman released a statement indicating that new cut-off marks had been allocated to the various local governments based on their performance in the Computer-Based Test (CBT).

He stated that the board subsequently shortlisted additional names for physical screening.

Ipusu said that he was worried that the statement released by SUBEB was not only reactionary but also disparaging of the honour of the assembly and its resolutions.

Mr Alfred Berger (APC/Makurdi North), who seconded the motion, stated that the chairman lacked the integrity to continue to pilot the affairs of the board.

Berger added that the law establishing the board gave powers to the Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) to recruit teachers, emphasising that the process was decentralised and the department of quality assurance of the board only supervised it.

Meanwhile, Majority Leader Mr Saater Tiseer pleaded with his colleagues to give the chairman a fair hearing on the matter.

Tiseer added that the day she was to appear before the house, she was at the assembly by 10 am as requested.

He advised his colleagues not to make decisions based on prejudice, adding that they should take actions in line with the constitution.

The counter motion was seconded by Anthony Agom (PDP/Okpokwu), stating that the chairman should be allowed to explain herself.

The Speaker, Hyacinth Dajo, subsequently asked the Clerk, Mr John Hwande, to divide the house, and the members who voted in favour of the initial motion were 21, while five voted for the counter motion.

Dajo stated that the chairman should step aside and hand over to the board’s permanent member 1 to allow the house to carry out its investigation.

The speaker further constituted a seven-man committee to investigate the exercise and report to the house within seven days.

Governor Yusuf’s Intervention Saves Kano N4bn on Sponsored Students’ Liabilities in Cyprus

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Governor Yusuf’s Intervention Saves Kano N4bn on Sponsored Students’ Liabilities in Cyprus

 

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has successfully negotiated a reduction of over N2 billion in tuition liabilities owed to Middle East University, Cyprus, for the education of state-sponsored students.

The intervention, which was disclosed during the 22nd Executive Council Meeting at the Kano Government House, reduces a debt inherited from the previous administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the liabilities, totaling over 3 million euros (approximately N4 billion), had been left unpaid by the Ganduje-led government.

The debt covered tuition fees for students sponsored by the state between 2015 and 2019.

Governor Yusuf, during a recent visit to the university, found that all the students had returned to Kano over five years ago without receiving their certificates due to the unpaid fees.

Among the 50 affected students were graduates who had completed advanced degrees in fields such as medicine and other professions, with some attaining the rank of professor but unable to practice due to the withheld documents.

During negotiations, the university initially offered a reduced amount of 1.4 million euros, but Governor Yusuf pressed for further concessions.

After two days of talks, the parties agreed on an additional 15% discount, bringing the final settlement to N1.9 billion.

“This intervention not only resolves a longstanding issue but also saves Kano State over N2 billion,” Dawakin Tofa said.

The Governor expressed dismay at the plight of the students, who have been jobless since their return, unable to utilize their qualifications.

He promised to personally hand over their certificates soon, marking the resolution of a problem that has hindered their careers for years.

Governor Yusuf also announced a new policy to ensure accountability in the future.

Cabinet Rejig: Decision taken in good faith, best interest of Kano’, Says Gov. Yusuf

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Cabinet Rejig: Decision taken in good faith, best interest of Kano’, Says Gov. Yusuf

 

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has again, dismissed untowards perception on the recent cabinet reshuffle that affected the office of the Chief of Staff, Secretary to the State Government and Five Commissioners.

Addressing journalists Wednesday during the state executive council meeting held at Government house, Governor Yusuf specifically refuted political insinuation being attached to the major cabinet shake up.

In a state issued by Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, Governor Yusuf who used the opportunity to debunk misrepresentation of government action, insisted the rejig was taken in good faith and in the best interest of Kano.

” In recent times, we made some decisions in the administration, including cabinet reshuffle. As a result of this action, some lost their positions in the cabinet while some reassigned to serve in another capacity. Let me remind the public that the action taken was in the best interest of the people of Kano”. Governor Yusuf added.

In the release, Governor Yusuf stressed that the need to drop some commissioners became pertinent to inject renewed energy that will strengthen policies of government.

Gov. Yusuf added that NNPP administration has pledged to deliver dividend of democracy, noted the urgency to effectively execute it’s campaign promises equally necessitated the replacement in the cabinet.

With the appointment of new seven commissioners who were recently screened and cleared by the state assembly, Governor Yusuf stressed that the cabinet is reinvigorated with fresh ideas to turn around social and infrastructural development of the state.

Although, the Governor notified those that were dropped from the state executive council would not be distanced from the administration, he assured of their reappointment to serve the state in another capacity.

“We have promised to deliver dividend of democracy to our people. Unfortunately we are already short of time to deliver what we promises. So, we need to effect changes to speed up in good time. We have reshuffled the cabinet in order to improve the system.

“Let me also say that we have not dropped those affected for life. We have other jobs for them, so I want everybody to accept the decision the way it is. As for those that were reassigned, we urged them to bring their previous experiences to bear in their new places of work”. Governor said.

Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf announced that the new commissioners would join the next executive council meeting and their respective portfolios would be announced.

Gov. Yusuf accuses opposition parties of fueling political crisis in Kano metropolis

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Gov. Yusuf accuses opposition parties of fueling political crisis in Kano metropolis

Wows drastic measures against resurgence of thuggery in Kano

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has accused actors in the opposition parties of fueling civic unrest and political instability in Kano.

Governor Yusuf pointed the accusing fingers while briefing journalists during the State Executive Council Meeting Wednesday, vowed to deploy drastic measures necessary to nip the resurgence of thuggery in the bud.

The Governor’s reaction follows the recent bloody crisis between some suspected political thugs who unleashed terror on another gang of politicians.

In a statement by Spokesperson of the Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, Governor Yusuf revealed that intelligence brief abreast with after the state security council held Tuesday clearly exposed the atrocities of those sponsoring unrest in Kano.

According to the statement, the Governor posited the elements in the opposition, who are not comfortable with the steady development, peace and stability in the state, embedded to provoke needless crisis.

Gov. Yusuf however reassured determination of his administration to confront the challenges with equal force, insisted government would not henceforth, tolerate attempt by any elements to frustrate the enduring peace and tranquility in the state.

In the release, Governor Yusuf assured the resolution of the government to work with all the security agencies in the state to checkmate the excesses of the criminal minded elements being sponsored to cause problem.

Governor Yusuf will soon reopen the state own Reformatory Centre, at Kiru local government area as part of measures to rehabilitate and control drug abuse in the state.

During the Wednesday council meeting, the Governor also brief plans to inaugurate the newly constituted 46 of Shura Consultative Council compose of renowned Islamic Scholars, members of the academia, and other stakeholders.

To check unemployment, the Governor is determined to roll massive youth empowerment initiatives in the coming year to ensure that a significant per cent of the youth become self’relient.

Alleged unlawful detention: “Miyetti” Allah president prays court to order his release

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Alleged unlawful detention: “Miyetti” Allah president prays court to order his release
Alhaji Bello Bodejo, President, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, on Thursday, prayed an Abuja High Court to order his release from the State Security Service (SSS)’s detention facility pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application.
Bodejo, in a motion ex-parte marked: M/16976/2024 and filed by his team of lawyers led by Reuben Atabo, SAN, also sought an order granting him leave to apply for the order of habeas corpus subjiciendum against the respondents.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that habeas corpus subjiciendum is a Latin phrase and a legal term used to describe a writ that is directed to someone who is detaining another person to inquire into the legality of the detention.
Bodejo, in the motion dated and filed on Dec. 19, sued the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Director General of SSS as 1st and 2nd respondents.
He sought two orders, including “an interim order directing the respondents to, forthwith, produce the applicant from detention for him to be released, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application for habeas corpus subjiciendum.”
Giving five grounds upon which the application is predicated, the senior lawyer said that Bodejo was arrested on Dec. 9 by soldiers of the 177 Guards Battalion, Keffi of the Nigerian Army and detained at their barracks in Keffi.
He said the Nigerian Army, thereafter, transferred him to the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Abuja up to Wednesday (Dec. 18) without being charged to any court of competent jurisdiction.
Atabo said Bodejo had been transferred from the custody of the DIA to the SSS custody in Abuja, today (Dec. 19) without being informed of the allegation against him.
The lawyer said the respondents are not desirous of diligently prosecuting his client “before a competent court of law and thus, their actions are unconstitutional and shorn of any legal basis whatsoever.”
He said the continuous and inexplicable detention of Bodejo by the respondents without trial in a competent court of law is unlawful and without justification, thus, necessitating the instant application.
In the affidavit in support of the motion ex-parte deposed to by Bodejo’s senior wife and a businesswoman, Hauwa, she said her husband is the president of Miyetti Allah, a Fulani socio-cultural organisation with his office in Karu Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State.
She said on Dec. 8, there was a communal clash between some Fulanis and a retired military officer, Admiral Dan Gwari, at Shuwari Village in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State.
Hauwa said Gwari has a farmland situate at Shuwari Village, where he cultivates crops.
She said some Fulanis rearing their cattle entered the farmland belonging to Gwari on Dec. 8.
She said upon entry into the said farmland, there was exchange of words between the Fulanis and Gwari, consequent upon which the retired officer drew out his gun and began shooting at the Fulanis.
“That the Fulanis rearing the cattle however dodged the bullets he repeatedly shot at them, whereupon the bullets hit and killed about four (4) of their cows.
“That the said Fulanis thereafter proceeded to disarm ADMIRAL DAN GWARI (RI’D.) and in the process of struggling with him in order to disarm him, he accidentally sustained machete cuts on his head.
“That the Fulani Elders at the RUGA in Shuwari Village immediately took ADMIRAL DAN GWARI (RTD.) to the hospital, where he was promptly treated and discharged shortly, after the said elders had fully paid the hospital bills,” she averred.
Hauwa alleged that upon being discharged from the hospital, Gwari proceeded to the military barracks of the 177 Guards Battalion of the DIA at Keffi and mobilised some men of the Nigerian Army who subsequently stormed the RUGA Settlement, arrested several Fulani boys and further took away with them about Four Hundred (400) cows.
She said during all these incidents, Bodejo was away to Bauchi State on a business trip and was not in any way aware or privy to what had happened between Gwari and the Fulani boys/herders at Shuwari Village.
She alleged that when her husband came back on Dec. 9, some men of the 177 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, acting on the instruction and active promptings of Gwari, came and invited him to the barracks in Keffi.
She said when Bodejo got to the barracks, he was detained, allegedly “acting on the instructions of Gwari and the Nigerian Army, thereby cutting him off from his wives, children, family members and lawyers.”
She further alleged that Bodejo was subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment in the custody.
“My husband (the applicant) called me on the phone on Dec.  11, to inform me that the Nigerian Army were taking him to an underground cell of the Defence Intelligence Agency and will blind fold him thereafter,” she said.
She said she later found that her husband had been moved on Wednesday night to the custody of SSS where he is currently being detained.
Bodejo’s wife said since her husband’s arrest and detention, he had been denied of his drugs and medications.
Hauwa, who said that the applicant would be greatly prejudiced if the application is refused, said it would be in the interest of justice to grant their motion.
No date has been given for the hearing of the motion as at the time of filing the report.

15-Year-Old Boy Abducted in Anambra Escapes from Kidnappers’ Den in Kogi State

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15-Year-Old Boy Abducted in Anambra Escapes from Kidnappers’ Den in Kogi State

 

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

A 15-year-old boy who was recently kidnapped in Anambra State has been found in Kogi State after reportedly escaping from his abductors.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made this known in a statement to newsmen on Thursday.

He disclosed that the lucky boy, identified as Chibuike Damian Onyebuchi, who hails from Ihiala in Anambra State, was reportedly abducted in Onitsha by unidentified persons who also took him to an unknown place, from where he luckily escaped.

The Police Image Maker, while announcing that Onyebuchi is currently in the safe custody of the Kogi State Police Command; also sought the assistance of the members of the pubic in identifying and reuniting him with his family.

He wrote: “The Anambra State Police Command has called on the general public, particularly residents of Onitsha and Ihiala environs, to assist with the identification of one Mr Chibuike Damian Onyebuchi (M) aged 15 years. The said boy who hails from Ihiala LGA, Anambra State was abducted in Onitsha but was found recently in Kogi State. He is currently in the Safe Custody of the Kogi State Police Command.

“During an interview with Damian by the Police Operatives, he alleged that he was abducted in Onitsha by unidentified persons and taken to an unknown place before his escape.

“To this end, the Command seeks the assistance of the public, especially members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, to help disseminate widely alongside with the attached picture for possible identification and reunification with his family.”

Police Launch Manhunt for Lady Who Swapped Old Woman’s ATM Card in Anambra, Reveal How Much She Withdrew

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Police Launch Manhunt for Lady Who Swapped Old Woman’s ATM Card in Anambra, Reveal How Much She Withdrew

 

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Police operatives in Anambra state have launched an investigation into the alleged criminal act of a lady who swapped an ATM card of an old woman and emptied her account.

247UREPORTS earlier reported that a criminally-minded lady was captured by a CCTV camera in Anambra State as she swapped an ATM card of an old woman having sight problem and emptied everything in her account within few minutes.

The incident happened over the weekend at an ATM spot in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of the State, where the old woman, who is also a widow, was said to have gone to withdraw some money.

According to a source, the old woman, whose name is yet to be ascertained, was having problem operating the machine when it was her turn to withdraw, because of her eye problem that resulted in her poor sight.

The source, however, narrated that a lady who was standing by and presumably waiting for her own turn to withdraw, offered to help the widow to operate the ATM when she noticed she was having difficulty operating it, due to her sight defect.

It was gathered that, in the process, however, she swapped the widow’s ATM card with another fake and expired ATM card after having known her PIN; and then, she smartly left the scene while the old woman was still struggling to operate the fake ATM with her PIN, only for her to start receiving recurring debit alerts on her phone shortly after the lady left.

This was corroborated by a 42-second video of the incident as was captured by the CCTV camera of the bank, and which is currently trending on the social media.

“This widow who was said to be having eye problem went to UBA bank ATM machine in Nnewi to withdraw money. When it got difficult for her operating the machine, this young lady putting on red top and black trouser approached her to help out, but ended up swapping her ATM card.

“Just few minutes later, the woman started receiving debit alerts,” another source narrated, with respect to the video.

However, reacting to the video through a statement issued to newsmen on Thursday, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, announced that the Command had begun an investigation into the case.

While noting that the Command has established a direct contact with the victim, who said the sum of two million naira was withdrawn from her account by the suspect; the Police Spokesman further called on anyone with useful information, especially residents of Nnewi and environs, to help in identifying the suspect for possible arrest and prosecution.

“The Anambra State Police Command has intercepted a trending video of an unidentified lady in an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) of a Commercial bank in Nnewi, who allegedly swapped an ATM Card belonging to a 58 years old (quinquagenarian) handicapped woman and withdrew the sum of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) in parts.

“The Command having commenced investigations into the incident, calls on anyone with useful information, especially residents of Nnewi and environs to help in identifying the suspect for possible arrest and prosecution.

“Preliminary information reveals that the unidentified lady suspect disguised herself to assist the victim and swapped the ATM card of the victim and a few minutes after the suspect left the ATM spot, the quinquagenarian received several debit alerts totaling the sum of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000).

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, concerned about the incident directs the Public Relations Officer of the Command to contact the victim for necessary information that will aid the investigation. He further directed that all intelligent gathering tools of the Command should be deployed to identify the suspect and bring her criminal gang to book.”

Watch the video below:

 

Alleged N110.4billion Money Laundering: Yahaya Bello Begs Court: Spare me Landed Property in Maitama for Bail

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Alleged N110.4billion Money Laundering: Yahaya Bello Begs Court: Spare me Landed Property in Maitama for Bail

A former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello, has appealed to Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja, to spare him the possession of a landed property in the Maitama district as one of the conditions for bail.

Bello made the plea on Thursday, December 19, 2024, through his counsel, J.B. Daudu SAN. He argued that obtaining Certificates of Occupancy and other title documents for properties in Maitama is challenging due to the peculiarities of the area.

“My Lord, most people who may be willing to stand as sureties are reluctant to part with their original title documents. Moreover, many buildings in Maitama are corporate establishments like Transcorp Hilton, NCC among others. Therefore, we are pleading with this honourable court to consider other highbrow areas such as Asokoro, Wuse 2, Guzape, and others when granting bail to our client,” he said.

Earlier, Daudu informed the court that the matter was slated for the hearing of Bello’s bail application. Explaining, he told the court, “We filed our application yesterday, December 18, 2024, and the prosecution served a counter-affidavit the same day. “We intend to focus on the trial, and for that, we need unrestricted access to the defendant to ensure he is fully prepared. The charges against him are bailable. Moreover, there are critical documents that only he can access. My Lord, the second and third defendants have already been granted bail, and if not for procedural delays, my client would have been granted bail as well,” he said.

In response, counsel for the prosecution, Olukayode Eniton SAN, did not oppose the bail application.

“I confirm that the learned senior counsel, Daudu, has been in communication with the prosecution team. Based on the assurance that the defendant will stand trial, barring unforeseen circumstances, we are willing to defer to your lordship’s discretion regarding the terms and conditions of bail,” he said.

In her ruling, Justice Anenih granted Bello bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum. The sureties must be notable Nigerians with landed property in Maitama, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Guzape, Garki, or Asokoro.

The judge also ordered Bello to deposit his passport and other travel documents with the court registrar. She further directed that he remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service Centre, Kuje, until his bail conditions are met.

Two other defendants standing trial alongside Bello, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu had their bail conditions varied. The judge reduced their bail sum from N300m to N200m and further ordered that they could get landed properties within the jurisdiction of the court that had the same values as the bail sum.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is prosecuting Bello alongside Oricha and Hudu on a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of N110.4 billion.

Justice Anenih adjourned hearing on the substantive suit till January 29, 2024

Court fixes Feb. 11 to hear defense counsel’s preliminary objection in IGP’s defamation of character charge

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Court fixes Feb. 11 to hear defense counsel’s preliminary objection in IGP’s defamation of character charge

 

By Chuks Eke

The Federal High Court sitting at Awka, Anambra state capital has fixed Tuesday, February 11, 2025 for hearing and possible determination of a preliminary objection raised by a defense counsel, Fredrick Okpe in a defamation of character charge brought before it by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, against eight Indigenes of Umuona community in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

The defence counsel had at the inception of the charge on Wednesday, raised the objection challenging the jurisdiction of the federal high court to entertain the matter which he said is already pending before Anambra State High Court in Onitsha Judicial Division.

The police prosecution counsel, G. T. Nev Esq, with Ifeanyi Egbuna Esq watching the brief of the nominal complainant prayed the court to disregard the preliminary objection raised by the defense counsel and the court fixed February 11 for hearing of the preliminary objection.

In the Charge No. FHC/AWK/406C/2024, the defendañts were arraigned before the court on five counts charge brought pursuant to the Cybercrime Act 2021and Criminal Code Act for offences bordering on conspiracy, Cyberstalking, giving false information to public servant with intent to mislead and other similar offences.

The objection was raised on the ground that a similar charge based on the same facts was filed by the prosecution against the same defendants at Onistha High court which is still pending.

The accused persons, Kenneth Okoli (67), President-General of Umuona community; Ernest Onyejekwe, (69), Dr. Anthony Okoli (70), Godfrey Ezeabalim (75), Chukwudi Obiora (40), Obiakor Gilbert (67), Bartholomew Udemba (60) and HRH, Igwe Iyke S. C. Ezeofor (61) and others at large were alleged to have on December 28, 2022 at Umuona, while acting in concert, conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit: defamation of the character of HRH, Igwe Humphrey Ejesieme.

The prosecution further alleged that the accused persons had on the same date at Umuona Civic Centre, falsely accused Igwe Ejesieme in a letter they wrote to Anambra state Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, dated May 28, 2022 of invading the general meeting of Umuona Progressive Union, UPU with thugs armed with machetes and other dangerous weapons, whereas Igwe Ejesieme attended the said.meeting on December 28, 2022 with his cabinet members only.

The prosecution contended that it was based on the accused persons’ false information as contained in their letter to the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs that prompted the state government to withdraw the certificate of recognition issued to Igwe Ejesieme in 2014 by former Governor Peter Obi as the traditional ruler of Umuona.

The prosecution said the letter to the Commissioner written by the accused persons alleging that Igwe Ejesieme attended the UPU meeting with thugs armed with machetes and other dangerous weapons created an erroneous impression so much so that the state government actted upon it to withdraw his certificate of recognition.

The case had emenated after IGP’s preliminary Investigations into a complaint brought before him by the deposed Igwe Ejesieme alleging that the defendants defamed his character in a petition they wrote to Anambra state government in which they falsely accused him of storming their town union meeting with armed thugs and chasing everybody out of Umuona Civic Centre, venue of the meeting.

Igwe Ejesieme also reported to the IGP that it was based on such a frivolous and misleading petition to the state government, by the defendants that propelled the state government to withdraw his Igweship certificate, thereby deposing him.

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