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.

NDLEA busts 6-hectare hemp farmland in Ogun

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NDLEA busts 6-hectare hemp farmland in Ogun

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun Command, has successfully destroyed a six-hectare hemp farmland in Alaka village, Ogun.

The agency’s state commandant, Mr Tijani Rabe, revealed the tactical operation at a news conference organised in Abeokuta on Thursday while presenting the agency’s 2024 scorecard.

Rabe said four persons were arrested and being investigated in connection with the hemp farming.

He said the command also recorded other significant success stories in its efforts to curb the hard drug trade.

According to him, the command arrested 675 drug offenders with 9.7 tons and 537.81 litres of liquid-base illicit drugs.

He said the command’s special operation, “Operation Closed Gates”, arrested a person with a seizure of 100 bags of hemp, weighing 1.3 tons, in November.

“Operation Closed Gates was launched as part of our Yuletide initiative and has been a resounding success.

“It targeted drug merchants and syndicates, sealing all entry roads into the state,” he said.

He said the command intensified sensitisation and advocacy initiatives by conducting lectures and programmes in schools, communities, and workplaces to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse.

“In the year under review, the command conducted 128 sensitisation programmes in institutions.

“Through this sensitisation programmes, about 27,648 people were impacted,” he said.

Rabe further said the agency secured 221 convictions and sentences to various terms of imprisonment against drug offenders.

“Many cases are also at various stages of prosecution,” he said.

Anambra Awards Over N 9 Billion Contracts For Fed Roads Construction, Rehabilitation, Provision Of School Facilities

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Anambra Awards Over N 9 Billion Contracts For Fed Roads Construction, Rehabilitation, Provision Of School Facilities

 

By Okey Maduforo Awka.

The sum of over N 9 Billion Contracts have been awarded by the Anambra state government for the construction and rehabilitation of some Federal roads in the area .

It also awarded contracts for the provision of facilities for the Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe in Anambra East local government area as well as the College of Health Technology Obosi in Idemili North local government area of Anambra state.

According to the Commissioner for Information in a post Executive Council meeting release Dr Law Mefor some of those projects have commenced while others would take of soon in preparation for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“The Council considered and approved contracts for key projects that will expand and deepen the Solution Government’s infrastructure revolution.”

“Some of the road contracts are for the rehabilitation of federal roads in deplorable condition. Many of these federal roads have already been rehabilitated and beautified as part of the grand preparations for a memorable Christmas celebration”

“The Council considered and approved the award of the contract in the sum of ₦214,006,328.51 (two hundred and fourteen million, six thousand, three hundred and twenty-eight naira, fifty-one kobo) in favour of Muterbonch & Co Nig Ltd for the rehabilitation of Eze Uzu Junction Agu-Awka and the front of the ANSIEC Office to Arroma Junction along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Awka, Awka South LGA”

“Others are the award of contract in the sum of ₦1,650,000,000.00 (One Billion, Six Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) Only, in favour of IDC Construction Limited, for the Proposed Completion of the Asphalt Wearing Course of the access road of the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, Anambra East LGA”

“The award of contract in the sum of ₦577,000,000.00 (Five Hundred and Seventy-Seven Million Naira) only, in favour of Crystal Dove Construction, for the Development of 624 Open Stalls within the Modern Bus Terminal in Ekwulobia”

“The award of the contract for the construction of the Ekwulobia flood control project phase II, including the maintenance of bio-remediation for the next year within the project track, in the sum of n4,450,000,000.00 (four billion, four hundred and fifty-four million naira only) to AG Vision Construction Nig Ltd”

“The award of the contract for the rehabilitation of the Amawbia Flyover to Arroma Junction along the Enugu Onitsha Expressway in the sum of N327,829,570.72 (three hundred and twenty-seven million, eight hundred and twenty-nine thousand, five hundred and seventy naira, seventy-two kobo only) to New Idea Construction Company Ltd”

“The award of the contract for the provision of free internet access to Nwafor Orizu College of Education in the sum of N93,107,362.50 (ninety-three million, one hundred and seven thousand, three hundred and sixty-two naira, fifty kobo) (in the first year) to Swifttalk Ltd”

“The award of the contract for the provision of free internet access to the College of Health Technology Obosi in the sum of N85,517,325.00 (eighty-five million, five hundred and seventeen thousand, three hundred and twenty-five naira only) (in the first year) to Croz Enterprises”

“The award of contract in the sum of ₦467,269,015.00 (Four Hundred and Sixty-Seven Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-Nine Thousand, Fifteen Naira) only, in favour of Pudsey Limited, for the Supply and Installation of Outdoor Furniture at the Solution Fun City, Awka”

“The award of contract in the sum of ₦128,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Twenty-Eight Million Naira) only, in favour of Crystal Dove Construction Company Ltd, for the construction of the Gatehouse, Perimeter Fence, and Earthworks (Clearing) at Ekwulobia Modern Bus Terminal”

“The award of contract in the sum of ₦234,811,927.50 (Two Hundred and Thirty-Four Million, Eight Hundred and Eleven Thousand, Nine Hundred And Twenty-Seven Naira and Fifty Kobo) in favour of Newsbreak International Communication Ltd for the Installation of Security Equipment and Features in Newly Acquired Security Vehicles (Lot 1 – Hardware Security Gadgets)”

“Finally, the Council also approved additional sum of ₦52,983,847 (fifty-two million, nine hundred and eighty-three thousand, eight hundred and forty-seven naira) only, bringing the Revised Estimated Total Cost (RETC) to ₦146,000,000.00 (one hundred and forty-six million naira) only, for the completion of Judges Quarters for the Anambra State Judiciary at Judges Quarters, Onitsha, Anambra State, in favour of Tivoge Properties Ltd” h said.

Onitsha South Boss Saves N10 Billion Timber Market From Inferno As Fire Destroys 18 Shops

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Onitsha South Boss Saves N10 Billion Timber Market From Inferno As Fire Destroys 18 Shops

 

By Okey Maduforo Awka

But for the intervention of the Chairman Onitsha South local government area Chief Emeka Joseph Orji the over N10 Billion goods at the Onitsha Timber Market would have been destroyed by last Wednesday fire incident.

The inferno which started at around 9 pm Wednesday evening and on hearing the distress call Emeka Orji mobilized a team of rescue operators along with the Department of Fire Service at Okpoko that helped to put out the fire .

However the inferno affected eighteen shops at the furniture section of the Timber Market while the fire fighters prevented the incident from engulfing the entire market and beyond Okpoko and Asaba in Delta state .

According to the Council Chairman Chief Emeka Joseph;

“We thank the fire service department, the Police and the Onitsha Vigilante Services AVS as well as our traders led by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Bridge Head Market Onitsha for their prompt intervention”

“We shall continue to guarantee safety of lives and property of the people of my local government area and we wish to warm that this is the harmattan period and people should guard against unnecessary activities that may lead to fire disaster ” he said.

Also speaking the Care-taker Chairman of Bridge Head Market Onitsha, Anambra State, Hon. Chinedu Ezekwike commended the efforts of the Chairman of the local government, for his intervention on the recent fire Incident that affected section of the Market.

Narrating the incident to newsmen in Onitsha, Hon. Ezekwike disclosed that he was dumbfounded when he received the call about the inferno, expressing gratitude to Onitsha South local government elected Chairman, Hon. Emeka Orji and people who are living nearby the Market for their timely intervention.

He stated that the fire was able to be prevented from escalating further through the aide of fire fighters from Okpoko and Asaba which he said himself and Hon. Emeka Orji contacted.

” The fire started by 9pm yesterday’s night. But we thank God we struggled with the help of fire service from Okpoko and Asaba and quenched it. I was there with Onitsha South local government Chairman”

“We were making calls contacting fire fighters and lucky for us, all the fire fighters arrived and put off the fire. So, I am grateful to Onitsha South local government Chairman Hon. Emeka Orji, traders and people who lives nearby the Market for their immense assistance. Yes!, this has showed that Ndigbo still loves themselves” he said.

He explained that the fire incident only affected furniture union of the Market, destroying about eighteen shops with millions of naira worth of goods even as he said the cause of the inferno is yet to be ascertained.

” I urge traders especially those Who are using machines and other objects that can easily catch fire to be mindful and always switch off the machines after day’s business activities.

” This is harmattan period, anything can ignite fire. For those who have lights inside their shops, please always put off all appliances before closing your shops. We pray that we will not experience this type of incident again” he noted .

Confirming the incident the Anambra Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochikwu Ikenga said;

“Following the swift response of the Police and Fire service operatives to the outbreak at Ogbosisi on 18/12/2024 by 8:45 pm brought the situation under control”

“Meanwhile, Police operatives have cordoned off the scene of the incident to prevent hoodlums from taking undue advantage of the situation to loot properties and goods of individuals in the area”

The Command has however begun an investigation into the cause of the fire incident and notes that no life was lost. Also the worth of goods destroyed is yet to be ascertained” he said.

Gov Bala Mohammed ‘s Commitment to Livestock Sector: A Boost to Bauchi State’s Economy

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Gov Bala Mohammed ‘s Commitment to Livestock Sector: A Boost to Bauchi State’s Economy

 

From Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu BAUCHI

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the livestock sector as part of efforts to boost the state’s economy.

Mohammed made this known while receiving members of the Presidential Livestock Reform Implementation Committee at the Council Chamber of the Government House, Bauchi where he assured them of his administration’s dedication to leveraging the federal initiative to transform the sector.

Gov Bala Mohammed 's Commitment to Livestock Sector: A Boost to Bauchi State's Economy
Gov Bala Mohammed ‘s Commitment to Livestock Sector: A Boost to Bauchi State’s Economy

He highlighted Bauchi’s vast forests and peaceful environment as key assets that, if properly utilized, could enhance food security and generate employment opportunities. And further announced plans to establish a state-level committee to develop a blueprint for livestock sector reforms in the state.

In response to a request by the presidential committee to maximize the use of a federal livestock facility located in Sullubawa, Toro Local Government Area, the Governor pledged to provide the required manpower and resources to ensure its effective management.

Earlier, the Co-chair of the Presidential Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, Prof. Attahiru Jega, commended the Governor for his proactive approach in seeking to develop the livestock sector.

He noted that the committee’s visit to Bauchi was prompted by the Governor’s invitation aimed at engaging key stakeholders in the sector to chart a path for sustainable growth.

Prof. Jega outlined the committee’s agenda in Bauchi, which includes stakeholder engagement and awareness creation on the sector’s potential for economic transformation.

While recognizing the significant role the livestock sector plays in national development, he lamented its long-standing neglect. He emphasized that the present moment offers a vital opportunity to unlock the sector’s potential.

It is worth recalling that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated the Presidential Livestock Reform Implementation Committee on July 19, 2024.

Bauchi State Government Vows to Address Healthcare Challenges in 2025

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Bauchi State Government Vows to Address Healthcare Challenges in 2025

 

From Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu BAUCHI

Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to achieving a healthier Bauchi State for all.

Speaking at the 2024 Primary Health Care End-of-Year Retreat, Jatau highlighted the progress made in advancing primary healthcare, including strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to essential health services, and improving maternal and child health services.

Despite these successes, Jatau acknowledged the significant challenges facing the healthcare system, including overstretched resources and inadequate financing.

To address these challenges, he emphasized the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving all stakeholders, including the state and federal governments, development partners, and the private sector.

Jatau also appreciated the federal government and health development partners for their technical and financial support.

The co-chair of the Bauchi State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, assured of the support of traditional institutions in tackling challenges associated with achieving universal healthcare coverage.

Ebonyi Govt Vows To Prosecute Illegal Taskforce Operator

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Ebonyi Govt Vows To Prosecute Illegal Taskforce Operator

From Nnenna Mba- Abakaliki

Ebonyi state government have vowed to prosecute illegal taskforce operator caught levying petty traders in the state.

The Commissioner for Information and state Orientation, Jude Okpor, stated this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of state Exco meeting, in Abakaliki.

Recall that the state government on March 20, 2024, while swearing in Members of Ebonyi State Revenue Commission, cautioned against indiscriminate taxation of petty traders, selling farm produce in the market.

However, a suspected agent was seen in a viral video levying petty traders at the International market, Abakaliki, which led to the agent’s arrest by police men.

Speaking, the state Commissioner for Information, Okpor, while emphasizing on the governor’s directive, said “what the Governor had in mind is to protect the low income earners in the state. But you’ll agree with me that human beings are difficult to manage.”

He assured that investigation is still ongoing, adding that if at the end of the exercise the suspect is found guilty, will face the full weight of the law.

Okpor, while stating that the state government will not relent in making sure that the Governor’s directive is being enforced to the later, equally called on the media to help with useful information about suspected agents and their activities in the state.

Certificate Forgery Rocks Anambra Traditional Stool As Ikenga Community Boils

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Certificate Forgery Rocks Anambra Traditional Stool As Ikenga Community Boils

By Okey Maduforo Awka

The contest for the substantive Traditional Ruler of Ikenga Community in Aguata Local government area of Anambra got messier following the alleged forgery of West African Examination Council WAEC O level certificate by one of the contestants Nze Nonso Ezeokafor .

The alleged forgery had earlier been committed which the Selection Committee discovered as forged which belongs to one Agnes Ogboji .

He later used his passport to pest on another person’s statement of result which the Commissioner for local government and Town Union Affairs Chief Tony Collins Nwabunwanne called WAEC officials who confirmed that the result is fake.

At the Commissioner”s office he was reported to have owned up to the forgery and announced his withdrawal from the race and was ultimately disqualified.

According to the letter of the committee signed by the Chairman Ichie Wilfred Muojekwu and Secretary Mr Onwudebe John Paul entitled outcome of our meeting so far ;

“After verification of all the candidates curriculum vitae by the committee, it was discovered that Nze Chukwunonso Ezeokafor ‘s WAEC result was not correct and he was disqualified ”

“The remaining three candidates are the ones cleared to contest for the post of Igwe Ikenga ”

“The cleared candidates are Nze Obinna Ezenwanne , Nze Okwudili Dim and Mr Obinna Okoye ”

“These three candidates are by the virtue of their WAEC results ,stand approved to participate in the fourth coming debate and election

“All the candidates CV was accompanied by a sworn Affidavit and an undertaking that if any of the information supplied is found to be false they stand disqualified ” the Committee stated.

But despite this development the Anambra state government directed that candidates with valid certificates can contest which made the contest linger for more than a year now .

Reacting to the allegations of forgery the Commissioner for local government and Town Union Affairs Chief Tony Collins Nwabunwanne contended that Nze Nonso Ezeokafor only forged WAEC certificate once which he is aware of but was quick to add that the Community should produce proof of the second forgery and that if found guilty, he would be disqualified accordingly.

Deepening the situation further the disqualified Nonso Ezeokafor is alleged to have obtained yet another certificate and has indicated interest to contest for the Igwe of Ikenga Community hence drawing the anger of the community.

According to a leader in the town Sir Ekeson Madueke told reporters that;

“Nonso Ezeokafor stands disqualified and that is the position of our town and again how can a man who forged WAEC certificate twice be allowed to contest for the Igwe of Ikenga when he already has integrity problems and the image and reputation of Ikenga Community is at stake ”

“Today our Community is boiling and infact in tomoil because of the roles of some people who are neck deep in sponsoring illegality and anarchy across the land and we the good people of Ikenga Community would not allow that to happen”

“We urge Gov Charles Soludo and the Commissioner for local government and Town Union Affairs to save our town from the impending doom in this peaceful Ikenga Community ” he said.

Hunger Kills 34 Former Civil Guards In Imo – Uzodinma Yet To Pay 5 Years Salary Arrears

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Hunger Kills 34 Former Civil Guards In Imo – Uzodinma Yet To Pay 5 Years Salary Arrears

 

Staff of the Imo Civil Guards who control traffic on major roads in the state capital have cried out over the refusal of the Hope Uzodinma administration to pay them salary since it came on board five years ago, despite several appeals.

This development they said has resulted in the death of about 34 of their colleagues who gave up as a result of hunger, lack, deprivation, and inability to source necessary medication for their ailments.

Some of them who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “we are baffled that our beloved Governor, Hope Uzodinma CON has comfortably closed his heart of humanity over the suffering, neglect and pitiable condition of Imo State Civil Guards, culminating in the non payment of 5 years arrears of salaries and allowances, despite the fact that many of our staff are still working. Many, in an effort to survive, have regrettably become beggars on the streets and those in government owned establishments as security guards are demonically oppressed and frustrated.

Former Governor Emeka Ihedioha paid us last in June, 2019, and prior to that date, we have existed since 2004, under former Governors Achike Udenwa, Ikedi Ohakim and Rochas Okorocha who changed our name from Imo State Orientation Agency to Imo State Civil Guards”.

“We are frustrated, we need help from Ndi Imo, let our people help us to take care of our responsibilities once again particularly this Christmas season, it is 6 Christmases we have not celebrated with a grain of rice just because the government displaced us, we are virtually Internally Displaced Workers in Imo State.

Police Impostor Arrested with Pump Action in Anambra

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Police Impostor Arrested with Pump Action in Anambra

 

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

A man claimed to be a Sergeant and serving member of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos has been arrested in Anambra state by the gallant officers of the Anambra State Police Command.

The 50-year-old suspect, who hails from Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, was apprehended on Wednesday by the operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad of the Nigerian Police Enugwu Ukwu.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the State, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, who disclosed this in a statement to newsmen on Wednesday, said an automatic Pump Action gun was also recovered from the suspect.

He said the police peratives spotted the suspect while on surveillance patrol along the Onitsha—Enugu Expressway by UNIZIK Temp Site in Awka; while during interrogations, he claimed to be a Sergeant and a serving member of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos — a claim he later denied his earlier claim.

According to the Police Spokesman, “In the early hours of today 18th December 2024, Operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad of the Nigerian Police Enugwu Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State arrested one Chidi Ekwesiri (M) aged 50 years from Umunya, Oyi LGA and two others. They also recovered one automatic pump action gun and a Police uniform from the suspects.

“The Operatives spotted the suspect while on surveillance patrol along the Onitsha – Enugu Expressway by Unizik Temp Site. During interrogations, the suspect claimed to be a Sergeant and a serving member of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos but later denied his earlier claim. He also confessed that the gun was given to him by a yet to be identified man at Ukpo.

“Further information from the suspect led to the arrest of two other suspects who are currently undergoing Police interrogation.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has directed the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka for a comprehensive investigation. The suspects will be charged to Court on conclusion of the investigations.”

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