Appeal Court Reverses Fed. High Court Order Nullifying Kano Council Polls

By

-

May 30, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A special panel of the Court of Appeal Sitting in Abuja, on Friday, May 30, 2025, set aside an earlier judgment by a Federal High Court which voided the composition of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission KANSIEC, and the subsequent Local Council polls which it conducted on October 26, 2024.

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano, presided over by Justice Simon Amobeda had on October 22, 2024, ruled to restrain KANSIEC from going ahead with the conduct of the Local Council Elections on the grounds that its composition was illegal.

Delivering judgment in a motion on notice filed by Aminu Tiga and 14 other members of the Kano State chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, challenging the composition of the State’s Electoral Body, and its preparations for the Council polls, Justice Amobeda held that a larger part of KANSEIC members, including its Chairman Prof Sani Malunfashi ,were not qualified to be appointed to their various positions going by the provisions of all extant laws, rules and regulations.

Consequently, he declared all actions taken by the electoral body towards the conduct of the Council Election, including the screening and shortlisting of political party aspirants/candidates for the said election null and void.

Justice Amobeda ,also, ordered the KANIESC, or its privies to halt any further actions regarding the conduct of the Council Polls.

But dissatisfied with the Federal High Court ruling, the Kano State Government approached the Appellate Court seeking a reversal.

The ensuing legal tussle was to culminate in about five cases instituted by both parties, a development which forced the Appeal Court to consolidate them.

The Kano State Government, KANSIEC and the State House of Assembly had jointly and severally in their various appeals prayed the Appeal Court to upturn the verdict of the Lower Court on the grounds that it lacked the jurisdiction to hear the matter.

Specifically, they had argued that going by the provisions of extant laws of the land, all matters relating to Local Council Polls are exclusive to the State and State High Courts.

According to them, the Federal High Court in Kano overreached itself by accepting to adjudicate on Local Government issues.

In a unanimous verdict, the three-member Appeal Court Panel led by Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill sustained the appeal by the Kano State Government.

The Court agreed with the position of the appellants that the Federal Court, was wrong to have assumed jurisdiction over matters relating to Local Council Polls.

The Appeal Court held that only a State High Court can adjudicate on matters of disagreements arising from issues related to Local Government and Local Council Polls.

Consequently, the Court allowed the three appeals filed by the Kano State Government, KANSIEC, the Kano State Attorney General and the Kano State House of Assembly.

In the same vein, the Appellate Court, also, upturned another Judgment by the same Federal High Court which nullified the list of candidates as submitted to the electoral body by a faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP loyal to its 2023 Presidential candidate for the said October 26 ,2024 Council polls.

Justice Amobeda of the Kano Federal High Court had, during the same period, ruled to uphold the application by the Aniegbonam faction of the NNPP seeking the rejection of the party’s list of candidates as submitted by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s group.

The Court of Appeal in its verdict, however, held that the matter under dispute is not justiciable as it falls completely under the internal affairs of the party.

Ekiti, Osun Gov Elections Hold July, August 2026 – INEC

By

Ayodele Oni

-

May 30, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states for Saturday, July 18, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, respectively.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced the dates on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

Their nominations were recently approved by the National Assembly.

Yakubu also revealed that the Commission is finalising preparations for bye-elections to fill vacant seats in both the National and State Houses of Assembly.

Meanwhile, groupings are springing up in Ekiti state ahead of lifting ban on political activities.

Aspirants on the platforms of the two leading political parties in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have commenced underground moves to sell their candidature.

The APC has constituted a committee to work on the possible endorsement of Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a sole candidate for the election.

However, there are indications that more aspirants are expected to emerge as soon as INEC lifts ban on political activities, despite move by the party.

The Uche Agumba Shock: Worshipping God By Day, Devil By Night: “How Deep Can Hypocrisy Go?”

By

The Source

-

May 30, 2025

0

By Isaac Asabor

What is more disturbing is not just that Uche Agumba deceived his peers, it is that he was believed.

The religious image he cultivated was so convincing that no one suspected his dark under life.

Even his shop, his house, and his vehicle bore religious stickers, like armor shielding him from suspicion. This is why 2 Timothy 3:5 warns us about such pretenders: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

Unfortunately, rather than turning away, society tends to celebrate these performers. We live in a time when external religiosity is mistaken for inner righteousness. Show up at Church, post a few scriptures online, wear a crucifix, and you are deemed “God-fearing.”

If there is any story that has recently yanked the veil off the frightening depth of human hypocrisy, it is the mind-bending tale of Uche Agumba, the church-going, anointed-yoghurt-selling, bus-chartering devotee of faith, now unmasked as a suspected ritualist and kidnapper.

The shockwaves this revelation has sent, not just through Aba or Enugu but across social media, are disturbing. And like the anonymous narrator who recounted the story on PressExpress, an online newspaper, I too find myself pondering a deeply unsettling question: How far can people carry the weight of hypocrisy before the truth crushes them?

Let us be blunt, the Uche Agumba case is not an isolated scandal. It is a mirror held up to a society riddled with counterfeit spirituality. This was a man who actively participated in religious activities, chartered buses from Aba to Enugu for Catholic programs, sold “anointed” water and yoghurt, and even publicly chastised others for their lack of religious commitment.

Yet, beneath the façade, he allegedly lived a life rooted in blood rituals and child abduction. That is not just hypocrisy; that is a betrayal of everything sacred.

The Bible is explicit in its condemnation of such duplicity. In Matthew 23:27, Jesus did not mince words: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” This verse perfectly describes people like Uche, glittering with religious appearances but rotten inside.

What is more disturbing is not just that Uche deceived his peers, it is that he was believed. The religious image he cultivated was so convincing that no one suspected his dark under life. Even his shop, his house, and his vehicle bore religious stickers, like armor shielding him from suspicion. This is why 2 Timothy 3:5 warns us about such pretenders: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

Unfortunately, rather than turning away, society tends to celebrate these performers. We live in a time when external religiosity is mistaken for inner righteousness. Show up at church, post a few scriptures online, wear a crucifix, and you are deemed “God-fearing.”

Let us face it, many churches have lowered their guard. As long as the pews are filled and the offerings are flowing, no one questions the character behind the cash. Some pastors and leaders have become so fixated on growth and prosperity that they ignore the presence of wolves in sheep’s clothing among them.

The Bible gives a chilling reminder in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15: “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness.” Churches need to stop focusing only on prosperity testimonies and start emphasizing truth and accountability.

Not everyone shouting “Hallelujah” belongs to heaven.

Uche once told the narrator, “Before I get married, I must be a very wealthy man.” The ambition to succeed, even if it requires walking through hell’s doors, has become the gospel of many in Nigeria today. Ritual killings, money laundering, yahoo-yahoo, these are becoming normalized in a culture that celebrates success without scrutiny. But what does it profit a man to gain all this? In Mark 8:36, Jesus poses the question: “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

The Uches of this world forget that in the end, death levels all masks. Wealth gained through blood and deceit only paves the road to eternal damnation.

Perhaps the most chilling aspect of this story is how Uche continued to live both lives simultaneously, ritualist by night, churchman by day. It echoes the message in James 1:8: “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Such instability is not just spiritual, it is societal. Because these individuals infect every space they occupy. They destroy trust, damage faith, and put innocent lives at risk.

How many more of such people are around us, hiding behind scripture-embossed cars, quoting verses they do not believe in, and masking their evil deeds in religious language?

Against the foregoing backdrop, it suffices to opine that God cannot be mocked. There is a divine warning that bears repeating now more than ever: Galatians 6:7 says “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

Uche may have fooled men, churches, and his own conscience for a while. But in the end, the law of spiritual justice caught up with him. God may be patient, but He is never blind.

At this juncture, it is expedient to ask, “Where Do We Go from Here?” The response to the foregoing question cannot be farfetched as this is not just a story about a man named Uche. It is a wake-up call to every individual, every religious leader, every friend group, and every business circle.

We must ask deeper questions about the people we trust, worship with, and even celebrate. We must stop equating religious performance with righteous living.

We must remember the warning in Proverbs 14:12 that says “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

This article is not a blanket condemnation of religion, it is a plea for discernment and a return to sincerity. Let those who truly serve God do so in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Let the church arise and no longer be a haven for fraudsters in religious garb.

On final thoughts in this context, it would not be out of place for us to start unmasking the Uches among us. Without a doubt, the unmasking of Uche begs the question: “How high can hypocrisy go?” The answer cannot be farfetched as it is as high as we allow it to rise.

If we continue to judge by appearances instead of fruit, as Matthew 7:16 teaches, “By their fruit you will recognize them,” then more Uches will thrive among us. Evil will grow under the guise of sanctity, and society will pay the price.

Let us unmask the wolves. Let us stop rewarding surface-level spirituality. Let us call out deception, whether it wears white robes, preaches on pulpits, or sells holy yoghurt or olive oil in Ariaria Market.

The time has come to choose. Not just between God and the devil, but between truth and deception. Because as the Bible makes clear: “You cannot serve two masters…” Matthew 6:24 And if we continue to serve both, we will lose both

For the sake of clarity, this article is written in mourning, in anger, and in warning. May it awaken even one heart to the danger of living a lie, and the eternal cost of playing games with God.

Edo: Okpebholo Urges Ighodalo To Accept Peoples’ Will

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

May 30, 2025

0

Chief Asue Ighodalo and Monday Okpebholo

Governor Monday Okpebholo has urged the PDP governorship candidate in the 2024 election to accept his fate as pronounced by the Court of Appeal that he lost the keenly contested election.

The governor made the remark in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Ituah, on Thursday following the court’s verdict on the issue.

The Court of Appeal had yesterday affirmed Okpebholo as the duly elected governor of the state, in line with the earlier judgment by the State Election Tribunal.

He urged the PDP candidate to accept the judgment in good faith and as the will of the people of the state, saying the contest on who the winner must be set aside for now to enable the state move forward.

The governor praised the court for the verdict saying it has proven itself to be the last hope of the common man for justice.

H e called on his opponent to join him in moving the state forward in the spirit of sportsmanship saying the “legal process” has run its full course.

The statement reads, “Governor Monday Okpebholo commends the judiciary for its diligence and commitment to justice, and for once again demonstrating its role as the last hope of the common man.

“This ruling is not just a victory for our party, the ruling All Progressives Congress, but a triumph for democracy and the rule of law in our Edo State.

“Governor Okpebholo urges the opposition and Asue Ighodalo to reflect on the judgment. “The governor has consistently extended an olive branch to all, irrespective of political leanings, emphasising that the development of our dear state remains paramount. He reiterates this call.

“Now is the time to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and statesmanship. The legal process has run its course, and the judgment of the Court of Appeal is clear.”

Enugu Ritualist: “I Still Can’t Believe It — Uche Kingsley (Uche Agumba), You Too?”

By

Adesina Soyooye

-

May 30, 2025

0

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigerians have, since, become unshockable. Not a few have turned into shock absorbers. So, when they hear of mass kidnappings, ransom which run into hundreds of millions of Naira, ritual killings, they simply sigh helplessly, and move on.

Yet, the discovery in Enugu State of a soakaway in a millionaire’s compound, filled with murdered human remains, has frozen not a few hearts and blood veins and arteries.

The miraculous rescue of a 13- year old who was brazenly abducted, in the presence of her father after he showed kindness and extended help to seemingly stranded motorcyclists. She was taken to the house of the said “native-doctor” millionaire, and dumped in a pit, preparatory to being butchered for ritual purposes.

The millionaire- ritualist is High Chief (not just Chief) Levi Onyeka Obu, popular as “Ezeani” and “E-Dey-Play-E-Dey-Show.” It was the teenage girl’s screams from the pit, where she has already been bound hands and feet, waiting to be slaughtered that attracted security personnel, including the local vigilante, who rescued her. In the process, they discovered, at least, two more bodies, including a pregnant woman, butchered and dumped in a soakaway. Until this discovery, this ritualist was looked upon as a responsible member of the society. He flaunted his wealth and was envied by many.

Since then, a couple of things has happened.

*The High Chief, Obu “Ezeani” who escaped when security personnel and shocked villagers invaded his mansion has been caught by the Nigeria Immigration Services as he tried to run away from Nigeria through Seme boarder, on a motorcycle.

*His mansion has been demolished on the orders of the Enugu State Governor.

*Most important, three of his accomplices have been arrested. The three are:

33 year old Uche Kingsley Agumba ●36 year old Ilo Nweze Onyekachi.
38 year old Ejike Odinwankpa.

Since then too, reactions to this sacrilege have been coming like claps of thunder.

However, one of those arrested, Uche Kingsley Agumba, has attracted more attention, especially, from one of his shocked friends, Church member and more, who is too ashamed of Agumba’s atrocity to associate his name to his former friend and close associate. Uche presented himself as religious, never missed Church Services or any religious activity and even sold “holy” water and “blessed” oil.

In shock, his friend wrote anonymously, a piece, titled “I Still Can’t Believe It Uche Kingsley- (Uche Agumba).You Too!”, where he expressed his disbelief.

Following his write-up.

“Sometimes, life hits you with news that leaves you completely speechless.

“A few days ago, I came across a video that shook me to the core. It was about one of the accomplices of that Enugu native doctor who was recently arrested for ritual killings. To my shock, the name mentioned was Uche Kingsley, popularly known as Agumba—a name I’ve known for years.

At first, I wasn’t sure it was the same Uche I knew. The name, the nickname, the location—it all sounded too familiar. But I brushed it off. I told myself it must be someone else. After all, the Uche I knew was a deeply religious man, someone who never missed church programs and was even known to travel from Aba to Enugu for special Catholic events. He was one of those people who would question your faith if you missed church.

“He often challenged me for not being as ‘serious’ with religion as he was.

“But when I watched the video again and heard that the man dealt in furniture materials at Ariaria, Aba—it hit me. I knew this Uche. This was the same guy I once shared memories with. Out of curiosity and concern, I searched for him online. And when I saw his pictures, my heart dropped. It was truly him—Uche Agumba.

“We go way back. Uche served a man from Uga Anambra state (whose name I’ll leave out here), and I remember when he got settled around 2011 or 2012 after serving for seven years. We were all young men trying to make it.

“I recall one particular day we returned from Port Harcourt, and he said to me, ‘Before I get married, I must be a very wealthy man.’ I reminded him that he was the only son of his parents. He nodded and said, ‘I know—but this is what I must do.’

“Everyone who was in the building materials line at Ariaria back then knew Uche. From 2005 to 2011 to 2013, and now. we trained together at Osusu Primary School field before I moved out of Aba. I can’t remember him ever missing church. He was deeply involved in religious activities—chartering buses to Enugu weekly, buying and selling bottles of anointed water and yoghurt after the programs.

”I checked his Facebook recently—he still shares posts from those same church programs.

What breaks my heart is the double life he was living. Reports say he was caught trying to abduct a little girl to renew his ritual charms. His arrest reportedly led to the discovery of a native doctor who was burying his victims in soakaway pits.

“I still can’t wrap my head around it. I called a friend in Ariaria to confirm, and he told me it was true—Uche is the one. He also said Uche is still religious. The same church stickers are all over his shop, his car, and even his house. It’s like he never stopped pretending.

“I’m not here to judge, but this has left me shaken. Someone we knew, someone we trained with, someone we thought stood for God—now exposed as a ritualist and kidnapper?

“Uche Agumba… what happened to you? How did we get here?

This world, truly, is deeper than we think.”

Tinubu To Atiku: Your Assessment Of My Govt Is “Fallacious”

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

May 30, 2025

0

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rebuffed claims by a former vice president Atiku Abubakar that his administration has failed Nigerians by imposing hardship on them through its various economic policies.

The president accused Abubakar of allowing his judgment to be clouded by his “animosity’ towards him and his government, saying he spoke as if he has personal scores to settle with him.

The president slammed the former Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential candidate in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Thursday , insisting that his government has performed since it go tot office two years ago.

According to Tinubu, he did not promise Nigerians that things will be easy when he took the reigns of government in May 29, 2023, in spite of this, the president said his government has done a lot to improve the lives of Nigerians.

Tinubu said the grievances that Abubakar has for the administration has prevented him from acknowledging the “positive achievements that have been achieved in the last two years, adding that Abubakar’s view of the situation in the country is not with “good conscience.”

He condemned the former vice president’s “vitriol against the Tinubu administration and the person of President Bola Tinubu, describing Abubakar’s assessment as “fallacies.”

“While I respect Atiku’s right to voice his opinions in our vibrant democracy, I need to set the record straight and address the fallacies in his commentary,” Onanuga said

“Unless he still lives in Dubai, he ought to admit that in just two years, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has embarked on the most ambitious and audacious economic and institutional reforms ever seen in decades. During the campaign, Tinubu never promised that the reforms would be painless. But he was clear they were necessary to rescue the country from the brink of fiscal collapse to reverse years of unsustainable spending and lay a solid foundation for long-term inclusive growth,” the presidential aide said.

Onanuga noted that Abubakar and other presidential candidates in the 2023 election all promised to implement the economic reforms being implemented by the president, saying they would have done exactly what Tinubu is doing if they won the election. The reforms are painful, he said, but they are necessary to lay the foundation for the nation’s prosperity.

“The removal of the fuel subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange system were steps successive administrations, including that of Obasanjo-Atiku Abubakar, acknowledged as necessary but failed to implement. Atiku promised the reforms in his manifesto. Indeed, all three major candidates in the election agreed they must be done, except that the responsibility to implement the reforms fell on President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 election.

“Unlike Atiku and some critics, everyone agrees that the reforms have stabilised government finances, curbed systemic corruption, and enabled direct investments into social programmes and infrastructure. Foreign investors now see Nigeria as an irresistible destination. Since 2023, the Nigerian Exchange has seen its ASI jump from 50,000 to over 110,000, and market capitalisation has increased to N69.4 trillion, from about N30 trillion before Tinubu’s ascension.

“Contrary to Atiku’s claim that government policies are “anti-people,” the Tinubu administration, fully acknowledging that its policies affect the vulnerable, has increased investments in social safety nets, introduced targeted interventions for low-income households, and more than doubled the minimum wage, from N30k to N70k. Some states even pay up to N85k to their workers, a feat made possible by increased federal allocations.”

He added “Atiku’s claim that education was out of reach for poor Nigerians was entirely off the mark. Everyone knows the claim is false; it’s just an attempt to throw any muck at Bola Tinubu.

Since last year, the government has introduced the Student Loan Scheme to ensure that underprivileged children are not denied education because of poverty. As of the last count, over 600,000 Nigerian students have benefitted from the loans. The loans cover the students’ school fees and living allowances. The loans do not yet cover Nigerians in expensive schools like Atiku’s American University in Yola. What is undeniable is that under Bola Tinubu, higher education is now more accessible to deserving youths.”

Onanuga said Abubakar has allowed his sentiments to prevent him from acknowledging the successes the administration has recorded in the economic sector.

“Because Atiku does not like Bola Tinubu’s guts, he forgets to credit his administration with some of the fiscal achievements in the last two years. Revenue has increased phenomenally. The debt service ratio to revenue has declined from 93 per cent to 60 per cent. This government has paid off the $3.4 billion IMF loan obtained in the Covid years. The current administration has discontinued Ways & Means deficit financing for the first time in decades. State revenue has risen, and subnational governments now have greater resources for local development and to pay their debts. This is the only positive Atiku admitted, forgetting to praise the Tinubu government that made this possible.”

The magazine reported that Abubakar had, in his assessment of Tinubu’s midterm in office, gave a grim verdict of the president’s two years in power as Nigeria’s president and Commander-in-chief. The former vice president said Tinubu has failed in his promise to Nigerians by making the country the poverty capital of the world.

Niger Flood: Gov Bago, LG Chairman Call For Urgent Relief Materials

By

Ayodele Oni

-

May 30, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has sympathized with the people of Mokwa Local Government Area following a devastating flood that claimed several lives and destroyed property in the area.

This is just as the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) in a statement by its Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah disclosed that no fewer than 21 people, including minors and women, lost their lives in the Mokwa flood disaster .

In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described the incident as “saddening, heartbreaking, and deeply tragic”, especially given the significant loss of lives and destruction of homes and livelihood.

Governor Bago extended his deepest condolences to the families affected by the disaster, praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and a speedy recovery for the injured.

“We stand with the people of Mokwa in this difficult moment. May Allah grant the departed souls Aljanna Firdausi and give the affected families strength and comfort,” the governor said.

He has directed the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and other relevant agencies to immediately assess the situation and provide urgent relief to the affected communities

The governor emphasised the need for swift intervention to mitigate the impact of the disaster and prevent further loss.

The flood, which followed hours of heavy rainfall, wreaked havoc on the Tiffin Maza and Angus Hausa communities in Mokwa town, submerging homes and resulting in multiple casualties.

Governor Bago urged residents of the affected areas to remain calm and assured them that the state government is committed to working tirelessly to ensure their safety and provide necessary support.

Relief efforts are expected to commence immediately as officials continue damage assessment and humanitarian coordination.

The Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Area, Jibril Muregi, in a separate statement, expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and called on the relevant authorities to swiftly deploy emergency relief and humanitarian aid to the affected areas.

Muregi also stressed that the disaster had led to loss of lives, destruction of homes, and displacement of several residents.

According to NSEMA, the flood swept through Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities in Mokwa town, Niger State, in the early hours of Thursday.

The disaster, triggered by a heavy midnight downpour which lasted over five hours, submerged dozens of homes, forcing families to flee.

The agency stated that over 50 houses were washed away, leaving families homeless and entire communities in shock.

It noted that search and rescue operations were ongoing, with Mokwa Local Government Authority, local divers, and volunteers combing through the wreckage for survivors and bodies.

“Three people, a woman and her two children, have been rescued and are receiving treatment for injuries and trauma at the Mokwa General Hospital.

“NSEMA is in receipt of a report of a deadly flood disaster that ravaged two communities.

“Twenty-one corpses have so far been recovered of those who sadly lost their lives in the incident while over 10 persons are still missing as search and rescue operation is still ongoing.”

Uzodimma Orders Consolidation Of Imo Health Ministry

By

The Source

-

May 30, 2025

0

Hope Uzodimma - Imo State Governor — Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.:

Governor Hope Uzodimma has approved the consolidation of the hitherto two ministries of Health in Imo State under one.

In the new arrangement, the Ministry will now be known as the Imo State Ministry of Health with Dr. (Mrs.) Vivian Egu as the Commissioner.

Before now, the State was operating two Health Ministries – the Ministry of Tertiary Health and the Ministry of Primary Health.

They have now been effectively consolidated into a single, unified structure.

The Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu said in a statement Thursday that “Consequently, the newly consolidated ministry shall be known and addressed as the Imo State Ministry of Health, with Dr. Mrs Vivian Egu continuing as Commissioner.”

He added: “This reform is part of the government’s broader effort to streamline operations and enhance service delivery across all levels of healthcare in the state.

“His Excellency has further directed that all staff and equipment previously under the former ministries be reverted to, and consolidated under, the new Ministry of Health.

“To this end, the former Commissioner for Tertiary Health, Prof. Chukwuma Ubakah, is to ensure a seamless merger and formal handover to Dr. Mrs Vivian Egu.

“The Government appreciates the contributions of Prof. Chukwuma Ubakah in steering the Ministry of Tertiary Health and counts on his continued cooperation to ensure a smooth and effective transition.

“All handover and merger formalities must be completed on or before the close of work on Monday, June 2nd, 2025.

“All those affected are expected to comply with this directive without delay.”

Imo: Police Rescues Stolen Child, Arrests Four Suspects

By

The Source

-

May 29, 2025

0

Imo CP Aboki Danjuma and the rescued child

The Imo State Police Command, through the diligent efforts of its X-Squad Unit, has bursted a child-stealing syndicate, arrested four suspects and rescued a 20-month-old girl, Chimamanda Joy, daughter of 35-year-old visually impaired Mrs. Joy Ekwennaya from Amuri Omanze, Isu LGA.

The breakthrough came after an intensive investigation into a case reported by Mrs. Ekwennaya on April 8th, 2025.

She was deceitfully lured to Umuahia, Abia State, with false promises of financial aid from a fake charity—a ploy by the syndicate to abduct her child.

Acting on credible intelligence, detectives of the unit arrested two key suspects—Maria Nwaeze (63) of Ariam Oboro and Rejoice Odimba (29) of Ahai Eke—both from Abia State, in Aba on 23rd May 2025.

Their arrest provided crucial insights into the syndicate’s modus operandi.

Upon interrogation, the suspects provided actionable intelligence, leading to a follow-up operation in Aba. On 27th May 2025 at about 1700hrs, operatives rescued the stolen child and arrested another suspect, Chioma Theresa (42) of Aboh Mbaise, Imo State. During questioning, Chioma confessed to buying the child for ₦1,500,000 from Gabriel Amarachi (41) of Ngwa,Aba South, Abia State who had falsely posed as a Social Welfare officer.

Further investigation revealed that the entire scheme was masterminded by a woman identified as Precious and her husband, who are currently at large. The couple orchestrated the deceitful invitation that led Mrs. Ekwennaya to Aba, exploiting her vulnerability under the guise of offering assistance.

Efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects. Meanwhile, the rescued infant has been medically examined and safely reunited with her mother on 28th May 2025 after due documentation.

End Of The Road For Rivers State Abduction Lord, M-Kaze

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

May 29, 2025

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Rivers State police authorities on Thursday, May 29, 2025, announced the killing of one of the most wanted kidnap kingpins, and serial murderer in the State, David Uzoma Kamalu,

Kamalu, popular as M-Kaze, was said to have been silenced by operatives from the Rumuji Division of the state police Command during an intelligence-driven raid on his hideout in Rumuodogu I Community, Emohua Local Council of the State.

He is linked with several high profile kidnappings, and dastardly murder of not a few persons along the East/West Road.

His notorious and dare devil activities led to a handsome bounty being placed on his head by the authorities of the Emehua Local Council. The police declared him wanted.

According to the Police, M-Kaze masterminded the gruesome killing and beheading of a popular Commander of a local vigilante group, Mr Alete, popular as “Hunter Commander’, a development that was said to have drawn the ire of Emehua council authorities.

A statement from the Rivers State Police Command spokesperson Grace Irenge-Koko, noted that some dangerous weapons and other items were recovered during the operation.

According to her, the coordinated raid began at about 0100hrs last Sunday, climaxing several days of concerted and intense gathering of intelligence.

The hoodlums, according to the Police Spokesperson upon sighting operatives, engaged them in a fierce gun duel.

Irenge-Koko informed that in the course of the exchange of gun fire, M-Kaze was killed while other members of his dreaded gang escaped with varying degrees of bullet wounds.

A mop up operation at the camp resulted in the recovery of arms, ammunition and other items including one shot gun, two cartridges and various charms believed to be used for protection and intimidation.

Irenge-Koko, while describing M-Kaze as one of the most notorious abductors and killers insisted that his death is a significant development in the fight against organized crime in the state.

“Due to his egregious crime and notorious leadership of a kidnapping syndicate, a bounty was placed on M-Maze’s head by the then Chairman of Emohua LGA and this declaration underscores the significant threats he has posed to the safety and security of the community.

“He was declared wanted by law enforcement agencies for his involvement in the gruesome murder and beheading of a local security operative popularly called ‘Hunter Commander’, Mr Alete, in January, 2025, and multiple high profile kidnappings and armed robberies along the East/West Road corridor terrorizing residents and commuters”, part of the Police statement reads.

The Police Spokesperson noted that all recovered items have been carefully documented for the purposes of further investigation and potential prosecution.