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Gov Soludo Promises Justice For Murdered Lawyer Iloakasia

May 18, 2025

Ifeanyi Iloakasia and Governor Charles Soludo

By Ayodele Oni

The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has assured the people of the State that government would apprehend those behind the killing of Ifeanyi Iloakasia, a lawyer and President General of the Aguleri community.

The governor stated that “Ndi Anambra should be assured that the state government is taking this matter with the utmost seriousness, working with security agencies to ensure that the fleeing killers are caught and justice is served promptly.”

Soludo, who condemned the killing, described it as cowardly act.

Iloakasia was killed by yet-to-be-identified assailants, alongside his client on Thursday, May 15, near Agulu-Nanka boundary, in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state, while returning home shortly after a court session.

Soludo, in his reaction, described the killing as “senseless” and “unfortunate”, vowing to take the matter with the utmost seriousness, working with security agencies to ensure that the fleeing killers are caught and justice is served promptly.

The governor’s reaction was contained in a press statement released by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Sunday.

The statement read in part, “Soludo, in his reaction to the unfortunate incident after being fully briefed, not only condemned the cowardly act of the murderers, but also expressed his deep condolences to the family and friends of the late Iloakasia, as well as the people of Aguleri who have been devastated by this tragic loss of a man widely praised as a tireless advocate of peace.

“Although this criminal incident might have understandably heightened concerns among the public, Ndi Anambra should be assured that the state government is taking this matter with the utmost seriousness, working with security agencies to ensure that the fleeing killers are caught and justice is served promptly.”

In a related development, Soludo also acknowledged and commended the bravery of the state security operatives who thwarted an attack on the security checkpoint in Isuofia on May 15, 2025.

“While mourning the loss of one of the gallant officers during the confrontation, it is however reassuring that calm has returned to the area, and security operations have been intensified to ensure the continued safety of our communities.

“Soludo deeply empathized with all those affected by these recent sad incidents and reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the peace and security being enjoyed in the state.”

The governor, however, urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate fully with security agencies as the state worked tirelessly to eliminate the scourge of violence in the state.

Uzodimma To Deliver Keynote Address At African Airforces Forum

The Source

May 18, 2025

Hope uzodimma At African Airforces Forum

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, will, Friday, May 23, deliver the key note address at the fourth edition of the African Airforces Forum holding in Lagos.

Chiefs of Air Staff from the African continent will converge on the Nigerian former capital to brainstorm on strategies aimed at combating insecurity in the various countries.

In a letter of invitation to Uzodimma, Air Vice Marshall I.H. Etukudo, on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hasan Bala Abubakar DFS, lrequested the governor to address the Air Chiefs.

Etukudo told the governor that his keynote address would kick-start the events of the second day of the conference.

The theme of the conference, according to Etukudo, is: “STRENGTHENING COLLABORATION IN ADVANCED AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES FOR ENHANCED NATIONAL AND REGIONAL SECURITY”.

However, on the second day of the conference, when Uzodimma will address the Air Chiefs, presentations will centre on the topic: “ENHANCING AIR POWER FOR COUNTER TERRORISM AND ASSYMETRIC WARFARE”.

This is the second consecutive time that the Imo State Governor will be addressing the gathering of military officers in respect of security situation in Nigeria and the continent.

How 27 Traders Died In Kwara Boat Mishap

Ayodele Oni

May 18, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Coming after few months of similar incident, another boat mishap in Kwara State has claimed no fewer than 27 lives.

The incident happened Thursday night at Gbajibo community of Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State.

Report stated that the victims were returning from a weekly market in neighbouring Niger State when their overloaded boat capsized on the River Niger.

A survivor attributed the accident to overloading and night travel—two common but unsafe practices in the area.

Chairman of Kaiama Local Government, Abdullah Danladi, confirmed the incident on Sunday. He led a delegation to condole with the affected families, describing the incident as a painful loss to the entire Local Government.

“We have met with the bereaved families and assured them of government’s commitment to preventing a recurrence.”

Danladi announced plans to set up a committee to enforce the mandatory use of life jackets and prohibit night-time travel on the river.

Also reacting, the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Omar, expressed grief over the tragedy, calling it both unfortunate and preventable,urging stakeholders to take safety regulations more seriously to avoid further calamities.

Kwara North’s riverine communities have witnessed repeated boat mishaps in recent years, often linked to weak enforcement of water transport safety rules.

Ondo Police Command Arrests Kidnappers’ Currier, During Operation

Ayodele Oni

May 18, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Twelve suspects linked to alleged kidnappings, robberies and cultism have been arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command.

The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, disclosed to newsmen at the weekend in Akure that the suspects were nabbed during various tactical operations embarked upon by the command.

While briefing Journalists, Afolabi disclosed that “In the early hours of Saturday, at approximately 0020hrs, a combined tactical team of operatives from the Ondo State Police Command and local hunters based in Ikare carried out a successful operation that led to the rescue of a kidnap victim and the arrest of one of the suspects involved in the abduction.

“The operation followed actionable intelligence regarding the movement of suspected kidnappers responsible for the abduction of one Ogunniyi Semiu ‘m’ on 14th May 2025, around Ikare Mine in Akoko North-East Local Government Area.

“Acting on the intelligence, the joint team strategically laid an ambush in a forest area near Supare Mine, believed to be a rendezvous point for the suspects who had demanded a ransom of ₦14 million.

“During the interception, the suspects engaged the operatives in a fierce gun duel. In the exchange, several of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries, while one of them—Babuga Muhammed ‘m’, from Igana, Iseyin, Oyo State—was apprehended.

“Crucially, the victim, Ogunniyi Semiu, was rescued alive and unhurt. No ransom was paid.

“In a similar development Command also arrested three suspected Kidnappers who have confessed to their involvement in various kidnapping cases across the state.

“This operation marks yet another success in the Command’s ongoing offensive against kidnapping and violent crime in the state.

“Acting on credible intelligence regarding the activities of one Abubakar Bamoh, male, aged 30 years, an indigene of Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Command swung into action and successfully apprehended the suspect at one of the Fulani camps in Igbara-Oke Mine, Ondo State.

“The suspect, Abubakar Bamoh, is alleged to be a major logistics provider for suspected kidnapping syndicates operating across state lines.

“Preliminary investigations and intelligence revealed that he played a significant role in providing logistical support in a kidnapping incident

that occurred in Osun State, in which the victim was abducted and subsequently held hostage in a forest located in Igbara-Oke Mine, Ondo State.

“Upon his arrest, the suspect volunteered a confessional statement and provided useful information regarding the operations of the syndicate.

“A search conducted at his premises led to the recovery of one Tecno mobile phone, suspected to have been used by the syndicate for communication, and a solar panel, allegedly used to power their devices in the forest.

“The Command has, within the past days made significant progress, on 15/5/2025 at about 0630hrs, the DPO ‘B’ Division Owo upon information received, led his operatives to arrest one Aliu Raymond ‘m’ aged 42yrs at Isuada in Owo.

“Suspect is a member of Eye Cult Group who has been terrorizing Isuada area and has been on Police Wanted List.

“He confessed to numerous crimes he has perpetrated including an attack on a commercial motorcycle rider on 14/5/2025 in Isuada and mentioned some other members of his group. Effort is ongoing to arrest other members of the said group and recover their weapons.

“Upon information received at Yaba Police Station on 14/5/2025 at about 2230hrs, that a motorcycle rider named Fasakin Isaac ‘m’ was shot on the chest and his passenger, Benjamin Olubodun ‘m’ shot on his right shoulder by four masked armed robbers who equally snatched his unregistered Black TVS motorcycle, operatives from the Division moved to the scene.

“The robbers on sighting them from afar escaped but a cut to size single barrel gun was recovered at the scene while the victims were rescued to Trauma Centre Ondo for medical attention. Effort is ongoing to arrest the culprits.

“Arrest of Suspected Armed Robber.

On 6th May 2025 at about 2000hrs, one Innocent Kazi was violently robbed of his motorcycle near Crest FM, Alagbaka, Akure, by a gang who struck him with a hammer before carting away the motorcycle.

“During the operation, a phone belonging to one of the suspects fell at the scene. Using advanced technological tools, SWAT operatives successfully traced and arrested two suspects, including Hasminu Jibirimi (m).

“The suspects confessed to the crime and revealed that stolen motorcycles were routinely handed over to one Yahaya (m), whose role is to swiftly transport them to the northern part of the country.

“Also, in a similar development the command Swat team armed with credible intelligence arrested two suspected thief who specializes in stealing vehicles from unsuspecting members of the public.”

Deposed Benin Chief Priest, Four Others Arrested For Alleged Possession Of Human Skulls, Arms

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 18, 2025

Igbinovia Kelvin - Chief Priesst of Ohen

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Barely three days after his deposition by the Oba of Benin the Edo State Police Command on Sunday, May 18, 2025, announced the arrest of the Chief Priest of (Ohen) of Okhoromi Community of Oredo Local Council, of the State ,Igbinovia Kelvin for allegedly being in possession of human skulls ,arms and ammunition.

The Source reports that Oba Ewuare II had, on Thursday, May ,15,2025, sacked Kelvin, from his Chief Priest’s position over allegations bordering on land grabbing and intimidation of his people.

His deposition was announced on the heels of massive protest by the people of Okhoromi alleging land grabbing as well as indiscriminate demolition of their properties, intimidation and harassment.

The erstwhile Chief Priest was arrested together with four other suspects ,namely Osagie Igbinovia ,Osarodion Omoregie ,Charles Otasowei ,and Edwin Igbinovia.

A statement on Sunday from the Edo State Police Command spokesperson Moses Iyamu, informed that the chief priest ,and other suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Intelligence and Rapid Response Squad in collaboration with the Anti-Kidnapping Squad on Saturday May 17, 2025.

Items said to have been recovered from them include two AK-47 rifles ,two single barrel locally fabricated short guns, three empty AK-47 magazines, one OFM magazine, eleven rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition ,and suspected human skulls.

According to Iyamu, further investigations and efforts are underway to recovering more arms and ammunition in possession of the embattled chief priest.

Similarly, the Police Spokesman noted that the Command has deployed operatives to track down fleeing members of the deposed Chief Priest’s gang.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP, Monday Agbonika, according to the statement, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment towards riding the state of the activities of criminal elements.

This is just as the police Command has assured that all the arrested persons will be arraigned as soon as investigations are concluded.

Abati Vs Oshiomhole: When the Pen (Mouth) Provokes the Fist

The Source

May 18, 2025

By Valentine Obienyem

When Adams Oshiomhole challenged Reuben Abati to settle their disagreement “on the street,” it was more than a lapse in decorum – it was a reversion to primitive instinct. Stripped of political context, the challenge echoed an age-old pattern: the urge to resolve disputes not through dialogue or principle, but through confrontation and dominance. Far from being novel, it is the tragic survival of barbarism beneath the surface of civilisation.

At the mention of a street challenge, one’s mind is drawn to the ancient pankration – a brutal contest often decided only when one opponent died. Indeed, feuds of old were frequently resolved by one party killing the other. Ah yes, to settle disputes by killing one another is a solution so old that it precedes civilization; and so absurd that it survived civilization in people like Adams, as primitive as the old Adam.

Oshiomhole’s verbal aggression may not carry swords, but it echoes the same absurd impulse to trade reason for combat. What we witnessed was not strength, but the unmasking of how easily a man of public standing can discard civil discourse for primal theatre, appealing not to intellect, but to instincts best left behind.

Oshiomhole is, in many ways, a specimen of human contradiction – unsteady from centre to circumference. At one moment, he praised Mr. Peter Obi as the best governor in Nigeria, declaring that other governors tried to emulate him. In another breath, he claimed Obi achieved nothing as governor. This pendulum of pronouncements reveals not political calculation but a deeper inconsistency – a restless mind that rarely holds a conviction long enough for it to mature into principle.

The man has really demonstrated to us that true civilisation is not measured by offices held or titles worn, but by consistency of conduct and clarity of thought. That Oshiomhole so easily abandons both only proves how fragile the facade of maturity can be, even in those who have once worn the garments of statesmanship.

Obienyem, a Lawyer, writes from Awka, Anambra State

Imo Arrests Fake Revenue Collector

The Source

May 18, 2025

Mr Moses - Fake Revenue Collector Arrested in Imo

The Imo State Government has apprehended a notorious fake revenue collector identified as Mr. Moses, an indigene of Ebonyi State, for impersonating multiple government agencies and carrying out illegal revenue collection operations across the State.

Mr. Moses was arrested by the Compliance and Monitoring Team of the State Government, under the directive and leadership of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri. He was caught red-handed while fraudulently enforcing revenue collection and issuing fake tickets within the Owerri metropolitan area.

According to reports, Mr. Moses had been operating around IMSU junction, Orji flyover, Amakohia flyover, and the Akwakuma axis, etc. He had created a network of criminal activities, falsely presenting himself as an agent of various government bodies such as the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO), and the Imo State Waste Management Agency, among others.

He was also reported to be behind the illegal painting of commercial buses, known locally as busimo, using unauthorized colors and symbols in a bid to extort money from unsuspecting drivers and traders.

“This arrest is part of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s zero tolerance for fraud and criminality in the state,” said Nze Chinasa Nwaneri. “We are determined to sanitize the system and ensure that only authorized agents carry out government responsibilities.”

Mr. Moses has since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and prosecution.

The state government has advised residents and business owners to always verify the identity of individuals claiming to represent any government agency and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

Ogwuegbu, One Of Nigeria’s Brightest Legal Minds, Says Uzodimma

The Source

May 18, 2025

Justice Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu and Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has described the late Supreme Court Justice Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu as one of Nigeria’s greatest and brightest legal minds who impacted the society so much that it will be difficult to forget him.

The Governor said that the late Justice Ogwuegbu is an embodiment of courage, discipline, integrity, and a jurist with an uncommon brilliance in the l50 years of his remarkable career.

The Governor spoke on Saturday at the funeral Mass of the late Justice Ogwuegbu at St. Theresa Chibugwumba Catholic Parish, Amainyi, Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State, where tributes also poured in from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Supreme Court, the Federal High Court, the National Assembly, Governors and other key figures from the country.

While President Tinubu commended Justice Ogwuegbu’s “unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and rule of law,” Vice President Shettima noted that the late legal icon was not just a jurist,, but a “pillar of integrity and a beacon of justice whose work and contributions have left indelible mark on Nigeria’s evolving tradition of jurisprudence.”

Governor Uzodimma said that Justice Ogwuegbu did not just make Imo State where he issued from proud in all the assignments given to him, but served Nigeria and the world creditably, and by extension, served humanity and God.

Governor Uzodimma noted that Justice Ogwuegbu wrote his name in granite across the land scape of the Nigerian legal system, serving in the Supreme Court for many years and participating in landmark judgments on sensitive matters such as federalism, university autonomy, human rights, and banking regulations and acquitting himself credibly.

The Governor insisted that everyone is in agreement that Justice Ogwuegbu gave priority to his good name, above primitive acquisition of material things, a quality which is in short supply amongst today’s public servants.

Governor Uzodimma’s remarks read in full:

“Today, we have come to bid a final farewell to a great son of Nigeria of Imo State extraction. We have come to mourn one of the greatest and brightest legal minds that passed through our shores. We have come to pay deserving tributes to Justice Emmanuel Ogwuegbu, a jurist whose trademark was courage, integrity, and discipline.

“When it is said that a man lived a fulfilled life, it means that he did his duties to God and humanity to the best of his ability. When we say that a good name is better than riches, we have in mind what will be said about us when we finally depart this planet.

” As we gather here today to commit the remains of our illustrious brother, father, and grandfather, Justice Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu, to his final resting place, all of us are agreed that he lived a fulfilled life and prioritised a good name over the acquisition of material wealth.

“Justice Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu wrote his name in granite across the landscape of the Nigerian legal system.

His footprints remain indelible in our jurisprudence.

“Over two decades after he gracefully bowed out from the bench, his judgments still illuminate our courts. From the Borno High Court, where he sentenced the appellant Effiong, to landmark rulings on derivation and local government autonomy, his voice shaped constitutional jurisprudence. Each ruling bore his trademark clarity, precision, and moral courage.

“When our apex court faced complex questions on federalism, resource control, and democratic governance, they found in Ogwuegbu a voice of unflinching principle. His dissents proved as influential as his concurrences.

“As the Holy Scripture reminds us, “There is a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Today, we mourn. Yet simultaneously, we express our deepest gratitude that such a man lived among us and that such wisdom guided our jurisprudence.

“It is, therefore, not surprising that ever since his passing, tributes upon tributes have poured in, eulogising his life of service and total commitment to justice. From President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to the least man in Amanyi, Nigerians have celebrated this jurist as an upright man whose integrity remains undented. It is for this reason that I stand here to celebrate Justice Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu.

“This great son of Imo State reached the pinnacle of his career as a judge. He served in the Supreme Court for many years and participated in landmark judgements on sensitive matters such as federalism, university autonomy, human rights, and banking regulations. In all these, he acquitted himself creditably. For that reason, we also celebrate him.

“We also celebrate him for hoisting high the flag of Imo State when, in 1999, he was appointed Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry which investigated human rights abuses during the military regime. Yes, in the 50 years of his remarkable career, Justice Ogwuegbu embodied integrity and uncommon brilliance.

“I am indeed proud to say that this was a man synonymous with discipline, dedication, excellence, and honesty, a man who used the legal profession to serve both God and humanity.

“When we examine the life and service of this great jurist, including his time as President of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, one thing that stood out was patriotism. He loved Nigeria, he loved Imo State, and he loved his home and family.

“When I look around and behold his children, including a member of the Imo State Executive Council, I see a man who excelled in every area of human endeavour.

“His life is now a challenge not only to his immediate family but also to the people of Imo State. He has left a legacy of integrity and service, values now in short supply in our society. The only way we can truly immortalise him is by living out those values for the good of society.

“On behalf of my family, the government, and the good people of Imo State, I sincerely condole with his immediate family on the loss of this great son of Imo State.

“May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, continue to rest in peace.”

Earlier in his homily, Very Rev Fr. Chibuike Uke described the deceased as great mentor who denied himself a lot of comfort to bring up younger ones and challenged those in leadership positions to be good mentors to many youths for the good of society.

He lauded Justice Ogwuegbu for living a life worthy of emulation, and urged the faithful and the guests to work hard to ensure that when they exit this earth, the Almighty God will prepare a banquet for them in paradise.

The Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Solomon Amatu was ably represented by his Vicar One, Monsignor John Iwe.

One of the sons of the deceased, Dr. Emeka Ogwuegbu who paid tribute to his father on behalf of his family in his remarks described him as a legal luminary par excellence and a national icon and a community leader who demonstrated exemplary leadership.

He added that his late father led a fulfilled and exemplary life of great virtues and rare quality of integrity, humility, fairness, equity and justice.

Justice Ogwuegbu died at the ripe age of 91 years.

The funeral ceremony was attended by many dignitaries within and outside Imo State.

Kano Suspends Operations Of Event Centres, Activities Of DJs

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 17, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With the dust raised by the ban on live radio programmes yet to settle, the Kano State authorities on Saturday May 17, 2025 suspended activities of event centres in the State.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Censorship Board, Abba El-Mustapha, the decision was informed by the need to halt the menace of Kauyawa Day Events, as well as uphold moral standards especially among the youth.

At a media briefing in Kano after an emergency meeting, the Board noted that its action is primarily aimed at arresting the growing erosion of society’s values and moral standards which the activities of the event centres have been promoting of recent.

According to El–Mustapha, the Board, in taking the decision was guided by the extant laws, as amended by the State House of Assembly in 2025.

He explained that the law empowers the Board to monitor and regulate the activities of disc junkies DJs and event centres across the state .

He, however, regretted that the activities of the event centres of late have become a serious embarrassment and threat to the moral health of the youth of the state.

“Consequently, all activities at event centres in the state are suspended until further notice . As from today ( Saturday May 17 2025 ) organizing any event under the name of Villagers Day Events ( Kauyawa) is deemed an offence”, El-Mustapha stated.

To this end, the Board urged security agencies ,including Hisbah ( shariah police ) ,vigilante groups ,community and religious leaders,and all other relevant stakeholders to work closely with the Censorship Board to enforce the suspension order.

The Source reports that penultimate week, the State Government banned all forms of live radio interviews and programmes ,Particularly the ones with political contents.

The policy ,as it were, has been receiving knocks from individuals and entities from across the country, including the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.

Many of the criticisms centre on the perceived anti-freedom of speech and anti-democratic nature of the policy.

LAWMA Seals Donald Restaurant In Lekki Over Illegal Disposal Of Waste, Arrests Suspects

Akinwale Kasali

May 17, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has reiterated its commitment to keeping Lagos clean and making it habitable for Lagosians as it has sealed the premises of DONALD’S restaurant.

DONALD’S Restaurant, a nightlife establishment in Lekki Phase 1, was sealed by the Lagos State agency for illegal Waste Disposal.

In a statement accompanied by a video on X.com Saturday, the State Commissioner for Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed that the closure follows an incident where a white Ford van traced to the restaurant was caught dumping refuse along Durosimi-Etti Street.

He wrote, “In the early hours of Saturday, 17th May 2025, the Chairman of the Lekki Estate Residents Association (#Lekkiphase1_ ) alerted us to an incident involving the illegal dumping of refuse along Durosimi-Etti Street in Lekki Phase 1.

“A white Ford van with Abuja registration plates GWA 136E was caught in the act of indiscriminately discharging waste. The vehicle was traced to DONALD restaurant, a nightlife establishment located on Road 14 within the estate.

“The suspects were apprehended on the scene by LERA’s Chief Security Officer and taken into custody at the LERA Secretariat. It was reported that the individuals attempted to bribe the security team with ₦100,000—an offer that was firmly declined.”

The Managing Director of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, was said to have deployed the Monitoring and Compliance team to the location.

The team reportedly took custody of the suspects and immediately sealed the premises of DONALD restaurant for gross environmental violations.

Wahab noted the incident highlights a broader issue of non-compliance among commercial operators in Lekki Phase 1, who have failed to register with assigned Private Sector Participant operators.

“Many of these facilities have been implicated in repeated acts of illegal dumping, particularly during off-peak hours.

“LAWMA’s partnership with LERA continues to deliver tangible results in identifying and sanctioning environmental defaulters. The Authority commends the swift and principled response of the LERA Exco and their security team,” he wrote.

He added that the suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the law and urged residents and businesses to adhere strictly to proper waste management practices.

The team reportedly took custody of the suspects and immediately sealed the premises of DONALD restaurant for gross environmental violations.

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