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Husband of Mine – A Man of Strength and Integrity!

By
The Source
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Nneka Chris-Asoluka and Her Husband

By Nneka Chris-Asoluka

“We had 36 truly joyful years of the deepest love, happiest marriage, and truest partnership that I could imagine. Together, we made memories that will last forever, we laughed and shared the most wonderful moments. And during those 36 years, you prepared me for a day like this”

“Hello, my name is Chris, can I give you a lift?” I turned and found myself looking at this striking, good-looking, personable man, with the most handsome face lit up by a beautiful smile and Romeo-like eyes. I stared and stuttered, but quickly realizing that I was staring, I introduced myself and told him that I was going to look for a taxi after I collected my luggage (I didn’t want to just say yes to his offer, I needed to do small shakara na).

We had just disembarked from the aircraft that departed Enugu to Lagos and I was en route to Yaba for my NYSC orientation training camp. I was actually running late because our flight from Enugu was delayed and I knew I might not be assigned accommodation at the NYSC camp that day if i didn’t hurry up to ensure I was able to get a room placement. This was our first meeting, but I found myself telling him all about the NYSC experience, orientation et al. Trust the vintage Chris, he chuckled under his breath and muttered “do you want to use your NYSC alawee to pay for a cab, when I can safely chauffeur you?” We both laughed in unison and I told him that he will then have to wait for me to grab my luggage. Lest I forget, he had his two very close friends with him – late Oscar Onwudiwe and Okey Anueyiagu. They had attended a friend’s traditional wedding in Anambra state and were coming back to Lagos (they all had the signature swagger of then Lagos Big Boys!).

Chris dropped me off at the Yaba NYSC camp but not before dropping Oscar off at his residence in Ikeja where I was introduced to Oscar’s wife, the very beautiful Maureen, pregnant with their second child. Maureen proceeded to serve us a sumptuous English  breakfast (I actually forgot I was rushing to camp. The food was too delicious. Lol). Finally we set off for the Yaba camp. On arrival, we met the longest line chockfull with corpers jostling to ensure they got room accommodation space before the close of the day. On seeing the shocking queue, Chris opted to stay with me till I got a room, offering to help me carry my things around instead of doing it all by myself. I responded that he might not be able to wait that long and that he could leave and I’d manage. He waited! The wait became so long that I again asked him to leave and that I’ll see him later but he, not sure I’ll look him up after that day( though he always denied this fact), he insisted on taking my things with him to his house and will bring them back to me once I contact him on my room placement details.

So he left with my things and gave me his home phone number and house address. Well, I ended up not getting a room assigned to me that day. But thanks to my sweet cousin Ifeyinwa Ebie now Ifeyinwa Osime, who found out that there was a vacant bed space in the room she was allocated, I finally had where to sleep. But now, I needed my things and opted to go that evening and get them. I didn’t want to go alone so I went to my bosom friend late Amaka Obiofuma’s house( later became Amaka Modebe) to co-opt her into going to Chris’s house with me. When she heard I let a complete stranger carry my personal things to his house, she screamed and said to me “what did this man do to you? Is it juju? It must be ooo, hmmm, Nneka, this is so unlike what you’ll do”.  I thought about it myself but shaa ooo, Chris had a magnetic aura and I was soooo drawn by it (who can blame me). After admonishing me, Amaka agreed to go with me to retrieve my things(she didn’t really have a choice) and on getting to Chris’s house, he received us very well. Amaka kept on whispering to me that this man can’t be single and living in such opulence with a cook and steward at his beck and call and there was a photograph of a very beautiful woman strategically placed in one corner of the sitting room which Amaka pointed out to as being his wife( it was his mum’s photo but we didn’t know then and didn’t ask. Why ask? That will be too forward biko).

I believed her ooo, and couldn’t wait to leave with my belongings. Chris ever so charismatic, refused to allow us take a taxi and offered to drop us in Amaka’s house. We agreed and he did! On getting to Amaka’s house, he asked that I let him know immediately I get a room placement at the NYSC camp so he’ll know where to come find me later. Surprisingly, after that day, we did not see each other again for the next one year. He gave me his home phone number which I lost(remember Amaka and I had agreed already he was married) and he not knowing which block I was housed in at the NYSC camp, could not locate me. But fate brought us once more together at the wedding reception of Nkechi and Emeka Ugwuoju. The funny thing is that I had actually attended the wedding with a male friend, but on sitting down, I felt someone tap me at my back. I turned to see who tapped me, and met the same captivating gaze I delightedly recalled. It was Chris whom I had not seen since the day he dropped me at Amaka’s house. We chatted throughout and rekindled what was meant to be, and when it was time for us to go, I just waved goodbye to the other guy and went with Chris. Chaii, that was not very nice. Lol. Don’t blame me ooo, Chris’s charisma and charm were legendary. Nwokeoma with an impeccable dress sense. Even my dad who had vehemently refused that I marry someone not from Anambra State capitulated on sighting Chris for the first time. He discussed with him as if they had always known each other. You could see he was proud of my choice.

I had the opportunity and rare privilege of being the wife and partner of this wonderful, loving, kind and God fearing man. Life could not have been better than that because I was living every woman’s dream.

His life taught me unconditional love and his death taught me kindness. I am grateful that for almost 36 years I had the opportunity to share his dreams, hopes, love, friendship and much more.

My husband Chris was such a wonderful man. I’m not sure I can really express just how much I will miss him. Not only was he a wonderful husband, but the greatest father, grandfather, best friend, colleague … and so much more. Chris’s ability to make everyone feel comfortable, secure and loved were his greatest strengths. Have I talked about his intellect? Chris was so brilliant and talented. He could engage the brightest minds on any subject and still come out tops! He read wildly, voraciously and pursued knowledge with so much passion, energy and enthusiasm.

He was deeply philosophical about life and the universe. He believed and always posited that life is like a theatrical performance, with people playing different roles and experiencing various stages of life, each with their own unique roles and responsibilities within the larger drama of life. Such performances end when you reach your “bus stop” and have to disembark. Chris also believed that one had no say when that “bus stop” is reached and once it’s your turn, you get off and the bus moves on to “offload” others. He would always joke that according to the Bible, 70 years is what God granted man and the rest number of years is ‘jara’, and that at 70, a man should’ve lived out God’s purpose and be ready to heed the call and appreciate God’s faithfulness. He had this to say at all times, “onwu agbalam ohuhu, agami atula gi uwa” meaning “death do not hurry me up, when the time comes, I’ll gladly yield”.

My husband Chris spoke Owerre dialect like his life depended on it, he never will be caught speaking any other Igbo dialect. I remember when we were newly married, he will be conversing with my dad in Owerre dialect and my dad will be nodding and later will draw me aside to ask “ Nnenne, Chris osili gini?”, Nnenne, what did Chris say? And I’ll laugh so hard. Chris later found out that my dad had difficulties understanding the Owerri dialect and from then on, he switched to conversing with my dad in English. The irony of it all is that Chris can speak the Anambra Igbo dialect so fluently having grown up in Enugu but he will NOT speak it. He spoke Owerre with panache, flamboyance and style!  I had no choice but to become fluent in Owerre language. He was a proud Owerre thoroughbred and reveled in its mastery and the title Okwuruoha/ OkwuruOwerre collectively bestowed on him by ndi Eze Owerre was a testament of his commitment towards his people and Ndigbo at large..

A man of unwavering principles. A tower of strength. A soul of generosity, rare intellect, and profound wisdom. “OkwuruOwerre” lived a life anchored in service – to God, to family, to community, and to country. His compassion was unfiltered, his integrity unshakable, his vision limitless. Never one to compromise on his values and principles, he shunned short term gains which he called long term negatives. He was remarkable and dependable and I couldn’t have asked for a better spouse.

A man of the people. A man who stood by his family throughout.

A man who was a hero to all who knew him. A man who forgave so easily! A man who loved unconditionally. A man who believed in sharing and caring. A man who put a smile on people’s faces. A man who was so full of life.

Le Kristo mu, husband of mine, we had 36 truly joyful years of the deepest love, happiest marriage, and truest partnership that I could imagine … you gave me the experience of being deeply understood, truly supported and completely and utterly loved – and I will carry that with me always. Together we made memories that will last forever, we laughed and shared the most wonderful moments.

I am beyond grateful you were by my side through our 36 years incredible journey as husband and wife. And during this 36 years, you prepared me for a day like this, you gave me a free hand to handle things trusting my decisions and my capabilities. Imeela dim oma. I am not confounded, confused or broken because that’s not what you’ll want to see in me, you certainly did a good job and I’ll be forever grateful for your leadership and guidance. I give God all the glory for the beautiful, rewarding, fulfilling, honest and remarkable life you lived. It’s never how long, but how well and your life was well lived to His glory! I remember you telling me that God’s will should be the ultimate goal of one’s life and destiny and we as mortals should never question it but embrace it believing that His will is the best for us! When I remember all these our conversations, I am comforted knowing that you are in a good and happy place. We will be ok, you made sure that we will be!

To our children, you were the best father, firm but loving. You poured yourself into them, you inculcated good values and principles into them and taught them honesty, love, kindness, contentment and integrity. You taught them to always remember the good name they bear! They were your pride.

You extended the same warmth and fatherly role to your son in-law Tobe, and daughter in-law Jane. You bonded with them in the short time they joined our family and we became one big happy family.

Our grandson Ebubenna, gave you so much happiness and you proudly declared him as “The Future”! I thank God he came during your lifetime.

We do not mourn your passing but celebrate your time here with us, and thank God for the opportunity to share this space with you, and to call you ours.

We will carry your memory with us and it brings me comfort to know that so much of you is alive in our family and friends.

The children and I will always love you, remember you and pray for you.

Goodnight, my love, till we meet on the resurrection morning!

Your wife,
Nneka Chris-Asoluka (Lolo Okwuruoha).

ADC Congratulates New APC  Chairman, But Says To Him: “Stay  in Your Lane”

By
Adesina Soyooye
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APC Chairman Yilwada

By Adesina Soyooye

Holding of Political Party’s meetings in the Villa not acceptable

The fledgling African Democratic Congress, ADC, has told the new National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, that among other things, Nigeria needs Party Leaders who have respect for other Parties and value democracy.

The ADC’s  congratulatory message to Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his  appointment pointed out to him, tongue-in- cheek, that he is the fourth National Chairman of the APC in two years.

It said that stating that his emergence presents yet another opportunity for the APC to embrace the core values of participatory democracy.

In the statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC was cautious in its  optimism that the latest change in APC leadership  might come with “a shift in both substance and style — especially regarding how the ruling party conducts its affairs and engages with the opposition.”

The statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi reads in

full:

“We at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) extend our congratulations to Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda on his appointment as the new Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“While we understand that leadership transitions are routine, we are hopeful that this particular appointment might trigger a shift in tone, temperament, and trajectory for a party that has too often equated governance with propaganda, and power with impunity.

“We expect that under the stewardship of the new Chairman, the APC and the federal government it controls will start to show greater tolerance for opposition voices and alternative viewpoints with the understanding that in a democracy, disagreement is not sabotage, and criticism is not subversion.

“We hope Professor Yilwatda will channel his high education and experience towards improving the democratic credentials of his party and its government, which, so far, has been marked by intolerance and what has  often appeared like deliberate plan to eliminate all opposition parties and foist a one-party rule on  the country.

“This is why we must register our dismay that the very National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that brought Professor Yilwatda into office was held within the confines of the State House — a public institution, funded by the Nigerian people, not a party office or private residence.

“The decision of the ruling party to host its party meeting at the seat of government is an aberration that underlines how far this government has strayed from the foundational norms of democratic accountability.

“We urge the new Chairman to guide his party towards respecting the line — now dangerously blurred — between party and state.

“Furthermore, we take note of Professor Yilwatda’s previous role as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). This is no small credential. It comes with a deep understanding of electoral ethics, neutrality, and public trust.

“We sincerely hope he will draw on this experience to promote the sanctity of our electoral processes, rather than using insider knowledge to game the system in favour of his party, as has often been the case under the APC’s watch.

“In closing, we pray for Professor Yilwatda that  may his tenure be longer than those of his predecessors and his exit more honourable.

“Signed,

“Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi

National Publicity Secretary

African Democratic Congress (ADC)”

Again, Imo Appoints Justice Ijeoma Agugua Acting Chief Judge

By
The Source
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Governor Uzodimma and Acting Chief Judge - Justice Ijeoma Agugua

By Charles Igbo

The Honourable Justice Ijeoma Agugua has been appointed Acting Chief Judge of Imo State by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

This is the second time she will be appointed to hold the office. For inexplicable reasons, Agugua was removed from that position after she had held it for two  consecutive periods  – six months  apiece – and Imolites were awaiting her confirmation. Agugua was replaced by the Honourable Justice Theresa Chikeka who was confirmed as the substantive Chief Judge.

However, Chikeka, after a couple of years, was sacked from office by the National Judicial Commission, NJC, for age falsification and was asked to make some refunds.

After Chikeka’s sack, Governor Uzodimma, after five months, appointed the Honourable Theophilus Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge. His appointment did not sit well with those who should know as he was the fourth ranked Judge in the State. The NJC intervened by forcefully retiring him for accepting to be sworn-in when he knew quite well that he was not qualified to be so appointed.

The Governor was asked to appoint the most senior Judge in the State to the position.

A couple of months later, the State has gone full circle and went back to Justice Agugua, who, for years, has been the most senior Judge in the State but who, for inexplicable reasons, was always by-passed.

It is in  keeping with his Constitutional mandate on the preservation of judicial integrity and probity, that Governor Uzodimma has appointed  Agugua, again,  as the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State.

Justice Agugua, an accomplished Judge, comes with an enviable record of jurisprudential experience and knowledge all of which she is expected to bring this into bear in driving the judiciary in Imo State until a new substantive Chief Judge is appointed.

Agugua’s appointment comes at a very difficult period in the Imo State Judiciary which has been riddled by controversies

Last month, June,  the National Judicial Commission (NJC)  recommended the compulsory retirement of  10 Judges in the State Judiciary for various reasons, mostly, alleged age falsification.

CAPPA Laments Menace Of Sodium Laced Foods, Non Communicable Diseases In Nigeria

By
Akinwale Kasali
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CAPPA

By Akinwale Kasali

The menace of Sodium- laced food from seasoning cubes to ultra-processed snacks and heavily preserved foods which has replaced home-made traditional cuisines, has become worrisome to Nigerians.

However, the consumption of these high-sodium foods has led to an increase in non-communicable diseases, NCDs, such as hypertension, stroke, and heart disease, resulting in the death of over 43 million people worldwide, as of 2021, according to the World Health Organisation,WHO.

Despite the alarming figures, the food industry continues to deploy aggressive marketing to entice Nigerians to these products. They also do not provide detailed nutritional content of the food product, thereby preventing Nigerians from making informed decisions about the products they purchase and consume.

To address this trend and safeguard public health, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, held a one-day Journalism training on salt reduction and front of pack warning labels, FOPWL.

The FOPWL helps consumers to quickly and easily understand the nutritional content of food products, particularly those high in sodium, salt, sugars and unhealthy fats.

Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director, while speaking to Journalists at the training, explained that adopting FOPWL in Nigeria will also reduce the burden of NCDs in the country.

Oluwafemi added that “Countries that have embraced front of pack warning labelling such as Chile, Mexico, and Brazil are already reaping the benefits. In Chile, for example, warning labels led to a drop in purchases of sugary drinks and prompted companies to reformulate their recipes to avoid using warning labels.

“This is regulation doing exactly what it should by influencing behaviour, fostering accountability in the food industry, and rebalancing power in favour of the public.”

He, thereafter, noted that Nigeria has the opportunity to be part of this global shift “by adopting a mandatory, interpretive front-of-pack warning labelling system that clearly alerts consumers when a product is high in salt, sugar, or saturated fat.”

Oluwafemi also warned about the industry’a interference which include lobbying behind closed doors, public relations campaigns masquerading as science, and the funding of research designed to obscure the link between processed foods and disease.

He called for close media monitoring and exposure of the unhealthy food industry because “they produce products that harm health, they want to evade liability, and they want to write the rules.”

He referenced the continued promotion of bouillon cubes as the perfect fortification vehicles for essential nutrients, a tactic that deflects attention from their harmful salt content.

“These strategies are not new. They mirror the playbook of Big Tobacco and have become standard practice in the food and beverage sector. The goal is always the same—delay regulation, confuse the public, and protect profit margins at any cost,” he noted.

He shuddered about how the gap in the food environment has created loopholes for the food industry in Nigeria to promote unhealthy diets, stressing that there are “no advertisement restriction, no salt target, no or low SIN Tax, and no influence peddling on PPAs.”

He condemned the deceptive practices of how companies engage in Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, whereby their contributions are negligible compared to the harm and dangers they cause.

Corroborating him, Bukola Odele, Project Officer, Cardiovascular Health at CAPPA, lamented that ultra-processed foods that are high in salt/sodium have replaced traditional home-made meals thereby limiting healthy options for Nigerians.

She also reiterated how aggressive marketing by the industry is fueling the decisions of Nigerians to make unhealthy choices, and how bouillon (seasoning) cubes and food with high preservatives are positioned as healthier options.

Odele emphasised the need for a front of pack warning labelling policy in Nigeria, so that Nigerians can make informed decisions about the products they consume, and also safeguard their health.

Dr Joseph Ekiyor, a Public Health Consultant, who shared that 1.6 million lives could be saved annually by reducing sodium intake by 30% buttressed that “reducing salt intake and dietary change will help to reduce health complications such as heart attack, and reduce the overall burden of NCDs”.

Ekiyor called for strict adherence to WHO guidelines on salt reduction, which include front-of-pack labelling of nutrients of concern –sugar, salt, and fat, as well as reformulation targets or maximum limits for sodium in food.

He noted that adhering to the guidelines is imperative to because by 2030, NCDs global cause of death and disability is projected as 52 million, and it must be curtailed.

He also charged the media to intensify efforts on behavioural communication because “repetition is necessary to inform change”, adding that “increase mass media campaigns to reduce sodium intake and strengthen Nigeria’s health system.”

Robert Egbe, CAPPA’s Communication Officer, encouraged media professionals to write stories “that will expose industry lobbying and policy manipulation, flip industry funded research into stories on scientific bias and use FOI requests to seek information that the industry wants to hide.”

EFCC Warns Nigerians Against  Foreign Airlines’  Ticketing Discount Promos, Arrests Suspects

By
Ayodele Oni
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EFCC Operatives

By Ayodele Oni

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC, has expressed the concern over what it calls “a rising  fraudulent scheme newly perfected by fraudsters to defraud Nigerians of their hard-earned money.”

A statement on Friday by Dele Oyewale

Head,  Media & Publicity of the commission warned Nigerians to be wary of ubiquitous foreign airlines’  ticketing discount promos.

According to EFCC, “The scheme involves the use of malware to gain unauthorized access to the account information of unsuspecting victims.  Teasers like ‘Promo’, ‘Investment Windows’ and other baits are usually employed  to make their victims volunteer their account information.”

It added that through this, “fraudsters execute transactions on their behalf by sending their funds to accounts mainly  in Fintech Institutions.  Through this access, fraudsters then control and launder the funds through purchase of crypto currencies.

“A case in point was a ‘Promo’ offering the public 50% discount of ticket purchase in a leading foreign airline. Victims are led to pay a token of N500 into the account of the airline.

“The N500 payment, which is now dressed as Charity payment, is the leeway through which the fraudsters gain access to their victim’s personal information.   The victims were deceived into downloading the App of the airline to be eligible for the discount.

“However, after downloading the App and gaining unauthorized access to their personal details, funds were moved from the victim’s  bank account  into an account  in a Microfinance Bank.”

The anti graft czar however observed that this fraud scheme is largely driven by an army of young Nigerians, offering a paltry payment of between N1500 and N2000 to their victims to make them surrender a copy of their personal information details to them and sell the same information to some Fintech Institutions for about N5000.

“These canvassers called themselves ‘Account Suppliers’ or ‘KYC Group’.   Information available to the Commission revealed that the actors are up to 12000 all over the country seeking account donors that will surrender their NIN registration slip, BVN,  passport photograph and other means of identification  for a little fee.

“These information are then used to open accounts with Fintech companies for investment scam and sundry fraudulent schemes.”

The Commission revealed that some arrests have been made in connection with the new scam and recovery of money lost to the fraudulent Promo actors  and Account Suppliers are ongoing.

President Tinubu Has Been Fair To All Regions – Afenifere Faults Kwankwaso

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rabiu Kwankwaso

By Ayodele Oni

Pan Yoruba socio political group, Afenifere has faulted the claim by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso which alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s

administration is marginalising the North and concentrating national resources in the South.

The group, in a statement signed by Otunba Kole Omololu, National Organising Secretary, pointed out that the position “is not only grossly misleading but also deliberately incendiary.

“As a former Governor and Minister, one

would expect Senator Kwankwaso to speak with facts, not emotions laced with sectional bias.

“It must be stated unequivocally that no region in Nigeria has benefited more from concentrated federal presence in the past decade than the North.

“During the Buhari administration—a Northern Presidency, which Senator Kwankwaso conveniently omits—critical national resources were

disproportionately channelled to the North.

“The World Bank Managing Director publicly disclosed that President Buhari specifically directed the institution to focus its interventions in Northern

Nigeria.

“Where was Kwankwaso’s voice for equity and fairness then?

Road and rail infrastructure were overwhelmingly skewed. The Kano-Maradi railway, constructed

deep into Niger Republic with no economic significance to Nigeria, was completed under Buhari.

“Was this done for national integration or to aid cross-border movement of Fulani kinsmen? Meanwhile, under the same regime, the hell on which the senator travelled was not made heaven, the Lagos- Ibadan Expressway, started by President Jonathan and designed to reach Iwo Junction, remained

uncompleted.

“The Second Niger Bridge was still pending upon Buhari’s exit after eight years in office. Less than two years into President Tinubu’s administration, Kwankwaso is crying foul.

“Perhaps he is unaware that critical road projects have been initiated and awarded across the North, including the dualisation of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega Road, and the Abuja-Keffi-Lafia

corridor.

“The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, neglected by past regimes, is being fast tracked. Just weeks ago, President Tinubu approved billions for critical infrastructure in Katsina,

Borno, and Niger States.

“Kwankwaso’s alarmist rhetoric is not only unfair but also deeply dangerous. It stokes regional tension and paints a false picture of deliberate southern favouritism. Development is a gradual process, and Tinubu has not yet reached the halfway mark of his term.

“By 2027, and indeed by 2031, every region, including the North, will feel the impact of this administration. We must rise above ethnic saboteurs and sectional agitators masquerading as patriots. Let statesmen, not ethnic lords, shape the conversation.”

Kano State Commissioner Apologizes For Standing Surety For Drug Lord

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Ibrahim Namadi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Commissioner for Transport, Ibrahim Namadi, on Friday, July 24, 2025, insisted that he has no record of personal or official affliction with an alleged  notorious  drug peddler, Suleiman Dannwanu.

The Source reports that   Namadi had stood as a surety for Danwanu in a  celebrated trial at a Federal High Court sitting in Kano, after being granted bail by Justice M S Shuiabu on July 17 2025.

Danwanu is being  prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, over his alleged involvement in  some high profile drug related Offences.

He is widely alleged to be one of the serial and notorious players in the ever complex and thriving hard drug peddling business in the commercial nerve centre of Northern region.

Expectedly, the Commissioner,  since after signing Danwanu’s  stringent bail bonds, has  come under intense scrutiny and suspicion, a development which has greatly robbed off on his person and that of the Kano State Government in which he is a Cabinet member.

Some of the critics have tended to question his real motive for standing as a surety for someone whose business activities are generally considered to be utterly inimical to the health of Kano youths and the image of Kano state, especially, at a time the State Government is fighting hard to eradicate the menace of drug abuse among the youth.

Kano, unarguably, tops the list of Northern states in the growing and perversive hard drug business, with its youth severely affected.

But in a statement on Friday, July 25, 3025  the embattled Commissioner stated that his decision to stand as surety only came after some respected and trusted individuals had vouched for  the accused’s character.

This is as he noted that it is not illegal for anyone to stand as surety for an accused who has been duly granted bail by a Court of competent jurisdiction.

“Accordingly, it is important to state clearly that my involvement in this matter was not based on any personal relationship ,or affiliation with the suspect, but was done in good faith.

“For context, the presiding judge M S Shuiabu, in his wisdom, granted the suspect bail after listening to the application by his lawyers on July, 17.

“It is also important to state that granting bail in such cases is a legitimate court process, as suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Also, considering that part of the bail condition requires a surety from the Kano state Executive Council, some trusted individuals approached, and pleaded for my intervention. They vouched for him, and I innocently obliged.

“At no point was I aware of the gravity of his alleged criminal activities, or his controversial profile”, Namadi explained.

He, however, expressed deep shock and surprise over the recent revelations concerning the suspect.

While maintaining his innocence in the whole bail incident, the Commissioner acknowledged the tremendous efforts and resources so far committed by the Kano State Government in ensuring that the youths are protected from the dangerous activities of hard drug dealers .

Particularly, he admitted  that so much resources have been expended by the State in rehabilitating Kano youths who had fallen victims of drug abuse.

“The values I hold do not, in any way, align with shielding criminal elements, undermining our justice, or sabotaging efforts and hard work of the state Government.

“I have requested legal advice from my lawyers on the next line of action and possible withdrawal of my surety.

“I deeply regret this unfortunate incident and wish to assure the Government ,and good people of Kano State that I remain firmly committed to justice, accountability, and the rule of law.

“I will never sabotage, nor support any efforts that seek to undermine the fight against drug abuse, thuggery and other vices threatening the peace and stability of our dear State”, the statement reads in part .

Gunmen Mow Down Seven In Imo, Police Vow To Track Down Perpetrators

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Gunmen

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo State Police Command on Friday, July 25, 2025  confirmed the killing of no fewer than seven people by gunmen  in the early hours of the Friday.

Though no investigation has been carried out yet, the coordinated attacks have been blamed by Police authorities, pointedly, on  suspected members of the IPOB’s ‘ armed wing ,the Eastern Security Network ESN. The fatal attacks were carried out across Ejezie ,Umualaoma ,and Ndiakuwata Uno communities in Arondizuogu, within Ideato North Local Government Area of State.

A statement from the Command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, quoted the State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, as describing the attack  as barbaric, inhumane and unacceptable.

The attacks, according to the Police Authorities , resulted in several others being critically injured.

This is as the Command assured that a full-scale operation has commenced ,with a view to tracking down the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

CP Danjuma, according to the statement, has directed for the immediate deployment of operatives of both tactical and Intelligence units of the Command to comb the areas , particularly some acclaimed flashpoints and strongholds of the terrorists.

While extending his heartfelt condolences to the families, relations and friends of the victims, Danjuma also expressed the Command’s unwavering commitment towards bringing all those involved in the dastardly act to justice.

Over 15 Deaths Recorded In Fresh Plateau Attacks

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Plateau State Map

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The orgy of violent attacks and killings ravaging some parts of Plateau State continued unabated Thursday night July 24, 2025, with over 15 persons reportedly massacred by suspected rogue herdsmen in two separate incidents in Chirang community, Bokkos Local Council of the State.

Eyewitness accounts said the   victims were part of traders returning from Bokkos Market, and heading for their homes in Mangor village, Chirang .

They were reportedly ambushed and attacked at about 4.00 pm by hordes of armed men, resulting in the death of over 15 persons, with several others seriously injured.

While confirming the unfortunate development  Thursday night, the Chairman of Community Peace Observers CPO, Bokkos chapter, Kefas Mallai, regretted that the attack  came just a few hours after a mobile police officer was mauled down at his duty post in the same vicinity.

He expressed deep concern over the ambush and killings of over 15 locals by suspected terrorist elements, while returning from the Bokkos Market.

“The attack came on the heels of another incident earlier in the day where a Mobile Police Officer was killed at his duty post.

“Our hearts are bleeding because early in the morning, on 24th July, 2025, a MOPOL officer was killed along Richa Road Bokkos LGA”, Mallai stated.

Although, as at the time of reporting, neither the Plateau State Government, nor Security Agencies had reacted to the  incident, the Chairman of Bokkos Local Council Amalau, however, underscored the emergency nature of the development and the urgent need for intervention by all relevant authorities.

Some parts of Plateau State have, of late, been visited with devastating attacks mostly by suspected terrorist groups, culminating in the loss of several lives and destruction of properties with many residents rendered homeless.

$3bn Easter Rail Line: Deputy Speaker, Kalu Hails Tinubu

By
James Orji
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Benjamin Kalu

Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of representatives Benjamin Kalu has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving $3 billion for the complexion of the Eastern Rail Line.

According to the lawmaker from Abia state, the project will be a game changer for the south east region, and boost the nation’s economy as it will connect the two key markets in the region Aba and Onitsha to the Northern region.

Kalu made the remark in his post on X noting that the bold steps by the president is an indication that he loves the region, and his commitment to inclusive governance in the country.

He stressed that the people of the region will reciprocate the gesture at the appropriate time.

He said, “I extend my appreciation to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the recent approval of $3 billion allocation for the completion of the Eastern Rail Line.

“This project is a game-changer for the South East connecting Aba and Onitsha to key markets in the Northern region that will boost our economy by linking major trade hubs and unlock over ₦50 billion in annual trade.

“This bold step is a clear demonstration that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just mere rhetorics but tangible actions. By prioritizing the Eastern corridor, Mr. President has once again shown his love for Ndi Igbo, commitment to inclusive national development and regional connectivity.

“At the appropriate time, this gesture will be reciprocated.”

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