₦airaland Forum

The Anambra State Police Command has announced the arrest of ten suspects in connection with the ongoing investigation into the murder of a kidnapped farmer and royal chief whose lifeless body was recovered last week at Nimo in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state.

According to a press statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the arrests were made on 28th June 2025 by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu. The breakthrough follows the discovery of the victim’s body near his piggery farm in Nimo on 23rd June 2025, just days after he was kidnapped by his abductors who demanded and were paid a ransom sum of fifteen million naira for his release.

SP Ikenga disclosed that the ten suspects, who were picked up at different locations, are currently undergoing thorough interrogation by the police, adding that their statements will provide critical leads that will aid the investigation. He further revealed that the operatives are prepared to proceed with the next phase of the investigation, based on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu.

The Anambra State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ibadin Judith-Chukwu, has exposed a chilling new trend: young couples pretending to cohabit solely to produce babies for sale.

According to the commander, the disturbing trend is especially rampant in rural parts of Anambra, where poverty and lack of awareness make communities easy targets for human traffickers.

Speaking in an interview, Judith-Chukwu described the situation as “a dangerous twist” in the human trafficking trade, revealing how young women are lured into sham relationships, impregnated, and then robbed of their newborns by men pretending to be their partners only for the babies to be sold to the highest bidder.

“A girl gets pregnant, then a man suddenly comes with a marriage proposal. Once she gives birth, he disappears with the baby sold off, often without her knowledge,” she said.

“We’re seeing more cases in villages where people are unaware of these schemes. It’s heartbreaking.”

Judith-Chukwu commended the efforts of the Anambra State Task Force on Human Trafficking, which was established in 2020 to tackle the growing menace.

She said the task force has intensified public awareness campaigns, community engagement, and collaboration with sister agencies to help curb the sale of babies.

“We’re reaching out to traditional rulers, pastors, imams every voice matters in this fight against organized crime,” she emphasized.

Looking ahead, the NAPTIP boss revealed that the agency is preparing for intensive sensitization during the upcoming August meeting, describing it as a crucial opportunity to reach thousands of women across the state.

“The traffickers are organized. We must be more organized. Every family, every community must be on alert,” she warned.

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Muonenye Chekwube Victor, for allegedly masterminding the kidnapping of his friend and collecting ransom in dollars equivalent to over five million naira.

According to the police, Victor was apprehended by operatives attached to the Uli Divisional Headquarters on the evening of June 26, 2025. Investigations revealed that Victor lured his friend under the guise of visiting another acquaintance, then conspired with his criminal gang to kidnap him. To avoid suspicion, Victor allegedly staged his own abduction alongside the victim.

The gang reportedly collected ransom in foreign currency equivalent to 5.3 million naira before releasing the victim. During interrogation, Victor confessed to planning the operation and is now cooperating with the police to help track down his accomplices.

Police authorities say the suspect will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded. The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its commitment to improving safety and security across the state.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued from the Command headquarters in Awka on June.

In a major political shift, former Senate President Senator David Mark has been appointed as the Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—a strategic move aimed at repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development marks the end of an era for Chief Okey Ralph Nwosu, founding member and long-serving national chairman of the party, who has led the ADC through its formative years and various electoral cycles.

Senator Mark, a seasoned statesman and respected political figure, is expected to bring a wealth of experience, credibility, and renewed direction to the party’s leadership. His appointment signals the ADC’s readiness to play a more prominent role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

The official unveiling of Senator Mark as chairman is scheduled for Wednesday next week in Abuja, with party stakeholders, national executives, and members of the media expected to be in attendance.

Reacting to the development, Chief Nwosu neither confirmed nor denied Mark’s appointment but acknowledged that the ADC is currently undergoing a leadership transition. He assured that the party would issue an official statement in the coming days to clarify its new leadership structure.

Nwosu also lauded Senator Mark’s record of service, describing him as a patriotic figure capable of bringing focus and stability to the ADC as it works to reposition itself as a credible platform for visionary leadership.


Despite his new role, Senator Mark remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has yet to formally announce a switch to the ADC. His involvement comes as opposition parties intensify coalition talks aimed at mounting a formidable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.

Eric Obianozie: Meet 27-Year-Old Co-founder of 24Telemed.

Erik is a Nigerian entrepreneur and data analyst with a diverse portfolio spanning technology and hospitality. He is the founder of Boolean Technologies, a software engineering company that develops custom solutions and drives innovation in Nigeria’s digital health space. Boolean Technologies is the developer of 24telemed, a pioneering telemedicine platform designed to improve healthcare access across Nigeria. Under his leadership, 24telemed is currently being expanded as a nationwide initiative—The Renewed Hope Universal Healthcare Initiative—which aims to provide telemedicine access in every Local Government Area through a government-backed, multi-phase rollout involving regional call centers, PHC integration, and public-private partnerships.

In parallel, he is the founder of Anthill Centre and co-founder of Hot Stop, two fast growing hospitality brands known for its shawarma, lounges, cafés, and casual dining experiences operating in Abuja with expansion plans into Lagos and the United States. Through Anthill Centre and Hot Stop, he combines a passion for entertainment and hospitality with scalable business operations.

He holds a Master’s degree in Business Analytics from Imperial College London, where he refined his skills in Python, R, SQL, and data visualization. He also graduated with First Class Honors in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Baze University, Abuja.

An early stage entrepreneur, he previously co-founded OyaNow, a logistics and delivery startup that remains operational, and brings his combined experience in analytics, software development, business strategy, and operations to every venture he leads.

He is passionate about using technology to solve systemic challenges, particularly in health access and youth employment, and is currently focused on expanding telemedicine across Nigeria while scaling his hospitality footprint.

Anambra School Defeats UK Schools, Others to Emerge Champions of Inaugural UK-Nigeria Competition.

In what can only be described as a landmark moment for Nigerian secondary school education, St. John Vianney Science College, Ukwulu, Anambra State, has emerged grand champion of the inaugural UK-Nigeria Debate Competition, triumphing over both local and British contenders in an intellectually charged contest that captivated audiences across two nations.

The groundbreaking competition, jointly organized by Bring It On Africa and Debate Mate UK, was designed to foster cross-cultural dialogue and sharpen the critical thinking, oratory, and reasoning skills of students from both countries. Held virtually on June 19, 2025, the event saw spirited participation from top-ranking schools on both sides of the Atlantic.

Representing Nigeria were four elite institutions: Britarch Schools, Abuja; Sure Start School, Abuja; St. Augustine’s College, Jos; and St. John Vianney Science College, Ukwulu. Flying the flag for the United Kingdom were distinguished schools such as Central Foundation Girls’ School, Maghull High School, and Shireland High School.

After intense preliminary rounds that tested their logical acuity, public speaking finesse, and rebuttal prowess, St. John Vianney Science College broke straight to the finals. The team confidently out-argued the British contenders—defeating Maghull High School and Central Foundation Girls’ School—before advancing to an all-Nigerian final against St. Augustine’s College, Jos.

In a highly competitive showdown that held viewers in suspense, St. John Vianney Science College secured a decisive victory in the finals, earning the prestigious title of Inaugural UK-Nigeria Debate Champions. With this triumph came the honour of representing Nigeria at the extensional debate rounds scheduled for December 2025 in London, United Kingdom.

The school was represented by Chibueze Jennifer, Obiokafor Catherine, Eneoli Benjamin, and Onwuegbusi Valentine, mentored by their coach, John Onuigbo, with valuable support from Chiagozie Udorji. Speaking shortly after the victory, Chibueze Jennifer, one of the standout performers, expressed her excitement and gratitude: “This is a dream come true for all of us. The level of competition was extremely high, especially going against top schools from the UK. But we believed in our preparation, trusted each other, and gave it our best. Winning this title has shown us that Nigerian students can stand toe-to-toe with anyone in the world when given the platform.”

The mood of celebration was equally palpable among the school leadership. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, popularly known as Fr. Ebube Muonso and Director of St. John Vianney Science College, hailed the team’s triumph as proof of the school’s enduring commitment to excellence, discipline, and global relevance. “This victory is a validation of the quality of education and moral formation that St. John Vianney Science College stands for,” Rev. Fr. Obimma remarked. “Our students have demonstrated not only academic brilliance but also the courage to engage in global discourse. We are proud of their achievement and trust that this marks the beginning of many more global successes for them and for Nigeria.”

The UK-Nigeria Debate Championship, the first of its kind, provided a rare virtual platform for students from both countries to explore pressing global themes, challenge assumptions, and develop meaningful cross-cultural understanding. Debate topics ranged from technology and environmental protection to history.

The performance of the Nigerian schools was exceptional. St. Augustine’s College, Jos, also secured a coveted place in the upcoming London rounds, having earned the runner-up position in the fiercely contested final against St. John Vianney Science College. Shireland High School from the United Kingdom placed third overall.

As the dust settles on this historic virtual competition, excitement is already building for the next stage. Both St. John Vianney Science College, Anambra State, and St. Augustine’s College, Jos, will once again represent Nigeria in the extensional Grand Finale slated for December in London, where they will engage their British peers in live, face-to-face debates on a global stage.