₦airaland Forum

In a heartwarming display of joy and gratitude, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the former Governor of Abia State, joined the family of Ifeanyi Okali, Director of ABN TV to celebrate the first birthday of their daughter, OlaPre (Precious Ola Chizaramekpere Ifeanyi-Okali).

Recall OlaPre's birth on May 10th, 2023, came after her parents waited 11 years, making her arrival a miraculous blessing.

Senator Kalu praised the family's unwavering faith and patience, calling OlaPre a symbol of hope and inspiration to many.

He also encouraged couples to learn from the Okali family's example, demonstrating that with faith and perseverance, miracles can happen.

Senator Kalu encouraged couples facing similar challenges to draw strength from the Okali family's example, emphasizing that with perseverance and trust in God, every dream can become a reality.

OlaPre's first birthday celebration is a testament to the power of hope, faith, and the unbreakable human spirit.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/senator-kalu-celebrates-miraculous-birthday-of-olapre-calls-her-a-symbol-of-hope/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

The Abia State Government has announced the commencement of a comprehensive recertification exercise for all land title documents in the state., ABN TV reports.

The exercise, which began on May 6, 2024, aims to update and validate all existing land titles, ensuring a more efficient and accurate land administration system.

According to the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon. Chaka Ikenna Chukwumerije, the recertification exercise is designed to:

*Update plot holders' information
*Upgrade survey records to Universal Traverse Mercator (UTM) standards
*Verify payment of ground rents, taxes, and other charges
*Revalidate allocation and registration of Abia State Social Identity Number (ABSSIN)
*Recover outstanding statutory dues, ground rents, and expired building leases

The Commissioner emphasized that the exercise is a corrective measure aimed at cleaning up the state’s land records, avoiding overlaps, and ensuring a seamless land administration process.

The submission of title documents will end on June 7, 2024. Failure to submit titles for recertification will attract a penalty fee of ₦100,000 from July 1, 2024.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/abia-govt-launches-land-title-recertification-exercise-gives-deadline-for-submission-video/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

The Next Governor of Abia State will be of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says a chieftain of the party, Hon. Chibuike Jonas who noted that the influx of new members from other political parties will strengthen the state chapter of the broom party.

Hon. Jonas a former chairman of Arochukwu local government area told ABN TV that the high-profile defections into the party will be a boost in especially as the party's leader in the state, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu works hard to move the party forward.

While noting that the APC is the party to beat in Abia State, he called on the governor, Alex Otti to consider joining APC, saying it will be an opportunity for the state to gain more from the federal government in terms of infrastructure.

According to him, the governor was originally of the APC and is welcomed to the fold whenever he decides to make a return.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/apc-producing-next-abia-governor-chieftain/#google_vignette

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State continues to record massive defection from its fold, the opposition All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has urged the defecting members to pitch their political tent with the cock party, saying it gas enough membership cards for all.

The state chairman of APGA, Chief Emmanuel Egwu (Ebekuo Esere) who spoke with ABN TV on Tuesday said the party's door is open and that it is ready to receive those ready to associate with the party.

According to him, only the genuine ones are welcomed to APGA and not those attempting to escape "the onslaught that is going to face them any time from now".

He said despite the party's quest for new members, it will be careful in welcoming people, saying it will scrutinize those coming into the party.

While admitting that there is dissenting voice in the Abia State chapter of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Egwusaid his plan is to ensure that the real owners of the party are heard.

"We are trying to rejuvenate and bring the party together. You know we have been having some dissenting voices in the party, but I can assure you now that we are trying to come together to ensure that APGA remains a formidable opposition party in Abia State", he said.

He reiterated that the party has good manifesto it will be churning out to the public soon.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/we-have-enough-membership-cards-for-all-abia-apga-tells-defecting-pdp-members/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has welcomed new members to the party, describing their influx as a "welcome development".

However, the party has also sounded a warning to those with "inordinate ambitions", emphasizing that membership registration must be done in accordance with the party's constitution.

According to Hon. Chief Okey Ezeala, State Publicity Secretary of the APC, membership registration can only be done at the ward chapters of the party, as specified in the party's constitution.

He warned that any registration done contrary to this is "a charade and cannot stand".

Ezeala advised new members to "look well before they fall into traps of illegality from day one", emphasizing that the APC is a national party with grassroots structures in all wards.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/abia-apc-cautions-new-members-against-illegal-registration/

Former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji has officially defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC), ABN TV reports.

The ex-lawmaker was issued the APC membership card by the State Chairman of the Party in Abia, Kingsley Ononogbu, on Tuesday.

Recall that Enyinnaya, the son of Theodore Orji, a former governor of Abia State had on Monday tendered his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The ex-speaker, who briefed some of his close supporters on Monday night, said the move had become very necessary, following some issues rocking the party.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/former-abia-speaker-chinedum-orji-joins-apc/

Renowned Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, has announced the resumption of filming, with a special addition to the production team - his son, Clinton, also known as Onyeze Mbaise!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X56me2Dg3sk
Clinton has joined the team as Assistant Production Manager and Personal Assistant to his father, as part of an internship to gain practical experience in filmmaking and management. This hands-on training will precede his further studies.

Kanayo emphasized the value of involving children in their parents' professional endeavors, allowing them to appreciate the industry and gain valuable skills.

He extended a warm welcome to his son, Onyeze, as they worked together on the Simpliciter Associates Productions project.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/nollywood-veteran-kanayo-o-kanayo-welcomes-son-to-film-production-team-photos-video/

Former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly Rt Hon Chinedum Orji has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ABN TV reports.

The son of former Governor Theodore Orji said he took the decision after wide consultation without further elaboration.

The Ex Assembly Speaker while briefing some of his close supporters on Monday night said the move became very necessary.

“After careful consultation and personal decision, I have decided to exit the PDP, It’s time to move on with our lives” he said while announcing his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party(PDP).

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/former-abia-speaker-chinedum-orji-dumps-pdp/

The Executive Director of Distribution Systems Storage and Retailing Infrastructure of the Nigerian Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulator Authority (NMDPRA), Ogbugo Ukoha has said the coming onstream of Dangote Refinery in the country's petroleum sector will be a game changer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHMi3rfObEE
In an interview on Channels TV monitored by ABN TV, Ukoha said when fully operational, it will come along with LPG in the stations, PMS, CNG, unlike what is obtainable at the moment.

He said, "The Dangote Refinery with the capacity of refining 650 barrels of crude per day is almost on stream. They are at the pre-commissioning stage where we are testing each priority stage of the refining process.

"At the point where they are, we are currently producing 80k intermediate products including AGO. So when the full commissioning of Dangote Refinery comes, forget about what many people say about that, it's a game changer, not just for Nigeria but for the sub-region", he said.

According to him, previously there was only an option to buy AGO, DPK (kerosene), and PMS which is petrol. Dangote Refinery he said will come with the options of LPG in the stations, PMS, CNG, saying NMDPRA is working towards that.

According to him, the late arrival of petroleum vessels is responsible for the supply shortage experienced across many retail outlets in the country which has led to scarcity.

He said when available petroleum storage begins to drop, it leads to hoarding among retailers.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/dangote-refinery-will-be-a-game-changer-in-nigerias-petroleum-sector-nmdpra-boss-video/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie says the abduction of Archbishop of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Uka Uka Osim by gunmen did not happen in the State, rather in Anambra.

The Abia police boss in a statement signed by the PRO of the command, ASP Maureen Chinaka and made available to ABN TV on Saturday said an online report which claimed that the cleric and others were kidnapped in Abia on Wednesday, May 1 was "misleading".

The CP said the command has carried out an investigation and contacted the source, one Bishop Dennis Onuoha of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star was was quoted in the report as having confirmed the abduction of the Archbishop.

The statement reads in part, "On Saturday 04/05/2024, some online reports had quoted one Bishop Dennis Onuoha of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, as having stated that Archbishop Osim, his wife, son, and three other priests of the religious group were kidnapped in Abia while on their way to Anambra State.

"Abia State Police Command has investigated the story, and contacted Bishop Dennis Onuoha, who denied stating that the incident occurred in Abia State. The Bishop confirmed that the kidnapping incident did not occur in Abia but rather in Awka, Anambra State, on Wednesday 1 May 2024."

The CP therefore urged the media, bloggers, and online reporters to always crosscheck their facts by contacting the appropriate authorities before publishing their stories.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/kidnap-of-archbishop-of-brotherhood-of-cross-and-star-did-not-happen-in-abia-cp/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Interpol Systems Consultant and security expert, Sir Chikwe Udensi has urged the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti to separate the good work he is doing in the state from unfounded allegations against his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsFaqXi4bbM

He expressed worry over the laxity at which the state government is treating the alleged embezzlement of N107 billion Abia money by the immediate past government, wondering why the governor has not presented evidence to back his claim.

Governor Otti while speaking to some Abia people in the United States recently said, “N79.3 billion naira was paid to seven Contractors for contracts that were not executed at all. Another 15.9 billion almost 16 billion was paid to 63 contractors with no supporting documents anywhere. Another 13 billion naira was paid to two contractors for contracts that do not exist out of these figures, and 10 billion naira was on September 25, 2020, paid to some contractor for the construction of Abia State Airport.”

In his reaction during a live programme on Love FM and ABN TV, Udensi, a chieftain of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) said he is not taking the state government very seriously in such allegations, saying there are pieces of evidence to prove that similar allegations made by the same government in the past have proven not to be true.

“Some of the organizers of the Governor’s Trip to America are very close to me and known to me. What I asked for is the full record of the whole proceeding, not just what the Governor said. However, I’m a bit disturbed that a matter like this is being treated with trivial attitudes. I’m concerned that N107 billion is alleged to have been embezzled and we’re talking about some contractors and using native knowledge to go and locate the airport. We must get serious.

“107 billion? By now we should have commenced a full investigation and all those who are responsible for such heinous arrangements should be in detention if the proper process is taken. What do I mean by proper process, the crime is said to have been committed in Abia State, the alleged suspects are all in Abia State, the investigation was done in Abia State, then the announcement of the results of the investigation was done in the United States of America," he said.

He added, “You recall that when the governor came in, he indicated that he’s going investigate the regimes that were before him. We were expecting an investigation from 1999 to 2023, but he chose only the Ikpeazu administration to investigate.

“You’ll recall that on open parliament, I criticized it because I was not comfortable with it. When you seem to specify your level of interest, people may become suspicious of what actually your interest is.

“Again given the fact that everybody must remain innocent until proven guilty, you cannot insist by any imagination that anybody is a criminal. Look at what’s happening in social media right now, the trial is going on social media.

“In Investigation, when you see any of the security agencies start media trial on a case, then they have no case. Go and check it, go and check records. Once they leave the court where you ought to take your matter to and go to the media, you’re playing to the gallery and people like us cannot take you seriously because nothing can be eviler than an accusation that denies the accused the right of defence,” he said.

Udensi frowned against what he termed media persecution of the immediate past government, instead of judicial prosecution, stressing that if anybody is accused, in all honesty, they are allowed to defend themselves before anybody can come out and call them evil.

He said that the fact that he is not in agreement with certain decisions and actions of the Alex Otti-led administration does not mean that the administration is not doing well in the area of Infrastructure and went ahead to commend the Governor for the achievements so far.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/dont-mix-your-good-works-with-falsehood-udensi-tells-gov-otti-video/

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti on Wednesday signed the "Dig Once" policy which seeks to regulate excavation and coordinate the laying and installation of underground broadband technology infrastructure for individuals and enterprises in the state.

During the signing ceremony, the governor said the "Dig Once" policy is expected to guide technology companies, construction outfits, and all other entities whose activities and business model involve excavation, laying of cables and the installation of underground utilities infrastructure and technology assets.

He said, "The Dig Once Policy will be our most effective tool of coordinating all excavation and trenching projects along utility corridors in ways that avoid duplication of efforts and also protect our road infrastructure from unintended consequences. Through the erection of underground ducts, service providers can seamlessly deploy their service infrastructure at reduced costs in finances and time.

"Additionally, the Dig Once Policy will bring about drastic reduction in the needless losses arising from the destruction of underground cables and other infrastructure types in the course of construction projects, and the subsequent disruption in internet services.

"The policy we have just signed is the product of strategic inter-ministerial collaboration directed by my office with the active involvement of the State’s Ministries of Digital Economy and SMEs, Science and Technology and Works. I want to specially thank the commissioners and their teams for the hard work and sacrifices to get this across the finish line in good time.

"In very practical terms, the signing of this policy signals our firm commitment to tap into the endless opportunities and promises of the world of high-speed internet and telecommunications services.

"Our focus is to make high speed internet widely accessible to individuals and businesses in ways that support the adoption of smart enterprise initiatives, improved innovation and expanded access to global markets, and the opportunities that have supercharged the prosperity of many communities and nations across the world.

"Our target is the young people who are actively migrating to the digital space in pursuit of new opportunities. This policy will give them wings to fly as high-speed internet services become commonplace in all parts of the State.

"Whether they are setting up their independent ventures, working remotely for firms in diverse parts of the world, selling their products or buying from virtual shops in other places, the aim is to offer them the backbone they need to live their dreams.

"The Dig Once policy is therefore looking beyond just laying of underground cables and pipes. The goal is more far-reaching as we hope to drive job creation for our young people through this policy, fight poverty and make life better for everyone, no matter where they live.

"Not much will be achieved in this regard without the active support of all stakeholders and these include telecom and utility companies, construction firms and individuals who may need to excavate along our utility corridors.

"You are required to interface with the relevant agencies to ensure that you are not in breach of the provisions of this policy. Having reviewed the general framework and specific guidelines contained in this policy, I can say without equivocation that it is in the best interest of every party to take advantage of the structure we have already put in place which are in line with global best practices."

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/gov-otti-signs-policy-to-coordinate-excavation-destruction-of-underground-cables-in-abia/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

The Founder and General Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, more popularly known as Deeper Life Church, Pastor W. F. Kumuyi, says there is a bright light shining in Abia State.

Pastor Kumuyi, who has been in the state for about a week for a crusade with the theme; "A Glorious Transformation Through Christ", spoke Tuesday, when he paid a working visit to Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, at his residence in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.

The revered cleric, who came with his wife, Mummy Esther, lauded the breathe of freshness and ongoing reformation in Abia State, under Governor Otti, in the last 11 months, especially in the areas of road infrastructure, welfare of the citizenry and security, among other initiatives of the present administration, Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said in a statement.

He declared that the exemplary leadership of Governor Otti has elevated Abia to a place of pride in the comity of progressive states in Nigeria, as well as on the part of economic development and growth.

"It is not up to one year that you came in as Governor, and your achievements are overwhelming. Even before I came, we have been hearing the news of the progress and reformation taking place in Abia state. Apart from coming to preach, we have heard the story of the state from 2023 up till now.

"May the Lord continue to strengthen you and help you to achieve all that you have for the state, which are manifest in security, progress and productivity of the state.

"We pray that the Lord will keep you strong and healthy. We pray that this work will continue to go on and others will see the bright light shining in our state, here, God's Own State.

"God has set you up to be a star in our country and shining star you will continue to be," Pastor Kumuyi, who turns 83 on June 6, prayed.

Welcoming his august visitor, who was accompanied by other elders and senior officers of the church, Governor Otti thanked Pastor Kumuyi for choosing Abia State as venue for the crusade, which started last Thursday and holding at the Aba Mega Mall.

Governor Otti expressed government's willingness to partner with the Deeper Christian Life Ministry to support the less privileged in Abia and enhance the well-being of its citizens.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/theres-a-shining-bright-light-in-abia-kumuyi-says-in-meeting-with-governor-otti/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

A 2-man gang of suspected arm robbers have been arrested in Umuahia, Abia State capital after allegedly robbing residents of their belongings, ABN TV reports.

They had also successfully kidnapped a male resident and was taking him to an unknown destination.

Nemesis however caught of with them as they were fleeing when their tricycle ran out of fuel, leading to their arrest near World Bank Housing Estate Umuahia.

One of the gang members is reportedly on the wanted list of the Nigeria Police Force over his alleged involvement in the 2019 robbery and murder of a couple in Umuahia who deal on egg.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/suspected-robbers-nabbed-in-umuahia-after-their-tricycle-ran-out-of-fuel-photos-video/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Ahead of his first anniversary in office on May 29, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has received an affirmative endorsement by the leadership of the Labour Party (LP) in the state and 17 local government areas.

Rising from an enlarged meeting which had in attendance the Governor, the entire party hierarchy in the state, all political appointees in the Executive Cabinet, elected members at the National and State Assemblies, and senior stakeholders, the Party unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Governor Otti, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kazie Uko said in a statement.

Representative Hon. Obi Aguocha, Ikwuano-Umuahia Federal Constituency, who moved the motion to pass the vote of confidence, said Governor Otti, within 11 months of assumption of office into a four-year tenure, has made the party proud as he had surpassed all expectations, the statement added.

Aguocha, who moved the motion while giving a vote of thanks to round off the meeting convened on Sunday at the Governor's residence, was supported by the member representing Obingwa-Osisioma-Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Munachim Alozie, who seconded the motion. The Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, put the decision to vote, to which the meeting roared unanimously in approval.

The meeting, according to stakeholders, was called, primarily, for the party hierarchy in the state and the local government areas, to familiarise themselves with the various appointees of government, including members of the State Executive Council and local government Mayors.

Governor Otti, who was pleasantly surprised at the show of solidarity and confidence by his party leadership and other stakeholders, expressed gratitude to God that people had taken note of the "modest" achievements recorded by his administration in less than one year in office.

"We must thank God that some few modest results are showing. We could have worked hard, like we have done in the last 11 months, without anything to show," Governor Otti said.

The Governor informed the meeting that he met Abia at a sub-zero level, negative, contrary to some widely held view that the state was at ground zero. According to him, it would have been better if the administration had met the state at ground zero, "but we were coming from negative. If you have to come from negative to ground zero, you have to work very hard.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/one-year-anniversary-lp-leadership-stakeholders-pass-vote-of-confidence-on-gov-otti/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

A Delta State High Court in Effurun has awarded N30 million damages against popular Nigerian blogger, Linda Ikeji, for a libellous publication against the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa.

The lawsuit had Registered Trustees of NBM of Africa, Ese Kakor, Felix Kupa and Mayor Onyebueke as the Claimants against Linda Ikeji as Defendant.

In a ruling on Monday, in Suit No: EHC/210/2021, Presiding Justice Roli Daibo-Harriman, also ordered the absent Defendant, to pay N300,000 as being the cost of litigation.

The Defendant was further ordered to place a publication on her blog and national dailies retracting the libellous publication for which the NBM dragged her to the court, just as she is restrained from further damaging publications against the Claimants.

The NBM of Africa took to court action after she failed to honour a letter by the Claimant demanding retraction and apology over the libellous article published on her blog on Oct. 19, 2021.

The blogger in her publication of 19 October 2021 allegedly labelled the NBM of Africa as a dreaded cult group, , and criminal organisation among other names.

The Claimants approached the court, praying for N1bn damages and an unreserved apology to be published on her blog and two national dailies among others.

Justice Daibo-Harriman, in her ruling, described the tags, including dreaded cultist group, and criminal organisation as used in the Defendant’s publication as all defamatory.

Counsel to the Claimants, Kelvin Agbroko, noted that the ruling, “Will serve as a lesson to bloggers that it is not every item you publish. It is good to verify information before making a publication.

He said, “NBM of Africa is a legal organisation duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. The publication made by the Defendant against my client has been cleared that it was a damaging publication.

“NBM is good to go, we are going to take all necessary steps to enforce the terms of the judgment against her. It was an erudite judgement that is all-encompassing and will be difficult to fault.”

President of the NBM of Africa, Ese Kakor said the outcome of the case had been on for about two years.

He said, “What Ikeji did was just to sell in a bid to defame the character of NBM of Africa. It is very wrong.

“I advised other bloggers not to follow the same steps as they may also face similar litigation. Do not try and defame peoples’ character. NBM has nothing to do with cultism, . It is not a criminal organisation but a well-registered organisation.”

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/linda-ikeji-in-trouble-as-court-slams-her-with-n30m-damage-over-libel-against-nbm-of-africa/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu, the Chief Medical Director of Abia Specialist Hospital, has been conferred with the esteemed Fellowship of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to kidney care.

The ISN President, Masaomi Nangaku, presented the award to Dr. Okwuonu at the just concluded World Conference of Nephrology 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

This prestigious honour is a testament to Dr. Okwuonu’s dedication and expertise in nephrology, and he is one of only two Africans recently selected for the ISN’s Emerging Leaders Programme. The award recognizes his significant contributions to nephrology care, research, and education in his region.

Dr. Okwuonu, a Consultant Nephrologist, was part of the pioneering team that successfully conducted the first kidney transplant at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia. He expressed his gratitude and humility upon receiving the global recognition, acknowledging God’s grace and vowing to maximize the opportunity to advance solutions for kidney-related ailments.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/cmd-abia-specialist-hospital-dr-okwuonu-recognized-with-isn-fellowship-for-pioneering-work-in-kidney-disease-care/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

The Abia State All Progressives Congress (APC) Organizing Secretary, Chief Obinna Atuonu is dead. He died at the age of 65.

He died on Sunday during a church service in Aba, the commercial capital of the state where he was addressing the congregation, ABN TV gathered.

His Only brother, Dr. Chiedozie Atuonu told ABN TV that on the fateful day, he got a call to rush to Aba from Umuahia where he was. According to him, the caller told him that his late brother was feeling critically ill.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/abia-apc-organizing-secretary-chief-atuonu-collapses-dies-in-church/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

A two-man robbery gang which allegedly specializes in robbing passengers of their belongings, popularly called one-chance has escaped being burnt alive in Umuahia, Abia State capital, ABN TV reports.

According to sources familiar with their modus operandi, the suspects who operate with tricycles, better known as keke usually hypnotize their victims or threaten them with sharp objects, before robbing them of their belongings.

They are also alleged to engage in phone hacking which gives them access to transfer victims' money through the banking application stored in their phones.

Luck however ran out of them around the popular Golden Guinea Breweries along Aba road in Umuahia when past victims upon boarding their keke raised alarm, attracting the neighbourhood.

ABN TV gathered that this attracted them a merciless beating, even as their tricycle was fatally destroyed.

Observing that they stood the risk of being set ablaze by the angry mob, the suspect allegedly confessed their crimes and started begging for mercy, a resident said.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/two-one-chance-robbers-escape-being-set-ablaze-as-they-receive-merciless-beating-photos/

A renowned security expert and former Director of Operations of the Department of State Services (DSS) Chief Ray Nkemdirim, has called for a revolution in the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa to curb the continent’s rising security challenges, ABN TV reports.

He made the call at the National Institute for Security Studies Abuja on Tuesday, while addressing participants of Executive Intelligence Management Course 17.

The nine-month course for top-level security chiefs and management staff of strategic agencies, draws participants from Nigeria and other African countries including Ghana, Gambia, Niger, Chad, and Rwanda.

In his paper titled “Artificial Intelligence and Intelligence Gathering: Challenges and Prospects”, Chief Nkemdirim, advised that Nigeria and indeed other African countries should key into the enormous benefits of the fast-expanding global phenomenon of artificial intelligence (AI).

He said that if meaningful progress was to be made in the fight against terrorism, kidnappings, banditry, and other violent crimes, AI was the sure antidote.

He said reliance on traditional security practices and tactics alone will not produce effective results, as criminal elements were now adopting more sophisticated methods to commit crimes.

He therefore enjoined security agencies to be proactive in their operational approaches by adopting AI–driven measures to counter the worsening crime situation.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/security-expert-ray-nkemdirim-wants-inclusion-of-ai-in-fight-against-insecurity/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Veteran actor Zulu Adigwe has reportedly died.

Movie producer Stanley Nwoko announced his passing in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

I regret to announce the passing on a veteran actor. Late Mr Zulu Adibe (sic)..What caused his death yet to be reviewed. Rest in peace Good actor.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6HpVIysmP9/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has described as reprehensible and repugnant the murder of Abia-born businessman, Emmanuel Okocha by a police officer in Aba on Saturday.

He therefore demanded a thorough investigation into the unfortunate incident, insisting that the police officer must be made to explain his aberrant behaviour.

Okocha, a native of Abiriba in Ohafia Local Government Area of the State was reportedly gunned down on his way to the village by a police corporal, Obagi Njok attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) within the Aba Division for refusing to give ₦500 bribe to the police after going through his vehicle papers on demand at a checkpoint along Aba-Owerri road.

Incidentally, the Abia State Police Command has since announced the arrest of Njok.

Reacting to the unhealthy development through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu on Sunday, Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State in the National Assembly said that the police authorities must ensure that justice is served in the matter.

He said that the officer involved must be brought to face the law and the corresponding punishment if found culpable, wondering why he jettisoned professionalism and the rules of engagement.

The Deputy Speaker said that the Nigerian laws are against the twin offenses of bribe and murder alleged to have been committed by the police officer while on duty.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/deputy-speaker-kalu-saddened-over-killing-of-abia-businessman-by-policeman-seeks-proper-investigation/

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A 500-level student of Abia State University (ABSU) Uturu, Emmanuel Victor attested for the murder of a fellow student, Emmanuel Uche in front of Miracle Lodge has confessed to the crime.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi6zUoXKmTk
He along with others arrested for various crimes in Abia State was paraded at the police headquarters in Umuahia on Sunday, ABN TV reports.

He said he killed Emmanuel Uche because both of them belonged to two rival cult groups.

According to Victor, while he belongs to the Vikings cult group, the late Uche was a member of Aiye.

He said a day before the killing of the late Uche, he (Uche) along with members of his gang had gone looking for a member of his (Victor) gang but could not see him.

According to him, Uche and his gang members accosted another member of the Vikings and collected his phone, then took it to Miracle Lodge, the same place where Uche was killed.

The suspect along with members of his gang mobilized for reinforcement the next day and Miracle Lodge and the ensuing fracas led to the killing of Uche.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/abia-police-parades-absu-500-l-student-who-killed-rival-cult-member-as-he-makes-shocking-revelation-video/

The ABN TV Director, Mr. Ifeanyi Okali has extolled the virtues of the Senator representing Abia North, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu at his 64th birthday celebration.

Okali described the former Governor of Abia State as humble and a great philanthropist.

Okali in a goodwill message on Sunday recalled the Senator’s years as Governor of Abia State, which were characterised by development across all sectors in the state.

He said the former Abia governor has remained exemplary in his assignment as a Senator for the people of Abia North in the last five years with the massive infrastructural developments he has attracted in the constituency.

He prayed God to grant Kalu good health and more years of greater accomplishments in his commitment to serving the fatherland.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/abn-tv-director-ifeanyi-okali-celebrates-sen-orji-kalu-at-64/

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A 27-year-old man identified as Daniel Otuechere has been arrested by men of the Abia State Police Command over the alleged murder of his neighbour, 23-year-old Hope Chinedu Prosper.

The father of the deceased Hope Oluoha, 52, who resides in Agbo Emede Ibeku Umuahia had earlier in the week reported to the police that the accused person took his son to an unknown destination and returned home with his lifeless body.

An anonymous source told ABN TV that the body was taken to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.

Detectives from the Command have visited the scene and the body of the deceased has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/27-year-old-man-arrested-in-umuahia-over-alleged-neighbours-murder-photo/

An officer of the Nigeria Police Force responsible for the killing of Abia businessman identified as Mr. Emmanuel Okocha has been arrested.

Abia State Police Command in a statement made available to ABN TV on Saturday signed by the PRO, ASP Maureen Chinaka gave the name of the suspect as Police Corporal Obagi Njok.

He was attached to Abayi Police Division under Abia State Police Command and had shot at Mr. Emmanuel Okocha along Aba-Owerri Road, the statement said.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/police-officer-who-killed-abia-businessman-emmanuel-okocha-arrested/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

A businessman identified as Mr. Emmanuel Michael Okocha has been killed by a police officer seeking bribe along MCC Abayi-Aba, Abia State commercial capital.

The late businessman, a native of Abiriba in Ohafia local government area of the state was killed by the police officer, of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) unit of the Nigerian Police Force.

A source said the bereaved who had a complete vehicle license had refused to offer bribe to the policeman, incurring his anger.

An eyewitness who was with the victims when the incident happened said they drove all the way from Abiriba on Wednesday, 17th day of April 2024 and entered Aba through Osisioma flyover.

On approaching opposite Abayi Girl's Secondary School, a team of Police Officers stopped them and demanded for the car documents and driver's licence of Mr. Emmanuel Michael Okocha which he quickly availed them.

According to him, after the check, the police officer returned the documents and started demanding for a tip. The late Emmanuel replied the Officer that he hadn't nothing to give him after wasting his time and started moving his car to leave the check point.

It was at this point that another policeman standing in front decided to shoot at him without provocation.

Mr. Emmanuel Michael Okocha was hit by the bullet and he was shouting that he has been shot and the Police Team ran into their car and drove off.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/bribe-seeking-police-officer-allegedly-kills-businessman-in-abia/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Policemen serving in Abia State are currently threading with utmost carefulness as the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie has vowed a decisive action against those extorting money from Abians, ABN TV reports.

The police boss handed the warning during a meeting with the Management Team, Area Commanders, DPOs, and Tactical Team Commanders on Thursday.

The CP emphasized that professionalism among officers and men of the command must not be compromised.

He frowned at extortion and vowed to take drastic actions against erring officers.

CP Onwuemelie urged officers of the command to be steadfast and proactive in ensuring that all Abians are safe at all times. He stated that it is better to prevent crime than to detect it.

The meeting was a call to order for all officers to ensure they uphold professionalism in their duties and avoid any form of misconduct or illegal activities.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/fear-grips-policemen-extorting-abians-as-cp-talks-tough/

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The Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State Hon. High Chief Victor Ikeji has said that under his watch, the local government is pushing for self-reliance in terms of generating funds to finance its project.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZbcIyx1pks
The council boss made this known when he played host to members of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) Abia Chapter who came on a courtesy visit in his office in Umuahia.

He said the local government is working so hard to depend less on Joint Allocation Committee (JAAC), by reviving the agriculture sector.

He assured that he would support the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria(OMPAN), as the government needs the media to optimize its functions.

Continuing, he revealed that he has international partners who were very willing to synergize with the Council to achieve that his vision, and added that plans were on the way to grade Uloma Farm Settlement to make it very accessible.

High Chief Ikeji said on his assumption of office as the Mayor, he was conscious of the past image of the State and, hence determined to change the narratives of governance by embarking on many transformative projects.

Ikeji described himself as a media-friendly person, and assured that his administration would continue to partner and engage the media in the area of information and communication.

He mentioned some of his achievements since his assuming office to include, restoration of electricity and water in the Council, grading and refilling of about 27 roads in the hinterland of Umuahia North using about 200 trips of sand, desilting of drainages and evacuation of over 200 trucks of sand, training of about 36 Youths on ICT and artificial intelligence, reviving of agriculture sector, relocation of transport parks to places that will be conducive for them, installation of street lights in Okigwe park, building of Public convenience for those in Okigwe park area, flagged off 120 Youths skill acquisition program for both indigenes and residents of Umuahia North, which he promised empowered them after the training, especially those who would take the training seriously.

According to him,"I intend to carry out a complete renovation of the entire Umuahia North and I am already designing it. The Council is going to witness a tremendous transformation. I can assure you that there will be tremendous improvement under my watch.

"We are getting enough funds to do projects and enough cooperation from the Governor.

"The Governor has even challenged us to bring mega projects to embark on for the Governor to fund them.

"The Governor does not owe salaries, any Civil Servant that says he is not receiving salaries is lying," he said

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/video-were-targeting-non-reliance-on-jaac-to-fund-our-budget-mayor-of-umuahia-north-ikeji/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

A veteran movie star, Digidi Dunhill has frowned over the recent death of a Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, saying his death was avoidable.

He lost his life during the shooting of a movie titled, “The Other Side of Life” in Asaba, Delta State. A boat he and the cast and crew were travelling in capsized, leading to his death along with three others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx1UMY59F48
Reacting to the development, Dunhill while featuring in ABN TV’s ‘Talk Make I Talk,’ said the producers of the movie did not do enough to cater for the welfare of the cast and crew.

According to him, the budget for the shooting of a full movie now was used for the payment of one artiste in his days, saying movie producers now have killed the industry with poor welfare.

“What happened to Junior Pope is very painful, It’s very annoying. Anyway, you don’t blame the dead,” he stated.

“During our time, nobody can enter boat without a life jacket. We will tell the producer, the executive producer that without life jacket, nobody is shooting. There were few of us who were like the police of the industry, once there is a little lack of welfare of artists, we won’t shoot your movie, once there is no security, we will mandate you to provide it.

“Now, they shoot at 2am and 3am and there is no transport, they will expect you to go to your house,” he added.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/junior-pope-they-have-killed-the-industry-with-poor-welfare-budget-for-a-movie-now-was-payment-for-one-artiste-then-nollywood-actor-dunhill-video/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

A final year student of the Accounting Department of Abia Polytechnic killed in a fatal accident near the school gate is set for burial.

Miss Mary Ogechi Ezekiel, will be buried at her country home on 18th April 2024, in Ndi Ogbu Amakwu, Igbere, Abia State.

She was one of the brightest students in the school and was recently been recognized as the best student in her field.

A burial arrangement released on behalf of the family by Ezekiel Abel Uko said her body will leave St Francis Mortuary, Aba-Owerri Road, and proceed to her hometown where it will be laid to rest.

A candlelight procession has earlier been held in her honour at her Omuma Road, Aba Abia State.

The 27-year-old had visited the school on Tuesday, the 5th of March 2024, to collect her final results. Little did she however know that this would be her last journey.

She was feared dead while crossing the road near the school gate when she was fatally crushed by a fast-moving heavy truck. The impact of the accident was devastating, leading to her untimely demise.

She was preparing for her upcoming National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, a dream that has been cut short.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/abia-poly-final-year-student-killed-in-accident-set-for-burial-see-poster/

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