₦airaland Forum

The Abia State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crime with the dismantling of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in Ukwa West Local Government Area.

In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, and made available to ABN TV, the raid was carried out on June 30, 2025, at about 5:30 PM following actionable intelligence. A joint tactical team of the Command stormed a kidnappers’ hideout at Umuiku Obete Village, Ukwa West LGA, linked to multiple abductions along Umuozo Village, Uratta Road, off Port Harcourt Road.

According to the police, upon arrival, the criminals opened fire, triggering a fierce gun battle. Five members of the gang were gunned down in the exchange, while the remaining suspects fled into the surrounding bush.

Exhibits recovered from the scene include six AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of live ammunition, 14 magazines, five mobile phones, three cutlasses, five operational jackets, one axe, one boot, one polo charm, and a double-barrel long gun. The police confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing members of the gang.

In a separate incident on August 2, 2025, operatives from the Arochukwu Divisional Headquarters recovered another double-barreled long gun in Amuvi Village, Arochukwu. Investigation into the discovery is currently underway.

Reacting to the developments, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to rid the state of all forms of criminality. He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by promptly reporting individuals with gunshot wounds or suspicious behaviour.

He also emphasized the importance of public support, reminding citizens of the Command’s emergency contact lines for swift response:

The 2025 edition of the Abia State Governor’s Secondary Schools Unity Games has officially commenced at the Umuahia Township Stadium, with more than 1,000 student-athletes from public and private secondary schools across the 17 local government areas of the state participating, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6vQakFtdL0

The week-long sporting festival is being organized by the Abia State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, in collaboration with the Abia State Government, under the theme: “Celebrate the Power of Diversity, Beauty of Culture, and Unstoppable Drive of True Champions.”

Flagging off the event on behalf of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Njaba, emphasized the administration’s commitment to building future leaders through sports. He described the Unity Games as a strategic platform for not only nurturing sporting talents but also developing the youth physically, mentally, and spiritually.

“Sports today is a global industry. It’s not just for fun. Our goal is to produce champions who will represent Abia and Nigeria across the world,” he stated.

Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, expressed delight at the return of vibrant school sports in the state. He said that under the current administration, significant strides have been made in reviving grassroots sports through various initiatives such as a state-wide sports sensitization tour, introduction of two hours of compulsory physical education weekly, inter-house sports, and the Unity Games.

“Before Governor Otti came in, sports had nearly disappeared in schools. But today, Abia is back on the global sports map. Our students are winning medals and representing the country with pride,” Ananaba said.

He further revealed that Abia is set to host two major continental events: the 1st Abia Para Badminton International Championship and the All-African Para Badminton Championship, both scheduled for September 30 to October 12, 2025, in Umuahia. These will mark the first-ever Para Badminton tournaments in West Africa.

In his welcome address, Chief Cyril Nwaigwe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, appreciated Governor Otti for his unwavering support to sports and education. He highlighted key benefits of school sports including unity, discipline, health, and international opportunities. He also listed some of the administration’s broader achievements — including free and compulsory education, infrastructural upgrades, road rehabilitation, job creation, and anti-corruption reforms.

The Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, also lauded the Governor for making sports a top agenda and declared Abia as a rising sports tourism hub in Nigeria.

The grand opening featured a parade of participating schools, cultural displays by the Abia State Arts Council, and a war dance performance that thrilled the crowd. Students from all 17 LGAs proudly marched past, representing the spirit of unity and excellence that the games promote.

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, has expressed deep concern over the continued reliance of Nigerian leaders on foreign healthcare, describing it as a national embarrassment, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPA1uWZ5lQ0

He spoke in defense of his proposed bill, which seeks to bar public and civil servants from patronizing private schools and healthcare services, both in Nigeria and abroad.

Ogah, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, made the remarks during a live interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, referencing the recent death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose body was flown back to Nigeria after he died in a London hospital.

“You are aware that a few days ago, our former president was flown back as cargo,” Ogah said. “Is it not a shame that at each point in time, our big men travel abroad for medical services? Are we not ashamed of it?”

The lawmaker decried the persistent neglect of public hospitals and schools by those in power, insisting that such a trend must be reversed through bold legislative reforms and a renewed commitment to fixing the system from within.

Ogah is the sponsor of the Private Institutions and Healthcare Service Providers (Prohibition) Bill, 2025 (HB.2487), a legislative proposal aimed at compelling public officials and their families to utilize the same schools and healthcare facilities available to the general public. The bill has sparked national debate, drawing praise from transparency advocates and criticism from those concerned about its scope.

According to Ogah, the time has come for the political elite to restore public trust by subjecting themselves to the same institutions they are responsible for managing.

International security consultant and Interpol systems expert, Sir Chikwe Udensi, has signed a multi-billion-dollar agreement with Darkscope Intelligence Security, marking a groundbreaking step in the advancement of global security infrastructure.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnDvfGoq2ro

The deal, signed in Kensington, London, paves the way for the joint development and deployment of a cutting-edge digital security platform that will serve the 196 member countries of Interpol, as well as regional security networks such as Europol, Ameripol, and Afripol.

At the core of the agreement is the National Local Crime Index (NLCI), a digital criminal intelligence system developed by Sir Udensi. The platform has been hailed as revolutionary for its ability to track, identify, and share criminal data across borders in real-time, making it a powerful tool in the fight against transnational crime.

According to information gathered by ABN TV, the platform will facilitate seamless intelligence sharing between law enforcement agencies worldwide, eliminating data silos and enabling faster, more coordinated responses to criminal threats.

Darkscope Intelligence, headquartered in Belfast, operates globally with offices in Europe, Dubai, China, and the United States, bringing vast technological expertise to the partnership.

Speaking at the signing, Sir Chikwe Udensi said: “This partnership represents a major step toward building a unified global security network. The National Local Crime Index will empower nations with the tools they need to work together in the fight against crime, terrorism, and cyber threats.”

The deployment of the system will begin with pilot countries and expand globally in phases. Security analysts say the platform could significantly transform international law enforcement by enabling faster data access, improving investigative efficiency, and strengthening global cooperation.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed strong opposition to the creation of new states in Nigeria, citing economic concerns and the burden of a bloated bureaucracy.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJLAegaJyb8

During the zonal public hearing on constitutional amendment in Owerri, Governor Otti stated that while the call for new states is rooted in valid concerns about marginalization, it risks worsening the nation’s already strained finances and inefficient administrative structure.

“Unless we can find independent sources of funding for these new states, I don’t see how this will benefit the country,” Otti said. He instead advocated for inclusive governance models that empower all ethnic groups within existing states.

However, Governor Otti threw his weight behind the creation of state police, calling it a matter of “urgent national priority.” He stressed that the federal policing system has proven inadequate, leaving communities vulnerable. He urged that clear standards be set for recruitment, accountability, and cooperation with federal agencies.

The governor also gave his full endorsement for the creation of additional legislative seats for women in both the national and state assemblies. Nonetheless, he warned that this effort must be accompanied by reforms within political parties to prevent male dominance by proxy through the appointment of female representatives.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, has called on Nigerians, especially residents of Abia and Imo States, to take full ownership of the ongoing constitutional review process by demanding transparency, fairness, and accountability from public office holders.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX1SE97SrXM

Speaking on Saturday at the South-East Zonal Constitution Review Public Hearing held in Owerri, Imo State—the designated centre for Abia and Imo States—Kalu emphasized the critical role of public participation in shaping a constitution that reflects the hopes and values of all Nigerians.

“This is your Constitution. This is your moment. You are not just observers; you are stakeholders and co-authors of Nigeria’s next constitutional chapter,” the Deputy Speaker declared in a passionate appeal to participants at the event.

He urged citizens to freely share their ideas, memoranda, petitions, and aspirations, adding that the public hearings are designed to be a platform for collective national rebirth and reform. According to him, “Your robust contributions will ensure that the Constitution we produce is not just a legal document, but a social contract.”

The Owerri hearing is one of several zonal events taking place simultaneously across Southern Nigeria. A similar exercise had earlier been held in the northern region to garner nationwide input into the proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, noted that the process is ongoing and complex, stressing that final approval would involve harmonization with the Senate and ratification by State Houses of Assembly.

He said the Committee is currently reviewing 87 constitutional amendment bills. These include critical areas such as judicial independence, electoral reforms, gender inclusivity, fiscal federalism, devolution of powers, state policing, and local government autonomy.

Kalu also made reference to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on local government elections, which has further reinvigorated the drive for grassroots autonomy.

“In line with that landmark decision, our committee has convened summits, dialogues, and stakeholder engagements to ensure inclusive reform,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and unwavering support for the constitution reform initiative.

“Under his stewardship, Nigeria has embraced a reform-heavy agenda... President Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, his respect for the legislature’s constitutional role, and his bold strides in governance reform have created an enabling environment for this historic review,” Kalu stated.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to October 10, 2025, for ruling on the no-case submission filed by his legal team.

The adjournment, announced during Friday’s proceedings, was necessitated by the upcoming judicial vacation, which is set to begin in the coming days and will last through the legal break period, ABN TV reports.

Kanu’s defense had earlier filed a no-case submission, arguing that the Federal Government had failed to establish a prima facie case against him after closing its case last month. Both the defense and prosecution have submitted their written addresses in line with the court's directive.

The October 10 date is now set for the court to determine whether Kanu has a case to answer or whether the charges against him will be dismissed at this stage.

Kanu has been in detention since 2021 following his controversial rendition from Kenya. His trial continues to attract significant national and international attention, with growing calls for fairness, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has just arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja for the continuation of his trial, ABN TV reports.


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

Kanu’s arrival this morning, Friday, July 18, 2025, comes amid tight security and limited courtroom access, as proceedings resume under the watch of presiding judge, Hon. Justice James K. Omotosho.

Earlier, ABN TV reported that the court had approved only ten individuals from the defendant’s side to be present in the courtroom for today’s session. The approved list includes eight lawyers—among them several Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs)—as well as two close associates: Hon. Obi Aguocha and Prince Emmanuel Kanu.

The restriction has been criticized by observers who argue it undermines public transparency in such a high-profile trial.

Today’s hearing is expected to focus on the no-case submission filed by Kanu’s legal team, following the Federal Government’s formal closure of its case during the last sitting.

The National Chairman and Founder of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Comrade Emmanuel Bishop Amakiri, has declared that the party’s primary election process remains one of the most transparent and credible in Nigeria’s democratic space.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P28rx0TDVUM

Speaking during an exclusive interview on ABN TV’s Political Perspective, Comrade Amakiri hailed the Option A4 system adopted by YPP for internal elections, saying it eliminates rigging and promotes open democracy within the party.

“You can’t rig Option A4,” Amakiri said confidently. “Everyone sees who you’re voting for. It’s the fairest and most transparent system.”

Option A4, a method where party members line up behind their preferred aspirants in the open, gained popularity during the 1993 elections in Nigeria and has been praised for reducing manipulation and fostering accountability.

Amakiri emphasized that the YPP’s adoption of Option A4 underscores the party’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and grassroots participation in the democratic process.

“We’re building a political culture that puts power back in the hands of the people,” he added. “This is what differentiates us from the traditional political parties. There’s no imposition or backroom manipulation in YPP.”

The YPP Chairman stated that the party’s upcoming Anambra by-election primary, slated for July 19, will also follow the Option A4 model. He, however, noted that the date may shift slightly to July 21, which is the final day allowed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Amakiri expressed confidence that the YPP will field its best candidate for the election and retain its seat in Anambra State.

“We are prepared for every outcome, and our confidence comes from our clean internal process,” he said.

The trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), resumed today, Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with strict attendance restrictions in place, ABN TV reports.

Justice James K. Omotosho, who is presiding over the case, approved a list of only ten individuals from the side of defendant who are permitted to be present in the courtroom.

The list, obtained by ABN TV, includes eight senior lawyers and two close associates of Nnamdi Kanu. The approved legal team features several Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), including Kanu G. Agabi, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba, Mela Audu Nunghe, Dr. Joseph Akubo, Uchenna Njoku, and Aloy Ejimakor.

Also cleared to attend are Hon. Obi Aguocha, a member of the House of Representatives, and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother to the IPOB leader.

The court session, slated to begin at 9:00 a.m., follows the previous hearing where the Federal Government closed its case, and the defense was directed to file its written address on a no-case submission within 14 days.

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers launched a deadly assault on Saturday morning in Nunya, a community in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, killing a soldier and a driver working with a Chinese construction company.

According to credible information gathered exclusively by ABN TV, the incident occurred around 8:21am on July 12, 2025. The attackers, numbering about six, reportedly arrived at the site on three motorcycles, wearing military camouflage and armed with assault rifles.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen stormed a construction site operated by a Chinese engineering firm, opened fire on the workers, and killed one of the drivers. A soldier providing security at the site was also shot dead, with his rifle allegedly taken by the attackers before they fled.

Investigative findings by ABN TV indicate the assailants may have crossed over from a neighboring state and are believed to be part of a notorious kidnapping gang. Sources also alleged that the attack was led by a suspected criminal with military training who is currently on the run.

Security operatives responded swiftly, conducting a coordinated operation in the area. The remains of the deceased driver were evacuated and deposited at the Hospital. Some spent AK-47 ammunition shells were reportedly recovered at the scene.

Following a tip-off, a suspect believed to have links to the attack was arrested at a hideout in Umuahia North Local Government Area. He is currently being detained and undergoing interrogation, while efforts to apprehend other fleeing suspects continue.

The National Chairman and Founder of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Comrade Emmanuel Bishop Amakiri, has taken a swipe at former Abia State deputy governorship candidate, Dr. Chima Desmond Anyaso, following his defection from the party, declaring that his exit poses no threat to the party’s structure or relevance.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P28rx0TDVUM

Speaking to ABN TV exclusively in Abuja, Comrade Amakiri said Anyaso’s departure is not something that should cause concern within the party, as he failed to deliver any electoral victory during his time with the YPP, including in his own Bende Constituency.

“He didn’t win any election for the YPP, not even in his own Bende Constituency,” Amakiri stated. “So his exit is not a big deal. If someone like Nana, who helped us win two House of Assembly seats, were leaving, then we might be worried. But not in this case.”

The YPP leader noted that while defections are a normal part of democracy, only those who contributed meaningfully to the party’s success can be considered losses. He said YPP remains firmly grounded in Abia State, holding two local government chairmanship seats and several councillorship positions—none of which, he emphasized, came through Anyaso or other recent defectors.

“In a democracy, people have the right to switch parties. But when those leaving have no electoral value or tangible contribution, it doesn’t shake us,” Amakiri added.

He accused some politicians of constantly jumping from one party to another in pursuit of personal ambition rather than genuine service.

The Abia State Police Command has recorded major achievements in its ongoing fight against crime, with the arrest of 230 suspects, including 15 females, and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, ABN TV reports.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32xPA6WNOZM
Speaking at a press briefing at the State Command Headquarters in Umuahia on Friday, 4th July 2025, the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, said the arrests were the result of the Command’s intensified strategic operations aimed at combating crime and ensuring public safety.

“Our operational procedures remain ongoing, and they continue to yield impressive results. The Command is not resting on its oars in the fight against crime and criminality,” CP Isa stated.

The suspects were arrested for various offenses, including armed robbery, child trafficking, kidnapping, child theft, and malicious damage. Among the items recovered were:

15 locally-made shotguns

4 AK-47 rifles

2 Ruga foreign military rifles

1 LA rifle

1 long-range gun

1 locally-fabricated Beretta pistol

1 pump-action gun

1 English-Chinese Scorpion pistol

347 rounds of ammunition of varying calibers

“These efforts are in line with our mandate to keep Abia State free from criminals,” the CP added.

Highlighting specific cases, CP Isa confirmed the arrest of a suspect involved in the murder of a Chinese national and a police officer in Uturu. The suspect is currently assisting the police in locating others involved in the crime.

In another major operation, police arrested three suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of a woman in Umugu, Ugwunagbo (Ukwa West LGA). Although a ransom of ₦8 million was paid for her release, police tracked and apprehended the suspects using technical intelligence.

CP Isa also provided updates on the recent abduction of five individuals in Uturu, disclosing that some of the victims have been released and investigations indicate they were taken to Okigwe in Imo State. The Abia Command is now collaborating with the Imo State Police to bring the culprits to justice.

On the shooting of a commercial motorcycle rider in Uturu, the Commissioner identified it as a cult-related incident and assured that arrests will soon follow.

The Police Commissioner commended Governor Alex Otti for his continued support of security efforts, noting that the donation of two new Hilux vans by the Governor has helped in the deployment of tactical teams across the state.

“The logistical support from His Excellency has been invaluable and will further enhance our operational capabilities,” he said.

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, has stirred political debate following his recent comments on the direction of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election and potential realignments among opposition figures.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGN12fp5o5E

In a trending video clip, Datti Baba-Ahmed said the natural and just expectation for the 2027 presidential contest is for the presidency to rotate to the South.

"In 2027, the default position of thinking is that the presidency should be from the South," he said, aligning with the principle of zoning and equity that has shaped Nigeria’s political structure for years.

He raised concerns about the implications of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar possibly running under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that has been widely speculated.

"So if Atiku takes the ADC ticket, how will Amaechi and Peter Obi react?" Datti queried, referencing two prominent Southern political figures—former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

Datti, who ran alongside Peter Obi in 2023, clearly stated his opposition to Obi accepting a vice-presidential position in any future coalition.

"I think Peter Obi shouldn’t be a VP," he asserted.

His statement is being interpreted as a warning to opposition forces against undermining the South’s right to produce the next president and as an endorsement of Obi’s political standing as a frontline presidential contender, not a subordinate.

As the 2027 election draws nearer, talks of political mergers and strategic alliances are intensifying. Datti’s remarks are seen as a signal that the Labour Party is positioning itself to lead, rather than follow, in any future coalition.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s fiscal discipline, stressing that his government will only consider borrowing funds when it is necessary for investment purposes, not for consumption, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2B95PQP9TU

Speaking during a welcome dinner held in honour of the Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council in Umuahia on Tuesday, Governor Otti dispelled claims by opposition critics that the state has been borrowing to fund operations. He referenced the latest Debt Management Office (DMO) report, which ranks Abia as the leading state in debt reduction—cutting its debt profile by a remarkable 57.20% between March 2024 and March 2025.

“There is nothing wrong with criticizing the Government, but you must criticize with facts,” Otti said. “Some say we are borrowing — they are lying. Abia State has not borrowed in the last two years and one month.”

He, however, noted that while the state has not borrowed yet, it would consider borrowing strictly for regenerative capital projects that will yield long-term benefits for Abians.

The Nigerian Senate has taken a major step toward embracing clean energy and sustainable transportation as it passed the first reading of the Electric Vehicle Transition and Green Mobility Bill, 2025, sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The proposed legislation is aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework for Nigeria’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs), with a strong focus on local manufacturing, job creation, and environmental sustainability.

Speaking on the Bill, Senator Kalu said the objective is to position Nigeria as a regional leader in clean energy transportation while strengthening industrial capacity and innovation. “This Bill is not just about reducing carbon emissions; it’s about driving local innovation, creating thousands of jobs, and ensuring Nigeria plays a leading role in global green mobility,” he stated.

Highlights of the Bill include the development of a nationwide network of EV charging stations, government incentives to encourage EV adoption by individuals and businesses, and the integration of renewable energy into the country’s transport systems.

The Bill also sets ambitious targets to:

Promote local manufacturing of electric vehicles

Create employment across the EV value chain

Establish Nigeria as a hub for clean transportation in West Africa

Reduce dependency on fossil fuels and improve environmental health

One of the key provisions of the Bill is a strict local content requirement for foreign automakers. It mandates that no foreign company may import, sell, or distribute EVs in Nigeria without partnering with a licensed Nigerian assembler. Additionally, automakers must establish local assembly plants within three years of operation and achieve at least 30% local sourcing of components by 2030.

Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has shared some of the challenges he faced at the inception of his administration in 1999, citing extremely limited financial resources, ABN TV reports.

In an exclusive interview, Kalu revealed that the first federal allocation to the state under his leadership was only N68 million, a sum he described as “barely enough to run a ministry, let alone a state.”

Despite the fiscal constraints, he said he remained undeterred in his commitment to the people of Abia. “I didn’t govern from a distance,” he noted. “I often traveled late at night between Igbere and Umuahia to ensure that I was hands-on with the affairs of the state.”

Kalu said it was that spirit of dedication and physical presence that earned him the trust of the people and allowed him to execute meaningful projects in the face of limited funds.

The lingering misunderstanding between the Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Smart Iheoma, and the Chairman of the Abia State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chidi Asonye, has been peacefully resolved, ABN TV can authoritatively report, following a peace meeting where both leaders agreed to put aside their differences and work together in the interest of Abia’s development.

This development followed a meeting between both parties aimed at fostering mutual respect and strengthening collaboration between the local government administration and the media for the benefit of Abia State.

Announcing the resolution of the dispute,

The reconciliation comes after days of tension arising from conflicting reports over a sanitation day event in Umuahia. Both leaders reportedly agreed that unity and cooperation are essential in promoting good governance and supporting the state’s development agenda.