₦airaland Forum

Tragedy struck on Wednesday, May 29, 2025, when five young men drowned in the Aza River while traveling to a wake-keeping ceremony in Umunkanma Village, Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwNm9gC2XSQ


The victims, who were reportedly crossing the river by canoe from Epomiri Village, Ovom Ama Asaa in Obingwa LGA, lost their lives in the accident that has left both Obingwa and Ugwunagbo communities in mourning.

The deceased include two young men from Umuejea Village, two from Okuenyi Village in Ward 10, and one from Akpaa Mbato in Ward 8 of Obingwa LGA. They were said to be on their way to pay their last respects at a traditional wake when the canoe capsized mid-crossing.

The tragic incident has sparked an outpouring of grief and renewed concerns over the safety of river transportation in rural communities. Locals have called for urgent government intervention to provide safer means of crossing rivers, especially in areas where canoes remain the primary mode of transport.

As the communities mourn the loss of these vibrant youths, efforts continue to support the grieving families and ensure proper burial rites are carried out.

Renowned economist and former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, has applauded the sweeping transformation unfolding in Abia State under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, describing it as globally recognized and deeply impactful.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkqDG0TD1vM

Delivering the keynote address at the state’s 2nd Anniversary Lecture themed "Two Years of Transformation: Sustaining the Momentum" at the JAAC Building in Umuahia, Dr. Kalu commended the Governor's vision, asserting that Abia has become a model of development worthy of emulation across Nigeria and beyond.

"From different corners of the world, the buzz is that something unique and commendable is happening in Abia," Dr. Kalu said. "This is not by accident but a result of a purposeful leadership style that puts the people first."

He praised Governor Otti's inclusive and reform-driven administration, noting that the transformation is visible in roads, healthcare, education, and governance. He also gave special recognition to the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, acknowledging her supportive role in the administration’s success.

Dr. Kalu added that the synergy between Governor Otti and his team reflects a new political culture of results-oriented governance, one that encourages national pride and grassroots participation.

The cross-examination of the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu concluded today after an intense courtroom session that lasted several hours.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwUHZ3FajgI

Kanu, who testified in his own defense, maintained that his detention by the DSS was not supported by any court order and insisted that his rights had been grossly violated.

“No court approved my detention,” he responded when asked by the prosecutor. Kanu further stated that at no point during his detention was he asked to provide the contact details of his lawyers, contradicting claims by the prosecution.

After the argument, Justice James Omotosho asked Awomolo and Agabi to prepare their written addresses and file the same tomorrow, May 29, for their adoption by 12 noon on Friday and for ruling to be delivered by 2:00 pm, on whether to admit the statement or not.

Police in Abia State have rescued 12 children and arrested a couple suspected of operating an illegal orphanage involved in child trafficking, ABN TV reports.

On May 19, 2025, at approximately 11:45 a.m., detectives from the Abia State Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended Blessing Emebo (49) and Sunday Emebo (42) at their apartment on Ikot Ekpene Road in Aba. The suspects were found to be running an unregistered motherless babies’ home and were in possession of 12 children ranging in age from two months to 14 years.

The rescued children, hailing from various villages in Arochukwu, include:

Ojiugo Caleb (14)

Christian Okoro (12)

Samuel Okoro (13)

Clinton Nkemakolam (9)

Godwin Emmanuel (10)

Osinachi Nkemakolam (6)

Marvelous Emmanuel (5)

David Emmanuel (7)

Testimony Emebo (2 months)

Ogechi Nkemakolam (9)

Chinaza Okoro (9)

Anointing Okoro (7)

The children have since been handed over to the custody of the Ministry of Women Affairs, while investigations into the illegal operation are ongoing. The suspects are currently under interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Umuahia and are expected to be formally arraigned once the investigation concludes.

Police officials reiterated their commitment to combating crime and urged the public to maintain vigilance regarding the safety of children.

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has declared that he is not desperate to become Nigeria’s President, but rather desperate to see the country work effectively for the benefit of its citizens, ABN TV reports.

Obi made this known on Saturday during a special Anniversary Sabbath service held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Umuahia, Abia State, to commemorate two years of Governor Alex Otti's administration.

The former Anambra State Governor emphasized the challenges of leading a country like Nigeria, especially for leaders committed to doing what is right. He called on the people of Abia to pray for Governor Otti and members of his cabinet, stressing the importance of divine guidance in leadership.

“It is difficult to govern Nigeria or any of its states, especially when you are determined to do the right thing,” Obi stated. “When I say to people I am not desperate to be President, I am desperate to see Nigeria work.”

He urged Nigerians to consistently pray for their leaders, encouraging those in positions of authority to use public funds judiciously and for the collective good.

Obi commended Governor Otti for what he described as “two years with a difference,” noting that real change in governance does not necessarily require long tenures.

“People always say they need eight years, ten years, or even twenty years to make an impact. But I have always said that one day can make a difference. What is happening in Abia today, we want to see it happen everywhere in Nigeria,” he remarked.

In his response, Governor Alex Otti attributed the progress made by his administration in the past two years to divine guidance and strength from God. He expressed gratitude to Peter Obi for his consistent support, and also appreciated the Abia State legislature, judiciary, and members of the Church for their prayers and encouragement.

The trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), resumed today at the Federal High Court, Abuja, with dramatic courtroom developments that left both legal teams and observers on edge. The presiding judge, visibly dissatisfied with the Federal Government's slow pace in presenting witnesses, issued a stern ultimatum, threatening to close the prosecution’s case if delays persist.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5XnLU_ReJU

After cross-examining the second prosecution witness, who offered vague and contradictory answers—including repeated claims of “I don’t know”—the court discharged him. The prosecution, however, failed to present a prepared third witness, prompting the court to adjourn the case to May 28, 29, and subsequently June 6, 16, 18, and 19, 2025.

Highlighting the prolonged nature of the trial, the judge emphasized the need for accelerated hearings and gave the prosecution a clear directive: “Pick six days within two weeks and present all your witnesses. If you fail to do so, I will strike out your case as weak.”

In one of the most pointed moments of the day, the judge urged the prosecution to cut down their lengthy list of witnesses, warning, “We cannot continue like this. Reduce your witnesses so this matter can end soon.”

The courtroom also witnessed the playing of multiple video clips submitted by the defense. One such video featured Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who had earlier accused IPOB of killings in Orlu but was now seen suggesting the violence was politically motivated. Another showed prominent figures, including DSS Director Oluwatosin Ajayi and Gen. T.Y. Danjuma, calling on citizens to defend themselves—a statement the witness declined to interpret, stating it wasn’t his job.

The defense, led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN, continued to challenge the credibility of the witness, questioning the lack of investigation reports, lack of direct evidence tying Kanu to any violence, and inconsistencies in the DSS’s claims. The witness admitted that he never investigated IPOB members individually, nor did he possess any conclusive evidence of criminal acts instigated by Kanu.

Further courtroom exchanges raised serious questions about the strength of the prosecution’s case, with the witness unable to identify individuals in the video clips or confirm details about IPOB's alleged actions. He also admitted to not replying directly to the Attorney General of the Federation’s letter and failing to provide investigation documents.

The defense’s legal team featured a robust line-up, including Paul Erokoro SAN, Alloy Ejimakor, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and others, while the Federal Government was represented by Awomolo SAN and his team.

As the courtroom drama intensifies and the trial drags into its tenth year, many Nigerians and international observers continue to question the handling of the case. The presiding judge’s comments today signal a turning point, as the court inches toward either a definitive judgment—or dismissal.

Governor Of Abia State, Dr.Alex Otti has stated that the previous administration under Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu spent more money on the Port Harcourt Road project without delivering results than his government did to successfully reconstruct and complete the road, ABN TV reports.

Speaking during a Thanksgiving event tagged ‘Promise Kept Carnival’ organized by the Aba community at Umuagbai Secondary School along Port Harcourt Road, Governor Otti emphasized the contrast between both administrations in terms of fiscal responsibility and performance.

“In 2017, they awarded this Port Harcourt Road project for N9.8 billion, and the entire amount was paid. But the road was not done,” Otti said. “Fast forward to 2025, the project cost N36.5 billion, and suddenly, they began making noise.”

He explained that a closer look at the figures based on prevailing exchange rates exposes the truth. “The average exchange rate in 2017 was N333 to a dollar, meaning that N9.8 billion was equivalent to USD29 million. In 2025, with an exchange rate of N1,600, N36.5 billion is about USD22.8 million.”

The Governor asked a rhetorical question to drive home his point: “USD29 million and USD22 million, which one is higher?” He concluded, “In 2017, USD29 million was spent and no road was done. In 2025, USD22 million was spent, and a standard road is delivered and ready for use.”

Governor Otti said his administration prefers to respond to critics with performance rather than words, stressing that the completed road stands as evidence of responsible governance and commitment to public infrastructure.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied involvement in the controversial 2021 arrest and repatriation of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from Kenya, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjXbHetLn3o

The agency insisted its operations are strictly limited to Nigeria’s borders.

This revelation came during the cross-examination of a prosecution witness, code-named Mr. BBB, who is an intelligence officer with the DSS. Under questioning by defence counsel Paul Erokoro, the witness stated that Nnamdi Kanu had told him personally that he was "kidnapped" from Kenya and brought to Nigeria. However, Mr. BBB maintained that the DSS lacks the jurisdiction to arrest individuals outside Nigerian territory.

"The DSS does not operate outside Nigeria. We cannot arrest anyone beyond the borders," the witness affirmed.

Mr. BBB also distanced the agency from allegations of political influence, noting that the DSS reports to the National Security Adviser and not the Attorney General or any minister.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, appeared today, May 8, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja as his trial resumed, with both defense and prosecution continuing arguments over his alleged involvement in terrorism-related offenses, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi34QCm4uQY

Kanu, who looked calm and well-composed in court, was surrounded by his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), with appearances by Aloy Ejimakor, Emeka Etiaba, and other prominent lawyers. The day’s proceedings featured cross-examination by the Department of State Services (DSS), playing of video evidence, and examination of documents related to his past broadcasts and activities.

In a powerful moment during the cross-examination, Kanu insisted that his return to Nigeria was not by choice but through force.

“I wasn’t arrested, I was kidnapped,” he told the court, referencing his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021.

The prosecution had presented videos and documents it claimed linked Kanu to inciting violence, destruction of public property, and the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN). However, Kanu maintained that ESN was set up solely for the protection of local communities from external threats.

“They are in the bush protecting our mothers when they go to farms,” he said. “I formed ESN to protect our people where the government failed.”

When asked about the attacks on public institutions, including INEC offices and the killing of political figures, Kanu denied any direct connection, reiterating IPOB’s philosophy of non-violence.

“The movement I lead is not violent,” he said. “In a democracy, people have the right to protest. I never ordered anyone to kill.”

Kanu also challenged the prosecution’s attempt to blame him for the death of Ahmed Gulak, questioning the evidence linking IPOB to the incident.

Justice Omotosho, who presided over the case, adjourned the trial to May 14, 21, and 22, 2025, for further cross-examination and continuation of witness testimonies.

Black smoke once again billowed from the Sistine Chapel's chimney on Thursday, signaling that the cardinals gathered in conclave have not yet decided who will become the next pope, ABN TV reports.


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

This marks the second consecutive day without a successful vote, as 133 cardinal electors continue their secret deliberations within the Vatican. The traditional black smoke, produced by burning the ballots, indicated to the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square that a new pope had not yet been chosen.

The faithful and curious continue to wait in anticipation as the world watches for the white smoke that will announce the election of a new spiritual leader for the Roman Catholic Church.