₦airaland Forum

By Our Correspondent

In recognition of his remarkable contributions to business, enterprise development, and community impact, Chief Chux Okeke (Okanume Nanka) has been officially nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 at the prestigious Eminent Man of the Year Awards & Fashion Show.

A seasoned entrepreneur with over 16 years of hands-on experience, Chief Okeke has built a dynamic and diversified business portfolio spanning automobile trading, winery and spirits, and real estate. His journey—from humble beginnings in Edo State to becoming a respected figure in Nigeria’s business landscape—reflects resilience, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to growth.

Speaking on his journey, Chief Okeke emphasizes the importance of adaptability in today’s economic climate:

“In Nigeria, you must be flexible. You can’t rely on one stream alone. Success comes from understanding opportunities and acting on them.”

Beyond business, Chief Okeke is a proud titleholder, honoured as Okanume of Nanka by his community—an acknowledgement of his character, integrity, and influence. His philosophy of life is rooted in honesty, moderation, and perseverance:

“You reap what you sow. Stay upright, avoid greed, and life will reward you.”

A strong advocate for collaboration, he believes partnerships remain the backbone of sustainable success:

“No business thrives alone. Integrity builds trust, and trust opens doors to greater opportunities.”

Chief Okeke also plays a vital role in the Elite Diamond Club of Nigeria, where he has served in various leadership capacities since its inception. The club, known for its unity and philanthropy, has impacted lives through charitable initiatives worth millions of naira, supporting orphanages, correctional facilities, and underserved communities.

Despite his global exposure and family ties abroad, Chief Okeke remains deeply committed to Nigeria’s future:

“There is no place like home. The challenges we face today will not define tomorrow. I believe strongly in Nigeria.”

As a devoted family man, he continues to guide his children with strong values, ensuring they remain connected to their roots while embracing global opportunities.

This nomination stands as a testament to his entrepreneurial excellence, leadership, and enduring impact. Chief Chux Okeke embodies the spirit of innovation and determination that the Eminent Man of the Year Awards celebrates.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The people of Ogbunike community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, and the entire state, have been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of veteran journalist, media consultant, and cultural custodian, Comrade Dr. Harris Udokama Chuma-Odili, fondly known as Ogene Ogbunike and “Eze Ọgbọnọ”.

According to eyewitnesses, the tragic incident occurred on Friday, August 23, 2025, shortly after Chuma-Odili, who was contending for the igweship position of his community, attended a public function hosted by his rival contender for the traditional stool of Ogbunike.

Reports indicate that he slumped backwards while attempting to spray money on women who had danced towards him in greeting. He was immediately rushed to the hospital and placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), but sadly lost the battle a few hours later.

This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that the shocking news of his passing came barely a day after he had posted a message of peace and unity on his social media handle, a move many now describe as both symbolic and prophetic. His demise has sparked off an outpouring of grief across Anambra’s social media space, where he was popularly celebrated as a fearless voice of truth.

In a brief statement issued by his family, the death of the respected media veteran and community leader was officially confirmed.

The statement read: “With deep sorrow but total submission to the will of the Almighty and our ancestors, we announce the transition of our illustrious son, father, brother, community leader, and custodian of culture, Eze Odinana Ogbunike, Dr. Harris Udokama Chuma-Odili (Ogene Ogbunike), Founder of Anambra Core Media Advocates, who joined his ancestors on 23rd August, 2025,” the family wrote.

“As we mourn this irreplaceable loss, we also celebrate his remarkable life of service, cultural stewardship, and commitment to truth, justice, and community upliftment. We humbly request your prayers, solidarity, and support. Further details regarding the traditional and funeral arrangements shall be communicated in due course.”

Chuma-Odili, who was also widely known as a peace advocate, fearless activist, and community mobilizer, leaves behind a legacy of cultural pride, media activism, and commitment to the Igbo heritage. His sudden death has been described by many as a great calamity for Ogbunike and Anambra State at large.

Watch the video below:
.
https://onyokomita.com/shock-in-anambra-as-veteran-journalist-chuma-odili-slumps-dies-after-attending-opponents-event/
.

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Awka


The Anglican Diocese of Awka has cleared the Archbishop, His Grace, The Most Revd Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD, of allegations of financial impropriety after an emergency Diocesan Board.

The Diocesan Board at its meeting dismissed claims of land-sale proceeds being diverted into the Archbishop's private account.

The Board, which met on Monday 18 August 2025 at the Awka Diocesan Retreat and Resource Centre, Okpuno, described the petition against the Archbishop as “false, baseless, and aimed at tarnishing the good image of the Church and the Archbishop.”

The petition, submitted by one Prince Bonti Echezona Onuigbo, had alleged that parcels of land worth more than ₦752 million were sold within the Diocese and the proceeds lodged into the Archbishop’s personal account.

Onuigbo, who reportedly engaged lawyer Chief Tagbo Ike, SAN, to pursue the matter, also accused the Archbishop of retrenching over 1,000 church workers.

However, the Board swiftly questioned the standing of the petitioner. Ven. Samuel Okonkwo, Archdeacon of St. Faith Cathedral, Awka, clarified under cross-examination that Prince Onuigbo is neither a registered member of the Cathedral nor a stakeholder in the Diocese.

“Internal matters of the Church must be raised by those who are truly part of its life and witness,” Ven. Okonkwo said.

Against Onuigbo’s claims that centred on alleged irregularities in the handling of Diocesan land, the Board emphasized that land sales were transparent. It reaffirmed that the sale of designated lands had long been guided by binding resolutions of the Diocese.

Prof. Emma Ezenwaji, President Diocesan Council of Knights, who first moved the motion in 2015 to classify certain diocesan properties as “Investment Property,” testified that the policy was formally adopted in 2017 and ratified in the Synopses of Awka Diocesan Synod of 2016 and 2018.

“The process was open, debated, and unanimously endorsed by Synod,” Prof. Ezenwaji explained, adding that it was never a personal decision of the Archbishop.”

Sir Arc. Okey Chukwuogor supported the testimony, insisting that all procedures were consistent with Synod resolutions. Clerical Synod Secretary, Ven. C. C. Mgbemena, also confirmed the same. A vote was then taken, with 64 members affirming they were present at the meetings where the investment policy was adopted.

The most decisive testimonies came from the Diocesan Treasurer, Prof. Clifford Nwanna, and Financial Secretary, Mrs. Lovelyn Umeh. Both categorically confirmed that “all proceeds from land sales were duly paid into the Diocesan account,” presenting financial records as proof.

Ven. Jason Onyeakagbusi, Secretary of the Land Committee, added that his Committee had “comprehensive records of all diocesan lands” dating back to the tenure of the late Archbishop M. S. C. Anikwenwa. He dismissed the petitioner’s claims of misappropriation as “false and mischievous.”

The Board also addressed allegations that Archbishop Ibezim had retrenched more than 1,000 staff, as Ven. B. K. Ofili, attested that the reverse was true.

“Under the Archbishop’s leadership, the Diocese has established new institutions that created jobs rather than eliminated them,” he said.

He cited Paul University, Awka, the Archbishop Alexander Ibezim College of Education, Nibo-Nise; Millennium College of Nursing Sciences, Awka, and Renaissance Modern Polytechnic, Mbaukwu, alongside several new secondary and primary schools.

Ven. Ofili added that the Archbishop had consistently encouraged clergy to pursue higher degrees. “Today, Awka Diocese has the highest number of PhD holders in the Church of Nigeria. This is not retrenchment; this is empowerment,” he said.

After hours of deliberation, the Board resolved unanimously that the petition was unfounded and politically motivated.

“The petition letter constitutes a false allegation aimed at tarnishing the good image of His Grace, The Most Revd Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD, and ridiculing the reputations of the Diocese and the Church of God,” the resolution read.

Members stressed that the Diocese would not allow unfounded claims to distract from its mission.

“The integrity of the Church remains intact. We stand firmly behind our Archbishop,” said a senior lay member after the meeting.

With the Board’s resolution, Archbishop Ibezim leaves the matter vindicated, as the Diocese of Awka reaffirms its unity and focus on evangelism, education, and service. Anglican Church via the Board passed a vote of confidence on the Archbishop.

By Our Correspondent

An Anglican Clergyman, Ven. Dr. Ifeanyi Umeh has described the former Registrar of Awka Anglican Diocese as treacherous and fraudulent.

Ven. Dr. Umeh was worried that someone who cheated the Church and deceived the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, is now playing the victim.

In a statement issued to newsmen, Ven. Dr. Umeh who was supervising the Diocesan land in Ngozika Estate, Awka, gave primary witness on illegal transactions of Barr. Chris Adimorah that paid him N20m at expense of two (2) plots of land belonging to the diocese.

His statement read: “God shall continue to deliver His Church from people who are treacherous.

“We are facing a case of betrayal of trust and deliberate efforts for someone that cheated the Church trying to use false and malicious conspiracies against the Archbishop and the church as cover up.

“Because our Archbishop discovered that Barr. Sir Chris Adimora, former Registrar Diocese of Awka collected N20 million from some people who paid supposed Diocesan money into his personal account and he gave the people two (2) plots of Diocesan land in falsehood exchange. This crime was committed within 2023 and 2024, unknown to the Archbishop and the Diocese.

“Because the Archbishop insisted on the right things to be done and recovered the loss of the Diocesan land from the Registrar in 2025, Adimora went overboard to discredit a man he has worked closely with for several years simply because of filthy lucre.

“Through the efforts of the Archbishop in March 2025, the people officially paid the diocese the correct value for the two plots which were previously cleverly diverted by Adimora for N20m. Thereafter Barr. Adimorah became an instant enemy of the system he defended. Does it mean evil should be condoned?

“Therefore, people are falsely accusing the Church and the leaders of the church for refusing to cover their sins.

“Faceless people are raising malicious conspiracies, and accusations against the Archbishop and the Church, but the church is wiser.

“These flying accusations are false and a cover up scheme. There was never any land sold by Diocese of Awka without the approval of Diocesan Board. All payments for lands were made into the Accounts of Diocese of Awka.

“There was never any payment made into private account of the Archbishop or any other person, except the illegal collection of N20m by Bar. Chris Adimorah, paid into his personal accounts in March and April, 2024. The accusations and accusers shall not stand because they are based on lies, falsehood and empty blackmail. The truth shall surely stand tall through time and season.

“The Archbishop is clean and has fought to secure the properties of the church and to enlarge the Diocese on every side. The Church shall continue to march forward, and the gates of hell shall not stand against it.”

By Izunna Okafor, Awka


No fewer than 5,000 residents of Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State have benefitted from a two-day community medical outreach organized by 24Telemed, in collaboration with the Oweno Foundation.

The outreach, which took place across 16 communities within the LGA, not only provided residents with free medical tests and consultation but also marked another milestone in the digital healthcare space, with the successful deployment of four new telemedicine hubs powered by solar technology.

Reports have it that before the commencement of the outreach, the medical team comprising doctors, nurses, and volunteers had paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Galadima Ndaji, Hakima Sumaila, Hajiya Amino Abdulahi Nasidi, who heartily received them and lauded the initiative as a timely and much-needed intervention for the communities. The community leader also expressed gratitude to the organizers for prioritizing the health and wellbeing of the people, many of whom, it was gathered, go about their daily activities unaware of their health status.

The outreach featured over 15 categories of free health screenings, including blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, eye checks, temperature monitoring, prostate assessments, and general health consultations. Ailing residents were also attended to by medical professionals who prescribed medications and referred serious cases to nearby hospitals for further treatment.

In furtherance of their mission to decentralize access to quality healthcare, the team from 24Telemed established four fully functional telemedicine hubs within the communities and immediately installed solar-powered street lights to illuminate the newly-established health points. The deployment follows a similar feat recorded by the organization last month, when two other hubs were set up in Gabasawa Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking on the significance and success of the outreach, the Co-founder of 24Telemed, Dr. Marriete Obianozie-Amadi, described the mission as a groundbreaking achievement in the journey toward accessible and equitable healthcare. She noted that the initiative had not only surpassed its original targets but had also made a significant impact on underserved populations who previously faced limitations in accessing medical care.

According to her, the team's unwavering dedication and willingness to embrace technological innovations were the driving forces behind the success of the outreach.

“The success of the recent community outreach and telemedicine deployment is something to be celebrated. This initiative aimed to expand access to quality care and improve patient outcomes, and the goals were exceeded.

“Underserved populations who faced barriers to in-person care were reached, providing convenient and timely access to medical professionals. The dedication and hard work of the team were directly responsible for this achievement,” she said.

A highpoint of the mission was the symbolic health check of the traditional ruler, Galadima Ndaji, and the demonstration of the telemedicine setup before members of the community.

24Telemed, a fast-rising player in Nigeria’s digital healthcare space, has continued to expand its footprint across states and local government areas, offering virtual access to healthcare professionals and services, and driving community health impact to the last mile, especially in remote communities with limited physical health infrastructure.

By Izunna Okafor, Awka


High Chief Dr. Sir Darlington Nwabunike (KSC) is a name that is identifiable with excellence, vision, and impact. A distinguished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community builder, he hails from Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. His life’s journey is one that showcases resilience, brilliance, and commitment to the service of humanity.

Dr. Nwabunike’s educational foundation is as formidable as his career. He attended Modebe Memorial Primary School, Onitsha, and later moved to Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, for his secondary education.

His quest for academic excellence saw him earn a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Marketing from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu. He further pursued a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, before obtaining a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Hardin-Simmons University, Texas, USA.

In addition to his academic achievements, he has earned numerous professional certifications and fellowships, including a Professional Fellowship Doctorate from the Institute of Corporate and Public Administrators of Nigeria and a Professional Fellowship Diploma from the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management of Nigeria.

As an accomplished entrepreneur and business mogul, Dr. Nwabunike’s impact in the corporate world is undeniable. In 2004, he founded Saint Buniks Consultancy Ltd, a firm that grew into the Saint Buniks Group, a conglomerate with diverse subsidiaries spanning various industries.

His business empire includes Felbun Properties Ltd, Seven Saints Trading Ltd, Cruising BDC Ltd, Felbun Farms, BunFel Construction & Properties Ltd, and Triple Saints Oil & Gas Ltd—companies strategically positioned in critical sectors such as business consulting, oil and gas, real estate, forex trading, importation, and general commerce. Through these ventures, he has not only contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth but also provided employment opportunities for countless individuals.

Beyond business, Dr. Nwabunike is a man of boundless generosity and an icon of hope to the less privileged. His philanthropic efforts are legendary, especially through his Eze Nwakaibeya Ojoto Foundation, which has touched and transformed numerous lives across South-Eastern Nigeria. His commitment to widow empowerment, educational sponsorships, and humanitarian support is unmatched. Hundreds of individuals, including orphans and indigent students, have benefited from his scholarships and empowerment programs.

Currently serving as the Pioneer President of De Imperial Philanthropic Family, Dr. Nwabunike is actively driving initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, tackling the high infant mortality rate, addressing the alarming surge in out-of-school children, and combating the failing healthcare system in South-Eastern Nigeria.

Under his leadership, the organization has provided scholarships to 750 indigent students from Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Abia States, with a clear vision to enroll 1,000 students in universities over the next six years and provide employment opportunities upon graduation. His ultimate goal is to train and empower one million indigent individuals of South-Eastern origin within the next decade, thereby eliminating poverty and ensuring a sustainable future for the region.

A true community builder, High Chief Dr. Sir Darlington Nwabunike is actively involved in numerous elite organizations dedicated to social development and humanitarian causes. He is a prominent member of several distinguished groups, including the Ambassadors International Council of Chiefs, Peoples Club of Nigeria, Ojoto United Brothers Club, Dynamic Brothers Club of Ojoto, All for One Friends Club of Nigeria, Prayer Estate Sports Club, Platinum Fitness Club of Nigeria, and Club F22 of Nigeria, among others. Through these platforms, he has continued to champion the cause of unity, economic empowerment, and community upliftment.

In recognition of his exceptional leadership, relentless philanthropy, and commitment to the growth and development of Ojoto and Anambra State at large, the revered HRM Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu (Eze Oranyelu I, Eze Ojoto III) and his Royal Council conferred upon him the prestigious title of “Ichie Eze Nwakaibeya Ogbabalu Aku n’Anwu Ojoto” on January 2, 2021. This traditional honor stands as an evidence of the great respect and admiration he commands in his community, given his personality, good works, and impacts.

A man of remarkable achievements and deep-rooted values, Dr. Nwabunike’s legacy continues to inspire generations. He has seamlessly blended entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and community service, ensuring that his impact extends far beyond the boardroom. His life’s work is a reflection of his passion for excellence, a heart for service, and an unshakable commitment to making the world a better place.

He is happily married with children, and his family stands as a strong pillar of support, complementing his vision of service to humanity.

By Chinedu Chukwulozie

Speculations have always abounded that a great percentage of traffic crashes in Nigeria go unreported or unpublished, mainly due to the absence of official reports from traffic authorities, for reasons best known to them.

This scenario appears to be unfolding in Anambra State, where the Acting Sector Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), RC Margaret Onobe, unannouncedly expelled a journalist from a media forum for exposing an unreported fatal crash that recently claimed lives and injured many in the state.

According to the Anambra-based journalist Izunna Okafor, his removal from the FRSC Anambra Media Forum occurred late Friday night, just a few hours after he published a report on the fatal early-morning auto crash which occured in Awka, the capital city of the state. The report, which he also shared in the Forum and other media platforms, is attached below:
_________

Two Transporters Killed in Anambra Auto Crash

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

An early morning auto crash has claimed the lives of two transport workers in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 6 AM on Friday at the Anambra Comfort Line loading bay along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, killing two and injuring some others.

Reports further have it that the victims—a driver and a loader—were preparing a Toyota Sienna for a trip to Lagos when a Lexus RX 350 lost control and crashed into the stationary vehicle.

Eyewitnesses said the Lexus, driven by a young man with a female passenger suspected to be his girlfriend, was speeding before the collision. While the two transport workers died on the spot, the driver and his companion, however, came out unhurt.

Although the Lexus driver attributed the accident to brake failure, some witnesses suspected distraction, fatigue, or intoxication.

The argument that followed heightened tensions at the scene, as colleagues and relatives of the deceased tried to confront the driver, accusing him of reckless driving. However, park authorities and law enforcement agencies intervened to prevent violence, eventually taking the driver and his passenger into custody, while the officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state also cleared the scene.

As at the time of filing this report, the Federal Road Safety Corps was yet to issue any official statement regarding the crash.


_________

However, according to the journalist, shortly after he published the report and shared it in the FRSC Anambra Media Forum and other media groups, the FRSC Acting Spokesperson in the state, RC Onobe, deleted the post and also expelled him from the WhatsApp group. He said the Forum, which serves as a platform for the State FRSC and journalists to interact and exchange information, has Onobe as its sole administrator.

Okafor further revealed that his attempts to reach the FRSC Spokesperson to understand the reason for her action were unsuccessful, as she neither answered nor returned his call.

He also disclosed that the following day, he contacted the State Sector Commander of FRSC in Anambra, CC Joyce Alexander, who exonerated him of any wrongdoing and assured him that she would instruct the Spokesperson to reinstate him in the group. He said the Sector Commander, who also confirmed the accident and the authenticity of news report, though, blamed him for not contacting the FRSC before publishing the news.

Despite this discussion, Okafor, however, noted that, hours after, he was yet to be re-added to the group as expected.

More so, it was gathered that 24 hours after the crash, the FRSC still had not issued any official report on the incident—raising questions about whether there was a hidden motive behind both the action and inaction of the FRSC Anambra regarding the fatal crash, its media coverage, and the accompanying reactions of the Acting Spokesperson.

By Our Correspondent


Isuaniocha community is one of the fastest developing towns in the Awka Capital Territory of Anambra State.

The town, which over the years, has been known for its sustainable peaceful atmosphere, hospitality and conviviality has been regrettably turned into a theatre of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, other heinous crimes, as well as a hideout for all manners of criminals, by some individuals in the area.

To this end stakeholders in the Nigerian Criminal Justice System and the International Community have been urged to set up a Judicial Panel of Enquiry and ensure security of lives and property in the community.

Two concerned indigenes of the community, Hon. Richard Okoye and Mr. Frederick Egwunwa, made the passionate appeal in Awka while narrating to newsmen the ordeals passed through by a former President-General of the Community, Chief Tony Onyeagolu, over the lingering crisis in the area.

According to them, there is the urgent need for the Nigerian government, through its judicial system, to save the people from further attacks, abuse, and the insecurity bedeviling the once-peaceful community.

They narrated that the entire crisis started after the former President General was elected and sworn-in on May 4, 2017, and when he vehemently resisted the moves by some persons to partition and share the undeveloped part of the Isuaniocha Community Secondary School land.

Hon. Okoye and Mr. Egwunwa claimed that, as a result of the resistance by the former PG, one of the persons, a former Chairman of the Awka North Local Government Area and his cohorts, allegedly recruited thugs and started causing mayhem in the community.

According to the concerened citizens, the suspects, in a commando style and in their persistent gruesome killings of innocent citizens of Isuanaocha, had on different occasions (between 2017 and 2022) destroyed a family house valued at over N200,000,000 (two hundred million naira) situated and lying at Otoko Village Isuaniocha, and which belonged to Chief Onyeagolu.

Continuing, they said the people also destroyed a magnificent storey building, with its appurtenances valued above N1,000,000,000.00 (one billion naira), belonging to one Mr. Festus Onyeagolu, the elder brother to the former PG. They said the hoodlums also stole some household property therein.

The two stakeholders further narrated that, as a result of the criminal activities of the few persons, a petition was lodged to the IGP for a discreet investigation.

“The Inspector General of Police, after investigation into the ongoing Isuaniocha crisis, found some persons liable, charged them to court; and in an official gazette, declared the fleeing accused persons wanted. And, through the AIG of Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, permanently stationed armed policemen at Isuaniocha, in a bid to maintain lasting peace in the community,” they narrated.

Providing further fact, the duo alleged that the product of the investigation gave rise to Charge No: FHC/AWK/C/55/2022 - FRN vs. FRIDAY OKEKE JOHN & ORS, and FHC/AWK/C/392C/2023 - FRN vs. ONYEBUCHI OKOYE & 9 ORS pending before the Federal High Court Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

They, however, noted that, in order to frustrate the prosecution of the suspects standing trial in the said charges and to prevent the arrest and prosecution of the fleeing suspects already declared wanted by the Nigerian Police Force, the suspects and their sponsors allegedly procured the officers of the DSS Anambra State Command and some police officers attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) and Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Awkuzu (formerly known as SARS Awkuzu), to be kidnapping and maiming all the witnesses that will testify in the said charges against the suspects.

They also alleged that the OC RRS Awkuzu, CSP Ifeanyi Iburu deployed ASP Johnson and other RRS officers in company of some of the men on the wanted list by the Police and the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation for prosecution.

They regretted that the gullible officers have turned themselves into personal security of the notorious criminals on the Police wanted list.

According to them, on one occasion, the officers of the DSS had a clash with of the officers of the Nigeria Police Force Stationed at the community by the IGP, when the DSS prevented them from arresting a notorious terrorist on the police watchlist.

Not only did the stakeholders allege that these officers of the former SARS Awkuzu and the DSS Awka were providing covers for the suspects, they are out to kill and eliminate all the prosecution witnesses.

The duo also claimed that, on January 11, 2025, the suspects, being led by the officers of the AKS/RRS Awkuzu with firearms and singing war songs, stormed one of the buildings named the White House at Ifite village in Isuaniocha and opened fire on the occupants of the House.

Hon. Okoye and Mr. Egwunwa claimed that as a result of the severe gun fires, the several persons within and around the said house including, Collins Akubuilo, Mmesoma, Samuel Dunu, Okonkwo Augustin Ifechukwu and Chinwendu Ngozi, sustained severe bullet injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at a Police hospital.

According to them, “For clarity, the persons who came to the house with the officers of the AKS/RRS, Awkuzu on illegal mission and fired gunshots are Cosmas Okonkwo, Onyemazi Ngini, Donatus Okeke, Obumneme Okolo (Yobo), Onyebuchi Nweke Isu Okoye, Nonso Obimma, Aluka Ofiegbu, Nonso Eboh (Egongene), Charles Okoye (Chidon), Chukwujekwu Okoye, Chinadu Nwoyeokoye, Basil Okoye, Chukwujekwu Anaekeokwu, Ifeanyi Onyi (Alaye), Paul Okoye, Izuchukwu Nwankwo, Arinze Nwankwo, Chisom Ngini, Chidiebere Odie, Emeka Adigwe and Demian Nnaemene.”

The concerned indigenes wondered if it was a crime for someone to report a crime to the Police and follow up the prosecution of the offenders up.

They however commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in stationing armed Policemen in Isuaniocha town, but noted that more is still needed to be done to totally liberate the town from the shackles of the suspects and criminal activities.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that there was a brief like that before him, but, however, cautioned the people not to take laws into their own hands.

“If they have any complaint, they can come forward to the Command Headquarters. We are ready to listen,” he said

When contacted to speak on the matter, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 13 Ukpo, Josephine Ihunwo said she was not aware of any clash that took place in Isuaniocha in January.

A social media user has accused the MD/CEO of Blue Shield Security, Ọzọ Jeff Nweke, of plotting to play a trick at the Anambra State High Court, Awka, on Tuesday, February 11, to evade standing trial or possible confinement in prison pending the outcome of his trial.

This is coming as the accused is expected to appear before the Court on the said date for a suit between him (as one of the defendants) and the state (as the plaintiff) over a kidnap-related case.

However, ahead of the court appearance, speculations started emerging that Nweke is plotting to use a trick to achieve some pre-determined aims.

According to the speculations, which have also sparked off a chain of reactions and counter-reactions on social media, the accused might pretend to be sick, and may even go to the extent of appearing in Court in an ambulance, with some concocted medical reports, in order not to stand trial.

Announcing the alleged plot over the weekend, a social media user, identified as Eziokwu Bu Ndu, wrote: “Ozo Jeff Nweke is expected to appear before Anambra state high court on the case of kidnapping BIG BEN on 11th Feb 2025, but from my background investigations, he will pretend ill to avoid appearing in court or might decide to come to court in an ambulance to avoid going to prison on the said date, as there is 90% chances he will be sent to prison pending trial if he appears fit to court on 11th. His attorney (SAN) will argue that his Client is ill & unfit to stand trial and the case should be adjourned, as a dead man won't stand trial.

“This ploy is to frustrate the prosecuting process and avoid justice!

“Jeff should be a man and take the case head on if he claims innocent of the accusation!”

In a follow-up post on Monday, the same social media user wrote: “Tomorrow 11th Feb let's see the drama Jeff nweke will display in court! He might turn to a cripple or come to court in an Ambulance and his lawyers will argue he is sick with cooked up medical report to back up the argument. He will do this to evade prison confinement pending outcome of trial. A born criminal!

“As you can see in this photo of him gifting a girl a cheque, his office cctv cameras are working perfectly! Immediately Ben went missing after he entered his office building, and he was asked to hand over his office cctv camera coverage, he claimed the cameras developed fault sometime ago! He erased all data from the memory box to hide all evidence of what happened to Ben when he came into that building on 12th Nov 2024.

“If Jeff nweke is a strong man as he claims, he should come to court fit and sound and not tender any medial report claiming illness!”

The posts, which are available HERE  and HERE , also generated a plethora of reactions from some social media users, as highlighted below:

By Joseph Ude

Contrary to what has been popularly described as an unfounded social media publication tagged “Oba Deadly Clash: Our Officers were Ambushed, Deliberately Killed by Tipper Drivers — SASA Spokesperson” eyewitnesses have revealed that the avoidable, unfortunate and pathetic auto crash which claimed the lives of some people was as a result of recklessness. They added that the Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) officers who died ‘killed themselves by themselves’ because the SASA they were the ones driving the three vehicles involved in the ghastly accident along Onitsha—Oba—Owerri Expressway last Friday, January 31, 2025.

Giving their own side of the story, God's Own Tipper Owners and Drivers Association Anambra State refuted allegations that claimed that it was tipper drivers that laid ambush to kill SASA Officers, saying that the tipper garage was neither a den of armed robbers nor a hub for drug peddlers.

According to the Association's Unit Chairman, Oba Old Road Junction garage, Mr. Alochukwu Egbobe who narrated the tipper drivers ordeal in the hands of the SASA Operatives before the accident, I was at the garage on Thursday, 30th January 2025 taking my breakfast when some members of SASA came around the garage dragging and beating one of the tipper drivers with a club when I inquired, from the person I supposed was their team leader he told me that the driver Mr Ifeanyi Okoli was obstructing them from arresting somebody they were pursuing from junction who ran towards the garage direction into the road leading to the Estate. But before the team leader talking to me could finish his explanation one of the SASA Operatives came from behind and kicked my plate and the food splattered all over my body.

“SASA eventually arrested Mr Ifeanyi Okoli and one other person that Thursday without any resistance and locked them up at SASA cell at Down flyover Upper Iweka were they have been receiving all manner of dehumanizing treatment.

“Before I came to the garage on Friday, because we were still making plans to go and bail Ifeanyi, I learnt that SASA came with two buses beat up and arrested about 5 drivers and some loaders and drove off with the blue tipper which was about loading a sand dump at the garage without any atom of resistance before the crash occurred,” said Egbobe.

The duo of Nnamdi Okwuchukwu Isikomkom, Chairman of the Loaders and Chukwunonso Agudosi who were both eye witnesses on that fateful Friday corroborated the Unit Chairman's report.

They said they were eye witnesses present at the garage when the anti tout squad stormed the place and started beating up every one they could lay hands on but they managed to escape watching from a distance.

“They beat up our drivers and loaders inside the garage without telling anyone the crime we committed. Chibueze, the owner of the blue tipper was at the garage about loading sand from a dump(sand earlier tipped) inside the garage when the SASA squad arrived and pull him out of the steering, arrested him and his loaders beat them up with axe and pestle, forced them into one of the SASA buses with Jekwu an old driver, Chikodili, Jakota and Izuchukwu.

“One of the SASA Officers jumped into the blue tipper about to be loaded started the tipper and drove out of the garage, entered the one way expressway and started heading towards the new road Junction probably for another arrest at the New road Junction tipper garage.One of the SASA bus was right behind the tipper while the other bus entered the other lane and started speeding to overtake or catch up with them before the accident happened suddenly,” they said.

Earlier, the President of God's Own Tipper Owners and Drivers Association, Comrade Ogechukwu Ndozie began by expressing his condolences to the families of the accident victims.

"I pray God to give the bereaved the fortitude to bear their losses. I also pray for speedy recovery of the accident victims who sustained varying degrees of injury including our drivers and loaders who were inside the bus when the accident happened.

“I want to state emphatically that this tipper garage and Association have been existing for over 20 years now and we have not had issues of crime or criminality, the police can attest to that. I wonder why someone should frame up an entire association branding us killers, armed robbers or drug peddlers just because of an accident caused by some overzealous persons in the name of working for our state government.

“Violence is never the best way to handle things. I know our Solution governor is a professor and well polished, some of these adhoc workers are frustrating his good efforts to make Anambra State a liveable and prosperous homeland. I suggest that some of these taskforce or operatives should be subjected to training, screened to check their mental or health stability before committing certain responsibilities involving human lives and property into their hands,” said Ndozie.

Reacting to a related publication involving the same SASA Spokesperson Karen James who claimed that some imaginary suspects named Chibon Hotel, Kaima Hotel, the Chairman Oba Youth, the Tipper Chairman, and a figure identified as Ocha Abinno as alleged sponsors of the accident turned “attack or what she christened Oba clash"? were being investigated, Ndozie warned journalists or reporters to make proper investigations before spreading falsehood on the internet space for public consumption except such a journalist was ready to answer for libel.

Moreover, Kaima Hotel owner, Nze Ifeanyi Onwupenata, who spoke to our reporter on phone said he was still surprised why he should be linked to an accident which he was not in town when it occurred.

“I reside with my family at Enugu and I am very surprised to hear that I sponsored an accident which took place at Oba Onitsha Owerri expressway involving three vehicles which its video went viral on the internet from Enugu State. This must be a calculated or sponsored publication to tarnish my image.I wonder what this Karen James is up to,” he concluded.

By Nweke Nweke, Awka


Onitsha, Anambra State-based notable clearing and forwarding agent with an office and contacts in the Republic of China (names withheld) has accused the presiding Chief Magistrate Court 11 (identities also withheld) Onitsha for having allegedly conspired with the Court clerk of the same court to assassinate his character by permitting the Court's complainant to snap his pictures and published same in the social media, therefore accomplishing the earlier boost of the complainant who had vowed to deal with the image of the business mogul.

The business tycoon, who was remanded in the Onitsha Correctional facility but has since regained his freedom, said he had a business transaction with one of his China-based associates, in a simple and transparent process and did receive the Naira equivalent of the goods sought to be imported by his customer, having paid same into the Nigeria domiciled bank account of his Chinese contact.

The said Chinese contact of the already humiliated Clearing and Forwarding agent, it was learned transferred Chinese Renminbi, RMB (Eleven Million Naira Nigeria currency) being equivalent of the ordered goods into the Chinese supplier's bank account in China.

It was gathered authoritatively that one Chinoso Ndu (a.k.a Ababaoga) sometime in October 2024, called the Clearing and Forwarding agent, cited one Kelechi Anyanwu as his longtime friend who gave him the Clearing and Forwarding agent contact, having requested the services of notable Clearing and Forwarding agent in paying for his goods in China.

According to our implacable source, about the same 2024, the said Kelechi Anyanwu, who had enjoyed the services of the Cleaning and Forwarding agent in paying for goods in China also engaged the Cleaning agent for import goods payment as they had done many times in the past.

Confiding on this reporter, our source stated that after receiving the business transaction, the Cleaning agent contacted his Chinese partners, with whom he promptly delivered supplies on the two separate transactions, and they moved on as genuine business mates.

On what broke the camel's back, it was gathered that some weeks after the two friends, (Chinoso Ndu and Kelechi Anyanwu) curiosity returned with the tale that portions of the monies paid into their respective supplier's account were declared bad money by the Chinese authorities and it was then that the two friends further claimed that their respective suppliers did retuned the funds back to the sender's bank account.

Further investigation into the entire episode revealed that when the Clearing and Forwarding agent demanded the clarity of suppliers' bank papers of the alleged returned monies, they were both not forthcoming, rather, Chinoso Ndu and Kelechi Anyanwu, instead of seeking round table settlement of their differences, they resorted into threatening the agent both subtle and direct, having petitioned the police, accusing him for having obtained money from both of them under pretenses and that was on December 2024.

As a man having nothing wrong at the back of his mind against his supposed business associates, he honored the police invitation he was released on bail in December 2024 but was eventually arraigned in Court on 23/01/2025.

Confirming the matter, counsel to the Cleaning and Forwarding agent, Barr. Nwafili Okwuosa of the House of Solomon, in a petition to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police dated January 26th, 2025, argued that his client, who was on police bail since December 2024 and came to Court without hesitation was granted bail by trial Magistrate on surprisingly very stringent terms.

“As if by deliberate design, the trial Magistrate rushed out of Court before 3.pm on 23/01/2025.

“Meanwhile, rather than go home since the case was adjourned before 11. am, Chinoso Ndu hung around the Court, consulting with and greasing the palms of the Court clerks, Police Orderly, and others with the result that the moment the Court rose, the Court Police Orderly hastily cuffed our nonviolent client to one small boy also arraigned the same morning.

“There was no apparent reason for this assault except to humiliate our client and do the bidding of ubiquitous Chinoso Ndu, who immediately started taking pictures of our client in handcuff. He immediately started posting the pictures he had taken of our client in handcuffs online to all and sundry, including our client's friends and business associates, and our client was remanded in Onitsha Correctional facility on 23/01/2025,” the legal luminary concluded.

Efforts made to get the side of the accused Magistrate, any of the court clerks at the time of filing this report hit the brick walls as none of them allowed us access to them.

By Our Correspondent

The people of Igbollo Village, Achalla Village and Iruobieli Village, three of the four villages that make up Mbanano Community of Enugwu-Agidi in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, have re-echoed their call on the state government to intervene on the lingering land related dispute rocking the community.

The call is coming following the alleged re-invasion and encroachment into their ancestral land by some land grabbers and their heavily-armed thugs.

Sources from the villages said the men who arrived early last week are currently in the land with their caterpillar, destroying and leveling every portion, including their crops and other economic trees. They also noted that the land in question and other adjoining portions are jointly owned by the four villages that make up Mbanano community/zone —Achalla, Iruobieli, Igbollo, and Ifite villages. They, however, further revealed that the people of Ezinano community in Awka have been invading and laying claim ownership of the land since over 86 years ago — a tussle that has seen many court litigations since then and in recent time.

However, the Chairmen of the three out of the four villages that make up Mbanano Community Enugwu-Agidi — the Igbollo Village Chairman, Mr. Chuks Egwuekwe; the Achalla Village Chairman, Mr. Obinna Okoyeocha; and the Iruobieli Village Chairman, Mr. Ementa Nwansiobi have recently raised an alarm over the re-invasion of the land by the notorious land grabbers.

Speaking on behalf of others, in an interview with this reporter, the Igbollo Village Chairman, Mr. Chuks Egwuekwe, recalled that the case has tarried for years, while the alleged land grabbers have continued to invade their lands, despite rulings and orders so far given by different courts.

It was gathered that the case, which dates back to 1938, eventually lingered till 1954 when the then West African Court of Appeal (WACA) delivered a landmark judgment in favour of Mbanano Enugwu-Agidi as the rightful owners of the land.

According to reports, several years after the 1954 court victory, the people of Ezinano Awka surfaced again and filed another suit at a High Court, challenging the Mbanano's ownership of the land again. The ruling on this new suit, it was gathered, was given on October 23, 2013, when the High Court, in its judgment, again reaffirmed Mbanano Community as the rightful owners of the land, upholding and validating the earlier judgment by WACA.

It was further gathered that both before and after the 1954 landmark judgment by the West African Court of Appeal (WACA) and the succeeding judgment of the Nnewi High Court in 2013 which are all in favour of the Mbanano community; these said portions of land had been in the custody of the Mbanano villagers, with each of the four villages peacefully utilizing their own portion for various economic activities, including farming, palm wine tapping, and other agrarian endeavours.

It was, however, alleged that the tranquility of the area was disrupted sometime in 2018 when some elements from the Ezinano community in Awka, led by one Ozo Jeff Nweke, surfaced from nowhere and began to re-challenge the legitimacy of the Mbanano community's ownership of the land, now in a brutal, destructive and physically confrontational way.

Reports further have it that the people of Ezinano Awka, in 2018, went further to appeal the 2013 judgment of the High Court, which, even when the appeal was yet to be heard by the court, they launched a campaign of intimidation with armed thugs, forcibly entering the disputed land, even to the point that they began removing government-installed beacons, destroying property, and terrorizing the local populace, thereby rendering them unable to access their land.

It was, however, gathered that, in pursuance of the case, Ezinano Awka community also lost woefully in their appeal, when the Appeal Court, on June 11, 2020, also declared Mbanano Enugwu-Agidi the rightful owners of the land in another landmark judgment, and further issued an order restraining the people of Ezinano Awka from entering any part/portion of the land, including that belonging to the Igbollo, Achalla, and Iruobieli villages.

The Igbollo Village Chairman, Mr. Egwuekwe, however, expressed shock and worry that despite all these court judgments and the court order, the accused, Ozo Nweke and his cohorts have continued to invade their lands with armed thugs, even to the point that many Mbanano villagers, including women, who own farmlands in the area have repeatedly escaped death with severe injuries, as a result of tragic attacks launched on them and the intimidations meted out to them by the said armed thugs who were allegedly engaged and stationed inside the bushes by Nweke. According to him, these armed thugs also usually confront the armless villagers whenever they go to check on their farmlands and economic trees in the area.

He also recounted what he described as terrible ordeals of some villagers who had been beaten to stupor right inside the bush in the parts of the land, when they went to check on their farmlands in the area, only to be confronted by a gang of heavily-armed hoodlums, many of whom were also alleged to be members of Nweke's private security outfit.

Egwuekwe, however, noted that the armless villagers, in their resilience, have been cultivating the land, though always exposed to high level of risk. He added that they also cultivated thereon last year and this year.

Howbeit, he said, while they were anticipating bountiful harvest, he received a distress call from his people of Igbollo village sometime last week that some group of boys invaded the land again with caterpillar and began to destroy everything in there, including their mature and still-growing crops and other economic trees in the land.

According to him, upon receiving the report, he proactively sued for calm from his people, who were already full of anger beholding such destructive invasion, especially given the extent of damage done to their crops and farmlands, which have now been cleared and leveled with caterpillar, amidst the current economic crunch and food scarcity in the country.

Mr. Egwuekwe said the village youths, however, mobilized themselves, and upon getting to the land the following morning, they intercepted and chased out the contracted workers they met there and their caterpillars. This was corroborated by videos from the site, clips of which are also attached in this report.

He, however, noted that the land grabbers returned to the land the next morning with about 50 thugs, now fully armed with their guns and caterpillar, ready and willing to ’destroy’. He said, upon hearing this, he made efforts to calm the armless villages youth, preventing them from going to confront the armed thugs, to avoid bloodshed or any bloody clash between them. This, he said, was to enable them explore peaceful means of resolution as usual.

“Today, as I speak to you, they are still there now with thugs, clearing our land and destroying our crops. I have been the one withholding our youths from confronting them, because we're a peaceful people.

“We don't want to confront them; we want to explore all possible means of peaceful resolution. We will not fight them; but I am not permanently assuring that, because, very soon, these youths may lose all patience, and they can resort to anything. So, this people should leave our ancestral land for us,” he cautioned.

While noting that they had written several petitions to the state government over the recurring invasion of their land, but to all no avail; the Chairman consequently re-echoed the Villagers' call for the intervention of the Anambra State Government, led by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and other relevant authorities to urgently intervene on the issue. This case, he said, should be given the deserved urgent and necessary attention, especially considering how long it has lasted, the extent of discomfort, losses and damages it has caused for the people of the villages and other members of Mbanano community since it started till date, despite all the victories they have secured in various litigations at different court levels regarding the case.

“How long shall we continue to have this patience, endure, recount these losses and live in fear in our own land? We have repeatedly called for government's interventions; and it's high time the government urgently intervened to prevent further losses and damages,” Mr. Egwuekwe passionately appealed.

Similarly, the Igbollo Village Chairman's narrative and account of the land dispute was corroborated by that of the Security Chairman of the village, Engr. Victor Onwudinjo, who also recounted the various security threats that have resulted from the activities of the notorious land grabbers. He further added that parts of the land that are not frequently accessed by the people due to fear of attack by the thugs have now become hideouts for kidnappers and other criminal elements to perpetrate heinous crimes.

While also identifying Nweke as the key facilitator and chief principal actor in the lingering land dispute, he, however, noted that he is being aided by some of his few cohorts from Enugwu-Agidi, whom, he said, include one Izuchukwu Okafor (the alleged leader of other cohorts from Enugwu-Agidi); one Ozoemena Obiora (who hails from Achalla village, but has allegedly been banned unanimously by the village); one Moses Nwuba (an accomplice); and one Chiedozie Igweonwu (another accomplice).

“But we have our evidence and all the relevant documents, including the proof of ownership and everything that show that we are the true owners of land,” he said.

Continuing on the efforts they are making to reclaim their land, Engr. Onwudinjo said: “Our appeal is already before the government. And there is another general appeal, because we are doing it as a people of Mbanano community. This is collectively Mbanano Enugwu-Agidi land, and we are peaceful people, following everything peacefully.

“Although, we have been countlessly provoked by this land grabbers, we are not going to do anything unlawful. We are not going to confront anybody illegally with weapons or anything, no. But if it's possible to safely stop them from tearing and clearing further into our land, like we did today, we'll continue doing that armlessly.”

“While we call and wait for government's urgent intervention, we will continue to monitor and protect our land while also respecting the rule of law. But government should know that delay is very dangerous, and should address the matter urgently before it turns bloody again. Our youths are gradually losing their patience and tolerance over this unwarranted provocation and encroachment into their communal heritage. Urgent action is highly needed from the government,” he concluded.

However, earlier when this reporter contacted him for his reaction to the allegations, Ozo Nweke, who was accused as a principal actor in the land tussle, declined to comment on the allegations and claims by the people of Mbanano, stressing that he would not say anything until he sees the allegations.

He, however, in the same telephone interview, later claimed that “the people are liars”, adding that “they should go to court.”

Source: 247ureports

By Ikechukwu Obi

The Provost of the Millennium College of Nursing Science, Awka, Mrs. Chisom Ezulike has dragged an Anambra-based journalist, Izunna Okafor, to Zone 13 Police Headquarters, Ukpo over his news report on the Provost's ban on the use of Android phones by students of the school, among other allegations levelled against her in the school.

Journalist Okafor, who writes for 247ureports (an online newspaper) disclosed this in a petition addressed to the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Sunday, March 17, copies of which was also obtained by newsmen.

According to him in the petition titled “Petition Regarding Threats Over My News Report, and Invitation from Zone 13 Police Headquarters, Ukpo”, he recently published a news report on the headline “Anambra Higher Institution Allegedly Bars Students from Using Android Phones, Greeting Church Members” , detailing the restrictions allegedly imposed by the Provost of the College.

He said the report highlighted various allegations against the Provost, Mrs. Ezulike, including ban on the use of Android phones among the students (which she placed after a student allegedly stole another's phone), restrictions of the students from greeting church members on the suspicion that they ‘mingle’ with them, collection of cash sum N5000 each from students who submitted their phones late, among others allegations.

“In the spirit of fairness and in adherence to journalistic principles, after hearing these allegations, I reached out to the Provost prior to writing and publication of the news, to obtain her own perspective on the matter,” Okafor said.

Continuing, he said, “Her (the Provost's) comments were accurately reflected in the report, as I sought to provide a balanced narrative. And she even gave her nod when I reminded her that I would write and publish the news. However, it is evident that my efforts to maintain fairness have been met with hostility and threats.

“A day after I interviewed her, she made a U-turn in her approval of the publication, as she and her husband vehemently opposed the proposed publication of the report when they saw me, and explicitly threatened to “deal” with me should I proceed to publish the news.

“The husband, at a time, requested that I removed his wife's name in the report if at all I must publish it. Despite these threats, I stood firm in my commitment to unbiased and ethical journalism, as I only aimed to fulfill my duty as a watchdog of the society. So, I went ahead to publish the report, reflecting her own side and the side of those accusing her.”

Okafor said barely one week after he published the news, he received an invitation from the Zone 13 Police Headquarters, Ukpo, requesting his presence for an interview with the OIC Surveillance Team ‘B’.

“This invitation has raised concern's, given the context of the threats made against me by the Provost and her husband. It appears that they may be attempting to leverage on their connection to escalate the situation or fabricate allegations against me and truly “deal” with me as they vowed.

“While I understand that such threats and intimidations as these are parts of the inherent risks encountered in the field of journalism, I believe it is imperative to bring this matter to the attention of the Council. I seek your support and intervention in ensuring my safety and protection as I fulfill my duties as a journalist.

“Additionally, as I go to Zone 13, Ukpo on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, to respond to the police invitation, I humbly urge the Council to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate action to safeguard press freedom and journalistic integrity,” he said.