Paradise News

Tag: Anambra State

  • Continued trial of Nnamdi Kanu, a collective trial of Ndigbo-Ohaneze youth

    Continued trial of Nnamdi Kanu, a collective trial of Ndigbo-Ohaneze youth

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Igbo social-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Youth Wing, has described the continued trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) by the Nigeria Government, as a collective trial of the people of the southeastern Nigeria (Ndigbo).

    The organisation made the assertion in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Tuesday by it National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Chika Art Adiele while reacting to the jurisdiction of Kanu’s alleged terrorism case when he re-appeared before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja for the resumed hearing of the IPOB leader protracted case.

    It was gathered that despite Kanu’s insistence that Justice Nyako has no jurisdiction over his case, the judge adjourned the matter indefinitely.

    Recall that Kanu was brought into Nigeria in June 2021 and has since been detained and tried for alleged terrorism. His trial was stalled after Justice Nyako recused herself from the case following an oral application by the defendant on September 24, 2024.

    Read Also: NAFDAC Raids Onitsha Market, Confiscates Fake, Substandard, Expired Drugs

    Reacting further, the organisation said, “Our attention was yet again drawn over another charade at the instance of one Hon Justice Binta Nyako, who to all intent and purposes is bent on subjugating Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to perpetual trial without any form of justice.

    “It is an absurdity that the rule of law is punctured in a most brazen manner by this dishonorable Judge who obviously is playing a prepared script.

    “As a people, we strongly feel that Justice Binta Nyako, by her actions and inactions has deployed warped logic to obfuscate an irrefutable facts that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is a full blooded citizen of Nigeria and his right is inalienable.

    “We cannot fathom why she is deliberately persecuting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, when the facts are before the LAW, thereby deploying subterfuge, self hatred and destructive tendencies just to feed her ego.

    “However, we are here to remind her that Justice delayed is Justice denied and so we demand that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is released without further delay and full compensation paid to him.

    Anything short of this will leave us in the belief that this is a collective trial of Ndigbo.

    Igbo Youths are a peace loving people and Justice Binta Nyako must not take our quest for the rule of law as a sign of weakness. Let Justice Prevail,” the statement concludes.

  • NAFDAC Raids Onitsha Market, Confiscates Fake, Substandard, Expired Drugs

    NAFDAC Raids Onitsha Market, Confiscates Fake, Substandard, Expired Drugs

    By Ovat Abeng

    The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, had raided  the popular drug market at the Bridge Head, Onitsha, Anambra State, confiscating large quantities of suspected substandard, adulterated and expired drugs running into millions of naira.

    The operation, which was led by the Director, NAFDAC South East Zone, Dr Martins Iluyomade, took the traders by surprise as they moved from shop to shop and removed a wide range of drugs.

    Products found to have been faked and counterfeited include antibiotics, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-asthmatic, aphrodisiacs, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, herbal remedies and psychoactive drugs.

    There were also banned drugs such as analgin, tramadol (above 100 mg), gentamycin (280 mg), codeine and controlled substances, vaccines, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, chemicals and unwholesome food, empty plastics, bags and cans, among others.

    Read Also: Gunmen k!ll two police officers in Yobe

    Iluyomade said the exercise was in line with the agency’s mandate of eradicating fake, banned and other spurious NAFDAC- regulated products from circulating in Nigeria and to prevent members of the unsuspecting public from falling victim.

    He said the agency was working in collaboration with the market task force, adding that the exercise was carried out simultaneously across all the five South-East states.

    He said: “What triggered the exercise is that over time, we have been collating data and gathering intelligence on fake and substandard drugs in the markets, and we discovered that people are repackaging and re-bagging fake and counterfeit drugs in the market.

    “The exercise is aimed at riding the markets of fake and substandard drugs and those that are made up of spurious, counterfeited and falsified medicinal products, unwholesome processed products and several other unsafe regulated drugs.

    “This is taking place simultaneously across the South-East states, and it is aimed at sanitizing the drug markets and safeguarding the health of members of the unsuspecting public.

    “Among the drugs are expired, banned, substandard, deflective, repackaged and recalled products. We found out that some of the drug dealers are in the habit of imitating some popular drugs and pouring it into containers of the original manufacturer in order to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

    “And these drugs are very sensitive that can lead to death or permanent disability of the consumer. The confiscation of the products would eliminate the risk of their reintroduction into the market and a proof of the agency’s resolve to safeguard the health of the people.”

    He however advised members of the public to patronize only licensed and registered drug outlets, adding that security operatives and the investigative team of the agency, as well as other stakeholders, are on the ground monitoring and ensuring that the enforcement goes smoothly.

  • Anambra community raises alarm over activities of land grabbers

    Anambra community raises alarm over activities of land grabbers

    By Ovat Abeng

    The people of Urum community in Awka North Local Government area of Anambra State have expressed worry over the activities of some land  grabbers  who parade themselves within the area.

    According to them,there is the need for the state government to profile them in other to ensure that they don’t continue to mislead unsuspecting public by selling illegal lands to them.

    The President General of Urum Development Union,  Honorable Sir  Felix Godwin and other leaders of the community made the observation, on Sunday while speaking to Journalists on the increasing rate of land racketeering in the name of Estate developers in the area.

    Sir Godwin said the Community being mindful of the act,have set up a land  committee  to ensure that all lands bought in Urum are sold by the genuine owners.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Falana Sues Facebook Owner, Meta Platforms, Seeks $5Million For Alleged Privacy Invasion

    The PG said the town will not fold its hands and watch some unscrupulous persons who feel that they are rich enough to destroy the relative peace in Urum by going out of their ways to buy communal lands that are not for sell.

    He raised an alarm over a case at hand, where a certain Developer ,  popularly known as Nwaguatahihia evaded the community and hijacked   plots of land at Ochiokwa layout in  Urum and is advertising to the public  to buy from him a property that is not for sell.

    “Urum Community confronted him on the 15th of January, 2025 and he apologized and moved his equipments out of the Land on the 17th Day of January 2025.

    However, we are surprised to see on the social media like Facebook, instagram etc where he is advertising the same land for sale in the name of Nwaguataghigha Heaven EState hence the need for this disclaimer.

    The PG stated categorically that anyone that buys land from the said developer does so at his or her own risk as nobody in the community sold the property to the  Nwaguatahihia who is already swindling unsuspecting members of the public  of their hard earned money.

    The PG said “the public should take note, the Community is not aware of any proposed Residential Layout for Nwaguatahihia heaven estate at Urum in Awka North Local Government Area,  please be ware. “

    The Chairman of Urum Land Committee, Brother Aron Okafor said the activities of speculators and grabbers were trying to put the community in bad light as lands are sold and resold by some agents who have no shame or integrity.

    He said as a result, the Committee  has been doing its best to ensure that genuine land buyers are not deceived hence the notice for members of the public wishing to acquire property in Urum Community to go through the proper channel created to avoid falling into the wrong hands.

    Bro. Okafor said once a developer shows interest to buy land in Urum, the Committee  has the sole responsibility to verify who owns it so that the name of the town will not be dragged to the mud by some people who are out to make quick money even when land does not belong to them.

    Also Speaking , the Vice  Chairman Urum Land Committee, and chairman Igwe in Council Urum Nze Jude Ndibe Cofirmed that the said land belong to  Urum community and there was a resolution that it should not be sold.

    According to the leadership of  Urum,the Ochiokwa land  is only available to the indigenes of the community for strictly farming activities until further notice.

    They warned Nwaguatahihia and another person parading as estate developer to steer clear of the land.

  • Man allegedly kills brother over foodstuffs

    Man allegedly kills brother over foodstuffs

    By Ovat Abeng

    Police operatives attached to the Abagana Police Divisional Headquarters and AVG Operatives, Abagana in Njikoka local government area of Anambra State, have arrested one Anthony Kosisochukwu Okafor aged 37 years of Adegbe Village, Abagana over the death of his elder brother, Mr Emmanuel Okafor aged 45 years.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Saturday, said the suspect was arrested on 7th February 2025 by 7 pm.

    According to Ikenga, “the suspect confessed to having engaged the victim in a fight over a heated argument about using foodstuffs in the house. Kosisochukwu was said to have used a stick to pierce the deceased chest. The victim was rushed to the hospital and was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

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    “This incident is quite disturbing and highlights the importance of addressing domestic violence and conflicts  amongst family members.  It also underscores the need to manage conflicts and emotions healthily and constructively to avoid irreparable consequences.

    “The case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka and shall be charged to court on the conclusion of the investigation,” the PPRO noted.

  • Police recovers decomposed body of kidnap Anambra LP lawmaker at second niger bridge Onitsha

    Police recovers decomposed body of kidnap Anambra LP lawmaker at second niger bridge Onitsha

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State Police Command has recovered the decomposed body of the kidnapped Labour Party lawmaker representing Onitsha North two Constituency at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Justice Azuka.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Thursday, said the police in collaboration with the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG), recovered the lifeless body in the early hours of Thursday at the second niger bridge Onitsha.

    The statement read, “In the early hours of today, 6/2/2025 at the second niger bridge, the Joint Security team comprising of Police and AVG Operatives on a mission to rescue abducted Hon. Azuka, Honourable State House of Assembly member representing Onitsha North, regrettably found his lifeless body at the scene.

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    ‘As soon as I get more details, I will keep you updated, as the joint security team have taken over the scene and operation is ongoing for the possible arrest of the suspects involved, please, SP Ikenga noted.

    The Paradise News had earlier reported that late Hon. Azuka was kidnapped on 24th December, 2024 along Ugwunabakpa Road Inland town Onitsha.

  • Police arrests key suspect in brutal killing of 74-Year-old woman in Anambra

    Police arrests key suspect in brutal killing of 74-Year-old woman in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State Police Command has arrested one of the principal suspects in the burning and killing of a 74-year-old woman, Alice Anene, in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state.

    According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the suspect, Obinna Anene, 33, was identified as the principal suspect in the crime.

    Obinna Anene is from Amene Village, Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Read Also: Anambra: The danger of a single story: the case of Chief Jeff Nweke

    Ikenga’s statement further revealed that the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide SCID Section, in Awka for further investigation.

  • Anambra: The danger of a single story: the case of Chief Jeff Nweke

    Anambra: The danger of a single story: the case of Chief Jeff Nweke

     

    Renowned novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie once warned about the dangers of relying on a single narrative.

    In her iconic TEDx talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” Adichie emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives and the risks of perpetuating stereotypes and misconceptions.

    The recent kidnapping allegations against Chief Jeff Nweke, a respected titled man in Awka, are a stark reminder of the dangers of relying on a single narrative.

    As a community leader who has tirelessly worked to provide security in his community and environs, these allegations seem unbelievable and paradoxical.

    Read Also: Big Ben Kidnap: The man, girlfriend were with us for 3 weeks – Says Awka Hotel Manager

    It is astonishing that a man who actively sought justice by placing bounties to uncover the truth behind the recent Nibo massacre is now facing such serious accusations.

    No wonder, community leaders from Ezinano Awka have come out in his strong defence.

    As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial that we avoid the pitfalls of a single story, which can lead to misinformation, misjudgment, and devastating consequences.

    The rush to judgment, fueled by malicious publications and unverified information, is a recipe for disaster.

    Law enforcement agencies must conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, gathering all relevant facts, parties and testimonies before drawing conclusions. Anything less would undermine the pursuit of truth and justice.

    Moreover, the public must be cautious not to perpetuate a single narrative. We must strive for a balanced discourse, considering multiple perspectives and experiences.

    The case of Chief Jeff Nweke serves as a reminder of the importance of nuance and critical thinking in our public discourse.

    As we navigate this complex issue, we must remember that the pursuit of truth and justice is a marathon, not a sprint.

    It requires patience, diligence, and a commitment to fairness and accuracy.

    Ultimately, the Chief Jeff Nweke story is a wake-up call to be more mindful of the stories we tell and the narratives we perpetuate.

    It’s a reminder that truth is often complex and multifaceted, requring an open mind.

  • Big Ben Kidnap: The man, girlfriend were with us for 3 weeks – Says Awka Hotel Manager

    Big Ben Kidnap: The man, girlfriend were with us for 3 weeks – Says Awka Hotel Manager

    By Ovat Abeng

    More startling revelations have emerged about the stay of the Vice Chairman of Dubai Estate Mr. Benjamin Ezenma otherwise known as Big Ben at the Maxbe Continental Hotels Limited before he was  abducted on November  12, 2024 in Awka, Anambra state capital.

    Sources in the social media reported that Mr. Benjamin Ezenma was kidnapped in front of Maxbe hotel where he lodged before the incident.

    The Manager of the hotel, in reaction, denied the allegation that Big Ben was kidnapped in front or near the hotel premises.

    The Manager who refused to disclose his name for security reasons, after profiling the newsmen that visited the hotel on Monday said that Mr. Ezenma may have been waylaid by his abductors and taken away as he drove out of the hotel premises.

    Read Also: Group to storm Anambra Police Command in protest over missing of estate developer, two labour party chieftains

    He said that Mr.Ezenma operated from the hotel for three weeks before he was kidnapped on that fateful day.

    He stated that from the Close Circuit Television camera (CCTV) footage of the hotel, it was discovered that Mr. Ezenma was waylaid and kidnapped after he had left the hotel premises.

    He further states that he (hotel manager) was invited for questioning by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) after the State Director of DSS and his men had stormed the complex for discreet investigations.

    Also, he said that the girlfriend of the abducted victim whose name was not mentioned was later invited by the DSS for interrogation and may have stayed in the facility of the security agents for few days before she was released.

    “Actually I know the man in person, he was here for over three weeks. He operated from here (the hotel). Going by the CCTV footage of the cameras, it was discovered that his abductors waylaid him after he left the hotel premises.

    “We have encountered a lot of people who have come for inquiries. The DSS, his friends and associates were here.His brother even came to enquire from us about his whereabout.

    “The DSS came and later invited me to their office for further questioning; his girlfriend was also invited by the DSS and we are aware that the girlfriend spent more time with him during his three weeks stay with us here.

    “The day the incident took place, we were not informed about his movement that fateful evening. We thought that he went out to pick something across the road,” the Manager noted.

    It would be recalled that Mr. Benjamin Ezenma, Vice Chairman of Durbai Estate was kidnapped on November 12, 2024, by yet to be identified kidnappers.

  • Group to storm Anambra Police Command in protest over missing of estate developer, two labour party chieftains

    Group to storm Anambra Police Command in protest over missing of estate developer, two labour party chieftains

    By Ovat Abeng

    A Human Right Group, Recover Nigeria Project, has threatened to barricade the Anambra State Police Command in protest over delayed in investigating the missing of vice chairman of Dubai estate, Benjamin Ezenma, alias BigBen, Anambra State governorship candidate in 2021, Obiora Agbasimelo, and Honourable Azuka, representing Onitsha South two at the State House of Assembly.

    The convener of the group, Comrade Osita Obi, disclosed the group planned while briefing Journalists in Awka on Tuesday.

    Obi urged the state police command to urgently investigate why the kidnapped victims are still in the den of their abductors since last year.

    According to him, if the police fail to take substantial action regarding the kidnappings in the state, he will be forced to organize a protest at the police headquarters in Awka to compel them to act.

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    “Where is BigBen? Where is Agbasimelo? Where is Azuka? I wish they are found, and if they are not, let the security operatives identify the kidnappers. Their kidnappings are no longer just a security problem, but a public issue,” he stated.

    He expressed his satisfaction with the way the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) is operating in the state, but regretted the police’s inaction.

    “I want to commend the DSS in the state; they are doing a wonderful job. But as for the police, I have lost my confidence in them. I am not confident in the police. What you see them doing at roadblocks is extortion. This shows that the leadership of the Nigerian police is doing something wrong. If you go around the streets, you will see how these officers are extorting money from the public instead of focusing on their jobs. It’s time they engage in security surveillance to protect the people of Anambra State,” he stated.

    “Anambra State should not be a dumping ground for retiring police officers looking to make more money for their retirement.

    On the Agunachemba program in the state, he commended Governor Charles Soludo for the initiative, appeal to residents to cooperate with the state government to get rid of criminality in the state.

    It was gathered that the vice chairman of Dubai estate, Benjamin Ezenma, alias BigBen, was kidnapped November 24th, 2024, Anambra State governorship candidate, Obiora Agbasimelo in September 2021 why Honourable Azuka, representing Onitsha South two at the State House of Assembly, was kidnapped at Onitsha in December 2024.

  • Ojukwu Varsity Mgt dismisses alleged contract racketeering, fraud against its VC, Omenugha

    Ojukwu Varsity Mgt dismisses alleged contract racketeering, fraud against its VC, Omenugha

    By Ovat Abeng

    The management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Igbariam, Anambra State, has dismissed allegation level against it acting Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha over alleged contract racketeering, public procurement violation, fraud, and financial crimes.

    The management debunked the allegation in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka, on Monday by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Harrison Madubueze.

    It was gathered that the staff members of the University have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the VC over the above mentioned financial crimes.

    In a January 27, 2025 letter addressed to the EFCC Chairman, counsel to the petitioners, Silas Joseph Onu, Esq., informed the commission that an investigation into the dealings of the head of the institution with her son under various companies would reveal multiple violations of the Public Procurement Act 2007, financial misappropriation, and other public financial crimes.

    Read Also: EFCC arraigns ex-NHIS boss, Usman Yusuf, for alleged fraud

    The petitioners, who have chosen to remain anonymous, allege that the VC and  her son are involved in fraudulent activities, including contract racketeering.

    Reacting further on the development, the School management urged the people of the State and the public at large to disregard the information.

    The statement read in part, “On Sunday, February 2, 2025, our communications channels were overwhelmed with calls from different people concerning allegations contained in a petition reportedly submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by an Abuja-based law firm.

    The petition, allegedly filed on behalf of certain anonymous “university staff”, appears to be a calculated attempt to tarnish the reputation and distinguished career of the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr as well as the public standing of the University.

    “Our first reaction was not to dignify manifest falsehood. But given the reach of this calculated attempt to tarnish both the Ag. VC and the university, we consider it fitting to put out this response for the records.

    “For the sake of clarity, the University will not lend credence to transparently unfounded accusations made with only one design in mind; nor will we engage in a futile exchange.

    “However, it is necessary to set the record straight for those who may be misled by these unfounded claims:

    “As a factual matter, no law enforcement agency has communicated any petition for the attention of the Acting VC nor requested her response regarding any petition. It is unquestionably curious that an alleged petition which has yet to result in any official inquiry has already been turned into a media spectacle. This development exposes the true motives of the faceless beings behind these allegations.

    “The ongoing process of substantiation for the office of Vice- Chancellor at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University seems to have created an opportunity for forces of misogyny against the Acting Vice-Chancellor and  appears to have inspired this bout of mischievous mudslinging.

    “Prof Kate Omenugha, Fnipr is the second female professor of Mass Communications in Nigeria and the first female to head the COOU. Since being appointed as Ag. VC of the University on 5 December, 2023, Professor Omenugha has spearheaded transformative change across various facets of the university in terms of values, infrastructure, research, curriculum and standing of the University, including community engagement. These changes have brought to an end the days of unchecked privilege by certain vested interests accustomed to exploiting the University for private ends without respect for constraints or guardrails. Those days are gone and will not return.

    “The university community and members of the public can rest, assured that these unfounded allegations and the accompanying cacophony will not deter the Ag. VC from her passionate and transformative service to our students and their families, our host communities, and to our State and our country. She continues to work tirelessly with the support of the organs of the University to make Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University a model institution – _The Now University and of the Future!_

    “This statement is issued solely for record purposes and not as a response to falsehood masquerading as facts,” the management concluded.