Cashew Industry Scandal: Police Nabs Former NCAN Leader, Ojo Ajanaku

Operatives of the police on Monday arrested the former President of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Mr. Ojo Ajanaku, in Garki, Abuja, over alleged economic sabotage and abuse of office.

Mr. Ajanaku, who has been at the centre of leadership controversies within NCAN, is facing multiple allegations including disobedience of court orders, misrepresentation of the cashew sector, and actions said to have undermined government policy directives.

His arrest comes after years of dispute over his refusal to comply with a 2019 court judgment which limited his tenure as NCAN president to November 2022. Security and judicial sources told our correspondent that his continued stay in office beyond the court-ordered deadline, coupled with failure to conduct elections, plunged the association into prolonged crisis and destabilized one of Nigeria’s most vital non-oil export industries.

According to filings seen by our reporter, the former NCAN president is also accused of frustrating cashew policy implementation, misinforming stakeholders about the state of the industry, and engaging in practices viewed as harmful to Nigeria’s agricultural and economic interests.

Mr. Katangora Garba, the prosecuting counsel, is expected to press charges in the coming hearings, seeking full accountability for Mr. Ajanaku’s alleged infractions.

Officials familiar with the case, who requested anonymity, described the arrest as a signal that law enforcement agencies are ready to enforce accountability and protect strategic sectors of the economy from acts of sabotage.

Mr. Ajanaku is expected to remain in police custody pending further court proceedings.

Tinubu Appoints Chioma Awuzie Substantive Rector, Fed Poly Oko

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State. Dr. Awuzie's appointment, which takes effect immediately for a five-year term, follows the recommendation of the Polytechnic's Governing Council, chaired by Sen. Dr. Barnabas Gemade, after a transparent and competitive selection process where she emerged as the leading candidate. Prior to her appointment, Awuzie, who holds a Doctorate Degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry, was a distinguished Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Option) and also Director in-charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Projects in the Polytechnic. Under her stewardship, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, witnessed unprecedented advancements in infrastructure and institutional transformation. Her leadership facilitated monumental developments across the Polytechnic’s campuses in Oko, ...

#Watchvideo : SECURITY FORCES BURST THE CAMP OF UNKNOWN GUNMEN IN AKOKWA

Security Forces in the state through a coordinated intelligence report has bursted the camp of the unknown gunmen at Akokwa, Arondizuogu after a long gun duel which resulted to the death of some of the criminals and others arrested. These criminal elements have been known to be behind several attacks in the state such as the killing of police men in Mbaise, Aba Branch in Ehime Mbano, burning down of police stations, attack and attempted kidnapping of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, abduction of Miss. P.P. Johnson, a female soldier in Okigwe and recently the attack in Akokwa that left many dead. It is obvious that these daredevil gunmen have been perpetuating their evil plans unabated until yesterday when their camp was bursted by security agencies. This is another assurance that our security operatives are leaving no stone unturned in the fight against banditry and other related activities. While it has become obvious that the activities of these non state actors are politically motivate...

Tension In Uruagu Nnewi As Community Leaders Dare Soludo,Defy Court Order

The President of Uruagu-Nnewi Development Union, Chief Sunday Okoli aka Organizer, and the Obi of Uruagu-Nnewi community in Nnewi North local government area of Anambra State, His Majesty Afamefuna Charles Obi, have swept Soludo's directive to the gutters, by reason of their suspension and subsequent dessolution of the leadership of the community's youth forum, led by Ejike Ifejiofor, and subsequent appointment of caretaker executive to pilot the affairs of youths in the community. The Anambra governor had, through a letter dated August 9, 2024, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Martin Agbili, warned the community leaders to stay any action regarding suspension of the Uruagu-Nnewi youth forum. The community had, through its PG, Chief Okoli, written to the Ministry of Youths Development, notifying the ministry of "immediate suspension" of the youth group over alleged insecurity in the area. But the ministry,...