NIGERIAN NOTCH

The Anambra State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in a high-profile kidnap and murder case, arresting two suspects involved in the gruesome crime. The suspects, identified as Monday Egbe, 32, and Kenneth Nnoga, 28, were apprehended on May 28, 2025, after a diligent investigation. The police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on June 1, 2025, reiterating the command's commitment to maintaining law and order in the state. According to the police, the suspects were part of a gang that kidnapped and murdered a female bank manager in Onitsha, collecting a ransom of N14 million from the victim's family before brutally ending her life. The victim's lifeless body was found on January 13, 2025, along Nnobi Road, with her eyes tied. The police operatives trailed the suspects to their hideout in a neighboring state, where they were arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation. The investigation is ongoing, with the pol...

By Raymond Ozoji, Awka  The House of Representatives member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency at the National Assembly and caucus leader of APGA in the 10th House of Representatives of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Dr. Paschal Arinzechukwu Agbodike, has felicitated with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa who clocked two years in office.  Agbodike who is also the Secretary of the entire Southern Nigeria Caucus of the House of Representatives, described Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa as indefatigable because he fought rigorous legal battles and won, stressing that he really deserves to be applauded and appreciated.  Agbodike who is a member of the ECOWAS parliament, explained that the need to celebrate the National Chairman of APGA can not be overemphasized because despite the malignant moves by their adversaries to take them by surprise, the National Chairman still triumphed in the end even as he hailed the National Leader o...

In a remarkable demonstration of effective leadership and a keen vision for institutional development, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, the newly appointed substantive Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state, has accomplished an impressive array of infrastructural projects within her first 100 days in office. In recent months, the Federal Polytechnic has witnessed a remarkable transformation under her leadership. Taking office as rector, she has demonstrated an inspiring commitment to expanding the institution’s infrastructure and enhancing its capacity to provide quality education and services. Within her first 100 days, Dr. Awuzie initiated and completed several key projects, all of which are poised to significantly benefit students, staff, and the local community. Dr. Awuzie assumed the role of rector with a clear vision: to create an educational environment that not only fosters academic excellence but also equips students with practical skills that enhance their ...

Former Senate President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has slammed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's claims of reviving Nigeria's economy, describing it as an insult to millions of Nigerians currently enduring severe hardship. Wabara argued that if Tinubu's assertions were accurate, Nigerians would be the first to testify to the administration's achievements. Instead, the reality on the ground shows soaring inflation, widespread hunger, and deepening poverty, contradicting the President's remarks. "The first sign of improvement will be reflected in market prices," Wabara said, urging Tinubu to focus on real economic reforms rather than making rhetorical statements. He called for a review of key economic policies, particularly those related to multiple taxation, which he believes are stifling businesses and worsening living conditions. Wabara also highlighted the urgent nee...

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the recent incident where students sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in darkness, describing it as a "national disgrace." The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has given WAEC a 24-hour ultimatum to appear before it and explain the circumstances surrounding the examination. Atiku expressed outrage over the incident, stating that it is unacceptable and unjustifiable for students to write critical national exams in pitch darkness. He demanded that the affected examination paper be retaken in all compromised centers, emphasizing that anything less would be a grave injustice to the students. Atiku highlighted the need for immediate action to address systemic failures in Nigeria's education sector. He urged the relevant authorities to establish and enforce minimum environmental and infrastructural standards for all high-stakes national ...

A devastating midnight flood in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State has claimed 21 lives, with scores of people still missing. The flood, caused by torrential rainfall, swept through 50 residential houses in Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa communities, catching residents and commuters off guard. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with the Mokwa Local Government Authority, local divers, and volunteers, is conducting search and rescue operations to recover survivors and bodies. Three survivors, including a woman and her two children, are receiving treatment for wounds and shock at Mokwa General Hospital. The flood has caused widespread destruction, with several vehicles trapped in the floodwaters. Drivers and commuters struggled to navigate through the waters, with no immediate rescue efforts available. The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the disaster, stating that the agency is working tirelessly to ...

The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has announced plans to meet with the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) on July 23, 2025, to present bills currently under consideration and seek their support for passage. The committee said it would also meet with the Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly at a joint retreat with Senate Constitution Review members to harmonise bills and ensure consistency across the country. The House committee further slated an engagement with media executives, including the Guild of Editors, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), civil society organisations, and the diplomatic community, amongst others, to facilitate public discussions and education on constitutional issues and promote transparency and accountability in the review process. The meetings are a part of the Committee’s efforts to ensure the successful passage of key bills in the review by December 2025. The Deputy Speaker and House Constitution Review Committee Ch...

The Anambra State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu, has announced the intensification of security patrols and strategic junction takeovers across the state. This move is aimed at ensuring peace and security ahead of the planned illegal sit-at-home on May 30th, 2025. In a press statement by the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said that the Police-led Joint Security Force, comprising various security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Army, and Navy, has increased its presence in key areas, including Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Ihiala, and Oraifite. The Commissioner of Police attributed the increased motivation of security agencies to the cooperation and support received from Ndi Anambra, who have joined voices to condemn any act that threatens national peace. This collective effort has strengthened...

...Lauds Soludo, Ibezim For Land Dispute Interventions  By Echezona Okafor, Nnewi. The CEO Pineleaf Estate Homes and Properties Ltd, Bishop Dr. Onyeka Nzekwesi has debunked a social media publication which partly reads "Anambra Family Laments Intimidation, Harassment by Estate Developer, Seeks Soludo’s Intervention to restrain Bishop Onyeka Nzekwesi from further harassing Okwesi Family of Awkuzu in Oyi LGA on their own property" describing it as false, mere cheap propaganda meant to attract sympathy to a notorious family which is the architect of their own troubles. Addressing newsmen at his country home Eziowelle, Idemili North LGA Anambra State, Bishop Onyeka Nzekwesi said that Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has already intervened in the said expanse of land which the Okwesi Family have been claiming ownership of, lauding His Excellency for maintaining peace and order at different communities in the state which could have been embattled in inter Commu...

From Echezona Okafor, Nnewi The Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia, Abia state, under Justice K.O. Ogundare, has awarded one million naira (N1m) damages jointly and severally against the Nigerian Police Force, Zone 9, Umuahia, over the voillation of the Fundamental Human Rights of two citizens of Nigeria, Chiamaka Nsionu and Amarachi Chidi, under Section 35(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended. The duo, through their learned counsel, Chima Nnamdi, in the suit: FHC/UM/CS/79/2023, sought, among other reliefs, a declaration of the court that arrest of the applicants: Chiamaka Nsionu and Amarachi Chidi, on 18th May, 2023, at the premesis of Nelico Biochemical Industries Ltd., Asa-Umunka, Abia state, and their subsequent detention at Zone 9 Police, Umuahia, by the police operatives until 20th May, 2023, is illegal, unconstitutional and void being inconsistent with Section 35(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as the applicants did not commit an...

From Kossy Ebunilo Mass Communication Department Fedpoly, Oko Like the Halley’s Comet that orbits the earth every 75 years; like a wild fire in the harmattan season, the emergence of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as the substantive rector, Federal Polytechnic, Oko on 4th February, 2025 revolutionalized leadership of the polytechnic. As an internally generated rector, Dr. Awuzie is armed with the recurrent problems of the polytechnic like the back of her hand; unlike a “poached” rector from outside the polytechnic - akin to a fish out of water. The achievements of the rector thus far are overwhelming and inspiring. The palm kernels were not cracked for the rector by a benevolent spirit -  the rector cracked them herself! It is difficult keeping tabs of the dizzying activities of the young, visionary, vibrant, virile, energetic, fiery, resilient, result-oriented, promising and proactive rector because, virtually every new day brings forth tidings of accomplishments and breakthr...

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Federal Polytechnic, Oko chapter, has commended the Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Irene Chioma Awuzie, for her giant strides in the academic, social and infrastructural developments of the institution in the past one hundred days that she held sway as the first internally generated substantive female rector of the school. Chairman of NASU in the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Comrade Emmanuel Okolie, gave the commendation in a statement in Oko, Anambra state at the weekend. Okolie said that NASU is deeply inspired by the winds of transformation sweeping through the institution under Dr. Irene Chioma Awuzie within a little space of time.  He said that despite stiff oppositions that greeted the rector before and after her appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on February 4th, 2025, she was not deterred, but continued to wax stronger to deliver and fulfill all the promises she made when she a...

RAYMOND OZOJI reports The House of Representatives member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency at the National Assembly Rt.Hon.Dr Paschal Arinzechukwu Agbodike has taken his scholarship scheme to Federal Cooperative College Oji River Enugu State where about 500 students of Ihiala origin would benefit immensely.  Agbodike who visited the school recently, described Federal Cooperative College Oji River as very serene and conducive for learning; declaring that the school has what it takes to train and empower Nigerian youths with requisite economic cum entrepreneurial skills to enable them become future wealth creators and employers.  Agbodike who explained that the scholarship programme will cover their tuition and hostel fees, said that the import of the education support programme was to assist indigent boys and girls from Ihiala whose parents couldn't afford tertiary education for them.  He also stated that another reason for his scholarship schemes were ...

In a significant operation, the Joint Security Force comprising the Police, Military, and Anambra State Vigilante Service successfully raided a notorious criminal camp in Isseke, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The operation, conducted on May 24, 2025, resulted in the destruction of a local bomb factory and the recovery of several improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The criminal camp, which had served as a stronghold for secessionist groups and other criminal elements, was used to plan and execute violent activities that had terrorized the state for over two years. The joint security team's decisive action has dealt a significant blow to the criminal network, disrupting their ability to carry out further attacks. During the operation, the security forces encountered several IEDs buried around the camp, one of which exploded and damaged a nearby road, was however curtailed, thanks to the professionalism and bravery of the security personnel, n...

Lilu, a once-vibrant community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been reduced to a ghost town, its streets echoing with the silence of fear and desolation. Since 2020, unknown gunmen, hiding under the guise of secessionism, have unleashed a reign of terror on this border town, leaving a trail of death, destruction, and displacement. The traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Godson Onyediri, along with many notable residents, remains in exile, their homes and heritage reduced to ashes. Despite earlier claims of liberation by the state-backed Agunechemba Security outfit, the reality on the ground paints a grim picture: Lilu is still a town under siege. The scale of devastation is staggering. The palace of Igwe Onyediri, a symbol of cultural pride, lies in ruins, alongside his residence, security post, and Obi. The homes of prominent figures like Chief Chidi Nwanoneze, Chief Christian Awugosi, and High Chief Ifeanyi Ozodimbu have been looted or razed. Community infra...

The Human Rights Liberty Access and Peace Defenders'Foundation (HURIDE) and Campaign for Democracy (CD), South East Zone have unequivocally condemned  the exploitative and extortionist tendencies of the National Agency for Drugs Administration and Control  ( NAFDAC) in Onitsha Anambra State. In a press statement issued in Enugu State signed by the  Executive Director of HURIDE and Chairman of Campaign for Democracy (CD), High Chief Dede Uzor A Uzor,  the rights groups said the extortion of seven hundred thousand naira (700,000 ) per individual  trader in the name of penalty charge against traders at Onitsha Drug Market was a clear case of extortion and ethnic victimisation.  NAFDAC had on March 6th,2025, at Onitsha Drug market with combined  security operatives of the Nigerian Army,the DSS and  the Nigerian Police and other security forces invaded the market and clamped down on it with aim of impounding and confiscating unwholesome and...