TheNewsGuru

Tag: Abia State

  • Three robbery suspects nabbed In Abia

    Three robbery suspects nabbed In Abia

    Three individuals, suspected of being involved in armed robbery and cult activities, have been arrested Abia State Police Command during a stop-and-search operation in Umuagu on the night of 23rd August.

    The suspects, identified as Udaka Justin, 36, from Akata Village, Orlu East LGA, Imo State; Chukwuebuka Michael Nnebedun, 24, from Arondizuogu, Ideato North LGA, Imo State; and Prince David, 24, from Arodizuogu, Ideato North LGA, Imo State, were apprehended after an attempt to evade police detection.

    The Command’s public relations officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka in a press statement on Saturday, said the arrest occurred around 9:30 PM when officers from the Quick Intervention Unit (QIU) of the Abia State Police Command conducted a routine stop-and-search at Umuagu, near the School Signboard.

    She said, “On 23/08/2025 at about 9:30pm, operatives of the Quick Intervention Unit (QIU), Abia State Police Command, while conducting stop-and-search operations at Umuagu by School Signboard, flagged down an autorickshaw (Keke Napep) with registration number MBL801VJ, blue in colour, carrying five occupants including the rider.

    “The rider pretended that the tricycle had developed a fault when stopped, giving room for two of the occupants to jump out and escape. However, three suspects were apprehended, who identified themselves as, Udaka Justin, male, 36yrs of Akata Village, Orlu East LGA, Imo State; Chukwuebuka Michael Nnebedun male, 24yrs, of Arondizuogu, Ideato North LGA, Imo State; and Prince David (24), of Arodizuogu, Ideato North LGA, Imo State.

    “Upon searching the suspects, operatives recovered the following exhibits: one locally made short pistol, three live cartridges, one double-edged machete, one battle axe, one black face mask, and one sachet of substances suspected to be Indian Hemp and the Auto-rickshaw ( keke NAPEP)

    “The suspects and recovered exhibits have been taken into custody.”

  • Tragic as popular Nigerian entertainer dies during performance

    Tragic as popular Nigerian entertainer dies during performance

    Nwandinma Dickson, better known as “Nwayi Garri,” a popular Abia State entertainer, has reportedly  slumped and died on Monday during a performance in an August meeting in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) learnt the annual August meeting was allegedly organised by the Abia State Governor’s wife, Priscilla Chidinma Otti, in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area.

    Nwandinma, a 65-year-old woman from Oza Umuebukwu in Nneji Autonomous Community, Ugwunagbo LGA, was scheduled to participate in a dance performance and drama at a high-profile event when the incident occurred.

    Nwandinma was reportedly dressed in her performance costume and moving around different canopies, exchanging greetings and entertaining guests with her usual theatrical steps while waiting for the arrival of the guest of honour. Mrs. Otti.

    According to eyewitness,  the entertainer stooped briefly and then slumped, but some of the audience initially mistook the incident for part of her act and continued clapping and cheering, only to realise a few minutes later that she was unresponsive.

    The Mayor of Ugwunagbo LGA reportedly intervened and used his vehicle to rush Nwandinma to the hospital, only to be pronounced dead on arrival by medical personnel.

    The source said, “At a time. she stood still and people were clapping thinking it was part of her dance moves. She fell down, and people clapped, but when she could not continue with her entertaining moves, people approached her and only to find out that she was foaming from the mouth.”

    Her family members confirmed the incident, disclosing that the deceased had initially expressed reluctance to attend the meeting but eventually decided to honour her scheduled performance.

  • 2027: APGA is dead in Abia, we’ve moved into ADC “- Charles Nwanyanwu declares

    2027: APGA is dead in Abia, we’ve moved into ADC “- Charles Nwanyanwu declares

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance,APGA,in Abia South senatorial zone,Abia State,has collapsed its structures into the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the state.

    The party led by the Abia South zonal chairman,Chief Charles Nwanyanwu,who was flanked by the six local government chairmen of the party in the zone, announced this during a meeting with the ADC State Chairman,Don Norman Obinna ,in Aba.

    Nwanyanwu disclosed that the decision to join ADC was informed by what he described as the death of APGA in Abia State,following the leadership crisis that has enveloped the party in the state.

    He added that plans have been concluded for APGA structures in Abia North and Abia Central senatorial zones to also collapse into the ADC.

    Nwanyanwu explained that the decision to join ADC was also supported by over 5,000 members of APGA in Abia South zone.

    He said; “We have left APGA for ADC.We have officially declared for ADC,there’s no more APGA in Abia South,it is decision of all APGA members in Abia South to join ADC. It is our choice.We can’t continue with the crisis in APGA, let them continue with their crisis. ADC is the party to join and we are happy to be here. We saw other parties but ADC is our choice. We are aware that many politicians in Abia are already in ADC. Others are on their way to the party.

    “APGA has died a natural death in Abia state. This is a party that made name in 2015 ; winning not less than 14 House of Assembly seats. In 2019, we won some,but today, APGA doesn’t have a single member in the state House of Assembly. The party is dead and the leaders have not done well.”

    Asked whether the Senator representing Abia South district on the platform of APGA,Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, is aware of their decision to defect to ADC, Nwanyanwu said; “Senator Abaribe doesn’t have a commanding voice over any APGA member in Abia South. He is there doing his own thing,while we are here doing our own job as party people. We don’t bother about Abaribe. We haven’t seen anything Abaribe has done in APGA unless he will come over to ADC and say, our people,let’s work together.”

    Receiving the former APGA members, State chairman of the ADC,Mr. Don Norman Obinna, said the ADC is open to accommodate members from other political parties.

    He stated that ADC is the party to beat in Abia, stressing that any politician who fails to join the ADC will lose election in the state.

    He said;”There is nothing happening in APGA, the party is dead. You can’t even see their offices or branded vehicles anywhere in Abia.

    These people declared for ADC because they believe in our project for good governance and what I have done in the past as an advocate of good governance for which I was victimized and jailed.

    “People are tropping into ADC because they know we can’t sabotage them. This means that our people are beginning to accept the message of hope and good governance which ADC stands for. It takes only 200,000 votes to win the governorship poll in Abia,but as at today,we already have over 300,000 registered members in ADC,and this tells that we are on course.

    “Any politician who fails to join the ADC will lose election in 2025 including Governor Alex Otti, the senators and Members of the national and state Houses of Assembly.Already, they have been pleading for accommodation in ADC

  • Abia Gov addresses concerns over $125m Islamic bank loan

    Abia Gov addresses concerns over $125m Islamic bank loan

    Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has addressed concerns surrounding the $125 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), saying that the conditions were generous.

    Otti, while responding to questions during the monthly media parley on Friday in Umuahia, allayed fears expressed at some quarters concerning the IDB loan.

    “There is nothing to worry about; the conditions are generous and by the time I looked at it, I was actually surprised,” he said.

    The Federal Executive Council had at its meeting on Wednesday, approved the facility to finance the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project, but not yet drawn.

    Otti, however, said that one should only express worry about what happened to the exchange rate.

    “If the money was borrowed prior to May 2023, the exchange rate at that time was under N500.

    “But today, if you are paying back you will begin to look for thrice that money and that is where the issue of deployment comes in,” he said.

    Otti promised that his administration would continue to give prior attention to the health care sector, saying that 120 out of the 200 primary health centres for rehabilitation had been completed.

    He said that the government was also fixing all the 22 general hospitals in the state, adding that Obingwa General Hospital would soon be completed and inaugurated before the end of the month.

    The governor said that the government was working to upgrade education at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

    He said that 221 primary and secondary schools were receiving attention in the first phase of rehabilitation.

    Otti explained that the implementation of the free and compulsory education from primary to  junior secondary school at the beginning of the year,  had led to massive enrollment in public schools.

    The governor also said that a lot of roads were receiving attention, stressing that about 50 of them were being addressed by direct labour, while 30 were on contract.

    He expressed happiness that some of the challenges with funding had been dealt with, given the recent passage of the supplementary budget by the State House of Assembly.

    The governor addressed other developmental efforts of his administration, especially in the areas of electricity, agriculture and others.

  • Abia announces approval of $125m Islamic Bank loan

    Abia announces approval of $125m Islamic Bank loan

    The Abia State Government has announced the approval of $125 million Islamic Bank (IsDB) Loan financing facility by the Federal Executive Council at its meeting of Wednesday, Aug. 13.

    Mr Ukoha Njoku, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Alex Otti, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Umuahia on Thursday.

    Ukoha added that the facility would be used for the state Integrated Infrastructure Development Project.

    “This approval marks a major milestone in a project that has undergone extensive consultations and procedural steps.

    “The fund is a critical component of the overall co-financing arrangement for the state’s ambitious infrastructure development drive. The project’s total cost is $263.80 million,” Ukoha stated.

    He added that $100 million would be sourced from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

    According to him, $15 million will be obtained from the Canada–Africa Development Bank; while $23.80 million counterpart fund would come from the State Government.

    Ukoha described the IsDB facility as particularly significant “because its financing agreement must be signed for the project to proceed, given the integrated nature of the co-financing structure.

    He stated: “The AfDB and Canada–Africa Development Bank financing agreements have already been concluded, with the AfDB loan agreement signed earlier this year.

    “Under the project, the IsDB financing will support the construction of approximately 126 kilometres of road network in Aba and 35.57 kilometres in Umuahia.”

    He explained that the road projects would include a link road between the two cities, as well as critical erosion control works within the project sites.

    He stated that when completed, the projects would reduce travel time in Abia’s busiest urban corridors and create over 3,000 jobs for local residents.

    He further added that the project would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve access to social services; and attract private sector investments.

    Ukoha added that the project, owned by Abia Government, would be executed through the State Ministry of Works, under the supervision of the State Steering Committee.

    He noted that the steering committee would provide policy direction for the State Project Implementation Unit and all the stakeholders in the project.

    He further explained that the IsDB-financed components, covering civil works and consultancy services, would follow the bank’s procurement guidelines, with disbursements made directly to contractors and consultants.

    ”This milestone follows sustained engagement and intergovernmental coordination. This approval is also a direct complement to the visionary infrastructural development agenda of the administration,” he added.

    Ukoha stated that since assuming office, Otti had made Abia road network’s modernisation, revitalisation of urban centres, and integration of sustainable development principles a cornerstone of his administration.

    “The IsDB facility will strengthen these ongoing efforts, accelerating the pace of road reconstruction in Aba and Umuahia.

    “It will also address critical erosion challenges, and lay the groundwork for an integrated transportation network that supports commerce, improves quality of life, and enhances Abia’s competitiveness,” he added.

    Ukoha quoted Otti to have expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his trust and pragmatic leadership and the National Assembly for approving the borrowing plan.

    He added that the governor also thanked the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, for his leadership in concluding the financing process.

    The statement further quoted the governor as thanking the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Attorney General of the Federation, the Vice President IsDB, Dr Mansur Muhktar and all other stakeholders that contributed to making the request for the facility successful.

    He also stated that Otti remarked that the project would complement his administration’s ongoing infrastructural development initiatives.

    “He believed that such initiatives are aimed at modernising Abia’s transportation network, revitalising urban centres, and positioning the state as a hub for sustainable economic growth,” the statement added.

  • Narrow escape for nursing mother, baby as 3-Storey building collapses in Abia

    Narrow escape for nursing mother, baby as 3-Storey building collapses in Abia

    A tragedy was narrowly averted in the early hours of Saturday when a three-storey building collapsed at the Federal Low Cost Housing Estate in Ohobo Afara, Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.

    The collapse left a nursing mother and her five-month-old baby injured. Residents reported that the building had been abandoned for some time and showed visible signs of structural failure in the days leading up to the incident.

    The building caved in around 3 a.m., causing panic among the neighborhood. Fortunately, five other residents living nearby managed to escape without injury. An eyewitness who lives close to the scene described the moment the structure gave way.

    “We heard a loud noise around 3am and rushed out. We saw the entire building had collapsed. Miraculously, no life was lost. But the woman and her baby, who were inside a nearby bungalow, were badly injured by falling debris,” he said.

    Another resident, a security guard who asked not to be named, confirmed that the building had been raising concerns among locals for a while.

    “We noticed cracks and movements in the structure. The building was not occupied but people used the surrounding bungalows. We had even advised that something be done, but nothing happened until this morning,” he said.

    Following the incident, the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) promptly sealed off the area and began investigations into the cause of the collapse.

    Speaking to journalists during a visit to the site, the General Manager of UCDA, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, confirmed the injuries and the agency’s immediate response.

    “We thank God that no lives were lost. The nursing mother, her infant, and one other injured person are receiving medical attention at a private hospital. They were very lucky to survive,” Agomoh said.

    He stated that the building, which had remained uncompleted and unoccupied for a long time, had not passed the necessary integrity assessments.

    “From preliminary observations, it appears the structure lacked proper reinforcements and may have been compromised over time. We have sealed the premises and commenced a full investigation to determine the root cause of the collapse,” he added.

    Agomoh also revealed that two other three-storey buildings within the same premises have shown signs of structural instability and would undergo integrity tests immediately.

    “We are not taking chances. Our engineers will conduct comprehensive tests on the standing structures. If they are deemed unsafe, we will take the necessary steps, including demolition, to safeguard lives,” he assured.

     

  • Four suspected criminals nabbed in Abia

    Four suspected criminals nabbed in Abia

    The Abia State Police Command has successfully discovered and destroyed camps used by criminals along the Utu/Isuikwuato axis in Abia State.

    During the operation, four suspected criminals were arrested inside their hideout.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the DSP Maureen Chinaka, Spokesperson of the Command in a statement on Friday disclosed that the suspects arrested include Jerry Chisom, Tochukwu Ugula, Chinonso Nwankwo, and Kingsley Onyekeba. The police recovered various exhibits, including:

    One locally made pistol, One knife, One iPhone 7 Plus, One Infinix Phone and One laptop computer.

    The operation was carried out after a report was received on July 16, 2025, about a group of suspected armed robbers terrorizing students of Abia State University, Uturu, and other residents.

    The police, led by the Divisional Police Officer, traced the suspects’ hideout and apprehended them.

    The Abia State Police Command is committed to ridding the area of criminal elements and activities. The Command urges residents to report suspicious persons and activities through their emergency phone hotlines.

    “We are making efforts to ensure the area is free from criminal activities,” the statement emphasized.

  • Otti reads riot act to appointees

    Otti reads riot act to appointees

    Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, on Wednesday, warned political office holders and senior public officers to step up their performance or shown the way out.

    Otti issued the warning, while addressing the  2025 Second Quarter Abia Executive Council Strategy Retreat at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

    The retreat has as its theme: “Sustaining the Momentum: Leadership in Execution.”

    He said that his administration would no longer tolerate underperforming officers, adding that the retreat was mandatory for all senior state’s public service officers.

    He urged them to embrace continuous learning, collaboration, and regular self-assessment to sustain the momentum of reforms and development efforts across the state.

    He said that the outcomes of the retreats were expected to drive government’s holistic transformation agenda.

    “These sessions help us assess progress, measure against key milestones, and accelerate delivery within available resources,” he said.

    The governor, who referenced  a biblical principle on unfruitful trees, reiterated his zero-tolerance for mediocrity in leadership.

    “I’m sure you recall the biblical instruction about trees that do not bear good fruit,” he said.

    He commended his team’s progress but urged them not to benchmark themselves against past administrations, which he said were marked by mediocrity.

    Otti called on participants to maximise mentorship opportunities from members of the Global Economic Advisory Council present at the retreat.

    He further emphasised that consistent underperformance was a result of personal choice and not the lack of opportunities for improvement.

    “Leadership is not perfection but the courage to learn, unlearn, and relearn,” he said.

    In a remark, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, described the theme as both a recognition of progress and renewed call to action.

    Kalu said that effective execution remains the real test of leadership credibility.

    He expressed the need for discipline and collaboration to translate the visions of the administration into tangible results.

    The event was attended by top government officials, development partners, and members of the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council.

  • Tricycle operator who returned N4m, rewarded

    Tricycle operator who returned N4m, rewarded

    Lucky Okoro, a tricycle operator who recently returned a misplaced sum of N4 million to a Cameroonian passenger in Aba, has been rewarded by the Executive Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Okoro had last week returned the sum of N4m that was forgotten in his tricycle by a female passenger.

    Moved by the act of kindness, Hon. Iheke immediately directed his aides to locate Okoro and invite him to the council headquarters for special recognition.

    During the meeting held at the Aba North Council Headquarters on Wednesday , Hon. Iheke praised Okoro for his rare display of integrity, describing it as a “breath of fresh air” and a testimony that the spirit of righteousness still lives in Aba.

    “What you did was beyond my imagination. In a city like Aba that many wrongly label as corrupt, your action has changed the narrative.

    “We are grateful for your kindness. You returned N4 million without expecting anything in return. That is character, and that is who we are as a people,” Hon. Iheke said.

    Hon. Iheke further prayed for Mr. Okoro, declaring that his reward would exceed imagination, and announced that his administration would fully fuel Mr. Okoro’s tricycle for a period of time.

    “But more significantly, he promised a process of mentorship, engagement, and empowerment that would position Mr. Okoro as an Ambassador of Aba North.

    “You will be a point of contact to reach our youths. We’ll feature you in council programs, share your story to inspire others, and introduce you to key stakeholders and state officials.

    “We’ll also formally notify His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, through the Chief of Staff, so that the government will do the needful,” the Chairman stated.

    Adding his voice, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Dr. Obioma Rueben Nwogbe, lauded Mr. Okoro for his courage and moral uprightness.

    He noted that the action falls within the vision of the Otti-led administration, which seeks to reshape the image of Abia State through integrity and excellence.

    “Mr. Okoro is now a global personality. He is not just an ambassador of Ngwa land, but a worthy representative of Abia State. His Excellency will soon invite him, and I assure you that more recognitions and rewards are coming,” Dr. Nwogbe said.

  • Supreme Court judgement: Gov Otti defends Abia LG law

    Supreme Court judgement: Gov Otti defends Abia LG law

    Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said the recently enacted Abia Local Government (LG) Law aligns with the spirit and objective of the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy.

    Otti said this on Thursday night during his monthly media parley with newsmen at the Government House, Umuahia, dubbed “Gov. Alex Otti speaks to Abians”.

    According to him, laws must be interpreted and implemented in ways that promote effective governance.

    He argued that the objective of Abia LG Law focuses on enhancing and not hindering service delivery in the various local government areas of the state.

    Otti also said that the state’s new law was designed to ensure that the objectives of the Supreme Court judgment would be practically achievable, without creating dysfunction.

    “The Supreme Court judgment has an intention, and the intention of any law is not to ensure a breakdown of service.

    “The Supreme Court actually made a law by that judgment and whatever we did with the law we passed was to ensure that the intended objective of that law is achieved,” he said.

    He further said that expecting local government councils to handle critical responsibilities, such as the payment of teachers, primary healthcare workers, and managing local security, without state assistance could make some local governments unviable.

    “It would be irresponsible for sub-nationals to fold their hands and watch, because local governments make up the state, just like states make up the federation,” he said.

    He emphasised that the law was not in conflict with the Supreme Court judgment but seeks to ensure smooth, practical implementation of local government functions.

    “What we tried to do is to ensure that it is implementable without creating hitches,” the governor said.

    Otti also said that, “in essence, the law aims to improve the efficiency of governance at the grassroots level and effectively meet the needs of Abia citizens”.

    The country’s apex court, on July 11, delivered a judgment granting financial autonomy to local government councils.