TheNewsGuru

Tag: Anambra State

  • CP orders clampdown on cult activities in Anambra

    CP orders clampdown on cult activities in Anambra

    The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu has ordered a clampdown on unlawful gatherings, especially cult related activities, towards averting supremacy battle among cult groups in the state.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga made this known in a statement on Monday in Awka.

    “The Commissioner of Police (CP) Anambra state, Ikioye Orutugu has ordered a clampdown on any unlawful gathering in the state.

    “This follows the security intelligence-led policing and community information that suggests that the Neo-Black Movement of Africa may use today July 7 to execute plans that could lead to serious public disorder, including cult initiations and reprisals against rival cult groups in the state,” he said.

    Ikenga quoted the CP as saying that these criminal activities could happen within student populated areas, hence the need to step up the security deployment with the School Protection Squad (SPS).

    He consequently instructed the operatives of the command to be on the offensive.

    Orutugu also urged hoteliers, lounge owners, and operators of studio apartments to refuse their facilities from being used to host gatherings associated with cult groups or any related activities.

    According to the CP, the security deployment also involves covert operations with operatives at the Motor and Keke parks and other identified spots to prevent any untoward situation.

    The command, therefore, urged the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activities, gatherings, or threats to the police, saying the command remains dedicated to a peaceful and secured environment for everyone in the state.

    The CP enjoined residents of the state to call the various Area Commanders or Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in their areas of concern, in the case of any threat.

    The SPS is an initiative of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, designed to protect the schools, students and institutional infrastructure.

  • PHOTO: Man arrested with fresh human breast

    PHOTO: Man arrested with fresh human breast

    The Police Command in Anambra has arrested a suspect found with a fresh human breast in Awada, Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

    Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed this in Awka on Sunday while reviewing the command’s weekly diary of events.

    Ikenga stated that the suspect, Samuel Eze, aged 25, was arrested on July 6 by a Joint Security Team attached to Awada Police Station.

    The team included police officers and operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante, who were on routine patrol when they arrested Eze at 3:30 p.m.

    “The Joint Security Team patrolling Jude Onyekwere Street, Awada, Obosi, arrested 25-year-old Samuel Eze in possession of a fresh female breast,” Ikenga said.

    He added that the recovered body part was deposited at a morgue, while the suspect is undergoing interrogation for further investigation and prosecution.

    Ikenga also revealed that on July 4, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad rescued a kidnapped driver at Enugwu Ukwu, Njikoka LGA.

    He said the operatives, acting on credible intelligence, rescued the victim at about 12:45 p.m. and recovered a truck loaded with custard powder worth ₦9.5 million.

    Three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident: Udegenyi Ugochukwu, 38; Anayochukwu Okonkwo, 47; and Good Odigili, 47.

    “During interrogation, the suspects confessed to diverting the goods to Enugwu Ukwu after tying up the driver in a nearby bush.

    “They also revealed that the custard powder was originally meant to be delivered to a warehouse in Asaba, Delta State,” he said.

    Ikenga further confirmed a suspected stolen vehicle recovered by police operatives attached to the Obosi Division.

    He said the vehicle, an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna, was found abandoned on July 5 along Okpuno-Umuota Village road, Obosi, Idemili North LGA.

    The car had an inscription on its body reading: “Forum of Accountants Delta State,” suggesting it might belong to a group.

    “The Police Command urges anyone seeking the recovered vehicle to present valid proof of ownership for verification and possible collection,” he said.

    Ikenga reassured the public of the Command’s commitment to safety through ongoing joint patrols with the military, Civil Defence, DSS, Immigration, and Vigilante operatives.

  • 2027: Anambra PDP not in coalition – Chairman

    2027: Anambra PDP not in coalition – Chairman

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra Chapter, has said that it is not involved in any Coalition arrangement with any individual or political party.

    The state Chairman of the party, Mr Chidi Chidebe, said this in an interview with NAN in Awka on Saturday.

    Chidebe said the party remained independent, united and operating under the directive of its national leadership.

    He said that leadership of the party in the state was not involved in the coalition talks, adding that any of such moves was personal.

    According to him, PDP in Anambra already has a position on the issue of coalition and let me reiterate it here that we are not in any coalition.

    “This is the position of the national leadership of our party and we are standing by it very strictly,” Chidebe said.

  • CAN reacts over Ebonyi indigenes killed in Anambra

    CAN reacts over Ebonyi indigenes killed in Anambra

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi chapter, has described the killing of 13 Ebonyi indigenes in Anambra as a grave crime against humanity and God.

    The Chairman of the Association, Rev. Scamb Nwokolo, made this known on Thursday during a news conference in Abakaliki.

    Recall that the 13 Ebonyi indigenes were killed on June 30 during their monthly town union meeting in Ogboji, Orumba South, Anambra.

    Nwokolo, who condemned the killing, urged security agencies in Anambra to heighten vigilance and ensure safety for all citizens, regardless of their social status.

    He commended Anambra Police Command’s efforts and called on the state government to bring the perpetrators to justice and support the bereaved families.

    “While we commiserate with Governor Francis Nwifuru and Ebonyi people, we deeply empathise with families who lost loved ones in this heinous attack.

    “We pray God grants them strength to bear the painful loss. As a church, we remain prayerful and steadfast. We seek lasting peace and safety for the lives and property of every Nigerian citizen,” Nwokolo stated.

  • Six dealers arrested as Police uncover drug cartel

    Six dealers arrested as Police uncover drug cartel

    The Anambra State police command has arrested six suspects after the discovery of a drug cartel in Oko in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Tochukwu Ikenga, the command’s spokesperson, in a statement on Thursday said a large quantity of various hard substances were recovered from the suspects.

    He said they are currently undergoing interrogations for necessary information, especially on the recent disturbing incident in Oko.

    He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has emphasized the significant role that substance abuse plays in fueling crime and has directed a major clampdown on all criminal activities in Oko and its environs.

    “Consequently, the Police Operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad Enugwu Ukwu in the early hours of 25th June, 2025 burst a drug den in Oko, arrested six suspects and recovered a large quantity of various hard substances.

    “The suspects arrested include: Joseph Chukwura, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Ifeanyi Agbanari, Igwe Chineche, Mmadufor Chinecherem, Chibueze Chukwumankpam, and Mmadubom Uchenna, all males between the ages of 24 and 35 years respectively.

    “They are currently undergoing interrogations for necessary information, especially on the recent disturbing incident in Oko.

    “Given the above, the Command believes that this initiative may help to nip in the bud the prevalence of criminal activities and expose more criminal networks in the area.”

  • YPP pays Anambra N50m campaign levy amid protest

    YPP pays Anambra N50m campaign levy amid protest

    The Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Anambra has paid the mandatory campaign levy imposed by the state government for political adverts and election-related publicity.

    Mr Uzu Okagbue, running mate to Mr Paul Chukwuma, the YPP’s governorship candidate for the Nov. 8 election, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Awka.

    The state recently introduced the levy through the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA).

    The Managing Director and CEO of ANSAA told journalists on June 11 that the fee permits candidates to place campaign materials in public spaces.

    These materials include posters, branded clothing, vehicles, and other publicity tools meant for the upcoming governorship election.

    Okagbue said, “Today, I visited ANSAA with the YPP State Secretary, Chief Joe Okonkwo, and Publicity Secretary, Mr Oforbuike Okoli, alongside Mr Timothy Nwankwo.”

    He described the visit as symbolic, marking the formal payment of the N50 million campaign levy required by the Anambra government.

    He said the payment goes beyond compliance, symbolising the YPP’s preparedness and firm resolve to compete and lead in the state’s political space.

    “This is our declaration of intent — bold, structured, and uncompromising. We believe in order, not chaos,” he said.

    He noted the gesture highlights the party’s commitment to due process, integrity, and responsible governance.

    Okagbue said YPP’s approach contrasts sharply with the noisy and improvised style common in present-day political campaigns.

    He stressed that their campaign is based on vision, substance, and service to the people of Anambra.

    He added that Chukwuma is motivated not by ambition, but a pressing need to restore dignity and transparency to leadership.

    According to him, the campaign also aims to bring real prosperity to citizens through good governance and credible policies.

    Some of the 16 political parties in the race opposed the N50 million levy. They argue it is a ploy by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s APGA-led administration to suppress opposition voices.

  • Anambra: Two students dead, several others critically injured in Oko Poly cult clash

    Anambra: Two students dead, several others critically injured in Oko Poly cult clash

    A cult-related incident in the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State, has led to the death of two students, with several persons injured.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the police in its statement revealed  a case of shooting at different locations by armed men, whom were described as cult members.

    While four people were said to have been killed, the Anambra Police Command confirmed two deaths.

    The incident, which first started at a drinking joint on Tipper Road in the university community, extended to student residential areas in the Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.

    The command noted that police operatives led by Area Commander Aguata, complemented by the Joint Security Force comprising the Army, Navy, Civil Defence, and Vigilante Operatives, had taken over the scene.

    The police said, “Two victims including a lady who is currently receiving treatment in a hospital were rescued.

    “Sadly, the incident recorded the death of two persons and the alleged abduction of two others.

    “An eyewitness account revealed that the armed criminals operating with a motorcycle and a black Lexus 350 SUV without a plate number, started shooting indiscriminately at the Total junction.

    “Four persons were allegedly wounded including a lady who is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

    “The two others were allegedly abducted at the Tipper junction before they fled the scene.

    “Meanwhile, the Command has sued for calm as the Operatives are already acting on some clues from the scene and leveraging on necessary information from some eyewitnesses for the possible arrest of the hoodlums.”

  • Anambra governorship election: Why Soludo is yet to start campaign – APGA

    Anambra governorship election: Why Soludo is yet to start campaign – APGA

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has said Governor Chukwuma Soludo chose to focus on infrastructure development rather than campaigning ahead of the November 8 Governorship Election in Anambra.

    Dr Ejimofor Opara, National Publicity Secretary, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Awka, while explaining the reason APGA had not yet commenced its campaign.

    Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had released the final list of candidates for the upcoming election and announced that official campaigns would begin on June 11.

    However, since the campaign window opened, only a few of the 16 registered political parties have launched their campaigns.

    Opara stated that numerous individuals had reached out to him about their campaign plans following INEC’s announcement of the official kickoff on June 11.

    “First, as a government, there are deadlines that Gov. Soludo has set for himself and everyone on the Solution team. Thus, a campaign at this time would be more of a distraction, and residents will not accept excuses.

    “Across the length and breadth of the state, Soludo is stamping indelible footprints that require consolidation; nothing will veer him off this track.

    “For the first time in the state’s known history, residents will be making a decision based on massive evidence of sterling performance, not hearsay. So, for now, Soludo is very busy and APGA encourages him to remain focused. Our vehicle is sound and the road ahead is clear, ” he said.

  • Soludo approves N6.154bn for basic education projects

    Soludo approves N6.154bn for basic education projects

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo has approved N6.154 billion as counterpart funding for Anambra’s Universal Basic Education (UBE) grants for 2022 to 2024.

    This is contained in a statement on Friday by Dr Vera Nwadinobi, Chairperson of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB).

    Nwadinobi said the release of funds will enable the state to access an equal matching grant from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

    With the matching grant, UBEC is expected to provide N12.308 billion for a fresh round of UBE intervention projects across the state.

    According to her, the planned projects include building new classrooms, renovating old ones, and supplying desks and chairs to schools.

    Water and sanitation facilities will be installed in primary and junior secondary schools in various communities.

    Funds will also support fencing of schools, provision of ICT tools, and supply of agricultural and sports equipment.

    “These initiatives are intended to create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning in our schools,” Nwadinobi stated.

    She thanked the governor for his continued support and commitment to advancing quality education in Anambra.

  • ADC threatens court action against Anambra govt

    ADC threatens court action against Anambra govt

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC), has threatened to sue Anambra Government over its policy that governorship candidates for the Nov.8 election should pay N50 million campaign permit fee.

    Recall that the Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency (ANSAA), had on Wednesday stated that governorship  candidates for the Nov.8 election must pay N50 million campaign permit fee.

    The advertisement permit, the agency stated would enable the candidates and their political parties to deploy campaign materials such as posters, branded vehicles, among others.

    Sixteen contestants including the incumbent Governor, Chukwuma Soludo have been cleared for the Nov. 8 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    But ADC in the state, argued said that the policy was targeted to weaken the opposition political parties.

    Mr Patrick Obianyo, the state chairman of ADC, who disclosed he party’s unhappiness on the directive told newsmen on Thursday in Awka that they would challenge the action in court.

    ”If the state government refused to withdraw the plan, ADC  would institute a legal action against it.

    “ADC governorship candidate will  not make the payment as it amounts to intimidation and act of stifling democracy and the oppositions.

    “This is unheard of and unfortunately, a policy coming from the same Soludo who contested for governor in the year 2021 and never paid such money.

    “How can a political party pay N50 million for ordinary T-shirt, cap and pamphlet? We are witnessing this for the first time in Anambra and one wouldn’t know why the governor decided to have himself associated with such policy.

    “This is an indication that Gov. Soludo is afraid of the oppositions. We never heard of it. We are saying no to such. We are capable of paying, but it is wrong, unconstitutional and undemocratic, and we are rejecting it,” he said.

    He said that no stakeholders meeting was held before the decision was reached and nobody knew how the state government came about such decision,” he said.

    Obianyo said that the party had drawn the attention of the Inter-party Advisory Committee (IPAC), leadership on the issue.

    He said that the party can’t be intimidated, adding that their governor candidate and his running mate are fully prepared for the contest.