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Tag: Anambra

  • Anambra gov, Soludo announces reward for credible information on kidnappers, armed robbers

    Anambra gov, Soludo announces reward for credible information on kidnappers, armed robbers

    Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has announced a  reward that could be as much as N5million  for a whistleblower who gives information that will lead to the arrest of kidnappers and armed robbers.

    It is also available for anyone with information that would lead to discovery of their campsites and their round-up in the state.

    Soludo made the announcement at the formal launch of Operation ‘ Udo Ga-Achi’,l (Peace shall Prevail), a joint security intervention force, on Saturday in Awka.

    He said the security initiative was designed to safeguard the lives and well-being of all residents and visitors in state.

    According to him, there is the need for a collective action to fight insecurity as the acts and dynamics of criminality have evolved and become hydra-headed.

    “We are taking a decisive action on security with the formal launching of Operation ‘Udo Ga-Achi’ because we are determined to fight criminality and ensure Anambra becomes the safest state.

    “We need people in the communities to give information to security agencies through our toll free line – 5111.

    “For whistleblowers, anyone that gives us credible information that leads to the arrest of any kidnapper or armed robber or information that leads to rounding up of criminals in a camp will be paid a bounty of any amount up to a maximum of N5 million (depending on the class of criminal).

    “We encourage each community to design and execute its own security programme. On monthly basis, any community with zero crime will get a reward of N10 million,” he said.

    The governor said 2000 personnel drawn from the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and vigilante group known as ‘Agunechemba’, had been mobilised for the operation.

    Soludo said that 200 patrol vehicles had been procured and would be active in the nooks and crannies of the state.

    “This operation is designed to tackle the rising insecurity in Anambra, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug epidemic, criminal idolatry, land grabbing, touting and other violent crimes.

    “On the part of government, be rest assured that we are determined to take the criminals head-on and quadruple our efforts in security.

    “For our long-term survival, we must rise up and fight together. If you see or know something, say or do something! Silence means complicity,” he said.

    Earlier, the governor signed the Anambra State Homeland Security Bill 2025 into law to legalise the new security initiative in the state.

    He also announced Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi as the Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council.

    Speaking on behalf of Security Commanders, the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono-Itam, commended the state government for the initiative and promised the readiness of security agencies to ensure Anambra is safe and secure.

  • Church confirms release of 2 Catholic nuns in Anambra

    Church confirms release of 2 Catholic nuns in Anambra

    The two reverend sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary of Onitsha in Anambra have regained their freedom after spending six days in kidnappers’ den.

    The victims are Sister Vincentia Nwankwo and Sister Grace Okoli.

    There release is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary General of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sister Maria Ikeotuonye, which was made available to newsmen on Monday in Onitsha.

    According to the statement, I bring to your notice in joy that our dear Sisters Vincentia Nwankwo and Grace Okoli, who were kidnapped in the evening of Jan. 7, 2025, have been released unconditionally and in good health.

    “We thank God and thank you all for your prayers and support all through these rough and uncertain days. May God forever be blessed through Mary our Mother,” it said.

    When contacted for confirmation, the Anambra Police Command’s spokesman , SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said that he saw a press statement from the organisation.

    “I don’t know weather it is from them or not, but there is a news flying, concerning their release.

    “Efforts are ongoing to reach out to the congregation to ascertained the information and also take brief from the reverend sisters that were allegedly kidnapped and later released.

    “So, as soon as we do that, I can be able to talk authoritatively on what happened”, he said.

  • INSECURITY! Popular music producer Jude Nnam aka ‘Ancestor’ Kidnapped In Anambra

    INSECURITY! Popular music producer Jude Nnam aka ‘Ancestor’ Kidnapped In Anambra

    Jude Nnam, the famous Nigerian Christian music producer, has been kidnapped.

    Nnam, also known as ‘Ancestor,’ is the National Music Director for the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and a member of the National Liturgical Commission, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN).

    He was allegedly kidnapped on Thursday evening around 6 p.m. in Umunnachi, Anambra State.

    The music icon is said to have traveled to Anambra for a church function.

    A Catholic priest, Rev Fr Augustine Mario, shared the sad news of Nnam’s kidnap on his Facebook page on Friday.

    “Please kindly keep Sir Dr. Jude Nnam (Ancestor) in your prayers.

    He was allegedly kidnapped yesterday evening around 6 p.m. in Umunnachi, Anambra State

    Sir Jude Nnam is the CAN National Music Director and Member of the National Liturgical Commission, CSN, etc.

    “May God grant him safety and quick release from his abductors. Amen”

    —Augustine Mario

    Another Catholic priest also confirmed Nnam was abducted when he posted on his Facebook page: “If this is true, then it is a huge shame. I’m simply tired of this unfortunate space called Nigeria.

    Why this type of pain and frustration now?

    Anyway, I just hope this isn’t true.

    Jude Nnam Ancestor!

    It is well. Fada Mentor.”

    The music maestro recently celebrated his 50th birthday anniversary.

    Nnam also ministered at the ‘Unusual Praise 2024’ held at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, last week

  • BREAKING! NJC heavy hammer falls on Rivers, Anambra judges

    BREAKING! NJC heavy hammer falls on Rivers, Anambra judges

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended Justice G. C Aguma of the High Court of Rivers State and Justice A.O Nwabunike of the Anambra State High Court from performing judicial functions.

    “They were both suspended for the period of one year without pay and placed on watch list for two years thereafter,”.

    According to monitored reports the suspension takes immediate effect from November 15, 2024.

    The decision, says the report, was taken at the 107th Meeting of the NJC chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on 13 and 14 November 2024.

    Details shortly

  • Chidebe emerges new Anambra PDP chairman

    Chidebe emerges new Anambra PDP chairman

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra has elected a new executive led by Chidi Chidebe.

    The state congress election which commenced Wednesday morning and streched till early morning of today, Thursday, October 24,2024 took place at the Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Center Awka.

    Reacting shortly after his declaration as winner Chidebe, assured that his leadership would first of focus on the restoration of the dignity, unity and cohesion of the party.

    He polled 1080 votes to emerge victorious.

    While his opponent, Amechi Onowu polled 960 votes in the keenly contested state congress.

    The very meticulous, smooth and transparent process was planned and led by the deputy Governor of Enugu state, Ifeanyi Ossai.

    Chidebe disclosed that his administration would reconcile, register more members and embark on grassroots mobilization campaigns aimed at winning back the heart of the public.

    The new Chairman, described his victory as act of God, extended hand of fellowship to his opponent, and others, assuring that they would work assiduously together towards ensuring that the PDP bounced back to power in Anambra State politics and beyond.

    “It is not a victory to one person. This is a victory for all of us. I can assure you that my good brother, Amechi and other contestants are going to work together to restore our party. The 2025 Anambra State governorship election is not going to be business as usual,” he stated.

    Chidebe had at inception of his campaign for the position of chairman launched a five point agenda codenamed Reviving, Rebuilding, and Repositioning the PDP for a Victorious Future, were defined with many derivatives, including clear, measurable steps, concrete programs and action plans for a successful implementation.

    The party’s Woman Leader Hon(Mrs) Calista Admachukwu assured that the party would move on for grassroots mass mobilisation, noting that as a woman, she would ensure all eligible citizen was taken on board.

    The Vice Chairman (Central,) Olisemeka Chukwukelu, saidd they are ever ready to take back the state in the next election in Anambra State.

    A former member of the House of Representatives,zone Christian Okeke called on the new executive to work hard to restore confidence among members, and ultimately lead them to success in both the 2025 Governorship Election and the 2027 General Elections.

    Dr Okeke charged them to Rebuild the Internal Unity and Party Cohesion aimed at healing divisions, fostering collaboration, and establishing a united front across all levels of the party within 30 days with regular stakeholders meetings and conferences, while the second agenda entitled Strategic Grassroots Mobilization and Voter Engagement is set to re-energize the party base and increase voter turnout by reconnecting with communities at the grassroots level, and would be achieved within 6 months of taken over.

    Agenda 3 of the manifesto is Strengthening Synergy with National Leadership and Enhancing Local Government and Ward Relationships whose objective is to create a harmonious and effective relationship with the national leadership of the PDP, while fostering deeper engagement and cooperation with local government and ward leaderships across Anambra State, and would be achieved in 30 days of taken over.

  • Just in: Anambra dumps suit seeking to declare EFCC illegal

    Just in: Anambra dumps suit seeking to declare EFCC illegal

    The Anambra State Government, on Tuesday, pulled out from the suit that is seeking to declare the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, illegal.

    The state, through its Attorney General, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, told the Supreme Court that it was no longer willing to be a part of the legal action that was originally instituted by Kogi state.

    The withdrawal notice was dated October 20.

    Anambra took the position on a day that Osun state, through its Attorney-General, Mr. Oluwole Bada, applied to be allowed to consolidate its grievance against the operations of the EFCC, with that of Kogi state.

    Osun state told a seven-man panel of the apex court led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, that it is seeking the same reliefs that Kogi state listed against the EFCC.

    Whereas Sokoto state, which was earlier joined as a co-plaintiff in the matter, did not send any legal representative at the resumed proceeding on Tuesday, other states that announced their appearances, were; Kogi, Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Oyo, Benue, Plateau, Cross River, Ondo, Niger, Edo and Bauchi.

    Others were; Adamawa, Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo and Nasarawa.

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, appeared as the sole defendant in the matter.

    The AGF did not oppose Anambra state’s request to pull out of the case.

    It will be recalled that 16 states of the federation had approached the Supreme Court to challenge the operations of the EFCC.

    The states are contending that the anti-graft agency was not validly established by the then administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    It will be recalled that the EFCC was established by an Act of the National Assembly on December 12, 2002, by Obasanjo’s administration.

    Following the appointment and confirmation of its pioneer Executive Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and other administrative officers, by the Senate, the Commission commenced its operational activities on April 13, 2003, though its Establishment Act was later amended in 2004.

    However, in the suit before the apex court, the states, through their respective Attorneys General, argued that section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, was not complied with before the EFCC began its operations.

    According to the plaintiffs, it was a mandatory provision of the Constitution that majority of the Houses of Assembly of States must vote and agree to the passage of the EFCC Act, insisting that it was not something that only the National Assembly was legally allowed to do.

    They told the Supreme Court that none of the states was carried along before the EFCC was established by the then President Obasanjo’s administration.

    They argued that the Supreme Court had in a decided case-law in Dr. Joseph Nwobike Vs Federal Republic of Nigeria, held that it was a United Nation Convention against corruption that was reduced into the EFCC Establishment Act and that in enacting this law in 2004, the provision of Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, was not followed.

    The plaintiffs maintained that since the due process was not followed before the EFCC Establishment Act was enacted, it cannot be applicable in states that never approved of it, in accordance with provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

    They argued that any agency that was formed as a result of the Act, ought to be regarded as an illegal institution.

    The 16 states are relying on the fact that since the 1999 Constitution, as amended, is the supreme law of the land, any Act of the National Assembly that is inconsistent with the Constitution, ought to be declared a nullity.

    Kogi state had specifically raised six questions for the apex court to determine, even as it sought nine principal reliefs.

    It, among other things, prayed the Supreme Court for: “A declaration that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) or any agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria cannot investigate, requisition documents, invite and or arrest anyone with respect to offences arising from or touching on the administration and management of funds belonging to Kogi state of Nigeria or any Local Government Area of Kogi State.”

    As well as: “A declaration that the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) or any agency of the Federal Government, lacks the power to issue any directive, guideline, advisory or any instrument howsoever called for the administration and management of funds belonging to Kogi State of Nigeria or any Local Government Area of Kogi state.”

  • SAD! Cult related war claims 11 Lives in Anambra.

    SAD! Cult related war claims 11 Lives in Anambra.

    Cult war claimed eight lives late afternoon today(Sunday) as a group of suspected armed cultists engaged each other in a supremacy gun battle at Nibo, Awka South Council of Anambra state.

    It was yet to be ascertained what triggered the tragedy as at the time of filing the report.

    Most eye witnesses who managed to talk to journalists claimed they were still traumatized by the brazen indiscriminate target shootings and killings.

    Nibo, a suburb of the capital city of Awka, according to a witness who declined to give his name, was said to be celebrating an annual Onwa Asaa festival, a time meant for joy and unity for Nibo indigenes, friends and well-wishers.

    The armed men reportedly stormed eating joint scene of the shootings in a black Lexus sports utility vehicle.

    Jumping out in a commando style they instantly opened fire all over in multiple directions, killing many people in the vicinity instantly.

    The witness described what he saw -“It was like a war zone..

    “The gunmen came out from their vehicle, shooting everywhere. People were running in all directions for their lives, screaming and crying.

    “It was indeed chaotic.”

    “The festivals, meant to bring people together, have been marred by violence and bloodshed.

    “We are devastated. How can someone do this to us during our celebration? It’s heartbreaking,” said a resident.

    The community is demanding justice for the victims and their families.

    “We urge the government to take immediate action,” said a community leader, adding, “We cannot continue to live in fear. We need peace and security.”

    The police and other security agencies have been deployed to the area to investigate the incident.

    Reacting to the incident, the state police command said it was a cult-related clash.

    The police reaction contained in a statement by the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, reads:

    SUSPECTED CULT-RELATED CLASH IN NIBO: CP ITAM ORDERS DEPLOYMENT OF ADDITIONAL OPERATIVES IN THE AREA

    A press statement from the State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga while reassuring citizens of their protection called on witnesses to volunteer information for necessary action

    The statement read in part, “the Command is aware of a suspected cult-related clash today 20/10/2024 in Nibo, Awka South LG and the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam have ordered immediate deployment of additional operatives to the area for necessary action.

    “Preliminary reports of the incidents are still sketchy as the Command calls on the witnesses of this incident to volunteer information that will help to identify the perpetrators for possible arrest.

    “Be assured that information sent in this regard shall be treated with utmost confidentiality.

    “You can call the Command Control Room at *07039194332* or the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) at *08039334002*

    While the ugly incident at Nibo claimed eight lives, said to be a clash of rival cult groups three others were also killed in Nodu Village of Okpuno community, another surburb of the northern border of Awka, on Sunday also.

  • PDP reschedules Anambra congress over Cttee chairman’s absence

    PDP reschedules Anambra congress over Cttee chairman’s absence

    The National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rescheduled the State Congress of its Anambra chapter.

    Chairman of the Congress committee, the Governor of Enugu State -Mr Peter Mba, who was out of the country on official duty announced this through the Secretary of the Congress committee, Mr Ndubisi Eneh at the stakeholders meeting held late afternoon at the Udoka Housing Estate office of the party in Awka.

    Mr Eneh had expressed the regrets of the National leadership of the party, the Congress Committee and the governor for the inevitable postponement.

    He noted that the Enugu deputy Gov, Ifeanyi Ossai who was to stand in for Gov Mba needed more time to get properly briefed and acquainted with the necessary paper works and other relevant logistical arrangements thereto.

    Eneh stated that the Congress, despite the shift, would take place before coming weekend in order not to distort other pre-scheduled programs.

    He revealed also the shift would avail Mba necessary opportunity to take as he was being expected back in the country tomorrow.

    Eneh emphasized that the prime importance the PDP Headquarters attached to taking back the Anambra Government House advised the shift. That they want to put all square pegs in their proper positions and restore the confidence of members and supporters in the party and the way it carry on it’s affairs.

    He vowed that members of the committee are committed towards leaving a lasting legacy of a credible, fair and transparent State congress.

    Eneh who led other members of his Committee to Awka explained that the postponement will enable them sort out some observed challenges including the particular approved list of delegates and the actual certified number.

    Addressing the stakeholders in turns, the State Chairmanship candidates, Barrister Amechi Onowu, and Chidi Chidebe appealed to Congress team for a level playing ground for all the contestants, and to remain above board irrespective of any level of temptation. That it’s only how the party could heal and rediscover it’s winning ways.

    The former Minister of Women Affairs, Iyom Josephine Anenih and the ex- Chairman of the party, Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu charged the committee to remain focused on conducting a memorable free and fair State congress that would stabilise the party for Anambra State 2025 gubernatorial poll and beyond.

    A member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT), Chief Ugochukwu Okeke commended the party members for their patience, admitting that it really shows that the healing, restoration and rebuilding process has started.

    The BOT member pointed out that once the Congress was done with and the new executive take off, all other parties in the state would surely gasp for breath, “because PDP is the big political landlord of the nation, Anambra inclusive…”

  • BREAKING! INEC fixes date for Anambra Guber poll

    BREAKING! INEC fixes date for Anambra Guber poll

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the date for the Anambra governorship election.

    Addressing representatives of political parties at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 17, INEC national chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said the election will be held on Saturday 8th November 2025.

    Hear him: “As you are aware, the last governorship election in Anambra State was held on 6th November 2021. By the effluxion of time, the governorship election is due next year.

    In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.

    “The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

    “Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.

    In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.

    “The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

    “Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.

    The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

    “Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.

    “In the coming weeks, the Commission will provide details of other electoral activities, including the registration of new voters, transfer of voters and the replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.

    “The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms before the end of this meeting.”

  • Police foil abduction attempt of foreigner in Anambra

    Police foil abduction attempt of foreigner in Anambra

    The officers of the Anambra State Police Command have haltes an attempt by a gang of criminals to kidnap a foreign national.

    The kidnap attempt according to a statement by the spokesman of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, occurred at Ogbunka community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    SP Ikenga disclosed that the victim was rescued after police operatives engaged the hoodlums in a gun battle that lasted several minutes.

    The spokesman revealed that two officers sustained bullet wounds during the incident, and are now receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

    The statement said, “In the morning of 6/10/2024, police operatives foiled the abduction of a foreigner by suspected armed secessionist members in Ogbunka village.

    “The operatives courageously engaged the hoodlums in a gun battle and rescued the VIP. Unfortunately, during the gun duel, two police officers were injured by gunfire. They are in a stable condition and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

    “Meanwhile, operations are ongoing in the area to apprehend the armed men.”