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Tag: Imo State

  • Journalist regains freedom after days in kidnappers’ den

    Journalist regains freedom after days in kidnappers’ den

    Mr Gregory Maduakolam, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Owerri Office, who was reportedly kidnapped on Thursday, has regained his freedom.

    Maduakolam announced his release through phone calls to some of his colleagues at about 11:51 p.m. on Saturday.

    He explained that he was released after his family had paid an undisclosed amount as ransom to the kidnappers. He said that he was manhandled by the hoodlums while in their custody.

    Maduakolam, who was recently transferred from NAN Abuja to Owerri, narrated that he as ambushed by the hoodlums. He said that he was kidnapped at Irete, near Owerri,  where he had gone with a friend and a house agent to inspect an accommodation.

    “After inspecting the house, I agreed with the agent on the part payment and other fees I will pay. As I was about to board a commercial motorcycle to go back to Owerri, five young men surfaced from the neighbourhood and took me away,” he said.

    Maduakolam further narrated that the hoodlums seized his cellphone and used it to collect all the money in his bank account. He expressed gratitude to God and all those that showed concern over the incident, including the management and staff members of NAN.

  • 2 die in Imo bomb explosion

    2 die in Imo bomb explosion

    The Police Command in Imo has confirmed that  two persons died on Tuesday, when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded at the International Market, Orlu.

    The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Owerri.

    Okoye further disclosed that several other people sustained injuries from the explosion while scampering to safety.

    He explained that the command had launched investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to him, preliminary investigation revealed that two hoodlums died from an IED.

    “The two persons, who were incidentally the hoodlums, were killed in the process of setting up the IED. The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has deployed Anti-Bomb operatives to the scene,” the Police spokesman added.

    He urged residents of the area and the traders in the market not to panic. He also urged the people to assist the police and other security agencies with relevant information on any suspicious activities by suspected hoodlums.

  • Police smash armed robbery gang in Imo

    Police smash armed robbery gang in Imo

    The Police Command in Imo says it has dismantled an armed robbery syndicate terrorising residents of Owerri North Local Government Area of the state.

    Its Spokesman, Mr Henry Okoye, in a statement on Tuesday, attributed the feat to enhanced security measures to tackle violent crimes, especially at night.

    “On October 15, 2024, at approximately 3:20 a.m., a patrol team from the Owerri North Divisional Headquarters, responded to a distress call about an armed robbery on Dominion Street near Don Kay, in Owerri North.

    “Upon arrival, the police encountered armed robbers who opened fire on them.

    “The officers, demonstrating bravery, maneuvered into strategic positions and effectively returned fire,” Okoye noted.

    The spokesman said that during the confrontation, one suspect was neutralised while another,  one Moses Nanzi, 31, from Plateau, sustained a gunshot injury and was arrested.

    He said that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the remaining gang members who fled into the bush.

    Okoye added that a double-barrel gun and seven rounds of live cartridges were recovered from the arrested suspect.

    “The suspect will certainly face prosecution when we complete thorough investigation,” he said.

  • Imo security forces rescue 4 kidnap victims

    Imo security forces rescue 4 kidnap victims

    The Police Command in Imo, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, has rescued four kidnap victims and neutralised one suspect at Ezioha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

    The command’s Spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued in Owerri and made available to newsmen on Friday.

    Okoye also disclosed that operatives from the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base) carried out the intelligence-led operation in collaboration with  military personnel.

    According to him, the team successfully dismantled terrorists and kidnapping syndicate, suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed group, the Eastern Security Network during the operation.

    “The operation led to the neutralisation of one suspected terrorist and the rescue of four individuals abducted along Orlu Road on September 29.

    “The victims include Eze Okoro of Orlu LGA, Mr and Mrs Anthony Nwosu, aged 44 and 31, both natives of Ohii in Owerri West LGA, as well as Bartholomew, 56-year-old from Benue.

    “As security forces approached the hideout, the suspects opened fire but were effectively repelled, resulting in the neutralisation of one of them.

    “Others fled into nearby bushes with varying degrees of injuries,” the police spokesman stated.

    He added that items recovered from the camp included a pump-action gun, ten live cartridges, four expended cartridges, four locally-made explosives and a Biafran flag.

    He further explained that a native bulletproof vest, two Highlander Sport Utility Vehicles, an ash-coloured Toyota Camry, and various criminal charms were also recovered from the camp.

    Okoye also stated that operations were underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

    “This feat underscores the command’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to reduce crime to its barest minimum in the state,” he stated.

    He added that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Aboki Danjuma, and the Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, commended the operatives for their swift and effective action.

    “They urge the joint operatives to maintain their momentum in the continuous fight against crime in the state,” he stated.

  • Four suspected child traffickers nabbed in Imo

    Four suspected child traffickers nabbed in Imo

    The Imo State Police Command has arrested four suspected child traffickers, rescuing three children from the bondage.

    According to the Commands Spokesperson, Henry Okoye, on Monday, the State Criminal Investigation Department Detectives in Owerri apprehended the suspects.

    Okoye stated that the operation, which led to the rescue of the three children who were abducted at Ndinwegbu Umuoma, Onicha in Ezihitte Mbaise local government area of the state.

    The victims were lured into a tri-cycle popularly known as Keke while they were playing and were later sold at a hidden location in Aba for 1 million naira each.

    He said, “Detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri have dismantled a notorious child trafficking syndicate involved in the abduction of children from unsuspecting parents.

    “The operation led to the rescue of three children, who were abducted on July 4, 2024, in Ndinwegbu Umuoma, Onicha, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA.

    “The suspects arrested include; 1. Ifeoma Anyanwu, 41, Oloko Ikwuano LGA, Abia State, 2. Chibuzor Lucky, 42, Umuezeala Umuerim, Ubakala, Umuahia, Abia State.3. Charity Kalu, 24, Okono, Ohiafia LGA, Abia State. 4. Isidore Ozioma, 56, Umuhu Onicha, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, Imo State.

    “Investigations revealed that the suspects lured the children into their tricycle while they were playing outside, subsequently transporting them to a hidden location in Aba where they were sold for 1,000,000 Naira. Prompt action from the police led to the rescue of the children and the apprehension of the suspects.

    “The suspects are currently undergoing a thorough investigation at the State CID as efforts continue to locate additional missing children. The rescued children have been safely reunited with their families.”

  • Nigeria @64: Imo govt unveils plans for anniversary celebration

    Nigeria @64: Imo govt unveils plans for anniversary celebration

    The Imo State Government has unveiled its plans to commemorate the country’s 64th independence anniversary in an elaborate style.

    The state Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mr Declan Emelumba, said this while addressing newsmen in Owerri, on Friday.

    Emelumba, who conveyed Gov. Hope Uzodinma’s warm felicitations on the anniversary to Imo residents, said that the governor would make a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday, October 1.

    “We’re rolling out the drums in celebration of the 64th independence anniversary of Nigeria.

    “As part of the activities marking the celebration, Jumaat prayers will hold today, Friday, at the Central Mosque, Owerri.

    “On Sunday, September 29, a special mass will be celebrated at the Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, to be presided over by the Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji,” Emelumba
    said.

    He further said that the celebration proper would take place at the Ndubuisi Kanu Square, with military parade, a march-past by various groups to be wrapped up with the Governor’s address.

    He called on all the Imo residents to support the arrangement and come out in their numbers to join the government to celebrate Nigeria.

  • APC sweeps Imo LG election

    APC sweeps Imo LG election

    The ruling-All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo has won Saturday’s elections for all the 305 Councillorship and 27 Chairmanship positions in the 27 Local Government Areas of the state.

    The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) has declared the results of the elections at its Collation Centre located at its headquarters in Owerri on Sunday.

    The ISIEC Chairman, Mr Charles Ejiogu, declared the results without announcing the figures polled by the parties that participated in the exercise.

    He said that “all the details of the results will be made available accordingly”.

    He said: “Out of the 19 registered political parties, 17 participated in the election, which took place in 305 electoral wards, 27 LGAs, and 4,758 polling units.

    “I wish to announce to Imo people and the general public that after a peaceful, credible elections, the All Progressives Congress emerged winner across board.”

    The ISIEC boss thanked all the political parties and their candidates “for exhibiting decorum throughout the process”.

    He also commended all the stakeholders, including security agencies, political actors and the media for their conduct and cooperation during the process.

    He, however, urged all the aggrieved persons and parties “to channel their grievances accordingly, in line with the extanct laws”.

    In a brief remark, thereafter, the Aboh Mbaise Chairman-elect, Mr Iheukwumere Alaribe, promised to be transparent, all-inclusive and pilot the affairs of the council with the fear of God.

    Although peaceful, the elections were grossly marred by voter apathy and voting did not take place in almost all the local government areas.

    It would be recalled that the Inter-Party Advisory Council in the state had, on Tuesday, September 17, declared its members resolve to boycott the exercise.

  • Imo govt told to postpone Saturday’s LG election

    Imo govt told to postpone Saturday’s LG election

    Libera Initiative for Civic Engagement, a youth-led advocacy organisation promoting good governance, has called for the postponement of the Imo Local Government Elections scheduled for September 21.

    The Executive Director of the organisation, Mr Samuel Ozonna, made the call in a statement issued in Owerri and made available to newsmen on Tuesday. Ozonna stated that the call became necessary “to ensure a fair, transparent, and credible electoral process”.

    He stated that the group was concerned about the “significant procedural and administrative deficiencies” on the part of the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC). He listed some of the deficiencies to include the lack of candidate information, inadequate training, poor voter sensitisation, and non-compliance with guidelines.

    “As of today, ISIEC has not published the list of candidates for both councillorship and chairmanship positions across the political parties. The commission only commenced validation and verification of candidates today, September 17, with only three days before the election. This omission severely impairs voters’ ability to make informed choices, undermining the democratic process,” he noted.

    Ozonna also stated that the group was worried that comprehensive training for both permanent and ad hoc staff, crucial for a smooth exercise, had not been completed. According to him, voter education and sensitisation efforts have been alarmingly insufficient.

    “The public has not been adequately informed about the electoral process, which compromises the ability of citizens to participate effectively. ISIEC has not adhered to its own published guidelines for the election as published by the commission in June.

    “This deviation from established procedures threatens the integrity of the electoral process and raises concerns about the commission’s commitment to transparency and fairness.

    “To safeguard the principles of democracy and ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in a well-organised election, we call for an immediate postponement of the election date,” he added.

    He urged ISIEC to address the critical issues promptly and transparently to ensure that the electoral process upholds the highest standards of fairness and credibility.

    Ozonna stated that the group remained committed to supporting a democratic process that reflects the will of the people. He, therefore, called on all the stakeholders to join in the demand for the postponement of the elections “until these critical concerns are adequately addressed”.

  • Imo LG election: IPAC threatens boycott as APC begins campaign

    Imo LG election: IPAC threatens boycott as APC begins campaign

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has announced plans to kickstart its campaigns for the Oct. 5 governorship election in the state. Senator Ita Enang, the Chairman, APC Campaign and Election Planning Committee in the State, disclosed this at a press conference in Uyo on Tuesday.

    He said that the rally to kickstart the party’s campaign for the election would hold on Sept 18, at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium. Enang expressed confidence that APC would win all the chairmanship and councilorship positions in the state. He expressed hopes that the state Independent Electoral Commission would provide a level play field to all political parties.

    “On Sept. 18, the APC in Akwa Ibom will formally begin local government elections campaigns at the Township Stadium, Ikot Ekpene. The president has taken the bold step to approve autonomy for local governments in the country, so we shall participate in the poll.

    “We are confident that we are going to contest, we are also going to win the elections in all the 31 local government areas. We have the number to win. We want to display our majority, our strength, and our capacity in the local government elections,” he said.

    Enang said that an APC-controlled third tier government in Akwa Ibom would deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

    “I am sure that the people are not satisfied with the performance of the local government councils in the state, we shall make the difference,” he said.

    IPAC vows to boycott Imo LG election

    Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on Tuesday declared that political parties that make up the body will boycott the upcoming local government elections in Imo State.

    The State Chairman of IPAC, Ichie Levi Ekeh, told newsmen in Owerri that the group was disappointed in the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) preparations towards the election.

    The  State Government had scheduled September 21 for the conduct of the council polls. But Ekeh, who is also the state chairman of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), alleged that ISIEC failed to comply with some of the 2024 Local Government elections guideline of the state.

    “We have been following the process but in recent times, it appears that the commission has derailed from the election guideline. We expected that candidates would have been given forms to fill and return same for validation, but four days to the election, names of candidates and voters have not been published.

    “Page 9, paragraph 5 (8) of the guideline, says that all nomination forms shall be delivered at the place or places appointed by the commission at least 20 days before the date of the election. Today is September 17, which is four days to the election, nothing has been done,” he said.

    He also expressed displeasure that the commission declined its inquiry for clarification of certain payments of non-refundable fees in the guideline.

    “Instead what they did was to send invitation to candidates to visit their office for the forms and validation. When these candidates got there, they were asked to pay N200,000 for the chairmanship position and N51,000 for the councillorship positions without the consent of the political parties that presented the candidates. It is up to the political parties to protect the interest of candidates,” he said.

    Ekeh said ISIEC had not been fair to political parties and therefore, adding that  the body was worried that candidates would not be given level  playing ground to participate in the election.

    “As IPAC, we have decided to boycott the election to show our grievances and to show that ISIEC has not done what it should do by following the guideline,” he said.

    However in his reaction, the Chairman of ISIEC, Chief Charles Ejiogu, said contrary to claims by IPAC, the commission followed the prescribed guideline for the conduct of the election.

    “I do not see any reason why the election will not hold on Saturday. The commission is fully prepared, adequately, sufficiently prepared for the election,” Ejiogu said.

    The commission’s chairman also said that training of electoral officers and ad hoc staff would be concluded before the elections.

    He said  no fewer than 15,000 ad hoc staff had been recruited for the exercise in 305 wards and 4,758 polling units across the state.

    He said the money being paid for validation by candidates at the commission’s office was lawful.

  • Imo govt denies plots to rig September 21 LG election

    Imo govt denies plots to rig September 21 LG election

    The Imo State Government, on Tuesday, affirmed its commitment to a free, fair and credible Local Government Elections on September 21, saying it has no plans to rig the exercise. The government further declared that Gov. Hope Uzodimma’s popularity and the people-oriented projects across the state would guarantee overwhelming success for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the elections.

    The Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Mr Declan Emelumba, said this in Owerri, while briefing newsmen on government’s preparedness to sweep the polls. Emelumba described the allegation by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Uzodimma had smuggled in written results to the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) as “insulting”.

    The State PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr Lancelot Obiaku, had in a statement alleged that the State Government was set to rig the polls. Dismissing the allegation, Emelumba described PDP as a “failed party in tatters that is ill-prepared for the election.”

    “PDP is in tatters. It is best remembered in Imo today as a failed party. They already know that they cannot win a single ward in the state, which is why they are crying wolf, trying to discredit an election that is yet to hold,” he said.

    He berated PDP for always raising false alarms to attract sympathy, instead of going to the field to campaign. According to him, APC is not only strong in the state, but formidable and impregnable as evidenced in the superlative performance it posted during the 2023 governorship election in the state.

    “APC won in all the 27 Local Government Areas of the state. PDP could not even win the local government of their governorship candidate. After dragging APC to all the courts, the Supreme Court still affirmed that His Excellency, Gov. Hope Uzodimma, won fair and square,” he said.

    Emelumba said no governor with such record would descend low to rig a local government election, moreso, when APC is firmly rooted in the grassroots in the state. He further said that the State Government had no plan to interfere in ISIEC and its efforts to conduct credible, free and fair council polls.

    “Those entertaining doubts as to the credibility of the state electoral body already know that they will lose the election. It is a well-known trademark of the PDP to raise false alarms about imaginary rigging of an election because failure is their constant companion,” he said.

    He called on the electorate to ignore the antics of a “drowning party” and vote massively for APC as a guarantee for more democracy dividends in the state, especially at the grassroots.