TheNewsGuru

Tag: Imo

  • We were making a skit, not eating faeces in trending video – Comedians

    We were making a skit, not eating faeces in trending video – Comedians

    Three comedians in Imo, who were thought to have been eating their faeces in a trending video, have denied doing so, saying that they were only making a comedy skit.

    Great Egbuchulam, Solomon Mbata and Arinze Mbah aged 21, 20 and 21 respectively debunked the video reports while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri on Wednesday.

    They denied having anything to do with internet fraud, adding that they were completely misunderstood after an anonymous passerby recorded the video, causing it to go viral on social media.

    Egbuchulam, popularly known as “Clean-Mumu” and Mbata popularly known as “Baggy_Universe” identified themselves to be content creators and members of a Comedy crew known as “Funny Embassy”.

    Also, Mbah, popularly known as “Dat_Skirtboi” admitted that the video was irritating, but said that it was intended to portray the ills of society and the inordinate quest of today’s youths to make quick money.

    He called on youths to desist from internet fraud and money rituals but rather, to work hard and align with legitimate means of making money.

    ”We were not eating faeces, just as many persons believe but, we were portraying the extent to which many persons, especially youths, have gone in a bid to acquire wealth,” he said.
    Also, Mbata advised youths to avoid the lure of seeking wealth through diabolic means as the consequences outweighed the possible gains.

    Also speaking, Egbuchulam advised youths to learn skills with which they could fend for themselves adding that this would help distract them from negative thoughts.

    He however, called on government to introduce more youth-friendly poverty alleviation initiatives, noting that hardship could plunge young persons into money rituals and internet fraud.

    “Government cannot afford to overlook the concerns of youths because the pressure is high on them, from friends and family.

    “With government intervention, such vices will be reduced to a barest minimum,” he said.

    Reacting, Police Public Relations Officer in Imo, CSP Michael Abattam said he was not aware of the trending video but promised to look into the matter.

  • Just In: Gunmen bomb police headquarters, free detainees in Imo

    Just In: Gunmen bomb police headquarters, free detainees in Imo

    Gunmen on Thursday bombed the Ideato South Local Government Area Police Headquarters in Dikenafai, Imo State.

    They freed the detainees.

    The hoodlums, who came in large numbers, set part of the police station ablaze with explosive devices.

    The explosives destroyed the administrative office, the Divisional Police Officer’s office, and the reception desk.

    Chairman of Ideato South LGA Interim Management Committee, Pastor Bede Ikeaka, expressed shock at the incident.

    Imo Police Command spokesman, Michael Abattam, a Chief Superintendent of Police, said he was yet to be briefed.

    He promised to get back to our correspondent.

    It was learnt that some of the detainees have been caught by a local vigilante group.

  • Listing of Bandits Sponsors: Gov Uzodinma backtracks, says Okorocha is his biggest headache

    Listing of Bandits Sponsors: Gov Uzodinma backtracks, says Okorocha is his biggest headache

    Finally, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, Tuesday bakslided after announcing that he would list those sponsoring banditry in his state.

    Speaking at a critical stakeholders meeting despite issuing a statement that led to palpable fears in the state earlier this week, Uzodinma’s courage failed as all he could say was that former Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha was his biggest headache.

     

    The governor told the stakeholders that rather than naming them, he would allow security agents who had identified them do so without interference.

    He accused politicians and the media of “creating unnecessary tension and apprehension” in the state.

    Uzodimma said, “You will recall that I have said that I will use the opportunity of this Stakeholders meeting to name those behind insecurity in the state.

    “Since then, many politicians have latched on that statement to cause problems in the state. Even the media, both mainstream and social, did not help matters.

    “I want to tell you that instead of naming them I will allow security agencies who are already investigating those identified to finish their work. Naming them would jeopardise the work of security agencies who are already doing a great job.”

    Uzodimma, however, accused Okorocha of usurping his ( Uzodimma’s) role by not realising that his time had gone.

    Uzodimma said, “We have many former governors in the state. We have former governors Achike Udenwa, Ikedi Ohakim, Emeka Ihedioha and Rochas Okorocha. But Rochas Okorocha has failed to recognise that he is a former governor

    “Rochas Okorocha is my younger brother. I am older than him and today I am the governor. He should recognize that fact and accord me that respect,” he added.

     

  • Just In: Palpable fear grips lmolites as dignitaries arrive venue, Gov Uzodinma will announce sponsors of terrorists

    Just In: Palpable fear grips lmolites as dignitaries arrive venue, Gov Uzodinma will announce sponsors of terrorists

    Palpable fear grips Imolites as dignitaries arrive venue Governor Hope Uzodinma will announce names of alleged sponsors in the troubled State.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls the governor has announced he would announce the names of the alleged sponsors of the insecurity in Imo state today (Tuesday).

    At the time of filing this report, many stakeholders have started arriving at the venue of the event, the Sam Mbakwe Executive chamber in the government house in Owerri.

    For now, some of the dignitaries present include; The president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Professor George Obiozor, the former Senator who represented Imo North senatorial district, Matthew Nwagwu, the Imo State Commissioner for Police, Hussani Rabiu, former minister of Information, Walter Ofonagoro, speaker Imo state House of Assembly, Kennedy Ibeh, former deputy governor, Jude Agbaso.

  • Just In: Ex Gov Okorocha, his son-in-law, Nwosu, named as prime suspects ahead of today’s announcement of sponsors of bandits in Imo

    Just In: Ex Gov Okorocha, his son-in-law, Nwosu, named as prime suspects ahead of today’s announcement of sponsors of bandits in Imo

    Former Imo State governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, and his son-in-law, Chief Uche Nwosu, have been identified by the Imo State Government as sponsors of kidnapping and banditry in the state.

    Recall Governor Hope Uzodimma had promised to name those behind the gale of insecurity in the state when he meets with Imo Stakeholders today, Tuesday, January 4, 2021.

    But ahead of the meeting scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at the Government House, Owerri, the administration in a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Governor, Oguwike Nwachuku, announced that Okorocha and Nwosu have been implicated by suspects currently in detention.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, Okorocha and Nwosu have been specifically mentioned by suspects who are in the custody of security agents, as being sponsors of kidnapping and banditry in Imo State, using their relationship with former ex-militants to perpetrate the crimes

    “Rather than clear their names, they appear bent on using both overt and covert means to blackmail the Police High Command, which legitimately arrested Uche Nwosu. They are also actively seeking to dent the image of the fine security officers attached to the Governor of Imo State,” the statement issued on Monday and made available to News Express via e-mail, said.

    Below is the statement in full:

    “Plot by those believed to be fueling insecurity, particularly kidnapping, banditry, arson and cannibalism in Imo State ahead of January 4, 2022 Imo Stakeholders meeting got to a head on Monday with false news of the alleged arrest of the security officers attached to Governor Hope Uzodimma.

    “Governor Uzodimma, it is believed, will use the Stakeholders meeting to expose the identities of those behind insecurity and other forms of criminality in Imo State. This has prompted Imo citizens to become more curious to discover the identities of those undermining their peace and prosperity. Thus, the current media frenzy by both Rochas Okorocha and Uche Nwosu appears to be strengthening the notion of their culpability.

    “To discredit the government and undermine the peace which the Governor has achieved so far, as was evident in the large number of Imo people who came back home from around the world for Christmas and New Year festivities, the duo have resorted to publishing falsehood yet again about security officers in the State Government House.

    “Their claim of the arrest and detention of a certain Shaba, whom they falsely allege to be the CSO to the Imo State Governor is strange as the Governor’s CSO is not known by the name of Shaba both officially and otherwise. In addition, no security officer in the Governor’s security team was either arrested or is currently unaccounted for. As such, the entire story can best be described as a poorly scripted fabrication aimed at misleading the unsuspecting public.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, Okorocha and Nwosu have been specifically mentioned by suspects who are in the custody of security agents, as being sponsors of kidnapping and banditry in Imo State, using their relationship with former ex-militants to perpetrate the crimes.

    “Rather than clear their names, they appear bent on using both overt and covert means to blackmail the Police High Command, which legitimately arrested Uche Nwosu. They are also actively seeking to dent the image of the fine security officers attached to the Governor of Imo State.

    “The public must be informed that the entire report is false and a failed attempt to frustrate the Imo Stakeholders meeting taking place on Tuesday.

    “The mass of Imo People, who are undoubtedly peaceful and fun loving are enjoined to discountenance the serial falsehood that continue to be churned out by the embattled duo. The focus and direction of the Gov. Uzodimma led government, it must be emphasized, will continue to be about the wellbeing of the people of the State, no matter what it takes.”

  • Uzodinma to publicly reveal those sponsoring insecurity in Imo tomorrow

    Uzodinma to publicly reveal those sponsoring insecurity in Imo tomorrow

    Imo governor Hope Uzodinma will, on Tuesday, January 4, publicly name those behind the spate of insecurity in the state.

    Information commissioner Declan Emelumba disclosed this in a statement issued in Owerri today.

    “The governor will use the occasion of the 6th edition of the Imo Stakeholders Forum to name those who are sponsors and financiers of insecurity in the state,” the commissioner said.

    “The government is in possession of crack evidence of the involvement of those responsible for the carnage.

    “Apart from the public being availed of those individuals, the governor will update Imo people on his performance in the last two years.

    “The stakeholders’ meeting/luncheon will now hold at the Government House, and not the Ahiajoku Convention Centre, Owerri, by 12 noon on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022.”

  • Opposition politicians, criminals behind security crisis in Imo – Uzodinma

    Opposition politicians, criminals behind security crisis in Imo – Uzodinma

    Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma on Saturday blamed the security crisis in the state on the opposition and criminal elements.

    He called for a renewed and collective effort by the people to end violence and other forms of criminality this year.

    In his new year message, Uzodimma pledged that his administration will continue to work in concert with security agencies to ensure a safer Imo in 2022 and beyond.

    He also pledged that his administration will increase effort to redress the infrastructural deficit it met on assumption of office.

    According to him, the huge capital outlay in this year’s budget of over 74 per cent was a sign that more developmental projects were coming.

    Uzodimma noted that progress can only be made in an atmosphere of peace.

    He noted that some opposition elements had sought to destabilise the state and arrest its progress.

    The governor expressed gratitude to God that they have been overwhelmed.

    He also expressed appreciation to all patriotic citizens who supported the government’s efforts to defeat them.

    He was happy that inspite of the distractions from the opposition and criminal elements, the administration has recorded giant strides in all sectors.

    “The administration is also determined to give practical effect to its recovery programme by ensuring that all looted assets of the state are recovered,” he said.

    He said the recovery of the state’s Kibgsley Ozurumba Mbadiwe University worth N40billion, as well as the Shell Camp land, were aimed at safeguarding the assets of the state.

    The governor enjoined citizens to support the government to work for the peace and progress of the state.

    He urged them to resolve this year to engage only in actions that would enhance the peace and stability of both Imo and Nigeria.

    He said it was worthy of note that the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state has so far been peaceful, to the glory of God.

    The governor assured that every effort will be made to ensure that Imo people enjoy peace throughout the year.

  • Okorocha’s son-in-law, Uche Nwosu lawfully arrested not abducted – APC

    Okorocha’s son-in-law, Uche Nwosu lawfully arrested not abducted – APC

    Imo chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that Mr Uche Nwosu, a former governorship candidate in the state, was lawfully arrested rather than abducted.

    This is contained in a release signed by the APC publicity secretary, Mr Cajetan Duke, and made available to newsmen in Owerri on Monday.

    Duke described the law as not being a respecter of any individual, noting that refusal to honour genuine and lawful police invitation could warrant forceful arrest to bring an individual to book.

    He added that the APC in Imo, led by Mr MacDonald Ebere, would not condone “acrimonious rantings” that point to Gov. Hope Uzodimma’s inability to manage the security situation in Imo.

    He advised Nigerians, especially social media handlers, to desist from peddling rumours and unfounded allegations aimed at defaming the governor and the state government.

    “The APC staunchly supports the governor and government of Imo in their effort to restore sanity, peace, order and sustainable economic development in the state.

    “As a party, we advise Nigerians to refrain from trite shenanigans and doomed efforts to link Gov. Uzodimma with self-imposed and merited predicament.

    “We commend the governor for his equanimity, mature and honourable disposition in the face of rash provocations and rascality from persons intentionally working against the overall interest and wellbeing of Imo people,” he said.

  • Confusion trails abduction of Okorocha’s son-in-law as Police declare he was arrested

    Confusion trails abduction of Okorocha’s son-in-law as Police declare he was arrested

    Confusion seems to be shrouding the alleged abduction of Senator Rochas Okorocha’s son-in-law, Uche Nwosu as Imo Police Command on Sunday claimed he is in their custody.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the police in a swift reaction to stories alluding to the arrest of Nwosu, via a release said he was not abducted but arrested by the police.

    Read full statement below:

    ARREST OF CHIEF UCHE NWOSU

    This is to inform the general public that chief Uche Nwosu was not kidnapped but was arrested by the police and Imo state police command is aware of the arrest and presently he is in police custody.

    This is to refute the earlier news that has being making rounds on social media that he was kidnapped by unknown persons / gunmen.

    The Commissioner of Police while using this medium to assure imolites of the command’s commitment in ensuring the safety of Life and prosperity this yuletide seasons , adviced the general public to always shun fake news .

    CSP MICHAEL ABATTAM POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
    FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IMO STATE COMMAND.

  • Security agents raid kidnappers den in Imo, rescue monarch, arrest over 30 suspects

    Security agents raid kidnappers den in Imo, rescue monarch, arrest over 30 suspects

    Some 30 suspected kidnappers and criminals have been arrested in Imo state following a raid of their hideouts by security agents.

    The criminals were arrested during a Monday raid, by a joint security team, on camps in Orsu local government and Uli community in Ihiala local government area of Anambra state.

    A traditional ruler who was kidnapped in Okigwe local government area on Sunday, Acho Ndukwe of Ihube autonomous community, was also released during the raid.

    Meanwhile, the whereabouts of the other kidnapped traditional ruler of Ihitte Ihube autonomous community, Paul Ogbu, have not been made known.

    The gunmen were said to have invaded the palaces at about 12am on Sunday, abducted both monarchs, and set their palaces ablaze.

    The incident happened 48 hours after a traditional ruler in Atta autonomous community in Njaba local government area, also of Imo State, was abducted and murdered.

    The traditional ruler of Mbutu community who was kidnapped last week was rescued by the police unhurt on Saturday.

    Kidnapping is rife in parts of Imo State and the South-East.

    Authorities have blamed the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) members for much of the violent crimes in the region.

    Reacting to Monday’s arrests, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma commended security agencies for their work.

    According to Uzodinma, the arrests were a sign the new strategy for combating insecurity in the state was working.

    “I want to commend the security agencies in Imo State, the DSS, the army, the navy, the police, the civil defense, all of them, for putting their heads together and making sure that, at least, Imo people come home to celebrate Christmas,” the Governor said.

    “It has been been a great thing of worry, wondering how entire local governments like Orsu local government would be abandoned in the hands of criminals and cannibals.

    “From what we have seen, you will agree with me that these are criminals and bandits who have no future, no plan, who are killing human beings and roasting human beings, eating human beings, cannibals. How else are we supposed to treat these kinds of idiots, if not to ensure that the law takes its course.

    “Oftentimes we discuss our strategies and before they will be implemented, it is foiled by the group. Because of mutual suspicion, we have agreed to only discuss at the end of every operation.

    “I don’t want to encourage security agencies to tell anybody how they intend to continue this fight. But I know the new strategy is working and my government will give them every support they need to ensure that there is peace in Imo State and then Imo people will be better off for it.”