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Tag: Imo

  • TRENDING: Orlu residents in Imo cry out over soldiers’ invasion, shootings; three feared dead [DISTURBING VIDEOS]

    TRENDING: Orlu residents in Imo cry out over soldiers’ invasion, shootings; three feared dead [DISTURBING VIDEOS]

    A community in Imo State, Orlu is reportedly under siege by operatives of the Nigerian Army based on residents’ reports on social media on Monday.

    There are reports of heavy shootings and some residents have been allegedly hit by stray bullets.

    The situation in the community, as well as the circumstances that led to the shootings, appeared hazy, for now.

    https://twitter.com/AfamDeluxo/status/1353765577265967104?s=20

    According to some residents, there was a military operation in the community, as a result of a clash between the army and some youth believed to be members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    Some residents of Orlu have been capturing scenes of the crisis with their phones and uploading clips on social media.

    A video posted on Twitter, Monday afternoon, showed soldiers taking positions in a calmed street and firing gunshots.

    Some military trucks are seen, in another video, being driven through a street.

    A woman’s voice could be heard from the background of the video crying.

    “Oh my God, look at them, look at them. Oh, Jesus, I want to go home. I want to go home,” the woman, apparently frightened, cried.

    Another video showed flames of fire engulfing a building, while a corpse is seen close by at a veranda of what looks like a shop.

    “This is what is happening in Orlu,” said a man’s voice in a video. He was secretly filming the scenes of the military operation.

    “The army are shooting sporadically. They are just shooting at any vehicle that is moving, although I can’t get everything from where I am right now.

    “Orlu is in a total mess,” he said.

    The police spokesperson in the state, Ikeokwu Orlando, confirmed that a military operation was going on in Orlu, but said he did not have details of what was happening.

    Meanwhile, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodima, was holding an emergency Security Council meeting as of 4:30p.m over the situation in Orlu.

    The Commissioner for Information in the state, Declan Emelumba, said the government would issue a statement after the security meeting.

  • Uzodinma threatens another total lockdown

    Uzodinma threatens another total lockdown

    Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo has threatened a second total lockdown if residents of the state continue to disregard COVID-19 safety protocols.

    The governor issued the threat in a statewide broadcast in Owerri late on Friday night.

    Uzodinma, who frowned at the nonchalance of Imo residents towards established safety protocols, said that four mobile courts have been put in place in different parts of the state to prosecute violators of COVID-19 safety protocols.

    He directed the use of face masks, hand sanitisers and hand washstands in all malls, markets, hotels, eateries, night clubs, supermarkets and public offices, as well as, for all religious gatherings, marriage and burial ceremonies.

    He pecked the maximum number of persons for public gatherings at 50 and warned that offenders would have to endure six months in jail or pay N20,000 in lieu.

    “However, I must make it absolutely clear that if our people choose instead to continue to deceive themselves that Coronavirus does not exist and continue to go about without face masks and without observing other safety protocols, I will be forced to review the situation in the coming weeks.

    “If it is clear from the realities on ground that extra, more stringent measures must be taken to keep our people safe.

    “I will have no choice but to authorise a second lockdown of the state. The choice is entirely ours to make: To strictly adhere to the simple safety protocols now or to face a complete lockdown in a few weeks.

    “Let us all resolve today to do the right thing for our state, for our safety and for the safety of our loved ones,” he urged.

  • Diesel laden tanker rams into commercial bus in Imo, kills seven passengers

    Diesel laden tanker rams into commercial bus in Imo, kills seven passengers

    A tanker laden with diesel on Friday allegedly killed seven passengers of a commercial bus heading to Douglas Road, Owerri, Imo State.

    An eye witness said the accident which occurred at the edge of the Otamiri River at about 6 pm saw the tanker ram into the small commercial bus with the passengers on board.

    The source said the tanker driver was overwhelmed by the noise of a siren blaring van belonging to the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Owerri, and veered off the road before ramming into the mini bus.

    According the eye witness, four passengers and the driver died on the spot while two other passengers that sustained serious injuries later died at the Federal Medical Centre, (FMC)Owerri.

    The Imo, Abia Commander of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Evans Ugoh, on Friday blamed the men of the correctional centre for the accident.

    Ugoh who was there to assess the level of damage, alleged that the driver of the van conveying inmates back to the centre was driving recklessly, coupled with the blaring of siren and guns trotting by the men escorting the van.

    He said the reckless “driving and manoeuvring might have scared the tanker driver to lose control and ram into the commercial bus.”

  • Police rescue kidnapped Catholic Bishop in Imo

    Police rescue kidnapped Catholic Bishop in Imo

    The Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Mose Chikwe, and some other kidnapped victims have been rescued without ransom.

    Spokesman of the police in Imo, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed this on Friday.

    He said the rescue is sequel to a sting operation by men of the Imo State Police Command.

    The Bishop was abducted on Sunday night, along with his driver, at the World Bank area of Owerri, the Imo State capital.

    His kidnap drew condemnation from the Christian Association of Nigeria, which described it as the height of wickedness.

    On Thursday, women under the aegis of the Owerri Archdiocesan Catholic Women organization also called for the state government and security operatives to help secure the Bishop’s release.

  • Imo North: Ibezim calls for rancour free primaries

    Imo North: Ibezim calls for rancour free primaries

    The All Progressives Congress(APC) aspirant for Imo North Senatorial District, Sir Frank Ibezim has stressed the need for a rancour free primaries in order for the party to present a united front for the October 31st Senatorial Bye Election in the State.

    Responding to the outcome of the move by Imo APC stakeholders to reach a consensus amongst the aspirants, Ibezim confirmed that he emerged with the highest votes from a process which allowed each aspirant to vote twice for the most preferred, and the best alternative amongst themselves.

    He thanked fellow aspirants who chose him as the best alternative candidate to fly the party’s flag, while decrying the apparent breakdown of the harmonization arrangement after thirteen of the aspirants had agreed to abide by the decision of the Screening Committee.

    Ibezim called for unity amongst the contestants and emphasized the urgent necessity for the party to conduct a free and fair primaries while providing a level playing field for all. He enjoined fellow aspirants to obligate themselves to conducting peaceful campaigns devoid of rancour and violence.

    According to the Senatorial hopeful “We owe it to the Okigwe people to remember that we are brothers and sisters all dedicated to working for the overall good of Okigwe zone and ensuring that our people enjoy the dividends of democracy through effective representation.

    That our people have missed out on this for sometime now especially following the painful death of our beloved Sen. Ben Uwajumogu cannot be emphasized.”

  • INEC fixes date for Lagos, Imo, Bayelsa Senatorial bye-elections

    INEC fixes date for Lagos, Imo, Bayelsa Senatorial bye-elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has slated the Bayelsa Central and West Senatorial Districts and Imo North Senatorial District bye-elections for 31 October.

    Other bye-elections scheduled to hold in the same date include Nganzai State Constituency Borno; Bayo State Constituency Borno; Cross River North Senatorial District; Obudu State Constituency; Cross River State and Lagos East Senatorial District.

    Others are Kosofe II State Constituency Lagos; Plateau South Senatorial District; Bakura State Constituency as well as Zamfara State and Ibaji State Constituency, Kogi State.

    A statement by National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said: “The Commission met today 11th August 2020 and reviewed preparations for Edo and Ondo States Governorship elections, the conduct of the Nasarawa Central State Constituency election held on Saturday 8th August as well as all outstanding bye-elections”.

    It added: “Several vacancies have occurred in both Federal and State Legislative Houses as a result of resignation or death of members, affecting 12 constituencies across 8 States of the Federation.

    “As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission decided earlier to suspend the conduct of all bye-elections until it is satisfied that the elections can be conducted in a safe and conducive environment.

    “Since then, the Commission has developed its Policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic, revised its Regulations and Guidelines and engaged with health authorities and stakeholders on conducting elections in an environment that guarantees both credibility and public safety.

    “The Commission has also successfully conducted the bye-election to fill the vacancy in the Nasarawa Central State Constituency and is going ahead with the conduct of governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States on the 19th September and 10th October respectively. Consequently, the Commission is now in a position to schedule the following bye-elections:

    “Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Nganzai State Constituency, Borno State, Bayo State Constituency, Borno State, Cross River North Senatorial District, Obudu State Constituency, Cross River State, Imo North Senatorial District, Lagos East Senatorial District, Kosofe II State Constituency, Lagos State, Plateau South Senatorial District, Bakura State Constituency, Zamfara State, Ibaji State Constituency, Kogi State

    “The Commission has scheduled all the pending bye-elections for Saturday 31st October 2020.

    “By the harmonized Timetable, the Commission will give the Notice of Election on 17th August 2020 while Political Parties will conduct their primaries to nominate candidates between 24th August and 8th September 2020. Submission of Forms and Personal Particulars of Candidates will commence on 9th September and close at 6pm on 13th September 2020. The Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the bye-elections has been uploaded on the Commission’s website and social media platforms.

    “Furthermore, the attention of the Commission has been drawn to the existence of vacancies in the following state constituencies: Isi-Uzo State Constituency in Enugu State and Bakori State Constituency in Katsina State.

    “However, vacancies have not been formally declared by the Speakers of the affected State Assemblies.

    “The Commission implores concerned stakeholders, particularly political parties to take note of the timelines in the schedule and strictly adhere to them”.

  • [Photo] Traditional ruler, dad, two sons arrested for kidnapping in Imo

    [Photo] Traditional ruler, dad, two sons arrested for kidnapping in Imo

    Eze Andrew Okuegbunuwa, a traditional ruler in Awara, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo, was on Monday paraded by the police for alleged involvement in the kidnapping.

    The 59 year-old ruler of Obor Community was paraded along with 30 other suspects who allegedly committed various crimes, ranging from robbery, kidnaping and rape, among others.

    The Commissioner of Police in Imo, Mr Issac Akinmoyede, said a gang had kidnapped one Louis Obodo, at Mgbala Agwa and Insp. Oscar Mbaeri, in Agwa in Oguta Local Government recently.

    He said that the gang kidnapped Chigozirim Nnaji, Desmond Okonkwo and Anyanwu Amarachi on July 19 after which the police gave them a hot chase.

    Akinmoyede said that the gang had abandoned their unregistered Lexus 330 Jeep during an exchange of gun fire with operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad and Anti-kidnapping units of the command.

    The traditional ruler confirmed the gang used his Lexus 330 with registration number URM 404 EL during the kidnapping.

    He also said the gang paid him N3million to replace the vehicle, after the police impounded it.

    “My Nephew took my vehicle to do kidnapping, I am not one of them. Though they have used my vehicle about four times and they gave me money,” he said.

    Akinyomede gave the details of the operation of the gang and how the gang members were picked one, after the other:

    On 19/7/2020, a gang of kidnappers came into Owerri Metropolis, at different locations, kidnapped one Louis N. Obodo ‘m’ aged 45yrs of Mgbala Agwa in Oguta LGA, Inspr. Oscar Mbaeri ‘m’ aged 40yrs of Agwa in Oguta LGA, Chigozirim Festus Nnaji ‘m’ aged 39yrs of Egwelu Atta in Njaba LGA, Desmond Okonkwo ‘m’ aged 38yrs of Nnempi in Oru West LGA and Anyanwu Amarachi ‘f’ 30yrs old of No. 76 Lobo Street, Owerri, all of Imo State.

    While escaping with their victims, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) and Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), gave them a hot chase, forcing them to abandon three (3) of their victims and their operational vehicle a Lexus RX330 SUV with Reg. No. (EDO) URM-40 EL. Through the help of their motorcycle pilots and backups who always lead the way before and after operations, the hoodlums managed to escape with two of the victims.

    However, a few moments later SARS operatives arrived the scene, saw the abandoned vehicle and recovered it to the station.

    Based on the above, Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) and SARS conducted joint investigation with a view to rescue the victims and possibly arrest the hoodlums.

    On 28/7/2020, at about 0400hrs at Umuokuzu Awara in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State, operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) through painstaking and diligent investigation arrested one Eze Andrew Okuegbunuwa ‘m’ aged 59yrs old of Obor Community in Awara, Oguta LGA, Imo State, in connection with the kidnap and other armed robbery incidents. Investigation further revealed that the arrested suspect provided the operational vehicle, Lexus RX330 SUV with Reg. No. URM 404 EL for the kidnappers.

    Having lost the vehicle in the operation, Andrew Okuegbunuwa was given the sum of N3,000,000.00 (Three Million Naira) to replace his vehicle by the kidnappers. It was further discovered that the vehicle was not registered as there is no record of the said vehicle in the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) database.

    His arrest also led to the arrest one Benard Uzoma ‘m’ a native Doctor at Umunoha, in Mbaitoli LGA, whose job is to provide the gang with protection from death and arrest. He was paid the sum of two hundred thousand (N200,000) as his own share from the loot.

    On 29/7/2020, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in continuation of the investigation arrested one CALEB AGU ‘m’ a 42years old pastor from Umuoni Agwa in Oguta LGA, Imo State. He confessed being the head and spiritual leader of the gang.

    Also one EBENEZER OBIOHA ‘m’ 38yrs old, was arrested with bullet wounds in his hometown OGAMMA AWARA IN OHAJI EGBEMA LGA ,where the operatives, came under heavy attack. In the process of his arrest, four (4) AK 47 rifles, one Light Assault Rifle (LAR) belonging to NDLEA, one Sub- Machine Gun (SMG) belonging to NDLEA as well were recovered. The arrested suspects confessed to being the gang that shot at the three NDLEA officers and carted away their rifles (LAR and SMG) on 15/05/2020 at 1945hrs, when they were ambushed at Ohi Junction while coming back from an assignment.

    A total sum of Four Million Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N4,200,000) was recovered from the suspects out of the combined ransom of Seven Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N7,500,000) paid for the release of the two victims.

    The group which operates once in a month according to our intelligence had to step up the tempo to twice a month in compliance with the directive from CALEB (their pastor), who told them that he needed money to conclude his ongoing projects.

    It is noteworthy therefore, that both Caleb and Ebenezer commenced the construction of their mansions at Awara and Agwa respectively in January 2020, and both buildings are at completion stages.

    Investigation was extended to the operational base of these criminals at Omoku creek in Rivers state. Also arrested are:-
    1. FABIAN OBIOHA ‘M’ AGED 60YRS OF OGAMMA AWARA IN OHAJI EGBEMA LGA
    2. OGECHI OBIOHA ‘F’ AGED 30YRS OF OGAMMA AWARA IN OHAJI EGBEMA LGA
    3. KENNEDY OKWUONU ‘M’ AGED 40YRS OF ONITSHA IN OBINGWA LGA, ABIA STATE.

    They have confessed to their respective roles in the gang and the operation as follows:-

    CALEB AGU (A Pastor) Head and spiritual Leader and Director of the gang.

    IKECHUKWU NJOKU is the Protocol officer and boy to Caleb who uses bike to transport victims through track roads to the point of pick up to the creek.

    EBENEZER OBIOHA is the operational commander and an executor to the gang. He confessed to being the one that shot the NDLEA officers.

    FABIAN OBIOHA is the father of Ebenezer and the gang’s armourer.

    KENNEDY OKWUONU is Ebenezer’s brother-in-law who provides the group with hard drugs as well as other logistics at the creek.

    EZE ANDREW OKEGBUNUWA: – Provide the gang with vehicle for their operations.

    OGECHI OBIOHA: – Distribute ransom to the members of the gang at their various locations as soon as payment is made by victims.

    BENARD UZOMA: – A native doctor, provided the gang with protection from operational hazards and arrests.

    Suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed.

  • Court adjourns suit seeking Uzodinma’s sack

    Court adjourns suit seeking Uzodinma’s sack

    The Federal High Court Abuja, has adjourned until July 20, a suit filed by Reform and Advancement Party (RAP) and its 2019 governorship candidate, Mr Okere Kingdom asking the court to restrain Gov. Hope Uzodinma from acting as Imo governor.

    When the matter was called on Wednesday, Kingdom told the court that he filed an application praying the court to abridge the time within which the defendants would file their responses.

    Under the rule of law, the defendants have 30 days to respond but the plaintiff told the court that he made the application for the court to abridge the time due to the urgency of the matter.

    Kingdom, who is also a lawyer, maintained that the matter was of constitutional importance because Uzodinma was occupying the seat of Imo governor illegally, having not participated in the 2019 election as a candidate of any political party.

    All the defendants objected to the application on the grounds that they needed the time given by the constitution to respond.

    Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Mr Alhassan Umar, SAN, told the court that in line with the principles of fair hearing, the defendants needed to take sufficient time as allocated by the law to respond.

    He argued that the plaintiff could not take the required time to file his processes only to ask the court to abridge the time for the respondents.

    The judge, Justice Okon Abang adjourned the matter until July 20 to hear the application.

    The judge also directed that hearing notices should be served on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since the party was not represented in court.

    RAP and its 2019 governorship candidate, Mr Okere Kingdom approached the court seeking judicial interpretation on whether the All Progressives congress (APC) indeed sponsored Gov. Uzodinma in the 2019 Imo governorship election.

    Kingdom said that the suit was predicated on the judgment of the Supreme Court which affirmed Uche Nwosu as the duly nominated 2019 Imo governorship candidate of the APC.

    He said that one of the issues he wanted the court to determine was whether Uzodinma lawfully participated and was sponsored by the APC to contest the 2019 Imo governorship election in accordance with Section 177 (c) of the 1999 Constitution.

    “This is having regard to the tenor, clear and unambiguous legal implications/consequences of the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in appeal no: SC/1384/2019 which upheld the decision of both the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court and affirmed Uche Nwosu as the authentic and duly elected/nominated 2019 Imo State governorship candidate of the APC.

  • Tension in Imo as Policeman kills ‘Okada’ rider over face mask

    Tension in Imo as Policeman kills ‘Okada’ rider over face mask

    There was pandemonium at the Banana Junction in Orlu town of Imo State on Tuesday as a police inspector shot dead a 27-year-old man for not wearing a face mask.

    The incident which happened around 3pm caused a storm in the area as youths, including traders, threatened to invade a nearby police station.

    A detachment of police team had been drafted to the scene to rescue the situation.

    An eyewitness told newsmen that the victim, a commercial motorcyclist, who was with a passenger, was reportedly shot on a close-range by one of the policemen who were on a stop-and-search duty.

    The witness said, “A police inspector has shot and killed an okada rider at Banana Junction for not wearing a face mask. The policeman who stopped the man asked him why he was not wearing a face mask and one thing led to the other and he shot him on a close range and he died on the spot.

    “The situation here is getting out of hands. The youths, okada riders, and traders are on rampage. Policemen have taken to their heels. Those at the police station have removed their police uniforms and are putting on plain cloths.”

  • Just in: Imo lawmakers commence impeachment moves against Speaker, Chiji Collins

    Just in: Imo lawmakers commence impeachment moves against Speaker, Chiji Collins

    Twenty-two out of the 27 members of the Imo Assembly have signed to commence impeachment process against Speaker, Dr. Chiji Collins.

    The proceedings, The Nation learnt, would commence immediately the House reconvenes after the Assembly complex was shut last two weeks over coronavirus scare.

    It was gathered the 22 members have already asked the Speaker to resign honourably or face impeachment any moment.

    They are also accusing him of greed and functioning as chairman of every committee of the House.

    They lamented everything about the House has been starting and ending with the Speaker.

    Member representing Oguta constituency, Frank Ugboma, said: “The people we represent, now see us as Alleluia boys of the executive arm just because our Speaker kowtows to the bidding of the executive even on critical issues of governance.

    “This is so much so that he is now cowed to carry out oversight over executive misdeeds.

    “Though, as a House we collectively take responsibility for failure to stand for our people, many of whom are civil servants and pensioners who are owed salaries and pensions up to four months arrears.

    “I need not bore you with the recent road demonstration by our aged senior citizens, in protest of their unpaid pensions.

    “At various times, I have been inundated with calls and messages from many of such owed government employees and retirees from my constituency. Many times have I assured them, to no avail.

    “Come to think of it, should I break the spirit of those my constituents (who come to seek help) with the news that I am also owed salaries, even as member of the House of Assembly?

    “Would they even believe such incredible story? How would they even believe, when the front page of “Saturday Statesman” Newspaper has it boldly captioned that “NO MEMBER IS OWED” ascribing their source as Imo House of Assembly headed by Hon. Chiji Collins, Ph.d as Speaker.

    “With such headlines in the papers and tabloid, I would be considered a liar by my aides whom I told that I have not received my salaries because I pay them each time I am paid.

    “What of my numerous constituents, allies and friends, who daily call me for financial aid but we’re told to be patient, until I am paid salaries. They would think I am lying and dribbling them with the story of non payment of salaries”.

    On allegations by the Speaker that former Governor, Emeka Ihedioha was sponsoring his impeachment to get at Governor Hope Uzodimma, Ugboma described it as obviously empanelled lies by those who desperately seek the Governor’s attention.

    “I mean, it is a well-calculated crap to sacrifice the image and the good relationship existing between the 9th House and the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma by hangers-on and blackmailers.

    “They are those who feel and continue to sacrifice colleagues and the 9th House for a porrage of yam.

    “It is evident that someone somewhere is sinking very fast and now on a face-saving episonage and feels that causing disharmony between the 9th House and Senator Hope Uzodinma would rescue him from self-destruction.”

    When contacted, Media Assistant to the Speaker, Emeka Ahaneku, described the move as voice of the opposition whose interest was to get at Governor Uzodimma.

    He said however that those championing the move did not have the capacity to impeach the Speaker because few people who had joined them had made a turnaround for fear of being suspended by the House on resumption.