Senator Kelvin Chukwu, representing the great people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone, is set to officially flag off the construction of the Agbani-Amurri-Ugbawka roads on Sunday.

This significant infrastructure project is expected to enhance connectivity and promote economic development within the zone.

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The construction of the Agbani-Amurri-Ugbawka roads is vital step towards improving transportation and accessibility for rural communities.

The flag-off ceremony will take place at the project site and is expected to be attended by various dignitaries, including government officials, community leaders, and residents of the affected areas.

The event will mark the beginning of a project that has long been awaited by the people of Amurri and Ugbawka, who have faced significant challenges due to poor road conditions.

This road construction would not only facilitate easier movement of goods and people but also stimulate economic activities and create job opportunities for local residents.

Ndi Enugu East zone should be rest assured that the project would be executed to the highest standards, with strict adherence to timelines and quality specifications.

The construction of the Agbani-Amurri-Ugbawka roads is part of Senator Chukwu’s broader agenda to address infrastructure deficits within the Enugu East Senatorial Zone.

His office has also outlined plans for additional projects aimed at improving healthcare, education, and economic development across the zone.

As preparations for the flag-off ceremony continue, the people of the area eagerly anticipate the positive impact this road project will have on their daily lives and future prospects.

The Federal High Court in Kano has reserved judgment in the fundamental human rights suit filed by the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

The presiding judge, Justice Simon Amobeda, made the decision following intense arguments between the counsels involved.

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Aminu Ado Bayero initiated the motion ex parte, seeking a court order to prevent the defendants from arresting or infringing upon his rights.

The defendants in this case include the Attorney General of the Federation, the Attorney General of Kano State, the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in Kano, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Airforce, and the Nigerian Navy.

During Friday’s hearing, counsel for the second respondent, Mahmoud Abubakar Magaji, presented a preliminary objection filed on May 31st, challenging the basis of Bayero’s claims. Magaji argued that the application should be dismissed, stating, “Being an emir is a privilege, not a right.

The applicant filed his application five days after he was removed, at which point he was no longer an emir.”

Magaji urged the court to disregard the originating summons and also filed a motion to set aside the earlier ex parte order preventing Bayero’s arrest, intimidation, or harassment.

Representing Bayero, Michael Jonathan Numa SAN, contended that the court has jurisdiction over the matter as it pertains to the applicant’s fundamental rights.

He filed an originating motion dated May 27th, supported by an affidavit and written address.

Numa emphasized the importance of the suit for the peace of Kano and Nigeria, urging the court to dismiss the respondents’ preliminary objection as unmerited.

At the start of the proceedings, Numa informed the court of the decision to withdraw two of their prayers from the application.

Justice Amobeda concluded by stating that the date for delivering the judgment will be communicated in due course.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has announced plans to disconnect power supply to several government houses, universities, and other establishments in the South-East due to significant unpaid electricity bills.

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This notice affects the five South East Government Houses, the University of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the Nigerian Army, and other institutions and industries.

In the disconnection notice issued by EEDC, affected customers have been advised to settle their outstanding bills by June 10, 2024.

The notice, observed on Friday, stated: “The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) wishes to notify its customers with outstanding electricity bills that effective from June 10, 2024, the company will commence the disconnection of electricity supply to these indebted customers.”

EEDC highlighted the necessity of this action due to the substantial unpaid bills and arrears that have placed the company in a challenging financial position, impacting its ability to meet power purchase obligations.

The company emphasized the importance of paying for consumed energy to maintain its operations and service quality.

The list of indebted customers includes the governments of Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Abia, and Imo states, as well as institutions like Innoson Technical & Industries, University of Nigeria (Enugu & Nsukka Campuses), Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd., Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Railway Corporation, National Drug Law Enforcement, UNTH Enugu, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria Coal Corporation Quarters, Federal Secretariat & Establishment, GMO Rubber Division, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Ebonyi State Govt. (Ecumenical Centre 1), Nigeria Prisons Training School, Central Bank of Nigeria offices, Concorde Hotel Owerri, and Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki.

Additional entities include Enugu High Court, Reliable Steel & Plastic Ind. Ltd., Jilnas Industries, BENGAS Nigeria Ltd., CIFO Petroleum Ltd., STANEL Filling Station, Highlift Pumping Station, FINOC Industries Ltd., Aluminium Extrusion Industries Ltd., VIN VAL Limited, Local Government Council offices, Saint Davids Porter Nigeria Ltd., Gees Denver Company Limited, the Federal Controller of Works, Hospitals Management Board, and DONLINK Plastic Industries.

Operatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended four intending pilgrims for allegedly planning to smuggle cocaine ahead of their flight on Wednesday.

According to Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation.

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NDLEA officials raided Emerald Hotel in the Ladipo area of Oshodi, Lagos State, where the suspects were staying.

The arrested individuals include Usman Kamorudeen (31), Olasunkanmi Owolabi (46), Fatai Yekini (38), and Ayinla Kemi (34).

The suspects were found in two hotel rooms where they had prepared 200 pellets of cocaine weighing 2.20 kilograms for ingestion.

Each room contained 100 wraps of the substance, totaling 200 wraps of cocaine.

Two of the suspects were set to swallow 100 wraps each.

Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa (Retd), the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, praised the Lagos State Command for its successful operation.

He emphasized the agency’s commitment to tracking and apprehending those attempting to use pilgrimage as a cover for drug trafficking, thus protecting the country’s image.

Marwa also noted that the NDLEA would collaborate with Saudi Arabian authorities to identify and prosecute the intended recipients of the illicit drugs in Saudi Arabia.

The House of Representatives has made a notable move towards the creation of Orlu State from the current Imo State, with a bill supporting the new state’s formation passing its first reading.

This legislative effort is spearheaded by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North/South federal constituency, alongside 15 other legislators.

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Following the bill’s initial reading, Ugochinyere released a statement lauding the progress as a testament to the South-East’s commitment to a more promising future.

He underscored the historical disparities faced by the South-East, noting that it currently has fewer states compared to other geo-political zones in Nigeria.

Ugochinyere expressed optimism that the establishment of Orlu State, with Orlu city as its capital, would stimulate significant economic and socio-political advancements in the region.

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The proposed state aims to create new senatorial zones that incorporate areas from the present Imo, Abia, and Anambra States, with Ideato Federal Constituency envisioned as one of these new zones.

This restructuring is expected to enhance regional unity and drive collective progress.

The bill’s implications extend beyond administrative changes, promising a transformative impact on the region’s economic landscape.

Ugochinyere argued that by creating new local government areas and splitting federal constituencies, the region’s untapped potential could be fully harnessed, fostering growth, innovation, and opportunities for future generations.

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Politically, the creation of Orlu State would enhance the South-East’s representation, giving its people a stronger voice to advocate for their interests within a dedicated state government.

This move is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the long-standing issue of political marginalization in the region.

Ugochinyere credited his colleagues in the House for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in advancing the bill.

He also acknowledged the numerous individuals and organizations backing the initiative, reflecting widespread solidarity with the people of Orlu.

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Despite this initial success, Ugochinyere emphasized that the journey is far from complete.

He called for sustained public support as the bill undergoes further legislative scrutiny. He encouraged supporters to remain steadfast, highlighting that the dream of Orlu State is within reach through collective effort.

Ugochinyere concluded by urging continued advocacy and engagement, stressing the significance of this milestone and the critical work ahead.

The upcoming weeks will be pivotal as the bill navigates the legislative process, with public and governmental support being essential to realize the vision of Orlu State.

The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the arrest of 100 suspected internet fraudsters on Wednesday. The arrests took place at various locations across Enugu State.

According to an EFCC statement, the operation was carried out based on “actionable intelligence about suspected activities of an organized syndicate of internet fraudsters operating along Ibagwa-Nike and other locations in the Enugu metropolis.”

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During the raids, the EFCC operatives seized several items, including three luxury cars, numerous mobile phones, and laptops.

The suspects are currently under investigation and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigative process.

An Enugu Magistrate Court on Thursday remanded Igwe Herbert Ukuta, the traditional ruler of the Igga community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, along with a former community councillor and three others, in prison for alleged murder and membership in a terrorist group.

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The defendants, who had been detained at the state criminal investigation department for over a month, were arraigned by the Enugu State Police Command on a 10-count charge before the Enugu North Magistrate Court 1.

The charges, listed under Charge No. MEN/320c/2024, include conspiracy, being members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its security wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), and the murder of five individuals, including two police officers. The police cited violations under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Criminal Code.

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Key charges against them include:
– Conspiracy to commit felony by joining a terrorist group, punishable under Sections 26(1) and 25(3) of the Terrorism Act.
– Recruiting individuals into IPOB/ESN, a proscribed terrorist organization, punishable under Section 18 of the Terrorism Act.
– Participation in the activities of IPOB and ESN and failing to report these activities, punishable under Section 16(1)(a) and (b) of the Terrorism Act.
– Unlawful killing of Police Inspector Nwoga Cornellus, Police Constable Ikowa Anthony, and civilians Emegoni Aloysius, Adada Joshua, and Eze Fidelis, all punishable under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code.

The defendants did not enter pleas, as the magistrate court lacks the jurisdiction to hear cases under the federal terrorism act. Consequently, all accused individuals were ordered to be remanded at the Enugu Maximum Correctional Centre.