The Onitsha South Local Government Council has taken legal action against the Anambra State House of Assembly, accusing it of overstepping its constitutional authority in a controversial land ownership matter.

In a lawsuit filed at the Onitsha High Court (Suit No. O/150/25), the Chairman of the Council, Chief Emeka Joseph Orji, is challenging the Assembly’s intervention in what he insists is a judicial matter.

The council is seeking the court’s determination on whether the Assembly, under Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), has any legal basis to adjudicate on land ownership disputes.

“Let the defendants, Mr. Uchenna S. Uzoeto of No. 2D Sokoto Road, Onitsha, and Obi Nweke Eleglede, within 42 days of receiving this summons, enter appearance in this suit,” the court document states.

The council argues that the Assembly’s Committee on Public Petitions is attempting to act as a court in a matter that is already before multiple courts of competent jurisdiction and also under active police investigation.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Paul Onuachala, Secretary of Onitsha South Local Government Area, clarified that the land in question is currently the subject of several pending lawsuits, involving multiple parties, notably one Chief Sabest Uzoeto, and is also being probed by law enforcement at Zone 13, Ukpo.

“Despite this, the House of Assembly and its Committee on Public Petitions have inserted themselves into the dispute, which raises serious legal and constitutional concerns,” Onuachala said.

He added, “The Council believes that any further intervention by the Assembly could be considered sub judice, as the matter is actively before the courts.”

The Onitsha South Council firmly maintains that the disputed land rightfully belongs to the local government and notes that it has already begun utilizing the space for public good.

“We’ve reclaimed the property and have constructed the first-ever fire service station in the ancient city of Onitsha, a critical infrastructure project long overdue,” Onuachala stated.

He also blamed years of neglect of the local government system in Anambra State for allowing individuals to illegally encroach upon council-owned properties.

Calling for restraint, he urged all involved parties to allow the courts to resolve the matter.

“The Onitsha South Local Government calls on everyone to respect the rule of law and await the judicial determination of rightful ownership,” he concluded.

In a shocking twist to the death of former Ondo State governorship candidate, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye, the Nigerian Police have arrested his wife and children over suspicions of their involvement in his alleged murder.

Akingboye, popularly known as OBA, passed away recently at his residence in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos, at the age of 60.

His death was initially reported as a sudden, tragic loss, with tributes pouring in from across the country.

However, police sources have now confirmed that the case is being treated as a possible homicide.

Speaking to reporters, a senior police official revealed disturbing developments.

“The latest information suggests that he may have been murdered by his wife and children. CCTV footage from the residence showed him being dragged out of the building at 2 am,” the source disclosed.

All immediate family members living in the home, including his wife and children, were taken into custody on Wednesday and are currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos.

However, one of Akingboye’s daughters is reportedly still at large.

Sources close to the investigation claim that domestic staff in the residence were aware of the incident, further fueling suspicions of a premeditated act.

Earlier, one account alleged that Akingboye was pushed off a balcony during a domestic dispute, though the police are yet to confirm this detail officially.

Images of his lifeless body, which have circulated online, reportedly show deep bruises and lacerations on his head and neck, sparking outrage and increasing calls for justice.

Akingboye was widely respected as a philanthropist, business magnate, and political figure.

He was the CEO of Benshore Maritime, CEO of Clog Oil Systems, President of WeAfrica Group, and held the traditional title of Olowomeye I of Ikaleland.

He also ran as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the 2024 Ondo State gubernatorial election, where he contested against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (APC) and Agboola Ajayi (PDP), among others.

In an earlier statement, his personal assistant and media adviser, Oyeniyi Iwakun, described him as:

“A man of unwavering integrity, an accomplished businessman, philanthropist, visionary leader, and community builder who lived a fulfilled and purposeful life.”

Following these developments, the police have assured the public of a thorough and discreet investigation, emphasizing that no stone will be left unturned in uncovering the truth behind the prominent figure’s death.

The Swedish Embassy in Nigeria has formally thrown its weight behind the upcoming Enugu Tech Festival (ETF) 2026, an event set to become one of the largest technology and innovation gatherings in Africa.

The endorsement was made during a strategic meeting in Abuja between officials of the Swedish Embassy and the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Eze, alongside the ETF 2026 team.

Speaking to journalists in Enugu following the development, Dr. Eze described the meeting as “crucial and forward-thinking,” emphasizing that it focused on building cross-border partnerships, enhancing capacity for young innovators and positioning Enugu as a digital hub in Africa.

“Next year’s Enugu Tech Festival is expected to welcome over 50,000 participants. It’s going to be a major event, and we’re thrilled to have the Swedish Embassy’s involvement at this level,” said Dr. Eze.

He commended the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, attributing Enugu’s rapid rise in the tech space to the Governor’s visionary reforms and commitment to digital transformation.

“Governor Mbah’s administration has laid a solid foundation for innovation through smart governance, youth empowerment, and forward-thinking policies. It is this environment that has made initiatives like ETF possible,” Eze added.

Also speaking, ETF Team Lead, Mr. Eliezer Ajah, highlighted the significance of Sweden’s endorsement, particularly in relation to global partnerships and development funding.

“Enugu has one of the highest concentrations of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. That translates to a large, educated youth population, ideal for tech-driven capacity building. This is a strategic advantage we’re leveraging,” Ajah said.

He noted that there are opportunities to align with Swedish development finance institutions such as Swedfund to explore collaborative projects within the South-East tech ecosystem.

“ETF 2026 can serve as a launchpad for identifying and unlocking low-hanging fruits in tech innovation, especially when international stakeholders are part of the conversation. This is a value-for-value relationship we’re keen to build,” he added.

The Swedish Embassy is also expected to facilitate the participation of foreign experts and speakers, who will share global insights and experiences during the festival.

ETF 2026, also referred to as ETF 2.0, will run from February 24 to 27, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu. Themed “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form,” the event aims to bridge the gap between traditional industries and digital innovation.

The festival will feature Keynote addresses by global tech leaders, Innovation exhibitions and product showcases, High-level policy and partnership forums as well as Startup pitching and investment matchmaking.

ETF 2026 is envisioned as more than a regional event, it’s a continental platform for ideas, investment, and collaboration that will shape Africa’s digital future.

The Enugu State Government reaffirmed its commitment to building a world-class digital ecosystem that empowers young people, attracts global investors and redefines Africa’s technology and innovation landscape.

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, has appealed to the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to enable him to access proper medical care.

In a video message sent to The PUNCH on Thursday, Azuta-Mbata also encouraged Igbos across the country to participate actively in the ongoing voter registration exercise and ensure they obtain their permanent voter cards.

Nnamdi Kanu, one of Nigeria’s most controversial separatist figures, has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his rearrest in June 2021.

His detention followed a covert operation by Nigerian authorities in Kenya.

He had earlier fled the country in 2017 while on bail after being arrested in 2015 on charges related to treason.

Azuta-Mbata emphasized the need for a political approach to Kanu’s case rather than prolonged detention, which, according to him, benefits the government in no meaningful way.

“I urge every Igbo person across Nigeria to immediately take part in the ongoing voter registration and get their PVCs,” the Ohanaeze leader said.

“Secondly, I call on the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu without delay. The continued detention of Kanu offers no real advantage to the government. His safety, welfare, and access to medical treatment must be guaranteed.”

“This issue requires a political solution. The government must act in a way that promotes healing and national unity, rather than deepening divisions,” he added.