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Enugu Police Dismantle Criminal Gangs, Arrest Six For Robbery, Fraud, Cultism

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Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested six suspects in separate operations targeting criminal gangs involved in robbery, fraud, and cultism.

Several items including vehicles, ATM cards, a laptop, and other incriminating materials were recovered.

In a statement released on Thursday, September 5, 2025, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the arrests followed credible intelligence and were carried out by officers of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad and the Nsukka Urban Division between August 25 and September 4, 2025.

Three suspects; John Joseph a.k.a. Musa (34), Kingsley Essien Ubong (40) and Ogbonna Kelvin (43) were apprehended in connection with a robbery and conspiracy case.

Police recovered a Daihatsu Hijet minibus (Chassis No. S321V 0112161) and a Kymstone motorcycle (Chassis No. LKIPCJL1XM1000263), both lacking registration and engine numbers.

Their arrest came as a result of a confession by Chinedu Onwuka, who had earlier been nabbed in May for a similar offense and is currently facing trial.

On September 2, at around 11:43 am operatives arrested Sunday Ebuka Egbuaba (38), a suspected member of the Junior Vikings Confraternity, at his residence.

A search led to the recovery of an HP laptop, believed to have been stolen from a male victim.

Egbuaba’s arrest was based on information obtained from another cultist, Nnaji Ifeanyi (23), a member of the Black Axe confraternity, who is already under investigation for conspiracy, burglary and theft.

On August 30 at about 8:00 pm police officers from the Nsukka Urban Division rescued and arrested Friday Nwaomege (25) from an angry mob after he and two accomplices (still at large) snatched a bank ATM card from a male victim along Enugu Road, Nsukka.

The suspect sustained injuries from the mob before police arrived. He was treated and is currently in custody.

Items recovered from him include twelve ATM cards from different banks and an ENTRACO-branded Daihatsu Hijet minibus (Reg. No. ENU 902 YS, Fleet No. R-04/12309), used in the crime and damaged by the mob.

According to SP Ndukwe, investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to arrest fleeing accomplices and recover more stolen property.

“The suspects will be arraigned in court as soon as investigations are concluded,” he added.

Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, has commended the operatives for their swift and strategic actions.

He reassured residents of the Command’s unrelenting efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

“We remain committed to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of all citizens in Enugu State. I urge the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to support the police with credible information,” CP Giwa stated.

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DHQ Warns Protesting Veterans Against Disrupting Government Activities

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday issued a stern warning to retired military personnel staging protests at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, urging them to vacate the premises immediately.

The protesting ex-soldiers resumed demonstrations this week, accusing the government of reneging on promises made during an August 4 meeting with officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance.

According to the veterans, authorities had pledged to clear their outstanding entitlements by August 10, a deadline that has since passed without action.

Addressing the press in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, explained that the dispute arose from the application of two salary charts in 2024 following the implementation of the new national minimum wage.

“Gratuities and debarment allowances are calculated based on the salary chart active at the time of retirement,” Kangye said.

“Those who retired before July 29, 2024, are covered by the old salary structure. The new chart applies only to personnel who left service from that date onward.”

He added that some of the protesting retirees are demanding their benefits be recalculated using the new wage structure, a request the military says is not legally or administratively feasible.

While acknowledging the veterans’ right to peaceful protest, Kangye condemned their continued blockade of the Ministry of Finance, warning that such actions hinder government operations.

“The Defence Headquarters urges the protesting retirees to act responsibly and leave the premises to allow government activities to continue unhindered,” he stated.

Despite the military’s stance, the protesting veterans insist they are being unfairly treated.

Retired Sergeant Henry Ochade claimed he is still owed N900,000 in unpaid benefits.

Sergeant Igweze Ushanna (retd.) complained about unresolved salary arrears and unpaid relocation packages.

Sergeant Obinna Onyami (retd.) criticized the official relocation allowance, saying, “They gave us N77,000 to move a family from Lagos to the East, it’s ridiculous. A sergeant should receive over N400,000.”

The retirees have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to personally intervene in the matter, arguing that their years of service and sacrifice deserve recognition, not neglect.

This is the third time in recent months that retired soldiers have taken to the streets to demand payment of their benefits, a reflection of growing frustration within the veteran community.

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NBA Drags IGP Egbetokun To Court

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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has filed a lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, challenging the legality of the Nigeria Police Force’s tinted glass permit policy.

The policy, introduced in April 2025, mandates vehicle owners to apply for and renew tinted glass permits annually through a newly launched police portal.

A specific fee is required, and enforcement was initially scheduled for June 1 but later postponed to October 2, 2025.

However, the NBA contends that the policy lacks legal backing and constitutes a violation of constitutional rights.

At its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on August 23, 2025, in Enugu, the NBA resolved to challenge the policy in court.

The association believes the policy infringes on citizens’ rights and is being enforced under questionable legal authority.

In a suit filed on September 2, 2025, at the Federal High Court, Abuja (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/182/2025), the NBA through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), seeks to halt the policy’s enforcement.

“The policy violates citizens’ rights to dignity, privacy, free movement, and property ownership,” the NBA said in a statement.

“These are fundamental rights protected by the 1999 Constitution.”

The association listed several major concerns:

Legal Basis: The policy allegedly relies on the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act (Decree 1991), a military-era law that, according to the NBA, may not meet democratic standards required under Section 45 of the 1999 Constitution.

No Legal Provision for Fees or Renewals: The NBA argues that the existing legislation does not provide for fee-based annual renewals, undermining the policy’s legality.

Transparency of Fund Management: The NBA criticized the handling of funds collected through the policy. Payments are reportedly made to a private account—PARKWAY

PROJECTS, Account No: 4001017918, which is not tied to the Central Bank of Nigeria or the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), raising accountability concerns.

Ongoing Harassment Despite Enforcement Delay: Despite the delay in full enforcement, citizens have reportedly faced police harassment and extortion at checkpoints, allegedly under the guise of enforcing the permit policy.

The NBA-SPIDEL, under the leadership of its Transition Committee Chairman, Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN, and the Public Interest Litigation Committee led by Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, SAN, is handling the case and has been directed to see it through to conclusion.

The Bar Association reaffirmed its commitment to defending public interest and upholding the rule of law, vowing to ensure the tinted glass permit policy is subjected to judicial scrutiny.

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Abia Govt Dismisses Six Civil Servants Over Salary Fraud

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Dailygazettenig
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The Abia State Government has dismissed six employees of the Ministry of Justice following an internal investigation that uncovered a salary padding scheme.

The decision was announced on Thursday by the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, who stated that the disciplinary action came after a comprehensive audit and administrative inquiry.

According to the commission, the investigation revealed that the affected officers manipulated payroll systems to illegally receive excess salaries over a sustained period.

The six civil servants dismissed for their involvement in the fraudulent activities are:

  1. Mr. Dickson Uche Eze – Principal Accountant (SGL 12)
  2. Mrs. Esther Emeruwa – Senior Accountant (SGL 10)
  3. Mrs. Ijeoma Jonathan – Chief Executive Officer, Accounts (SGL 14)
  4. Mrs. Treasure Isinguzo – Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Accounts (SGL 13)
  5. Mrs. Chioma Victoria Erondu – Principal Executive Officer, Accounts (SGL 12)
  6. Mrs. Hannah Ezinne Eze – Senior Executive Officer, General Duties (SGL 09)

The commission found that the individuals “knowingly benefitted from irregular salary payments,” which cost the state financially.

The statement clarified that Mrs. Chioma Favour Madu, who was also investigated, was found not guilty.

She had promptly reported an overpayment in her salary and took steps to return the excess amount, earning her exoneration from the probe.

The investigation also raised red flags concerning the Salary Committee, suggesting that some of its members may have played a role in enabling the fraudulent practices.

As a result, Governor Alex Otti has ordered a separate probe into the committee’s activities to determine any further culpability.

Pastor Eze emphasized that those found guilty would be handed over to law enforcement for prosecution, reiterating the government’s zero tolerance for corruption.

“This firm action demonstrates the administration’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance,” the statement read.

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Obi’s One-Term Promise A Political Strategy To Avoid Losing Votes In The North – Kenneth Okonkwo

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Dailygazettenig
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Kenneth Okonkwo, a member of the opposition coalition, says Peter Obi’s vow to serve only one term if elected President is a calculated political move designed to appeal to voters in Nigeria’s northern region.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Okonkwo revealed that Obi’s proposal wasn’t just a matter of personal principle but a strategy to prevent alienating the North during election season.

“It’s a political strategy,” Okonkwo stated. “Peter Obi knew that without such a promise, he risked losing northern support.”

He explained that the idea was first floated by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also promised to serve only one term.

Obi, being younger and positioning himself as a reform candidate, reportedly embraced the concept to present a balanced, inclusive vision for the country.

“The goal is to assure both northern and southern Nigerians that no region will be shortchanged. If a southern candidate insists on two terms, the North might feel excluded — and vice versa,” Okonkwo said.

According to the lawyer and politician, defeating an incumbent president requires a unified front and compromises like a one-term presidency to foster trust and fairness among Nigeria’s diverse regions.

“Any party serious about unseating an incumbent must ensure their candidate pledges just one term. That way, every region feels represented and not left out of the political equation,” he added.

Obi’s Position on Governance and Tenure

Peter Obi, who ran as the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 general election, has consistently maintained that four years is sufficient to implement meaningful reforms. In a July 2025 appearance on Sunday Politics, he insisted that a single term would be enough to show Nigerians the “direction of good governance.”

“I don’t need more than four years,” Obi said. “The damage done in two years can be reversed in another two. People want leadership that is empathetic and responsive.”

Obi has also advocated for a constitutional amendment to limit Nigerian presidents to a single five-year term, mirroring the system used in countries like South Korea.

During a visit to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in August, he reiterated this view.

“We should end the era of second terms,” Obi said.

“With a single five-year term, a president knows there’s no time to waste and gets straight to work.”

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Tinubu Departs For 10-Day Working Vacation In France, UK

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Dailygazettenig
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for a 10-day working vacation in France and the United Kingdom, according to an official statement released on Thursday.

The President, who is taking part of his 2025 annual leave, was seen off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by top officials, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

A statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the trip follows the long-standing tradition of Nigerian leaders combining rest with informal consultations abroad.

“The President is expected to spend time in France and the UK, holding informal meetings while also using the opportunity to rest,” the statement noted.

In line with constitutional requirements, Vice President Kashim Shettima will oversee state matters during the President’s absence.

Meanwhile, former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has questioned the phrasing used by the Presidency, calling the term “working vacation” a contradiction.

“I understand the word ‘working.’ I understand the word ‘vacation.’ The sentence ‘working vacation’ is something else,” Sani posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

Sani’s comment reflects a wider public sentiment, with some Nigerians on social media expressing concern over the frequency of the President’s foreign trips, many of which have been described as “working vacations.”

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu has embarked on numerous international trips for diplomatic, economic, and strategic engagements.

However, critics have pointed out that this is at least his fifth working vacation abroad within two years, prompting debates about transparency and leadership presence at home.

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Simon Ekpa’s Loyalists To Challenge Six-Year Jail Term In Finland

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Supporters of exiled pro-Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa have vowed to appeal the six-year prison sentence handed down to him by a Finnish court earlier this week.

Ekpa, who leads the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) and resides in Finland, was convicted by the Päijät-Häme District Court on Monday, September 1, 2025, on charges including terrorism-related offences, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of Finland’s Lawyers Act.

The court found that between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa used his social media platforms to incite criminal acts with terrorist intent in Nigeria’s South-East, where he has long agitated for the creation of an independent Biafra nation.

In a statement on Friday, BRGIE Acting Prime Minister, Ogechukwu Nkere, condemned the ruling, alleging that it was politically motivated and influenced by diplomatic pressure from the Nigerian government.

“This judgment is biased and politically engineered,” Nkere claimed.

“It’s an attempt to criminalise the demand for self-determination and suppress the Biafran movement.”

Nkere dismissed the court’s finding that Ekpa facilitated the supply of weapons and explosives to armed separatist groups in Nigeria, describing the claim as baseless and lacking credible evidence.

“Where in this 21st century is a call for independence automatically labelled terrorism?” Nkere asked, adding, “The allegations of arms supply are unfounded and reflect undue political influence.”

The BRGIE announced plans to intensify its global lobbying efforts, particularly in Washington DC in response to the conviction.

The group said it will leverage international human rights frameworks to challenge what it calls the criminalisation of peaceful agitation.

Nkere also urged Biafrans worldwide to remain united and resilient, saying the increased scrutiny of the Biafran cause on the global stage is a sign that the movement is gaining momentum.

The ruling has sparked mixed reactions, especially within Nigerian and diaspora communities.

While some civil society groups and stakeholders, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, have praised the conviction as a win for peace and security, Ekpa’s supporters see it as a blow to freedom of expression and the right to self-determination.

Ekpa, a controversial figure in Nigeria, has faced widespread criticism over his repeated “stay-at-home” orders, which have disrupted economic activity and escalated tensions across the South-East.

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Enugu Council Chairman, Hon. Ogbodo Visits Fatal Crash Site, Consoles Victims At UNTH

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Dailygazettenig
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…Urges FG To Fast-Track Enugu–Port Harcourt Road Repairs

Hon. John Ogbodo, executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government of Enugu state visited the site of the tragic collision at Ozalla Junction along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, where a long-haul truck collided with two commuter buses on Wednesday, resulting in multiple fatalities and critical injuries.

Eyewitness reports cited reckless driving and vehicles traveling against traffic as the critical contributors to the accident, which ended in a fire.

Ogbodo, along with his team, assisted in evacuating the injured and pledged the Council’s commitment to supporting their medical care.

He also offered heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of survivors.

Following his visit to the accident scene, the Chairman proceeded to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Ituku‑Ozalla, where most victims were admitted.

Hospital officials, led by Mr. Boniface Uchelue, commended Ogbodo’s compassion and financial support.

Mrs. Anthonia Anene, UNTH’s Deputy Director, reported that seven injured individuals had been admitted, six were improving, while one was undergoing surgery.

Four deceased victims were receiving mortuary care.

Hon. Ogbodo used the visit to draw attention to the deteriorating condition of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, citing it as a contributing factor in road accidents.

He called on federal authorities to expedite rehabilitation work.

He also urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify safety enforcement and public education, arguing that reckless driving paired with poor road conditions is a recipe for disaster.

Affirming his administration’s pledge to the welfare of Ndi Nkanu West, Ogbodo assured locals of sustained collaboration with state and federal agencies to enhance road safety and public health.

“This tragedy reminds us of our shared responsibility, government, road users and community leaders, to make our highways safer,” he stated

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ENSIEC Announces Date For Enugu LG Elections, Releases Timetable

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Dailygazettenig
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The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) has officially released the timetable for the upcoming Local Government elections across the state’s 17 local councils.

Announcing the development on Thursday in Enugu, the Executive Chairman of ENSIEC, Prof. Christian Ngwu, confirmed that the elections will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

The elections will cover 17 chairmanship and 260 councillorship positions.

According to Prof. Ngwu, the schedule has already been gazetted by the Enugu State Government on Wednesday and will be strictly followed.

“The process officially began with the publication of the Notice of Election by ENSIEC on August 20, 2025,” he noted.

Nov. 27 – Dec. 12, 2025:

Political parties are expected to submit detailed information regarding their party primaries — including dates, venues, and times.

Jan. 23 – Feb. 19, 2026:

Conduct of party primaries by political parties, alongside the resolution of disputes and observation by ENSIEC.

March 25 – March 27, 2026:

Screening of chairmanship candidates’ credentials at the ENSIEC Headquarters, with the following zonal schedule:

    • Enugu North Zone – March 25
    • Enugu East Zone – March 26
    • Enugu West Zone – March 27

In addition, Prof. Ngwu emphasized that in line with the Electoral Act 2022, political parties must submit nomination forms, ENSIEC-7 (Chairmanship) and ENSIEC-7A (Councillorship) no later than 180 days before the election date.

It urged all stakeholders to adhere strictly to the schedule to ensure a smooth, transparent and credible electoral process.

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Chekwas Okorie Bows Out Of Partisan Politics, Takes On New National Role

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Veteran Igbo politician and founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chekwas Okorie, has formally announced his retirement from partisan politics.

Okorie, who also convened the Igbo Agenda Dialogue 2025, made the declaration during an appearance on the Beyond the Headlines programme, aired on Freedom Square TV and hosted by Uchenna Cyril Anioke.

Speaking on the show, the political elder statesman cited deep personal reflection and the changing political climate in Nigeria as key reasons for his decision.

He emphasized that while he is stepping away from active political party involvement, he remains committed to national discourse, political advocacy, and championing equity for the Igbo people.

“My part in partisanship is over. I have voluntarily withdrawn so I can fully embrace the new roles God has destined for me in this phase of my life,” Okorie said.

He clarified that his exit should not be interpreted as political silence, but rather as a strategic shift toward becoming a non-partisan voice for justice, unity, and restructuring in Nigeria.

As a consistent figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, Okorie has played key roles in shaping the political landscape, especially in promoting the interests of the South-East.

His work in founding APGA and his involvement in other political platforms have left a lasting legacy.

Now repositioning himself as an elder statesman, Okorie called on younger Nigerians especially from the South-East to take initiative and lead with unity, courage and vision.

“Political power won’t come through lamentation. It requires action, strategy and unity of purpose,” he warned.

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