The Ebonyi State High Court sitting in the Ohaukwu Judicial Division has sentenced four individuals to death by hanging for their involvement in the murder of 26-year-old Chinonso Elom, popularly known as Oscar.

The convicts; Anthony Elom (alias Tidy), Chibueze Onwe (alias Chief oo), Chukwuemeka Ugah (alias Parity), and Uchenna Odono, were found guilty of conspiracy and murder, which occurred on February 5, 2023, in the Ngbo community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

Reports indicated that the group, along with one ThankGod Onwe who remains at large, had driven a Sienna bus branded with a known political party’s insignia to Ndulo Umuogudu Akpu Road, where they confronted the deceased at his business location near Okwo Ngbo Main Market.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the group, suspected to be members of a secret cult, demanded information from Chinonso about his younger brother, with whom they had an unresolved issue.

When he could not provide any details, they attempted to force him into the vehicle.

Chinonso resisted, and in response, Anthony Elom reportedly shot him in the head with a shotgun, killing him instantly.

The murder triggered widespread outrage and protest by Ngbo youths demanding justice. Four of the suspects were identified and apprehended, while the fifth, ThankGod Onwe, evaded arrest.

The suspects were subsequently charged with murder by the Ebonyi State Government.

Delivering judgment, Justice Esther Otah held that the prosecution, led by Barr. Oluchi Ibiam, had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt through eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence, including a ballistic match between the recovered gun and the bullet that killed Chinonso.

She noted that while Anthony Elom fired the shot, all four acted with a shared intent and were therefore jointly culpable.

“The killers formed a common intention to prosecute the unlawful purpose,” she said.

“The defense of the defendants were not enough to exonerate them from the crime,” Justice Otah declared.

“Anthony Elom a.k.a Tidy, you will be hanged with rope until you die. May God save your soul. Chibueze Onwe a.k.a Chief oo, you will be hanged with rope until you die. May God save your soul.”

“Chukwuemeka Ugah a.k.a Parity, you will be hanged with rope until you die. May God save your soul. Uchenna Odono, you will be hanged with rope until you die. May God save your soul.”

Defense counsel Barr. Chinedu Uwa expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict and revealed plans to appeal.

In contrast, the prosecuting counsel and other lawyers from Ohaukwu, including Barr. Chinedu Ugadu and Barr. Chinedu Ituma, welcomed the judgment, calling it a “true reflection of justice.”

Barr. Michael Odo, President of the Amalgamated Ngboejeogu Youth, reacted with a mix of sorrow and resolve.

“Fellow Ngboejeogu youths, it is with mixed feelings of sadness but fulfilment of heart that I wish to address you this evening on the judgment of the High Court of Ebonyi State, Ohaukwu Judicial Division, delivered today 14/05/2025, in the case of State vs. Elom Anthony & 3 Others where the four defendants charged with the murder of Elom Chinonso (aka Oscar) were convicted and sentenced to death.”

“This judgment does not call for celebration. It is a sad reminder of a terrible decay in our society.”

“Those who were sentenced to death today are made up of two persons from Ngbo and two persons from Ezzangbo who could have added value to the society but chose the wrong path of criminality and ended up as a reference point in infamy.”

He recalled the peaceful protest held on February 6, 2023, by the youths of Ngboejeogu in response to the killing.

“The protest was brought to me as the President of Amalgamated Ngboejeogu Youth and I promised the youths of Ngboejeogu that we will follow up the matter and ensure that justice is done. Today, that promise was fulfilled through the judgment of the High Court in the matter.”

“I must thank in a special way the youths of Umuogudu Akpu Community, Umuezeaka Community, Umuogudu Oshia Community, etc who rallied round to draw the attention of the entire Ngbo people to this dastardly murder.”

He also acknowledged the role of the Ngbo Leaders Council.

“I thank the Ngbo Leaders Council for calling the solemn assembly at Obodo Akpu, Umuogudu Akpu Ngbo where decisions were taken to ensure that the suspects were produced and handed over to the police for investigation.”

Odo concluded with a stern warning against cultism: “Time is changing fast in Ngbo and cultism is becoming outdated and a nuisance. We call on all political leaders and youths in Ngbo to rise up and condemn cultism in all its ramifications and in the strongest terms. We pray that today’s judgment will teach the hard lesson it was intended to teach the youths of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.”

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 43-year-old woman, identified as Gift, for allegedly biting off the tip of her lover’s penis during a heated domestic altercation in Port Harcourt.

The shocking incident took place on Thursday in the Mile 3 axis of Diobu, along Bishop Okoye Street, sparking commotion in the densely populated neighborhood.

According to eyewitness accounts, the altercation began after Gift’s partner, identified simply as Sunday, requested to engage in sexual activity.

Gift reportedly declined the request, accusing him of relying on sex-enhancing drugs that prolonged their encounters beyond her comfort.

A resident, who asked not to be named said “Mr. Sunday became angry and allegedly descended on his female partner for her refusal. In the process, Gift managed to get hold of the man’s manhood with her mouth and chop off the cap of the penis.”

The man’s agonizing screams quickly drew the attention of neighbours.

In the chaos that followed, some residents attempted to mob the woman, but police officers from the Nkpolu Police Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, arrived just in time to prevent further violence.

“The cap of the man’s penis was completely bitten off by the woman,” the source added.

Officers rescued the suspect and took her into custody, while the injured man was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in the city for emergency treatment.

Confirming the incident on Friday, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, said, “Yes, I can confirm the incident. The woman (suspect) aged 43 years has been arrested and investigation is ongoing.”

Professor Pat Utomi, a renowned political economist and former presidential candidate, says a growing number of Nigerians are rallying behind him as he faces legal action from the Department of State Services (DSS) over his proposed formation of a “shadow government.”

In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Utomi expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.

“It’s energising (that) some want to put together 500 lawyers to defend me against the DSS,” he wrote.

The DSS recently filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging that Utomi’s move to establish a shadow cabinet was an attempt to subvert Nigeria’s constitutional order.

The security agency described the initiative as an “attack on the Constitution” and a direct threat to the democratic government currently in place.

Utomi, who ran for president under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2007, is named as the sole defendant in the case, which was filed on May 13 by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Akinlolu Kehinde.

The agency claims Utomi’s actions were designed to “create chaos and destabilise the country,” asserting that the concept of a shadow government was “not only an aberration but also constituted a grave attack on the Constitution.”

In response to the legal move, Utomi reiterated his appreciation for the solidarity he’s received.

“I am heartened by messages of solidarity from across Nigeria on this shadowy business of chasing shadows of shadow cabinets. Reminds me of the Nigeria I used to know. I want to thank all,” he said.

Meanwhile, the proposal has sparked a range of reactions across the country.

Among the critics is activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who dismissed the idea as symbolic and ineffective in addressing Nigeria’s urgent problems.

Speaking on Inside Sources on Channels TV, Sowore questioned the practicality of Utomi’s move, stating, “Well, how do you replace a shadow government with another set of shadowy governments? I would not begrudge anybody who thinks of solutions that can bring awareness to the people.”

He added, “But I do not think that setting up a government with names of people who call themselves a shadow government makes any difference.”

In a move aimed at reframing the historical narrative and fostering unity, the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has officially renamed the annual Biafra Remembrance Day, observed on May 30th, to Igbo Heroes Day.

The announcement was made in a statement by the group’s Deputy National President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who emphasized the symbolic importance of the change.

“The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stands resolute in its commitment to honor the indomitable spirit and sacrifice of our fallen heroes who valiantly defended our identity during the Biafra conflict,” the statement read.

According to Isiguzoro, the renaming serves not only to honor the past but also to create a more inclusive and peaceful approach to remembrance.

“In recognition of these sacrifices, May 30th, historically observed as Biafra Remembrance Day, will now be celebrated as Igbo Heroes Day, and this designation acknowledges the bravery, resilience, and unwavering commitment of those who paid the ultimate price for our collective freedom.”

He explained that the adjustment in naming is strategic and timely.

“By renaming Biafra Remembrance Day to Igbo Heroes Day, we strategically shift the narrative, ensuring a safer environment that invites the consideration of Southeast political leaders, particularly our governors, to recognize this day as an official public holiday.”

Isiguzoro also called for a shift in the mode of observance.

Rather than mandatory sit-at-home directives, he advocated for voluntary celebrations that promote normalcy.

“We implore our community to embrace a spirit of voluntary celebration rather than mandatory observance that disrupts educational, economic, social, and religious activities,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of ensuring that educational activities are not disrupted, particularly as this year’s West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams are ongoing.

“However, in light of the ongoing West African Examinations Council (WAEC) assessments scheduled from April 28 to June 20, Ohanaeze Ndigbo regards the academic pursuits of our students as paramount.”

“We recommend that the commemoration of Igbo Heroes Day take place in a manner that supports our students and fosters an environment conducive to their scholarly achievements.”

The group also made a direct appeal to pro-Biafra agitators and other groups enforcing sit-at-home orders.

“We hereby advocate for a celebration that is voluntary in nature and call for the cancellation of any enforced sit-at-home directives or other actions that may adversely affect the legitimate activities of the Igbo populace.”

“We appeal for a cessation of violence that may incite confrontation with law enforcement, recognizing that such actions only lead to further strife and retaliation against innocent civilians.”

In conclusion, the group urged reflection and collaboration in ensuring that the new designation becomes a force for unity and peace.

“In this pivotal moment, let us work together to honor our heroes while fostering a peaceful and progressive society, and as we reflect on our past, let us also cast our gaze to the future, ensuring that the actions we take in remembrance empower rather than endanger our community.”