The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has condemned the support being expressed on social media for Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu, the suspect accused of killing one of its officers, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASEII Aminu Sahabi Salisu, in Anambra State.

Salisu was tragically killed on Friday while carrying out his duties during an operation aimed at arresting suspected internet fraudsters.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the EFCC expressed deep grief over Salisu’s death and denounced the spread of false and harmful information online.

The commission emphasized that there was no justification for defending Ikechukwu, who shot and killed Salisu during the operation.

The statement, which was signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity, read, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, expresses grief over the loss of one of its officers, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE11 Aminu Sahabi Salisu, who was killed in cold blood while performing his legitimate duties on January 17, 2025, by a suspected internet fraudster, Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu.”

The EFCC strongly condemned the online narratives that tried to rationalize the killing, calling such behavior “irresponsible, callous, inhuman, and outrageous.”

The statement continued, “It is heinous to reduce the death of a gallant officer, who was carrying out patriotic and official duties, to social media razzmatazz. It is equally troubling that some faceless commentators are siding with the alleged criminal who unleashed terror on our officers. There is no justification for such a murderous act.”

According to the EFCC, preliminary investigations revealed that Ikechukwu was involved in fraudulent activities related to online coding and the distribution of questionable medical supplies.

Although Ikechukwu is currently in police custody, the EFCC confirmed that it would ensure he faces trial for the murder.

The commission also warned that attacks on its officers would be met with the full force of the law.

The EFCC further highlighted the growing danger posed by internet fraudsters, revealing that some have been linked to serious criminal activities, including kidnapping, banditry, and ritual killings.

Despite the tragic loss, the EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the fight against corruption and internet fraud in Nigeria.

The statement concluded by thanking the public, other agencies, and individuals for their support during this challenging time.

“While mourning the loss of its officer, the Commission appreciates the support, condolences, and prompt response from sister agencies and well-meaning individuals standing with us during this trying period,” the EFCC said.

Governor Mbah, 

The children of Igwe Ekwueme Odenigbo, the traditional ruler of Akpakume in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, have urgently appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to secure the release of their 86-year-old blind father and their brother, Solomon Ekwueme, from detention.

The two were arrested and detained in the Enugu Correctional Service Centre following a petition filed by a prominent community member, Mr. Livinus Okolo, also known as Zion.

The monarch’s children, in an emotional plea, have also called on Senator Osita Ngwu, representing the Enugu West Senatorial Zone, and the Chairman of Udi Local Government, Engr. Hyginus Agu, to intervene in the ongoing detention.

Expressing their deep sorrow, the family stated, “It is truly heartbreaking for us to be called back to Enugu with the news that our aged and blind father, a retired elder in the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the King of an entire community has been locked up by the Nigerian Police and charged to a Magistrate court and subsequently sent to the Prison at the behest of a man that has been nothing short of a terror to the entire people of Akpakume community, Mr. Livinus Okolo Alias Zion.”

In a letter titled “Unlawful Incarceration of Our 86-Year-Old Father, HRH, Igwe Pastor Ekwueme Odenigbo, [Ohabueze II Akpakume Ancient Kingdom], Alongside Our Brother Ekwueme, Moses Izuchukwu”, the children of Igwe Odenigbo, led by Pastor Solomon Ekwueme, are pleading for the immediate release of their father.

They assert that the situation began on December 23, 2024, when Okolo, accompanied by about 20 armed men, allegedly attacked their father’s palace, beat the elderly monarch and his wife, and seized valuables, including his staff of office.

Okolo claimed that Igwe Odenigbo had been dethroned due to involvement in illegal mining and that he, Okolo, was now the acting Igwe.

The children stated, “Following Okolo’s attack on their father, irate youths in the community went and destroyed some part of Okolo’s house.”

They further explained that although Igwe Odenigbo petitioned the police over the attack on his palace, no arrests were made, citing Okolo’s strong political connections and influence.

When Okolo’s house was later destroyed by angry youths, he filed a counter-petition, resulting in the arrest of Chief Marius Ezeanyanwu, the traditional prime minister-elect, for allegedly inciting the violence.

The monarch’s children allege that the situation escalated when Okolo petitioned the police about the destruction of his house, leading to the detention of Igwe Odenigbo and his son, Solomon, on January 9, 2025.

Despite being detained, the children claim, “Our father is a sick, 86-year-old blind man with no capacity to inflict hurt on anyone. He has faced all kinds of tribulations in the hands of this same Mr. Livinus Okolo and his cohorts. Our brother is in no way a person of violence and would not engage in the activities he has been accused of.”

The family is calling on the state government, well-meaning Nigerians, and other concerned groups to pressure the authorities for the immediate release of their father and brother.

“We are calling on well-meaning Nigerians to join their voice to ours and call on the government to come to our aid and get our father and brother out of the prison.”

In response to the allegations, Livinus Okolo denied any wrongdoing.

He claimed that the police and state government had been investigating the situation, which led to the arrests of Igwe Odenigbo and others.

Okolo also accused the monarch and his family of being involved in illegal activities, particularly the sale of community land for mining.

Okolo explained, “Our problem is that they discovered coal and oil in our community, and one of them, Mr. Mathew Ani, a cousin brother to Igwe Odenigbo, agreed with Igwe and gave a consent to Eta-Suma Nigeria Limited to take over 90,000 plots of land at the rate of N12,560 per plot.”

In response, the Enugu State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Okey Ogbodo, confirmed that Igwe Odenigbo had been suspended for allegedly undermining the state government.

Ogbodo also accused the monarch of granting approval to the Eta-Zuma Mining Company to operate in the community without state authorization, contributing to the crisis.

Ogbodo revealed that some of the items the monarch’s children claimed were taken by Okolo, including the certificate of oath and staff of office, are currently in the custody of his office.

Members of the recently dissolved Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) have filed a ₦619 million lawsuit against Governor Monday Okpebholo, challenging the legality of their removal and claiming it violated constitutional protections for their tenure.

The case, lodged at the National Industrial Court in Benin City, contests the December 2024 announcement that dissolved the commission before the expiration of its members’ five-year tenure, which was set to run until March 2027.

The claimants, led by Justice James Oyomire (retd), argue that their removal breaches the 1999 Constitution and the Edo State Local Government Electoral Law, which safeguard their tenure.

They maintain that none of the legal grounds for dismissal, such as incapacity or misconduct, apply in their case.

“The claimants herein are members of EDSIEC, which was constituted by the Edo State Government via the ‘Government Special Announcement’ issued on March 21, 2022,” Oyomire stated in an affidavit.

He further explained, “By the Constitution and the Edo State Local Government Electoral Law, as well as the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission Establishment (Re-enactment) Law, 2012 (as amended), members of EDSIEC can only be removed from office on grounds of ‘inability to discharge the functions of the office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body, or any other cause, or for misconduct).”

“I also know and state that none of the claimants is incapacitated and unable to discharge the functions of his office,” Oyomire added.

“In fact, every one of the claimants is hale and hearty, properly fit physically, mentally, and psychologically; and each of the claimants continues to perform the functions of our respective offices as stipulated by the Constitution and the relevant laws.”

The dissolved members of EDSIEC are seeking ₦484.9 million in unpaid salaries, ₦100 million in aggravated damages, and ₦35 million in legal fees.

They also request the court to declare the dissolution void and to reinstate them to their positions.

Governor Okpebholo, the state attorney-general, and the Edo State House of Assembly have been named as defendants in the suit.

The court has not yet set a date for hearing the case.

A 54-year-old prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ’s Eagle Parish was shot and killed by gunmen during a Sunday service in the Odo Eran Idiroko area of Ogun State.

The gunmen fired at the cleric while the service was in progress, before fleeing the scene.

The police spokesperson in Ogun State, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident in a statement issued from Abeokuta on Sunday.

“On January 19, 2025, at approximately 10:30 AM, the Divisional Police Officer of Idiroko received a report about a killing at a Celestial Church located along Old Baggage Road, Odo Eran, Idiroko,” she said.

Upon arriving at the church, officers found Yomi Adetula, the 54-year-old victim, lying face-up in a pool of blood, his white celestial garment stained.

Further examination revealed that his body had multiple bullet wounds, and his head showed signs of severe damage from an axe, confirming his death.

The investigation showed that three men had entered the church, brandishing a long double-barreled gun.

They aimed at their target, fired a shot, and caused chaos before fleeing the scene.

Odutola confirmed that no arrests had been made but reassured the public that police are working to capture the suspects, who are believed to have fled toward the border area.

The deceased prophet’s body has been taken to the General Hospital Morgue in Ilaro.

The death toll from the tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has risen to 90, with 80 of the victims being buried in a mass grave.

The explosion occurred on Saturday, and the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that 90 people have died as a result of the disaster.

The remains were recovered and buried after a coordinated effort between NSEMA, local authorities, and volunteers.

The mass burial took place at the Dikko Primary Healthcare premises between 5 p.m. and midnight, with the help of volunteers who worked tirelessly to manage the situation.

Five bodies were handed over to their families for burial, while one person later died from injuries at the Dikko PHC.

The number of injured individuals has increased to 55, with one additional fatality at the healthcare facility.

Authorities continue to manage the aftermath of the incident, offering support to the injured and the families of the deceased.

Investigations are underway, and further updates will follow.

The explosion has highlighted the urgent need for better safety measures and public awareness to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

In response to the disaster, Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has ordered a restriction on vehicles traveling from the Maje axis, directing them to avoid passing through the Dikko Bridge.

He stressed the importance of driver responsibility and directed that vehicles take a detour under the bridge and make a U-turn.

The Governor also urged the Federal Road Safety Corps to establish a presence in the area to enforce this directive and called on transport unions to cooperate.

Governor Bago expressed his sorrow over the incident and thanked emergency responders, including the fire service and volunteers, for their swift actions.

He also called on the Federal Government to prioritize completing the Minna-Suleja Road project, as delays in the road’s construction have contributed to frequent accidents and loss of life.

To further support the injured, the Governor announced that doctors from Minna hospitals would be redeployed to assist at Suleja General Hospital.

Violence erupted in Ndieguzu Agalegu Omege Community, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, leaving one person dead and at least ten houses completely destroyed by fire.

According to reports, the incident followed a confrontation between residents of Omege Agalagu and Ukwuinyima.

The cause of the dispute remains unclear, but sources suggest the violence may be linked to a previous altercation in November 2024, which occurred during the funeral of a woman allegedly raped and murdered.

A source revealed that over 10 houses were burned, and properties worth millions of naira were lost.

Residents are calling for government intervention to address the ongoing tensions.

Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu confirmed the fatality, explaining that the altercation began between two youths from the rival communities, during which one from Omege was fatally stabbed.

He later died in the hospital, which prompted members of his community to retaliate by setting fire to several houses.

Ukandu noted that the police intervened quickly to prevent further violence, and the situation is now under control.

The officer added that investigations were underway and the suspect who stabbed the deceased has been arrested.

Ebonyi State’s Commissioner for Information, Jude Chikadibia Okpor, addressed the situation, confirming the state’s awareness of the incident and efforts to manage the crisis.

He described the incident as the result of a misunderstanding between the two youths, which escalated into violence but assured the public that the situation was now under control.