His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, the Traditional Ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council.

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According to a statement released by John Okanyi, Chief of Staff to Igwe Asadu, the announcement of the monarch’s new role, who also serves as the Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, has been met with widespread celebration throughout Enugu State and beyond. Numerous dignitaries from around the world have sent their congratulations.

The statement highlighted that Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha and Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, joined other royal fathers and dignitaries in congratulating Igwe Asadu on his new appointment.

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The statement read:
“His Majesty Igwe Asadu had previously been appointed Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers following the reconstitution of the 8th Council of Enugu State Traditional Rulers by His Excellency Barr. Peter Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State.”

Igwe Dr. Asadu is also noted for his professional accomplishments as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Promptime HealthCare Services in the USA, a prominent healthcare provider employing over 400 staff members. In addition, he owns Lakeview Health Care Services in the USA and is involved in real estate through NSSP Holdings NLC, a leading firm based in Dallas. Igwe Asadu is also a member of the People’s Club of Nigeria (USA) Branch.

Two men, Ugwu Chijioke and Ibrahim Adekunle, have been sentenced to a combined 46 years in prison for impersonating officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and executing a fraudulent court order.

According to a statement on X.com on Sunday, the pair were arrested in May 2021 at New Horizon Estate, Lekki, Lagos, following credible intelligence received by the EFCC.

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They were caught in the act of conducting an illegal operation.

Upon their arrest, authorities recovered fake EFCC identity cards, jackets, and a court order purportedly from the Mushin Magistrate Court.

The Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC arraigned Chijioke and Adekunle on October 12, 2021, on a five-count charge that included impersonation, attempted property fraud, possession of false documents, and unlawful wearing of the EFCC uniform.

The case was heard before Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja.

Both defendants pleaded guilty to all charges.

Prosecution counsel, Abdulhamid Tukur presented the facts of the case, demonstrating their guilt and requesting the court to issue a guilty verdict and appropriate sentences.

Justice Abike-Fadipe found the defendants guilty on all five counts.

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Each defendant was sentenced to seven years in prison for counts one to three, one year for count four, and eight months for count five. The sentences are to run concurrently.

One of the charges stated:

“That you, Ugwu Pascal Chijioke and Ibrahim Sadiq Adekunle, on or about the 12th day of May, 2021, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, attempted to obtain property from one Oriyomi Johnson under the pretext that the ‘Chief Magistrate Court, Lagos State Judiciary, Mushin, Lagos’ issued an order to seize and seal the property located at New Horizon Estate, Lekki-Ikate, Lagos, pending the arrival of Oriyomi Johnson, which representation you knew to be false and committed an offence of attempt to obtain property by false pretence contrary to Section 8(b) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 11(3) of the same Act.”

Another charge stated:

“That you, Ugwu Pascal Chijioke and Ibrahim Sadiq Adekunle, on or about the 12th day of May, 2021, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, not being persons holding any office in or authority of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, wore jackets bearing the official mark of the Commission, which was calculated to convey the impression that you held such authority and committed an offence of unlawfully wearing the uniform of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission contrary to Section 79(1)(b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.”

During the sentencing, the defendants pleaded for mercy.

However, Justice Abike-Fadipe emphasized the severity of their crimes before delivering the verdict.

AKPARAWA Ezekiel Paul, a retired school principal who was kidnapped in his home in Ikot Abasi Akpan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state, has been released after spending a week in captivity.

It remains unclear if the negotiated ransom of N20 million, which was reportedly reduced to N5 million during negotiations with the abductors, was paid to secure his release early on Saturday morning.

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The Akwa Ibom State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, confirmed the development, stating, “The man has regained his freedom unhurt and has been reunited with his family.”

Augustine Paul Akpan, the elder brother of the victim and Arch-Bishop of the African Church Nigeria, expressed relief after his brother’s release, saying, “Akparawa Ezekiel was released early this morning by the kidnappers. We will be taking him to the hospital for rest and treatment. We thank the police for their efforts and all those who have prayed with us throughout this difficult period for his safe release.”

Meanwhile, police sources reported the arrest of the kingpin of the kidnap syndicate, known as “Taller,” along with other gang members who have been terrorizing the area.

The gang is known to operate in cells located in Ikot Abasi Akpan, Ikot Obio Nso, Ndon Eyo, Ndon Utim, and neighboring villages along the Ekparakwa-Etinan highway, where they hold their victims until ransoms are paid.

The successful release of Akparawa Ezekiel Paul and the subsequent arrests highlight ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and enhance security in the region.

As Eid-El-Kabir approaches, Senator Kelvin Chukwu representing Enugu East senatorial zone has extended his heartfelt greetings to Muslims across the nation, emphasizing the importance of embodying the true spirit of the season by aiding those in need.

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In a message released on Saturday, Senator Chukwu called on Muslims to seek Allah’s blessings for peace, unity, security, and economic prosperity in Nigeria.

The Labour Party senator reassured his constituents of his dedication to quality representation that aligns with the people’s will.

He also encouraged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his efforts to positively transform the country.

“I extend my best wishes to Muslims in the Enugu East senatorial zone for a memorable Eid-El-Kabir. This season reminds us of the importance of faith, compassion, and obedience to Allah’s commands, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. True Muslims should uphold values of peace, tolerance, justice, and charity,” Chukwu stated.

He further urged all Nigerians, regardless of religious differences, to commit to the collective goal of building a strong, united, and economically robust nation.

Senator Chukwu reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to creating legislation that addresses the country’s challenges.