News

Governor Peter Mbah leads move to end sit-at-home in Enugu

Published

3 years ago

June 6, 2023

…IPOB, MASSOB, Ohanaeze Back Enugu Governor

Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has commended civil servants, transporters, the business community and other institutions in the state for the significant compliance with government’s directive ending the Monday sit-at-home order.

This was even as the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, have both thrown their weights behind the efforts of the Enugu State government to end the sit-at-home, saying it was the handiwork of those who want to destroy the Igbo land.

Mbah put the compliance level at about 70 per cent, expressing hope of total compliance on subsequent Mondays.

The Governor stated these during the monitoring of compliance to government’s directive by government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), markets, among others, restating government’s resolve to secure lives and property.

Ministries and offices visited included Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry Capital Territory, Ministry of Inter-Ministerial Affairs and Special Duties, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Finance, Office of the Accountant-General, Office of the Head of Service, Office of the Surveyor-General, among others, where he was received by the civil servants and heads of MDAs.

Mbah also visited several markets, including the Akwata section of Ogbete Market, Mayor Market situate along Agbani Road, among others, where he was warmly received by happy traders and their leaders.

Mbah said productivity was key to all the promises he made to the people to drive investment inflow into the state, create jobs, and provide quality services.

He reminded the people that the power and mandate belonged to them, hence they should never allow people, who had no stake in the state’s economy to undermine the peace and prosperity of the Enugu State.

Speaking with newsmen after the monitoring exercise, Mbah, he said: “The primary objective of my visitations is largely to observe the level of compliance of the directive that we gave last week, declaring that we do not have sit-at-home in Enugu henceforth.

“Whether we succeed or fail in ending sit-at-home, we do that together as Enugu people. If we succeed, our collective success means we can rise together against intimidation. It is not anybody’s or government’s success.

“But the truth is that everything we have promised our people in Enugu is anchored on getting the flow of private sector investments into our state; and the private sector cannot come into a state where the people are not productive. The private sector thrives on big markets and a vibrant workforce.

“So, our people are known by their hard work, by their industry and commerce. So, we cannot have people, who kill these spirits in our people dictate to us the day we should go to work and the day we should sit at home.

“We have to revive that spirit of hard work and culture of commerce and industry that our people are known for. We want to reinstate that; and that is exactly what we are doing”.

Mbah assured the people of government’s commitment to the security of lives and property every other day of the week, Mondays inclusive.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, on Monday, the pro-Biafra agitation group said, “criminals are using the sit-at-home order to cause havoc in the South East”.

“After our leadership initiated the Monday sit-at-home order to demand the release of our leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU, who is currently being illegally detained at DSS dungeon, he directed IPOB leadership to stop the sit-at-home to avoid criminals capitalising on that to harm our people.

“Though some Biafrans continued with Monday sit-at-home voluntarily, as our leader predicted, after the suspension order, some criminals and infiltrators hijacked it and started committing crimes and enforcing non-existent Monday sit-at-home.

“If indeed Governor Mba wants to return to normalcy on Mondays, he will have the support of IPOB because those enforcing non-existent Monday sit-at-home are criminals.

“Someone wants to penalise our people. Anybody enforcing non-existent Monday sit-at-home order is not helping IPOB and our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu Kanu. Every member of IPOB and Biafrans should be coming out on Mondays for their business”, IPOB stated.

Also, MASSOB, in a statement by its National Director of Information, Comrade Edeson Samuel, faulted the opposition of the leader of a faction of the pro-Biafra agitators, Simon Ekpa, to the efforts of the Enugu State Government to end the regular Monday sit-at-home in the state, saying such stand was not in the interest the peace and development of Enugu State and Igbo land as a whole.

“Even if the sit-at-home should last for one month or more, it is only our people and businesses that will suffer and not the federal government.

“We, the members of MASSOB, advise those agents working against the interest of our people and destabilisation of Igbo land to desist and give peace a chance.

“Our stand as the mother of all pro-Biafra groups remains that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must be released for peace to be restored in Nigeria and Igbo land.

“But we do not believe that the quest for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the actualisation of the sovereign state of Biafra, both of which are our collective struggles, are synonymous with the creation of the state fear, insecurity, and waste of lives and properties, all of which are unhealthy to peace, entrepreneurship, productivity, investment, and development in our home land.

“Therefore, the resolve of the Enugu State Government to end Monday sit-at-home is not different from the position of MASSOB and all true lovers of the peace and development of Igbo land.

“MASSOB calls on Simon Ekpa and other comrades in the struggle to desist from anything that could create panic in any form”, the statement read.

Likewise, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has has condemned the attempts by people it described as “infiltrators into the Biafra agitation” to destroy Igbo land in the name of sit-at-home.

He said that it was sad that months after the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, cancelled the Monday sit-at-home after discovering its devastating effects on the South-East economy, some enemies of Ndigbo had carried on with it.

In a statement by its National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the group said: “We cannot continue to allow that which has gravely hurt and destroyed Igbo lives, economy, and image to fester. This is certainly not what Biafra stands for.

“Now that the Governor of Enugu State has again made an appeal for the sit-at-home to end, in the collective interest of the people, our passionate appeal to all the agitators, the IPOB, the MASSOB, the Author Pilot, the Zionists and a host of others, is that they should sheath their sword and allow normalcy to return”, Okwu said.

News

Rights Group Petitions IGP, Seeks Probe of Police Role in Controversial Enugu Land Disputes

Published

11 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, over alleged abuse of office and misuse of police powers by officers of the Enugu State Police Command in connection with a controversial land dispute involving Ostara Farms Limited and the Okpogho Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

In a petition dated May 29, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC accused the Officer-in-Charge of the Directorate of Legal Services, Enugu State Police Command, and other officers of allegedly interfering in ongoing land litigation, intimidating community members, and using criminal proceedings to influence a dispute that is already before several courts.

According to the organisation, the controversy centres on an agreement through which Ostara Farms Limited allegedly acquired about 2,000 hectares of communal land from individuals said to be acting on behalf of the community for a consideration of N50 million.

RULAAC said a significant number of community members have challenged the transaction, alleging that the agreement was entered into under questionable circumstances and contains terms that unfairly favour the company.

The rights group noted that several lawsuits concerning ownership and control of the disputed land are currently pending before courts in Enugu State, including Suit Nos. A/24/2025, AWH/41/2022, E/299M/2025, A/58/2025, A/59/2025, A/60/2025 and A/61/2025.

Despite the ongoing litigation, RULAAC expressed concern that police authorities have increasingly become involved in the matter through criminal investigations and prosecutions.

The organisation alleged that criminal allegations arising from the burning of a company-owned caterpillar by unidentified persons were being used to target outspoken opponents of the land transaction.

According to the petition, rather than identifying those directly responsible for the incident, the company allegedly supplied names of community leaders and critics of the land deal who were subsequently treated as suspects.

“If true, such actions amount to an abuse of police processes and a dangerous weaponisation of criminal justice mechanisms to suppress dissent, intimidate citizens and gain advantage in a civil dispute,” the organisation stated.

RULAAC further linked the matter to an earlier land dispute involving Obeagu Awkunanaw and Amechi Uwani communities and Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA), noting that both companies are reportedly associated with businessman Kingsley Tobechukwu Eze.

The organisation recalled that concerns over police involvement in the PEIWA dispute had earlier been brought to the attention of the IGP and referred to the Police Monitoring Unit at Force Headquarters.

It also referenced reports that Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited are facing criminal charges before the Federal High Court, Enugu, relating to the alleged forgery of a survey plan connected with the acquisition of ancestral lands in Enugu.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants were accused in Count I; “That you Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited, sometimes in 2009 or thereabouts, at Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire among yourselves to commit a felony to wit: forgery of the Survey Plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” of 1985 and thereby committed an offence contrary 3 (6) and punishable under Section 1 (2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

COUNT II

“That you Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited, sometimes in 2009 or thereabouts, at Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did make or utter the Survey Plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” of 1985 knowing same to be false or with intent that it may in any way be used or acted upon as genuine and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1 (2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act…”

RULAAC also referred to findings reportedly contained in the Enugu State House of Assembly’s Special Committee Report on Land Matters and Disputes adopted in December 2024.

The organisation urged the IGP to direct the Police Monitoring Unit to immediately take over investigations and prosecutions arising from the Ostara Farms dispute, investigate allegations of misconduct against one CSP Justice Attah, the Officer-in-Charge, Directorate of Legal Services in Enugu, and review any criminal proceedings allegedly initiated for purposes of harassment or intimidation.

Meanwhile, in a separate petition dated May 28, 2026, the organisation called on the IGP to intervene in two criminal cases pending before the Federal High Court, Enugu, over the repeated failure of police authorities to produce defendants for arraignment.

The cases are Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, IGP v. Kingsley Eze & 2 Others, and Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/222/2024, IGP v. Alex Ifeadi & 2 Others.

According to RULAAC, the charges were filed following investigations by the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, and the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Enugu, indicating that investigations had been completed and prosecution was ready to proceed.

The organisation, however, lamented that despite the filing of the charges, the defendants have repeatedly not been produced before the court for arraignment, resulting in prolonged delays.

RULAAC said the cases came up before the Federal High Court on May 20, 2026, where the court reportedly expressed concern over the inability of the prosecution to present the defendants for plea.

The rights group warned that the continued delays could lead to the cases being struck out for lack of diligent prosecution, thereby undermining public confidence in the criminal justice system.

It urged the IGP to direct the FCID Annex, Enugu, and the FID Abuja, through the Directorate of Legal Services, to ensure the production of the defendants on the next adjourned date of June 18, 2026, and facilitate diligent prosecution of the matters.

RULAAC maintained that its intervention was aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the justice system and ensuring that police powers are exercised impartially and in accordance with the rule of law.

News

Police Declare 6 IPOB Members Wanted Over Protests Against Kanu’s Jail Terms

Published

19 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By Okey Maduforo Awka

Six members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB have been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police .

The six persons led by Mr Chukwuebuka Ohaechesi, include Emma Okonkwo, Jude Uwa, Gentle Okoro, Uchenna Dike, and Emmanuel Nwankwo who are said to be at large.

The were said to have fled to neighboring states in the South East hence signaling the other four Police Commands in the geopolitical zone to assist in the manhunt for them

The Police accused them of executing protests against the detaintion of the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently serving jail terms in Sokoto Correction Center.

According to a statement issued by the Abia Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eguavon Omokaro, the individuals are suspected members of IPOB who have allegedly participated in protests at various times and locations within the state.

The statement alleged that the protests were organised in connection with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demands for justice through the judicial process.

The Police Command further stated that these protests have allegedly resulted in breaches of peace and disruptions to law and order in Abia State. Consequently, the Police Intelligence Department reportedly concluded that the named individuals were among the principal organisers and coordinators of the demonstrations.

The statement further alleged that; ;
“It should be noted that on every 30th day of May, these men and their cohorts convene for the so-called remembrance of Biafra, holding clandestine meetings at various locations in the name of the emancipation of the Biafran Republic and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

According to the police, the six individuals were invited on several occasions for questioning in relation to the allegations against them.

The statement indicated that the first invitation was issued on 18 December 2025, followed by a second invitation on 7 February 2026, and a third invitation on 3 March 2026.

The police alleged that the individuals failed to honour all three invitations.

The statement further asserted:
“These individuals were invited by the police on several occasions. Firstly, on 18 December 2025, they failed to honour the invitation. Again, they were invited on 7th February 2026 and failed to appear. Finally, they were invited on 3 March 2026, and they also failed to present themselves before the police.” It stated.

As a result, the Abia State Police Command announced that all six individuals had been formally declared wanted.

The police appealed to members of the public to provide any reliable information that could lead to their arrest and prosecution, stating that informants would be suitably rewarded.

The declaration of the six individuals as wanted persons is linked to allegations of their participation in pro-Biafra activities, demonstrations concerning the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and their alleged association with IPOB, an organisation that has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and security operations by Nigerian authorities.

News

Power Doesn’t Last Forever, It Has Expiry Date — VeryDarkMan Warns Wike

Published

1 day ago

June 3, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

Social media activist and commentator, , popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , over comments he allegedly made concerning teachers protesting in solidarity with colleagues and schoolchildren affected by insecurity in Oyo State.

In a statement shared on social media, VeryDarkMan argued that Wike may not fully understand the pain and trauma experienced by parents of abducted children and affected teachers. He claimed that the minister’s children were educated abroad, away from the security challenges facing many Nigerian families.Nigerian entertainment news

The activist stated that insecurity, kidnapping, and attacks on schools remain serious national concerns and should not be dismissed or reduced to political issues. He stressed that the fears and frustrations of parents whose children face security threats deserve greater attention from public officials.

VeryDarkMan further warned that political power is temporary, urging leaders to remain accountable to the people and sensitive to the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.

News

DSS Detains Novelist Okey Ndibe at Lagos Airport, Awaits Clearance from Abuja

Published

3 days ago

June 1, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

DSS Detains Novelist Okey Ndibe at Lagos Airport, Awaits Clearance from Abuja
Renowned Nigerian novelist, journalist, and academic, Okey Ndibe, was reportedly detained by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) upon his arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Monday morning.
Ndibe disclosed his situation in a message sent while in custody, stating: “I’ve been with the SSS now for more than an hour. They’re waiting for clearance from some oga before they let me go.”
According to sources close to the writer, his detention follows a pattern that dates back to previous administrations, including that of former President Goodluck Jonathan, during which he was frequently stopped and questioned over his critical commentaries on Nigerian governance and public affairs.
However, associates noted that Ndibe has largely stepped away from active commentary in Nigerian media over the past two years, focusing instead on writing books and his academic responsibilities at University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he teaches.
A close friend of the author and former Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, said similar incidents had occurred several times in the past. He explained that airport DSS officials typically contacted their superiors in Abuja before eventually releasing Ndibe.
“It is a pity that this agency doesn’t update its database to enable officers on duty at the airport to know that the agency no longer regards Prof. Ndibe as a security threat to the administration,” Adinuba said.
He added that on previous occasions, the DSS had apologized to the respected author after determining that his detention was unwarranted.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the DSS regarding the circumstances surrounding Ndibe’s latest detention. The development has raised renewed concerns about the treatment of government critics and the continued use of security watchlists affecting returning Nigerians.

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US Secretary of War explains anti-ISIS strikes in Nigeria

Published

7 days ago

May 28, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has disclosed that President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to prioritise the protection of Christians in Nigeria targeted by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-linked groups.

Hegseth made the disclosure during a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, where he said the directive was issued about a year ago after Trump became aware of attacks against Christians in Nigeria.

He explained that the operation involved behind-the-scenes coordination and deployment of military assets, adding that intelligence gathered during the mission contributed to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIS’s second-in-command, during a joint operation involving U.S. and Nigerian forces in the Lake Chad Basin.

“Maybe a year ago, he heard the call of Nigerian Christians who were being targeted and killed by ISIS in Nigeria, and he said, ‘Pete, I want the War Department to focus on ensuring that we do everything we can to protect those Christians,’” Hegseth said.

According to him, the operation yielded significant results in the fight against terrorism in the region.

“And we got the assets there, and over the last month, and there hasn’t been much coverage of this, we killed ISIS number two in Nigeria, who’s most responsible for killing Christians and trying to target the U.S. homeland,” he stated.

Hegseth further said intelligence obtained during the operation led to the elimination of several ISIS fighters linked to attacks on Christians in Nigeria and threats against the United States.

Hegseth added that working on the Intel gathered, they have killed hundreds of ISIS members who were targeting and killing Christians in Nigeria.

The U.S. defence chief described the operation as part of the Trump administration’s broader commitment to counterterrorism efforts and the protection of vulnerable communities.

“So there are a lot of things we do that the media pays attention to, and a lot of things that the President empowers the Department to do on behalf of the American people that he deserves great credit for,” Hegseth stated.

ISIS second in command, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was killed in a coordinated U.S.-Nigeria military operation in northeast Nigeria earlier this month.