News
After apology, Reps probe Abia lawmaker over Abuja driver assault
The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to investigate the conduct of the lawmaker representing Aba South/Aba North Federal Constituency, Alex Ikwechegh, who was on Monday arrested and questioned for assaulting an Uber driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya.
The driver was assaulted when he delivered a package to the lawmaker at his Abuja residence.
Many Nigerians condemned the development as the video of the incident went viral on social media.
The lawmaker was later arrested and questioned by the police for the action for which he later apologised on Tuesday.
Ikwechegh cut a humble figure when he appeared before his colleagues at Tuesday’s plenary, after an earlier public apology he tendered.
The resolution of the House to conduct an independent investigation followed the adoption of a prayer by the Majority Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, who came under the House privilege.
Ihonvebere drew attention to the shameful conduct, noting that the behaviour came at a time when the legislative body was doing everything possible to protect its image.
According to him, “It is the way you do and manage your house that outsiders will see, and give you respect. In this House, we come from different professional backgrounds and cultures. Many of us have invested heavily in improving our reputation before we came here. It is that reputation that we brought to the House of Representatives.
“I want to say that what has been in the news in the past two days is that one of our members was involved with a citizen. It was an act that dented the image of this House.”
Contributing to the motion, the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Babajimi Benson, reminded his colleagues of their standing in society, stressing that at no time should they flirt with the temptation of lording it over Nigerians.
He said, “Mr Speaker, our elders have a saying that the day we stop learning is the day we die. They also say that we learn from mistakes and not from successes. However, the parliament is one of the most hated institutions in Nigeria today.
“We are bashed in the morning, afternoon and night as legislators though most of us have very noble intentions for the people of Nigeria. We should always be guided and also know that we are not an authority over Nigerians; Nigerians are an authority over us.
“They should be treated with dignity, respect and kindness at all times. We must continue to change the heavily-battered image of the garment we all wear.”
Ikwechegh, speaking under personal explanation, explained what transpired between him and the driver and apologised to the House for his unprincipled conduct and the use of derogatory words.
He promised to turn over a new leaf, saying, “It happened in the heat of the moment. As a public officer, my behaviour fell short of the standard expected of me. I am very sorry.”
He said he regretted the harm and embarrassment his actions had caused Abuwatseya, his constituents, and the public.
He also confirmed his cooperation with the Nigerian Police, pledging to support their investigation and uphold accountability.
Ikwechegh noted that he was taking immediate steps to address the underlying issues that led to this incident.
“I am seeking professional counselling to ensure that such behaviour never happens again. Additionally, I will be engaging in community service initiatives focused on promoting respect, empathy, and understanding.”
He, however, called on all Nigerians to join him in fostering a culture of respect, tolerance, and understanding.
“We must work together to build a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Thank you for your understanding and I hope that you will join me on this journey towards healing and growth,” Ikwechegh added.
Ruling on the matter, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over plenary on Tuesday, said it was the duty of the House to be guided by the provisions of its rules whenever the integrity of the body is threatened.
Meanwhile, popular activist, Deji Adeyanju has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding that police investigate the incident involving Ikwechegh and Abuwatseya.
The petition said the investigation was expedient over Ikwechegh’s alleged “grievous assault, abuse of power, attempted murder and threat to life.”
In the petition signed by Founding Partner, Deji Adeyanju and Partners, Marvin Omorogbe, the activist, standing for Abuwatseya.
He said Ikwechegh’s actions were “totally distasteful and a threat to its client’s safety.”
“At a time when several Nigerians are increasingly being subjected to enforced disappearance by state and non-state actors, we particularly find Hon Ikwechegh’s threat to cause our client’s disappearance as a national issue that deserves immediate investigation.
“It is in the light of the foregoing that we kindly request that you conduct an investigation into the issues raised in this petition to prosecute Hon Alex Mascot Ikwechhegh.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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