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Anambra land recertification: Court fixes hearing As Okonkwo Alleges Financial Fraud Against Soludo
Okonkwo, who is a layman, had dragged Governor Charles Soludo, the 1st respondent and three others before the court, for allegedly embarking on the land document recertification and revalidation exercise, outside the Land Use Act 1978.
The other three respondents in the suit respectively, are the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Anambra State, Commissioner for Lands, Survey, Urban Planning and Commissioner of Police, Anambra State.
The matter came up on Thursday for mention.
In suit number A/23/2025, which he initiated through an originating summons, Okonkwo alleged that conducting such an exercise against the provisions of a federal legislation, violated the 1999 Constitution of the Nigerian Federation (as amended).
According to him, the imposition/demand of N25, 000 land recertification/revalidation tax on Anambra land owners by the Soludo government, without an iota of authorization by the Land Use Act, constituted a mega financial fraud, and hence, should be investigated thoroughly by the Nigerian Police Force.
The plaintiff deposed a 14-paragraph affidavit in support of the originating summons, alleged that the “illegal” land document recertification/revalidation exercise was deployed to corruptly enrich the budget for Governor Soludo’s re-election campaign, ahead of the forthcoming November 8, 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election.
He asked the court to interpret Sections 5, 6, 8,9,11, 26, 46 (1) and 50(1) of the Land Use Act 1978, regarding the power of the Anambra State Governor in relation to land.
The issues for determination are as follows: “Whether the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants who purport to arrogate the powers of recertification and revalidation of all land documents in Anambra State (State and Non-State Land) have shown to the satisfaction of the court that the Land Use Act, clearly and specifically authorised their action.
“Whether the recertification/revalidation fee/tax of N25, 000 contained in Exhibit ‘A’, which was charged on Anambra State land owners, is not contrary to Part II of the Schedule of the taxes and levies (Approved list of collection) Act, Cap.T2 LFN 2011, and therefore illegal and unconstitutional and subject to account and refund to the defrauded people of Anambra State.”
Pursuant to sections 6(6) (a) & (b) 272 (1) and 315 (1) of the 1999 constitution, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the plaintiff sought 13 reliefs, including a declaratory order, order for account, injunction and exemplary damages in his favour, against the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants in the sum of N10 billion.
However, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Patrick Ikwueto, hired by the Attorney General of Anambra State, filed a memorandum of conditional appearance and preliminary objection dated May 6, 2025 on behalf of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants, requesting for an order striking out or dismissing the suit, for lack of locus standi by the plaintiff.
Ikwueto urged the court to hold that the plaintiff lacks the locus standi to institute this action and accordingly, strike out/dismiss this suit for lack of jurisdiction on this ground and uphold the preliminary objection.
Responding on point of law to the preliminary objection filed by Ikwueto without a motion number as practiced by the court, Okonkwo, the layman who appears for himself in court, pointed out that none of the four respondents in the matter filed a memorandum of appearance within the statutory period of 42 days after service.
“Therefore, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants flagrantly breached the mandatory statutory provision in Order 23, Rule 2(1) and Order 4, Rule 1 and 3(4) of the High Court of Anambra State (Civil Procedures) Rules 2019,” he stated.
According to him, belatedly on May 6, 2025, after a period of four months, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants filed a memorandum of conditional appearance without the approval of the Honourable Court first sought and obtained.
He further submitted: “Take notice that there is no provision under the High Court of Anambra State (Civil procedures) Rules 2019, for any purported process styled: ‘Notice of Preliminary Objection’. Instead Order 40 Rules 1, 3(4), provides:
“Where by these rules, any application is authorised to be made by a judge, such application shall be made by motion, which shall be supported by affidavit and shall state under what rule of court or law the application is brought. Every motion shall be served within five days of filing by counsel to counsel, where the parties are represented by legal practitioners. Every such application shall be accompanied by a written address in support of the relief sought.”
He insisted that notice of preliminary objection without affidavit is outside the contemplation of Order 40 Rules 1 and 3(4) of the High Court of Anambra State (Civil Procedures) Rule 2019 and therefore urged the court to hold that the defendants’ notice of preliminary objection is incompetent.
He asked the court to strike out the memorandum of conditional appearance filed by the 1st to 3rd defendants and any other processes filed belatedly on their behalf, not known to the High Court (Civil Procedures) Rules 2019 of Anambra State.
He submitted the following issues for determination: “Whether the Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine 1st, 2nd and 3rd Defendants process styled “Notice of Preliminary Objection” strange to Order 40 Rule 1 of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, in raising issue of locus standi of the Plaintiff, contrary to the decisions: EBONGO vs. UWEMEDIMO (1995)…..
“Whether the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Defendants/Objectors having failed to satisfy a pre-condition by not filing a Counter-Affidavit in opposition to the Originating Summons. The Plaintiff is entitled to judgment in line with the Supreme Court direction in, INAKOJU vs. ADELEKE (2007) ….”
Citing several authorities including Supreme Court and Court of Appeal decisions, Okonkwo urged the court to resolve the two issues against the defendants, and decree judgment in his favour on the terms in the originating summons, against the defendants, for not following the procedures in the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 of Anambra State, which renders their entire process incompetent.
He contended that a Notice of Preliminary Objection is not interchangeable with a motion on notice, and therefore urged the court to hold that in such circumstance, the defect is fatal to the competence of the trial Court to entertain the preliminary objection.
“It is settled law that there is a duty cast upon Court to ensure compliance with its Rules. The Rules of Court must, prima facie be obeyed. And the Courts have inherent jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the statutory Rules by the litigants.
“Accordingly, the Court can strike out any process not filed in accordance or in compliance with the relevant rules as in the instant case,” the plaintiff stated.
Besides the N10 billion damages, other reliefs sought by the plaintiff in the originating summons include an order of perpetual injunction from the court, restraining the 1st to 3rd defendants, their servants, agents or privies howsoever from issuing or pursuing the recertification/ revalidated exercise contained in Exhibit ‘A’ at any other time both now and in the future, except in consonance with Land Use Act, 1978 or any valid law subject to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
He requested for an order directing the Inspector-General Nigeria Police Force (the 4th defendant) to investigate his co-defendants deployment of Exhibit ‘A’ to commit mega financial fraud on the land owners in Anambra State, recover the sums of monies collected, and upon the citizens, make a demand to the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that a Police investigation report is issued, and the public officers involved, brought before the law to answer for their crime.
The plaintiff prayed the court to order the 1st to 3rd defendants to refund to the Anambra State Land Owners their N25,000.00 recertification tax, illegally levied on them in the State, as the imposition of tax/levy can only be validly levied for breach of the law, whether under civil process or after conviction for an offence.
When the matter was called up on Thursday, Okonkwo told the court that the matter was for mention.
Cyril Eziamaka holding the brief of Chika Ndianefo, announced appearance for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents.
Justice Otti said the matter was coming before her for the first time and ordered that hearing notice should be issued to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, the 4th respondent.
She adjourned the matter to October 30, 2025, for hearing.
Source: Daily Post
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, South-East, will on November 5, 2026 induct renowned businessman, Engr. Arthur Eze, into its Hall of Fame during its annual Press Week celebration in Enugu.
The union will also honour the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, with the Pillar of the South-East Bridge Builder Award in recognition of his contributions to the region.
The event, scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu, is expected to attract more than 500 journalists and media executives, government officials, business leaders, traditional rulers, political stakeholders and other distinguished personalities.
The annual Press Week provides a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the media, governance and society.
Engr. Eze was the first person to renovate the NUJ Secretariat at No 4, Rangers Avenue Independence Layout, Enugu to ensure that media practitioners are being safe in a good environment.
He has contributed to the development of media practitioners, individual, institutions, churches and families across the Nation, his human capital development is massive.
Your nomination is a recognition of the remarkable legacy you have built over the years through your outstanding contributions to human empowerment, media practitioner empowerment, philanthropy, enterprise development, mentorship, capacity building, community advancement and the creation of opportunities for individuals and communities to prosper.
Your life and accomplishments stand as a compelling testimony to the power of vision, resilience, enterprise and service. Through your initiatives and interventions, you have demonstrated an uncommon commitment to lifting people, strengthening communities and opening pathways of opportunity for generations.
At a time when societies require individuals with the courage and capacity to transform dreams into possibilities, your remarkable journey continues to distinguish you as an outstanding builder of people, creator of opportunities and philanthropist of enduring impact.
The NUJ Enugu State Council considers this recognition particularly significant because your contributions go beyond material philanthropy. They represent a profound philosophy of investing in humanity, empowering the less privileged, nurturing enterprise, supporting communities and creating platforms through which individuals can achieve their potential.
This year’s press week celebration is expected to bring together key figures from different sectors to celebrate outstanding contributions and promote dialogue on the role of the media in society.
A Federal High Court sitting in Enugu has dismissed a suit challenging the candidacy of Hon. Barr. Sir OAU Onyema as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Enugu West Senatorial District in the 2027 National Assembly election.
The suit, marked No. FHC/SKC/EN/CS/218/2026, was instituted by Evangelist Mrs Juliet Ani against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the ADC and Onyema, with the plaintiff laying claim to the party’s senatorial ticket.
However, the court, presided over by Justice Ogubanjo, reportedly dismissed the suit on Thursday, October 30, 2026, bringing to an end the legal challenge to Onyema’s emergence as the party’s candidate.
Sources familiar with the dispute said the plaintiff had indicated an intention to discontinue the case after the ADC national secretariat reaffirmed Onyema’s candidacy. However, proceedings reportedly continued before the court eventually dismissed the suit.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the court proceedings at his chambers, Akpagu Chambers, Presidential Road, Enugu, Onyema described the legal challenge as a temporary distraction that had slowed down his campaign activities but insisted that it would not derail his senatorial ambition.
He expressed confidence that his political experience, longstanding relationships and record of service across Enugu West would give him the needed advantage in the election.
“We are moving into the field for campaigns. Sir OAU Onyema has networked his person into families across Enugu West Senatorial District.
“The network I have built will sell. I have served as Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu State, Deputy Chairman and Vice President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. I have also served under three successive administrations in Enugu State.
“I will rely on my records of service, relationships and what I have done for the people to win this election,” he said.
Onyema further declared that, with the legal distraction now over, he would intensify his participation in the ADC’s statewide campaigns, working to promote not only his senatorial ambition but also other candidates of the party.
He said his immediate priority was to reconnect with the grassroots, consolidate existing political structures and take the ADC’s message to communities across the district.
Also speaking, the Enugu State Chairman of ADC, Major General Chris Ezeh (retd.), reaffirmed that Onyema emerged as the party’s candidate through a substituted primary election.
Ezeh alleged that external forces had attempted to frustrate the party’s decision but expressed satisfaction that the legal challenge had finally been resolved.
He described Onyema as a major political asset to the ADC in Enugu State, noting that his longstanding involvement in the party and experience in public service would strengthen its electoral fortunes.
The party chairman also identified Onyema as one of the founding members of ADC in Enugu State and said his emergence as the Enugu West senatorial candidate was a significant development for the party.
Checks by TCM further indicated that Onyema’s political ambition has consistently centred on representing Enugu West in the Senate, having reportedly never sought election to any other political office since venturing into partisan politics.
With the legal challenge dismissed, Onyema is expected to intensify his grassroots mobilisation and join other ADC leaders in building support for the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of thousands of senior police officers, including two Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), 10 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and 17 Commissioners of Police (CPs).
The promotions followed the successful completion of promotion examinations and oral interviews conducted by the commission.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, the approvals were granted during the commission’s plenary meeting in Abuja, presided over by its Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu.
The two officers elevated to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police are Olaolu Adegbite, Head of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja, and Dankombo F. Morris, who heads Zone 4 Headquarters, Makurdi.
Adegbite holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian Language from the University of Lagos and a Master’s degree in Philology from the Pushkin Institute, Moscow.
A recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), he is also a member of the FBI National Academy Associates and an alumnus of Harvard Kennedy School. He previously served as Director of Operations at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Morris, an indigene of Gombe State, holds a degree in History from the University of Maiduguri and a Diploma in Police Science. He previously served as Commissioner of Police in Adamawa State.
The 10 officers promoted from Commissioner of Police to Assistant Inspector-General are Omosanyin Olusegun, Ogbodo Ugobueze, Ohagwu Felix Ndukwe, Taylor Lennox Olanrewaju, Regina Cosmas Udoette, Afolabi Wilfred Olutokunbo, Nwogoh Martin, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, Ibrahim D. Gotan and Danjuma I. Yahaya.
The commission also approved the elevation of 17 Deputy Commissioners of Police to the rank of Commissioner of Police.
They include Nache Bashir Liman, Sirajo Lawal Salihu, Ayeleye Adegboyega, Isiaka O. Salau, Usman Shaik Adamu, Aminu Maiwada Garba, Abdulkarim Musa Waziri, Muhammad Yusuf Adamu, Sani Adamu Nufawa, Bello M. Adamu, Okezie Chikezie, Aminu Usman Gusau, Abiodun Onuoha, Salisu Bello Fago, Adegoke A. Alani, Wuwa Auwal Muhammad and Benedict U. Agbo.
In another round of promotions, 85 Assistant Commissioners of Police were elevated to Deputy Commissioners of Police.
Among the beneficiaries are Dr Ruth Oyinmearelu Okunbo, Medical Director of MD Abubakar Police Hospital, Deidei, and ASR Police Reference Hospital, Utako, Abuja; Isah Adejoh of the Police Staff College, Jos; and Mannir Yusuf Gafai of the Kano State Command.
Similarly, 49 Chief Superintendents of Police were promoted to Assistant Commissioners of Police, while 245 Superintendents of Police advanced to Chief Superintendents.
Notable among those elevated to CSP are Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer of the Federal Capital Territory Command, and Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, spokesperson of the Adamawa State Police Command.
Other beneficiaries include Abah James of Rivers State Command, Okere Romanus of Isiowulu Division in Anambra State, Ugochukwu Ozoude Alex of Zone 9, Umuahia, Vincent Elekwa of Rivers State Command, Umar Sani of FCT Command and Mustapha Mohammed.
The PSC further approved the promotion of 498 Deputy Superintendents of Police to Superintendents of Police, including Isa Osu of the Border Patrol Force Headquarters, Abuja; Samaila Amadu Bangajiya of the 12 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Minna; and Akadu Godwin of the Tactical Intelligence Unit, Force Headquarters.
Another 3,218 Assistant Superintendents of Police were elevated to Deputy Superintendents.
Among them are Frank Okafor, former Chief Security Officer of Jaiz Bank and Intelligence Coordinator at Government House, Uyo; Samson Sule, Chief Security Officer to the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund; Ibrahim Abuh of Force Headquarters; Dauda Yusuf Olatunji; Sarauta Mohammed Mohammed; and Yusuf Mukarram Ado of the Airport Police Command, Ikeja.
Congratulating the newly promoted officers, Argungu charged them to see their elevation as a call to greater responsibility, professionalism and dedication to duty.
He urged them to redouble their commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining public order and enforcing the law.
The PSC chairman stressed that Nigerians expected improved performance, discipline and accountability from officers entrusted with higher responsibilities.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) Onoja Babayo Samuel over his alleged involvement in a shooting incident at Kubwa Market, Abuja, on October 25, 2026.
The Corps has also ordered an Orderly Room Trial and referred the officer to its disciplinary committee to determine his level of culpability.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC disclosed that Samuel was arrested by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command after allegedly firing gunshots into the air during a confrontation with traders at the market.
The Corps described the alleged conduct as a gross violation of its rules of engagement and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), particularly those regulating the use of firearms.
Consequently, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, directed the officer’s immediate suspension pending the conclusion of investigations and disciplinary proceedings.
Following the directive, Samuel has been relieved of all official duties and stripped of his responsibilities until the disciplinary process is concluded.
According to the statement, the disciplinary committee at the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident alongside the Orderly Room Trial.
The NSCDC assured the public that the outcome of the proceedings would be made known upon conclusion.
Reaffirming his administration’s zero tolerance for professional misconduct and the misuse of firearms, Audi warned that no officer found culpable of violating operational guidelines would be shielded from appropriate sanctions.
He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting lives, maintaining professionalism and ensuring public safety, stressing that personnel must conduct themselves within established operational procedures at all times.
News
C’Riiver Speaker Ayambem Opens 2027 Budget Retreat, Pledges Thorough Scrutiny of Appropriation Bill
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has opened the 2027 Budget Retreat in Obudu, pledging a thorough legislative review of the proposed budget to ensure prudent resource allocation and effective service delivery.
The retreat, themed “Consolidation and Renewed Hope,” is being held at Centurion Hotel, Obudu.
Ayambem said the retreat would enable lawmakers to critically examine the 2027 Appropriation Bill, assess government spending priorities and ensure that proposed expenditures reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.
He identified agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure and human capital development as key sectors requiring adequate attention in the budget.
The Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to a comprehensive and timely review of the budget estimates, emphasising the need for fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
He commended Governor Bassey Otu for maintaining a constructive relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government, noting that cooperation between both institutions was essential for effective governance.
Ayambem described the annual budget retreat, sustained by the 10th Assembly for four consecutive years, as evidence of the legislature’s commitment to strengthening budgetary oversight and improving its engagement with the state’s fiscal plans.
He expressed optimism that the deliberations would produce a responsive and people-centred budget that advances the gains of Governor Otu’s People First Administration, promotes sustainable development and translates government policies into tangible improvements in the lives of Cross River residents.
Matthew Okache
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker
October 28, 2026
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