News
Anambra Tipper Drivers, Sand Miners Protest Govt Harassment, Allege ₦5m Extortion
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Tipper drivers and sand miners operating in Anambra State have protested what they called persistent harassment and extortion of their members by a government agency known as Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra state aka Ocha Brigade to the tune of over N5 million.
The groups raised the alarm on Friday during a peaceful protest at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Area Office, Onitsha.
Addressing the NIWA Area Manager in Onitsha, Sir Victor Nwaokeocha, the President-General of the Anambra State Sand Miners Association, Mr. Christopher Mbaegbu, said the purpose of the protest was to formally complain to NIWA, which he described as their “landlord,” over the continued harassment of their members by Ocha Brigade.
According to Mbaegbu, sand miners and tipper drivers are forced to flee their business locations daily due to alleged intimidation by Ocha Brigade operatives.
“I do not understand why Anambra State should be different from other states in Nigeria,” he said.
He narrated a recent incident in which more than 20 tipper trucks, pay loaders, and other equipment were allegedly seized by the Ocha Brigade and taken to Upper Iweka Flyover.
“Just last Friday, they impounded over 20 trucks, seized our equipment, and arrested more than 21 workers, including drivers and even women carrying babies.
They detained them for two days, and we spent over ₦1 million before they were released,” Mbaegbu stated.
He questioned how long they would continue to suffer such treatment, stressing that the arrests took place within areas approved by NIWA for sand mining activities.
Mbaegbu further queried whether they were expected to obey federal or state authorities, noting that NIWA and the Federal Ministry of Mines had issued them valid permits.
“If the documents given to us by NIWA and the Ministry of Mines are not relevant, they should tell us so we can know who to follow. Every day we are on the run.
He alleged that tipper trucks loaded with sand are often seized and held for over a week, while detainees are reportedly released only after paying between ₦200,000 and ₦300,000 per person.
“We want the governor to see what we are going through and intervene. We have licences. We met all requirements before NIWA and the Ministry of Mines approved our operations. Why then is the Anambra State Government preventing us from doing our lawful business?” he said.
Mbaegbu disclosed that the association had written several letters to the Anambra State Government, seeking guidance on how to operate legally without harassment, but received no response.
“If you meet the Managing Director of Ocha Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, he will tell you that it is Prof. Charles Oforegbu who will release our vehicles.
We do not even know our offence. We want the governor to tell us what our sins are,” he added.
He further alleged that Ocha Brigade operatives invade their business premises, arrest members and sales attendants, and confiscate equipment without stating any offence, only instructing them to report to Awka.
“What is most painful is that these arrests happen within the limits approved by federal law. They even seal our business areas that fall under the exclusive list of the Federal Government,” he said.
Mbaegbu explained that the miners operate under dual federal oversight from NIWA and the Ministry of Mines and have submitted all relevant documents to the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, the Attorney-General’s office, and the Commissioner for Mining.
“We are not operating outside NIWA jurisdiction. We will also formally report to the Federal Ministry of Mines,” he added.
Also speaking, a sand miner, Mr. Uche Okafor, said they visited NIWA to report the hardship they face from state authorities despite possessing federal permits.
According to him, the alleged harassment began in 2024 when the Ocha Brigade Managing Director, Celestine Anere, “abandoned his primary duties to assume the role of overseer of miners across the state.”
“As I speak, my wheel loader,purchased last year with my life savings for over ₦200 million was forcefully seized last Friday and taken to Upper Iweka.
This equipment is highly sensitive. Mishandling it could cause serious damage costing a fortune,” Okafor lamented.
He alleged that when he approached Anere to inquire about his offence, he was told the action was “an order from above.”
Okafor further claimed that although Anere does not directly demand money, detainees are allegedly referred to junior officers for negotiations.
“I was told to pay ₦5 million before my wheel loader would be released. The machine committed no offence.
This has been our experience since 2024. We pay IGR to the state and also pay daily loading fees,” he said.
In his remarks, the President of the Anambra State Tipper Drivers Association, Prince Augustine Akigwe, urged the state government to clearly define approved and prohibited operational zones.
“Even when we approached Prof. Oforegbu we were referred back to Ocha Brigade, yet no clear directive has been given to date,” he said.
Akigwe appealed to Governor Soludo to intervene, describing him as a listening governor who may not be aware of what the operators are experiencing.
“We are among the major contributors to state revenue, yet we are not allowed to operate in peace,” he added.
Responding, the NIWA Area Manager, Sir Victor Nwaokeocha, expressed concern that the governor had allegedly allowed state actors to act irresponsibly toward taxpayers for years without checks.
He stated that NIWA had written several letters to the Anambra State Attorney-General, Commissioner for Justice, Ocha Brigade, and even the State House of Assembly. He said he personally reported the matter to the Speaker of the Assembly.
“I do not understand why people duly issued permits by appropriate authorities are being harassed. NIWA is a federal agency under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with exclusive authority over inland waterways. There is even a Supreme Court judgment in NIWA’s favour,” he said.
Nwaokeocha cited Section 13(2) of the NIWA Act, which prohibits any person or state authority from obstructing waterways or engaging in sand, gravel, or stone extraction without NIWA approval.
“The governor should urgently call his state actors to order,” he added.
He disclosed that the matter has been reported to NIWA headquarters in Abuja and that he would personally submit petitions and supporting documents next week.
Reacting, the Managing Director of Ocha Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, denied allegations of harassment and extortion.
He maintained that operators must register with the Anambra State Government before operating.
“We have told them repeatedly that they must register with the state. Anyone without state approval should not mine or carry sand,” he said.
Anere added that tipper drivers damage state roads by spilling sand and water.
“Go to Marine Road and other areas; you will see the destruction caused. Our concern is regulation. They must obtain state-approved licences to operate,” he said.
He argued that even though sand mining sites may fall under federal jurisdiction, the operators still use state roads and must comply with state regulations.
Enugu Air has secured regulatory approval to commence direct flights between Lagos and London Gatwick in December 2026, with bookings for the international route now open.
The state-owned airline announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, describing the approval as a major milestone in its international expansion and efforts to strengthen air connectivity between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The Lagos-London Gatwick service will be operated in partnership with Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA), which has been appointed as the designated operating partner for the route.
“Enugu Air has received approval for its Lagos-London Gatwick route, with Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA) appointed as the designated operator under a strategic partnership.
“Bookings are now open, and flights will commence in December 2026,” the statement said.
The airline described the development as a significant step towards expanding its international operations, improving passenger connectivity and creating new opportunities for trade and investment between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
It also credited Governor Peter Mbah’s strategic aviation agenda, saying his administration’s vision was positioning Enugu as an emerging gateway for international connectivity, investment, tourism and economic growth.
The announcement comes barely six weeks after Enugu Air operated its maiden international flight to Douala, Cameroon, on September 23, 2026.
Launched in July 2025 with an initial fleet of three Embraer aircraft comprising the E170 and E190 series, the airline was established as part of the Mbah administration’s integrated plan to develop a modern, multimodal transport system.
The initiative is also aimed at positioning Enugu as a major aviation hub in West and Central Africa.
Since its launch, Enugu Air has expanded its fleet and route network, with the latest regulatory approval representing another step in its international expansion drive.
The proposed Lagos-London service is expected to offer passengers additional travel options while strengthening business, trade and other economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Bookings for the December 2026 service are available through the airline’s online booking portal.
By Emeka Ozumba
In the legislative world where noise is easily mistaken for substance, Hon. Dozie Nwankwo, Onyendozi stands apart as a new charismatic model of quality representation. Onyendozi cultivates silence, moves in silence and wears silence like a robe of humility, dignity and honour. His persona is a rejection of the archetypal Nigerian politician; full of noise and fury, signifying nothing.
Indeed, Onyendozi is cut from a different cloth. He does not perform for applause. He does not speak except it is obvious that his speech would improve the silence, offer a fresh perspective or highlight the evil of not speaking out. But more often than not, Dozie Nwankwo lets his actions speak for him.
Truth be told, Onyendozi’s actions have continued to speak for him, through two terms of highly effective representation of Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, through years of passionate philanthropy that has impacted over 44,000 people across 22 communities and through decades of entrepreneurial excellence that made him an outstanding business leader in his own right.
Happily, among Ndigbo, a man is respected for what he does and not what he says. Onyendozi is a doer! He rewrote the manual of legislative representation in the National Assembly, bringing his wealth of experience to bear on critical sectors such as Healthcare, Education, Infrastructure and Petroleum. In specific terms, he sponsored and co-sponsored bills pushing for education reforms, access to healthcare, youth empowerment and community development.
But his actual worth came from the members of his constituency whose confidence he gradually earned with a stellar performance. In keeping with his constitutional obligations, Onyendozi facilitated the citing of the Enugwu-Ukwu Campus of the Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu. He constructed ultramodern Primary Healthcare Centres along with two-bedroom Doctors’ Quarters in his constituency, and also built and rehabilitated community link-roads. He also sank solar-powered boreholes with reticulation across many communities and built proper quarters for school principals in the constituency. In addition, he installed solar-powered streetlights across communities in the zone, bringing a touch of modernity closer to areas that are denied priority attention by governments.
As Onyendozi, Dozie Nwankwo understands the importance of touching lives directly across the communities. He believes that no investment is greater than the investment made in the lives of human beings. That is why his interest in public service began with the establishment of the Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo Centre for Development and ICT (for digital and vocational skills) in 2007, long before he decided to seek a political office. As would be expected, Onyendozi set out fixing lives with his foundation; impacting 44,000 people in over 22 communities in the senatorial zone.
In granular details, the Foundation offered critical support to over 5,000 widows and empowered over 1,140 constituents with cash grants to 560 artisans. He donated cars, motorcycles, tricycles, sewing and grinding machines, hair dryers and wheelchairs to 580 youths, including men and women. Onyendozi also offered free Medicare, including surgeries, dental and eye-care to over 4,000 people in addition to building and equipping many primary healthcare centres.
And what’s more? Onyendozi awarded scholarships to hundreds of students and equipped several schools with ICT tools, libraries, teaching aids. Several youths from Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia constituency also got federal jobs with strong recommendations from Onyendozi. Many women and youths were equipped with vocational skills like tailoring, ICT, agriculture and small scale businesses and subsequently offered startup grants and tools to stand on their own feet.
Truth be told; Dozie Nwankwo’s scorecard reads like that of a man on a mission. To people who know him at close quarters, it is hardly surprising. They know that Onyendozi has a deeply nuanced view of leadership. One of his deepest thoughts on leadership is that “Leadership is not about power; it is about purpose. When people trust you with their mandate, you owe them progress.”
Without a doubt, Onyendozi has returned the trust his people vested in him in manifold. There is a glut of evidence to confirm this claim. And guess what? Even with all his high achievements, Onyendozi remains firmly grounded in humility. He has become even more accessible, more involved in the lives of his people, listening to their anxieties, answering with care and delivering stunning results.
Needless to say, Onyendozi has become the enduring standard for grassroots-centred leadership, a quintessence of legislative high performance and a leader to reckon with.
Some passionate fans have aptly christened him “The Dependable Choice.”
Ka ana ejegodi!
Ozumba is Director of Media and Publicity, Hon Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo Campaign Organization.
A former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, has called on northerners to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general elections, citing infrastructure development and ongoing economic reforms.
Shagari, who also served as Minister of Water Resources and is currently Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, made the call while congratulating Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress and other party stakeholders on the successful flag-off of the party’s presidential campaign in Kaduna State on Saturday.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Musa Ubandawaki, on Monday, Shagari described the event as a demonstration of the APC’s organisational strength, unity and determination to mobilise support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Ifeanyi Chukwu Joseph, for allegedly pushing a 17-year-old girl, Chiamaka Chukwuokore, from a two-storey building in Owerri, the state capital.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, November 1, 2026, following an altercation between the suspect and the victim.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest on Monday, disclosing that the victim is the younger sister of the suspect’s girlfriend.
According to the police, the incident happened at about 1pm along Mbonu Ejike Street, Ikeneagbu, Owerri.
Okoye said the victim sustained serious injuries after allegedly being pushed from the building and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment in critical condition.
He added that an angry mob gathered after the incident and attempted to lynch the suspect before police operatives intervened and rescued him.
In a statement, the command said the suspect had been taken into custody and was undergoing investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and facilitate appropriate legal action.
The police also appealed to members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information about the incident and allow investigators to carry out their duties.
The Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, assured residents that the incident was being thoroughly investigated and that anyone found culpable would face the law.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands, assuring them that further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.
News
Between Odii and Nwifuru: When Will the Debate Hold? Time to Know Who Should Actually Step Down
The noise from political jobbers and beneficiaries of the present administration calling on the leading governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Odii (Anyichuks), to step down for Governor Francis Nwifuru may soon be put to rest. The opportunity has finally presented itself for Ebonyians to determine who genuinely deserves to govern them beyond 2027.
Odii has challenged Governor Nwifuru to a public debate. What better opportunity could there be for a sitting governor to defend his record, justify his stewardship and demonstrate why he deserves another four years in office?
For those who have made a career out of asking Odii to abandon his governorship ambition, the challenge presents a golden opportunity. Rather than dissipating energy on political propaganda, intimidation and sponsored commentaries, they should encourage their principal to accept the invitation.
After all, Nwifuru has been governor for more than three years. He has enjoyed access to billions of naira in public resources, exercised enormous executive powers and had sufficient time to demonstrate his capacity to transform Ebonyi State.
On the other hand is Odii, an internationally successful businessman who, without holding public office or controlling government allocations, has reportedly built over 158 houses for the less privileged, provided bursaries and scholarships to students across Ebonyi State and undertaken numerous philanthropic interventions that have touched lives across communities.
If one man could achieve so much with his personal resources, should Ebonyians not be interested in hearing what he intends to accomplish with the enormous resources available to the state?
Nwifuru is a lawyer, even if his academic journey came through adult education. One would ordinarily expect a lawyer, particularly one who has occupied the offices of Speaker and Governor, to possess sufficient confidence, articulation and understanding of public affairs to confront a businessman in an open debate.
On paper, therefore, the contest should favour Nwifuru. He has the advantage of incumbency, access to government records and firsthand knowledge of every decision taken by his administration.
But Odii has thrown down the gauntlet. There is no going back.
The world is waiting. Ebonyians are waiting. The governor’s response is all that is needed before a date can be fixed.
Indeed, there may be no better way of settling the growing argument over who should step down for whom. Let both men appear before an independent panel, present their records, defend their programmes and answer questions without prepared political praise singers.
Whoever demonstrates superior capacity, credibility, vision and understanding of the challenges confronting Ebonyi should earn the confidence of the electorate.
And if Nwifuru performs so convincingly, perhaps Odii’s supporters will have reasons to reconsider their position. But if Odii exposes the weaknesses of the present administration and presents a more credible alternative, those asking him to step down should bury their heads in shame.
For Nwifuru, the debate should ordinarily be an easy one. He already knows where the traps are. He knows the questions that have continued to trouble Ebonyians. He should therefore prepare adequately to navigate them.
Let us help him with a few.
First is the abandoned Vanco Flyover.
The governor must come prepared to explain how much public money has gone into that project, how many buildings and business premises were demolished to accommodate it, what compensation was paid and why the project has remained uncompleted more than three years into his administration.
He should also explain the economic losses suffered by traders, property owners, motorists and other residents whose livelihoods have been disrupted.
His predecessor, Senator David Umahi, constructed numerous flyovers within comparable periods. What, therefore, is so technically challenging about Vanco that the present administration has been unable to deliver it?
Is it inadequate funding, poor planning, contractual incompetence or simply a failure of leadership?
Nwifuru must convince the debate panel and Ebonyians that Vanco is not a monumental advertisement of his administration’s inability to translate promises into results.
Secondly, the governor should come with the documents concerning the three aircraft reportedly purchased for the proposed Ebonyi Air.
Two years after the announcement, where are the aircraft?
Were payments made? To whom? Under what contractual arrangements? What delivery dates were agreed upon, and why have the aircraft yet to arrive?
Or was the money mistakenly paid into a wrong account?
Ebonyians deserve answers, not another round of political explanations packaged as achievements.
Then comes the proposed new cement factory at Nkalagu, perhaps one of the most interesting subjects Odii should bring before the debate panel.
Nwifuru must explain how his administration intends to deliver a multibillion-naira cement factory within its advertised timeframe when serious questions remain about the necessary geological and geophysical investigations, core drilling, laboratory analysis, mining rights and regulatory approvals.
What is the actual status of the mining licence? What is the legal position regarding the existing rights reportedly held by Ibeto until 2048? Has the government established the commercial viability of the limestone deposit it intends to exploit?
A cement factory is not a constituency project that can be announced at a political rally and commissioned with rented equipment.
It requires serious technical preparation, substantial investment, verifiable mineral reserves and a clearly established legal framework.
If these fundamentals have not been addressed, what exactly is the governor promising Ebonyians? A functional cement factory or another attractive campaign slogan designed to secure re-election in 2027?
Odii, as an accomplished businessman, should be particularly interested in interrogating the commercial assumptions behind this project. This is where the difference between understanding business and merely announcing investments may become painfully obvious.
But beyond abandoned infrastructure, missing aircraft and questionable project timelines lies an even more disturbing issue: the deteriorating political atmosphere in Ebonyi State.
Governor Nwifuru must answer questions concerning allegations of intimidation and violence against opposition figures.
His reported warning to handpicked local government chairmen that they risk losing their positions if they fail to deliver their council areas politically deserves serious interrogation.
What exactly does delivering a council area mean in a democracy? Is the responsibility of a local government chairman to provide governance to the people or to secure electoral victory for the governor?
Since the emergence of these political threats, disturbing incidents of violence involving opposition figures have been reported in Ohaukwu, Ezza South, Onicha and Ivo council areas, with some resulting in deaths.
Although responsibility for these attacks must be established through credible investigations, the governor cannot escape questions about the political atmosphere under his watch.
Why has political competition become so frightening? Why should citizens feel threatened because they support another political party? Why should opposition activities become matters requiring the permission or approval of those holding government offices?
And, most importantly, why does an incumbent governor who claims to have performed creditably appear so uncomfortable with the growing political influence of his principal challenger?
If Nwifuru has delivered the dividends of democracy, why should he be worried about Odii?
If the people are satisfied with his administration, why the apparent desperation to secure political loyalty from local government officials?
A performing governor should be campaigning with completed projects, not relying on political foot soldiers to demand that his opponent withdraw from the contest.
The debate must also examine the broader question of governance. What has become of the hopes and expectations of Ebonyians who welcomed Nwifuru into office in 2023? Has the state made sufficient progress in employment generation, industrialisation, infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic empowerment?
What is the measurable difference between Ebonyi before his inauguration and Ebonyi today?
These are questions that cannot be answered through commissioned newspaper articles, television appearances by political appointees or the familiar chorus of praise singers whose livelihoods depend on remaining close to the corridors of power.
They require facts, figures, evidence and courage.
Odii, too, will come prepared to explain his development agenda, economic blueprint and strategy for delivering sustainable prosperity to Ebonyians.
He will be there to demonstrate how would translate his private-sector experience into effective public administration.
Let both men stand before the people without the protective walls of political office or the manufactured applause of hired supporters.
Let Nwifuru defend his three years of stewardship, and let Anyichuks explain why he believes he can do better.
For once, let Ebonyi politics move away from threats, propaganda, intimidation and the arrogance of incumbency to a genuine contest of ideas, competence and character.
The people are entitled to know who has the capacity to manage their collective resources and who merely considers political office an entitlement.
The challenge has been issued. The stage is waiting.
Governor Nwifuru should accept it, name his preferred date and face Odii.
After the debate, perhaps the political jobbers who have been shouting that Anyichuks should step down will finally discover that they have been directing their advice to the wrong candidate.
Between Odii and Nwifuru, who should actually step down?
Let the debate hold. Let Ebonyians judge.
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