…Police Arrest Suspects, Begin Investigation

By George Uchendu, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Chief Sunday Inyima, has dismissed claims that the murder of his younger brother, Mr Egeonu Inyima, in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state was politically motivated.

The commissioner described the insinuations as false and misleading, insisting that his late brother was not involved in any political dispute that could have led to his death.

The deceased was reportedly lured to a village primary school at Umuogudu-Oshia Ngbo on Sunday by suspected assailants from Adaburuebenyi, where he was allegedly beaten to death.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abakaliki, Inyima condemned attempts to attach political motives to the killing, warning that such narratives could create unnecessary tension in the area.

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He spoke when members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ohaukwu Local Government Area chapter, visited his country home in Izhiangbo to commiserate with his family.

Describing the incident as barbaric and regrettable, the commissioner appealed to security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

“Though I am severely traumatised by the gruesome murder of my younger brother, I would not want anyone to suffer unjustly. No innocent person should be implicated or made to suffer for a crime he or she did not commit.

“Nobody, and I mean nobody, regardless of their status, including myself, should interfere in the matter. The legal process must be allowed to run its course until justice is fully served,” he stated.

Also reacting, the Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Comrade Paul Eze, and the member representing Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Chief Eze Nwachukwu Eze, condemned the killing and called for decisive measures to tackle criminal activities in the area.

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The leaders urged village heads, town union executives and local vigilante groups to strengthen community security arrangements to prevent further loss of lives.

Similarly, former National Assembly member, Senator Anthony Agbo, expressed sadness over the incident and urged security agencies to establish both the immediate and remote causes of the killing.

Confirming the murder, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed that some suspects had been arrested, adding that investigations were ongoing.

He said the command would provide further details upon the conclusion of its investigation.

The latest incident comes barely two months after an elderly man, Elder Onwe Ubochi, was reportedly murdered by unidentified gunmen at Osege village in the same Umuogudu-Oshia Ngbo community on August 17, 2026.

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Ubochi was allegedly killed after offering prayers for three All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidates, an incident that raised concerns over security in the area.

By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Tension is mounting in the Anglican Diocese of Awka, Anambra State, following concluded arrangements by the newly appointed Supervising Bishop, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, to formally take over the administration of the Diocese on Wednesday, in compliance with the directive of the Primate, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba.
Recall that Ndukuba had, in a letter suspending the Archbishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, directed Ezeofor to assume responsibility for the administration of the Diocese as Supervising Bishop.
However, Archbishop Ibezim has instituted legal action at the High Court, challenging the Primate’s directive and the constitution of the panel of inquiry set up to investigate allegations levelled against him.
The lingering crisis took another dimension last Sunday when a combined team of heavily armed security personnel was sighted within the premises of St. Faith’s Cathedral, Awka, ostensibly to maintain law and order.
Despite the suspension directive, Ibezim attended the Sunday service in his capacity as Archbishop of the Diocese, describing the ongoing crisis as a spiritual battle against principalities and spiritual forces.
Reports indicate that additional security operatives are being deployed to the Cathedral ahead of Wednesday’s planned takeover to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
It was gathered that Bishop Ezeofor plans to hold his first meeting with the Diocesan leadership, but several members believed to be loyal to Ibezim have reportedly declined the invitation.
Their decision was said to have followed the alleged removal of the incumbent Diocesan Chancellor by Ezeofor even before formally assuming office.
The aggrieved members had earlier passed a resolution warning that they would not be party to what they described as undue interference and overbearing influence on the administration of the Diocese.
Police Deny Taking Sides, Warn Against Breakdown of Law and Order
Reacting to the heightened tension, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, dismissed suggestions that the heavy security presence at last Sunday’s service was intended to favour any of the factions.
Ikenga explained that prominent political officeholders, including the Governor and Deputy Governor, regularly attend services at St. Faith’s Cathedral with their respective security details, adding that Archbishop Ibezim also has his own security personnel.
“We had security presence at the last Sunday service there, but it was not targeted at protecting or taking sides with any of the parties.
“Remember that top government functionaries attend service there, including the Governor and Deputy Governor, among others. You also know that the Archbishop himself has his own security personnel, so it is not true that the Command is protecting any of the groups,” he stated.
The Police spokesperson further confirmed plans for additional security deployment, stressing that the measure was aimed solely at maintaining peace and preventing any breakdown of law and order.
He urged all parties involved in the dispute to exercise restraint and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
“The Command uses this medium to advise all interest groups to be law-abiding and conduct themselves within the ambit of the law, as it is determined to ensure that people do not take laws into their hands,” Ikenga warned.
The planned Wednesday takeover is expected to be another major test for the crisis-ridden Diocese as the leadership dispute continues to deepen.

The Diocese of Awka of the Anglican Communion has rejected the directive by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Revd Henry C. Ndukuba, ordering Archbishop Alexander C. Ibezim to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave, describing the decision as unlawful and unconstitutional.

The diocese also rejected the appointment of the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Revd Samuel C. Ezeofor, as supervising bishop of Awka Diocese and coordinating bishop of the Province of the Niger, warning that it would not tolerate any interference in its affairs.

The positions were contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the Diocesan Board held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Chapel of Divine Favour, Anglican Village, Ifite-Awka, Anambra State.

The communiqué was signed by Sir B.E.I. Nwofor, SAN, Lord Chancellor of the Diocese; Ven. K.E.N. Chukwukamma, PhD, Synod Secretary; and Mr Eugene Chukwudi Okonkwo, Lay Synod Secretary.

The board said it had carefully considered a letter dated October 13, 2026, issued by the Primate, before unanimously rejecting its directives concerning Archbishop Ibezim and the administration of the diocese.

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According to the board, the appointment of Ezeofor and the compulsory leave directive were made despite pending court cases involving Ibezim, the Primate and other parties.

It cited three cases before the High Court of Anambra State: Suit No. A/Misc. 446/2025, involving Ibezim and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Suit No. A/Misc. 494/2026, involving Ibezim and the Inspector-General of Police and others; and Suit No. A/371/2026, involving Ibezim, Ndukuba and another party.

The board argued that the issues raised in the cases remained before the court and that the parties should refrain from actions capable of interfering with the judicial process.

It further alleged that existing injunctions and pending applications for injunctive relief concerning the matter had not been given due consideration, warning that actions capable of pre-empting the court’s decision could have legal consequences.

The communiqué also questioned the authority of the Primate to direct a fellow bishop and archbishop to proceed on compulsory leave or appoint another bishop to assume his responsibilities.

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It maintained that neither the 2020 Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) nor the 2023 Constitution and Regulations of the Diocese of Awka empowered the Primate to take such action.

The board specifically disputed the application of Section 29(1) of the church’s constitution, which it said did not confer the powers exercised in the October 13 letter.

It also argued that the directive violated Sections 36(5) and 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, relating to the presumption of innocence and freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

On the stated objective of facilitating an impartial investigation and promoting peace and reconciliation, the board alleged that the Primate had previously constituted two panels to investigate allegations against Ibezim.

It identified the first panel, headed by Justice Babashola Ogunade, as having been constituted in August 2025, while the second, headed by Archbishop Blessing Enyindah, was established in June 2026.

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According to the board, both panels had submitted their reports to the Primate, but the findings had not been released.

The board argued that withholding the reports violated provisions of the church’s Constitution and Canons requiring the findings and recommendations of such panels to be submitted to the Episcopal Synod for consideration, with further review and ratification by the appropriate church authorities.

The diocese consequently reaffirmed its confidence in Ibezim, insisting that he remained the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese and should continue discharging his official responsibilities.

It described the diocese as peaceful, united and progressive, while expressing confidence in Ibezim’s integrity, competence, commitment and leadership.

The board also dismissed allegations of financial impropriety against the archbishop, declaring that no diocesan funds had been missing, stolen, misused or misappropriated by him. It further claimed that the two investigative panels had not indicted him for financial misconduct.

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However, these assertions reflect the position of the Diocesan Board, and the allegations and legal issues cited in the communiqué remain subject to the relevant proceedings and any official findings.

Commending Ibezim for what it described as significant infrastructural development across the diocese, the board urged him to remain focused on his duties despite the ongoing controversy.

It also warned Ezeofor against interfering in the affairs of Awka Diocese, urging him to concentrate on his responsibilities as Bishop of Aguata Diocese.

The board said it would not hesitate to seek legal remedies and involve law enforcement agencies if its warning was ignored.

In a further directive, the board instructed all organs of Awka Diocese to remain loyal to Ibezim and continue their lawful activities, while rejecting directives or interference from Ezeofor. It warned that non-compliance could attract appropriate sanctions.

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The communiqué concluded with a strong warning to the Primate and Ezeofor, stating that the diocese could withdraw from the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and continue under the Church of England if what it described as unlawful interference in its affairs persisted.

The latest development signals a deepening dispute within the Anglican Church, with the Awka Diocesan Board insisting that the leadership question and related allegations should be handled in accordance with the church’s governing instruments and the rule of law.

As of the issuance of the communiqué, the board’s position was that Ibezim remained in office and should continue to exercise his episcopal responsibilities.

The positions of the Primate and Ezeofor on the claims and threats contained in the communiqué were not included in the document.

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Awka Diocese Demands Release of Two Investigative Panel Reports, Rejects Coordinating Bishop

By Okey Maduforo, Awka

The Archbishop of Awka Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, has described the lingering crisis rocking the Diocese as a spiritual battle against principalities and powers rather than a confrontation against flesh and blood.

This comes as the leadership of the Diocese demanded the immediate release of reports submitted by two panels of inquiry constituted by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, to investigate allegations surrounding land sales and other matters involving Archbishop Ibezim.

Addressing worshippers shortly after Holy Communion during Sunday’s service at St. Faith’s Cathedral, Awka, Ibezim urged members of the Diocese to remain steadfast in prayer, stressing that the ongoing crisis should not be approached through physical confrontation.

“At this time of trial, at this moment, let us recognise that we are not fighting against flesh and blood. It is spiritual warfare; it is a battle against principalities and powers, rulers of darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places. And so, our battle is not a battle of flesh and blood,” he declared.

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He further admonished the congregation against resorting to violence.

“The Bible enjoins us that we should not fight physically. This is not a time to fight with guns or fight with cutlasses, but it is a fight that is spiritual,” he stated.

The Archbishop called on members of the Cathedral to remain united, pray together and sustain their fellowship, describing the Cathedral altar as a point of contact for prayers across the Diocese and the Province of the Niger.

Meanwhile, the leadership of Awka Diocese has questioned the decision of the Primate to place Archbishop Ibezim on compulsory leave despite the reported completion of investigations by two separate panels earlier constituted to examine allegations against him.

In a resolution signed by the Lord Chancellor of the Diocese, Sir B.E.I. Nwafor, SAN; the Synod Secretary, Ven. K.E.N. Chukwukamma, PhD; and Mr. Eugene Chukwudi Okonkwo, the Diocese described the justification for the compulsory leave as unacceptable.

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According to the resolution, the Primate’s explanation that the leave was intended to facilitate an impartial inquiry into the affairs of the Diocese and promote peace and reconciliation was a ruse, given that two previous investigative panels had already submitted their findings.

The Diocese recalled that the first panel was constituted through the Primate’s letter dated August 13, 2025, and headed by Honourable Justice Babashola Ogunade, while the second was established through another letter dated June 17, 2026, under the chairmanship of Archbishop Blessing Enyindah.

It alleged that despite the completion of their assignments, the Primate had neither released the reports nor disclosed their findings.

The resolution further accused Ndukuba of violating Sections 75(3), (4) and (5), as well as 76(3), (4) and (5) of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020.

According to the Diocese, the provisions require the Primate to submit the findings and recommendations of such panels to the Episcopal Synod for consideration.

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It maintained that the Episcopal Synod is empowered to review, modify, reject or adopt the recommendations, subject to the approval of the Standing Committee and subsequent ratification by the General Synod, whose decision is final and binding.

Diocese Rejects Coordinating Bishop

In a further escalation of the dispute, the leadership of Awka Diocese rejected any attempt by the newly appointed Coordinating Bishop, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, to interfere in its affairs.

“The Board emphatically warns that it will not accept any interference with the affairs of the Diocese of Awka by Rt. Revd. Ezeofor and urges him to concentrate on his work as Bishop of Aguata Diocese and not to be used as an instrument to destabilise or foment trouble in our peaceful Diocese of Awka,” the resolution stated.

It also directed all organs of the Diocese to maintain their loyalty to Archbishop Ibezim and continue their lawful activities.

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“The Board directs all organs of the Diocese of Awka to remain loyal to His Grace, The Most Revd. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD, and to go ahead with their lawful activities and reject any interference or directive from Rt. Revd. Ezeofor,” it added.

As of the time of filing this report, Bishop Ezeofor, who was appointed by the Primate to oversee the affairs of Awka Diocese, had yet to assume office.

Efforts to obtain reactions from the authorities concerned were unsuccessful.

Former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has passed away at the age of 71 following a brief illness.
Uduaghan reportedly died on Monday morning, October 19, 2026.
His death was confirmed in a statement issued by the Uduaghan family and signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan.
The family expressed profound grief over the loss, describing the former governor as a beloved father, brother, uncle and patriarch whose contributions to public service touched countless lives across Delta State and Nigeria.
“It is with hearts weighed down by immeasurable grief and profound sorrow that we announce the passing to glory of our beloved Father, Brother, Uncle, and Patriarch,” the statement read.
The family described his passing as a devastating loss, noting that he was a source of strength, a respected elder and a father figure whose memories and legacy would remain cherished.
Uduaghan served as Delta State Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003 before becoming Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.
He subsequently emerged as Governor of Delta State, serving two terms from 2007 to 2015.
According to the family, his years in public office were marked by a commitment to human and infrastructural development across the state.
“His passing is a profound loss to our family, the people of Delta State, and Nigeria at large. We are grateful to Almighty God for his life, his service, and the legacy he leaves behind,” the statement added.
The family prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and divine comfort for relatives, friends, political associates, former colleagues and others mourning his death.
Details of his funeral arrangements were not included in the announcement.