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Enugu Community standstill for traditional ruler elect

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The people of Mburubu in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State have officially welcomed their son and ìgwè elect, Ọzọ Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe.

The ceremony, which took place on Saturday at Mburubu Primary School, had in attendance over 5000 indigenes, drawn from the five villages that make up the community.

Recall that the community had selected Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe as their ìgwè elect in December 2023—an act welcomed by almost all community members.

Prior to this, some delegates were sent to beg the veteran businessman to accept the offer of being their ìgwè elect, as their late ìgwè, Late Igwe Emmanuel Muonyelu Ogbuzulu, emerged through the same process.

Chief Okonkwo Evu, alias “Ozonwata na achọ nke ya,” during the kolanut prayers, urged God to guide their ìgwè elect and give him a long life as the community always has since its history.

A leader of the community and former Chairman of PDP of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon Chijioke Nwachukwu, said the event is providential as God destined it. He stated that the event is organized by the community to give their ìgwè elect, Ọzo Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, the opportunity to come out publicly, accept the task, and reaffirm his commitment to the progress of the community.

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“Today is a great day in our land as we are organizing this event to enable our son, Ọzo Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, whom we begged to be our traditional ruler, to come and accept our plea.

“The event is also one that would allow us to thank God for making this day a success; abuse of our people, maltreatment, among other issues, would stop.

“We are also using this event to call on the state government to, as a matter of urgency, release his certificate of return.

Speaking on behalf of the ndị Nze na ọzọ Mburubu, Chief Sylvanus Njoku said the community is on course for progress and they have total belief that their ìgwè elect would take the community to the next level.

Chief Okafor Chukwu, “Ọgbụnechendo na Mburubu,” said the event brings a new dawn to the community as the choice of Ọzọ Patrick Onuokaibe has not been in doubt.

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Speaking on behalf of the community’s women, their leader, Mrs. Anthonia Chukwu, said they are never in doubt of Jerry Onuokaibe’s capacity to deliver and reaffirm their total support.

Chief Chinedu Ezechukwu, “Ebubedike 1 of Mburubu,” expressed happiness over the event, saying that such has been predestined by God as Ọzo Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe is the type of leader needed by the community to progress. He asserted that their choice of Ọzọ Jerry was a conclusion of their 2-year search for a leader better than their late ìgwè.

According to him, “We the people of Mburubu begged ỌZỌ Jerry Partick Onuokaibe to be our ìgwè, and we are in total support of his emergence.”

“The state government should please, without any further delay, release his certificate of return.”

Also speaking, a one-time permanent secretary, Enugu State Ministry of Chief Patrick Onuokaibe, narrated how the journey to the choice of their ìgwè elect began, saying Ọzo Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe is the best person for the job owing to his track records of being a unifier and team player and thus is their ìgwè elect.

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Hon Ifeanyi Njoku, a former councillor of Mburubu Ward, said they begged Ọzọ Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe to take over this mantle as they believe that his leadership qualities will continue to make him outstanding amongst others.

According to him, “We used the same process adopted during the selection of our late ìgwè to choose Ọzọ Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe.”

“He was begged and after a while, accepted, and we believe he would do well.”

The Chairman of Ohaneze Ndị Igbo in Enugu South Local Government Area and also the leader of the Ọzọ’s in Enugu South Local Government, Ọzọ Raphael Ugwu, said he started coming to Mburubu the time the ìgwè elect of Mburubu was born and thus is a member of the community by association.

He stated that the tussle by some people over the throne should be commended because it would make the leader wake up.

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He thanked Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his outstanding works in the state, Deacon Okey Ogbodo for his works in his ministry, and Sen Jim Nwobodo, whom he said, adopted Jerry as a son. Ozo Raphael wished that Jerry is his brother from Amechi – Awkunanaw as his qualities are rare to find.

Dr Chidi Chikas Okorie, an academic guru and communication expert, also affirmed his total support for Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe.

Associate Professor Alphonsus Njoku said, during the election of their late ìgwè, that it was said that it would always be reserved for the best.

According to him, “We need a leader with the capacity and influence that can link the community with the government at all levels.”

“I urge all to pray and give him their support.”

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In his acceptance speech, the ìgwè elect of Mburubu community, Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, said he is thankful to God for the gift of life and also for the gift of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whom he said is a leader destined by God for the state.

He stated Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbahis determined to bring disruptive innovation through his leadership and has assured that he would change the face of the state.

Chief Onuokaibe also thanked the Enugu State Commissioner for Science AND TECHNOLOGY, Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh for his outstanding contributions towards the growth of the community, assuring that he would work with him for their betterment.

According to him, “Thank God for a day like this and for the gift of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a man who is determined to make Enugu better.”

“Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has been busy working on making Enugu state a safe haven for all and also an investment reference for all investors across the globe.”

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“I want to appreciate our leader, Sen Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, for his fatherly care and love. He has been a great figure for me as well as other young persons in the state.”

“Also, I appreciate the Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, for his sterling performances.

“My thanks also go to The Hon Commissioner for Science and Technology Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh for his role in moving our community forward.

Deacon Okey Ogbodo, the Commissioner, Enugu State Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, for his wonderful works in the ministry.”

“I want to make it clear that I have no issue with anybody and would work with everybody to make Mburubu a citadel of hope for all.”

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The ìgwè elect concluded by expressing his gratitude to the community for their support and trust in him, pledging his commitment to serving them diligently and fostering the development of Mburubu.

The event marked a significant moment in the history of Mburubu as they officially embraced Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe as their traditional ruler, and the community looks forward to a new era under his leadership while awaiting the issuance of the certificate of recognition to Chief Onuokaibe by the State Government.

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Anambra APP Celebrates Ugochinyere’s Emergence As Reps Minority Leader

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

The emergence of Chief Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives has been described as a vindication of the fact that the Action People’s Party (APP ) represents the collective interests of the Nigerian masses.

Recall that recently, Ugochinyere was elected as the Minority Leader of the party in a keenly contested election of the Federal House of Representatives.

According to a statement by the Chairman Anambra state chapter of the APP Chief Chijioke Okeke, Ugochinyere had been consistent in offering himself as the voice of the people and that of the voiceless.

“It did not come to us as a surprise that our great leader High Chief Ugochinyere became the Minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives because he has always been consistent and focus towards providing himself as the only vent for the masses at the Green Chambers”

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“We know his pedegre as a politician as well as a leader and he has remained focus in ensuring that the voiceless are heard and this is also a vindication of our party’s unflinching desire to provide a veritable platform in a democratic process”

Okeke further stated that the fifth columnists who had attempted to deregister the party have been put to shame adding that the party shall continue to champion the interests of the Nigerian people.

“They made failed attempt at deregistering our great party but they lost sight of the fact that the APP is firmely rooted on ground and has all that it takes to drive the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and with this recent development our traducers have been put to shame and our party is on the path of further greatness “. Okeke noted .

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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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