News
Enugu Land Tussle: Obeagu Community calls for removal of AIG
Tension has reached boiling point in Obeagu Awkunanaw community in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, as residents accuse a senior police officer, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Margaret Ochalla, of colluding with land grabbers to dispossess them of their ancestral land.
In a strongly worded petition addressed to the Inspector General of Police and another to the Police Service Commission, the community, through its representatives, called for the immediate removal of AIG Ochalla from her current posting at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos. They also demanded that all investigations relating to the disputed land be transferred to a neutral location outside her control.
According to the petitioners, the crisis is rooted in a controversial land dispute involving a private company, Private Estates International West Africa (PEIWA), whose alter egos are named as Kingsley Eze and Gozie Okoye.
The community described PEIWA as “a group of desperate fellows” that used their connections to illegally seize and commercialize vast expanses of their ancestral land under the guise of developing the Enugu Lifestyle and Golf City.
“The story of the so-called Enugu Lifestyle and Golf City whose alter ego is one Kingsley Eze, and more recently, Gozie Okoye, is a vexed one,” the petition reads. “Our ownership of this land in question is not in doubt, as none of the dramatis personae is from our community, neither did any of their parents nor ancestors ever own any part thereof.”
They alleged that Eze and his associates forged documents purporting a land acquisition by the administration of Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo—a claim the former governor has publicly denied. The alleged forgery is now the subject of Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025 – IGP V. Kingsley Eze & 2 ORS at the Federal High Court in Enugu, alongside pending civil suits at the Enugu State High Court.
The community claims AIG Ochalla, who has had a long-standing relationship with the land developers, has been partial and oppressive in her handling of the matter.
“She has pitched her tent with them and has been giving her unalloyed support since when she was a Deputy Commissioner of Police in FCID, Abuja,” they wrote. “Every police officer is an ambassador of the Nigeria Police Force and must act in the best interest of the public rather than in protection of the selfish interest of a few land grabbers.”
Residents say the situation deteriorated dramatically after Ochalla’s recent posting to Lagos. “Since Friday, 16/05/2025, AIG Ochalla unleashed a team of police officers from FCID Annex, Lagos against our people. They are kept in an expensive hotel, fed, and have been accompanying officers of PEIWA on daily basis as they patrol our community,” the letter revealed.
The petitioners claim that several community members have been arbitrarily arrested, detained at Uwani Police Station in Enugu, and charged to court on what they describe as “baseless” grounds. One high-profile incident involved the arrest of Rt. Hon. Paul Okechukwu Ogbe, a Senior Special Assistant to the Enugu State Governor.
“He was detained at Uwani Police Station and was about being flown to Lagos on 22/05/2025 when he collapsed and was rushed to hospital,” the petition noted. “Why take him to Lagos if there is no sinister purpose to keep him away, at a place where it will be difficult to get sureties?”
The community says it fears a coordinated plot to intimidate and silence them using the machinery of state.
“We are also wondering how long AIG Ochalla will be used by these land grabbers against us. Now she is in charge at FCID, Lagos, it is time to release a floodgate of criminal complaints, and members of our community will apparently know no peace henceforth,” the statement said.
They urged the Inspector General of Police to urgently transfer the case to Enugu or any other neutral zone and to order AIG Ochalla to recuse herself from the matter.
“She should be reminded that as a police officer, she has to be impartial in performing her duty, and should not let her personal relationships influence her sense of duty. We beg you to save the Nigeria Police from the dent AIG Margaret Ochalla wants to rub on your flagship and respectable institution.”
In a separate Public Notice, the community also addressed a letter dated 13 May 2025, allegedly issued by Gozie Okoye, now claiming to be Managing Director of PEIWA, warning against unauthorized construction within the disputed estate. The community dismissed it as an illegal and misleading document.
“Although the said letter was not particularly addressed to anyone, its contents are laced with bogus claims, distortion of facts, wishful thinking and threat,” they said.
“We must state clearly and categorically that we are the bonafide owners by inheritance of all that parcels of land called Agbana, Ugwuorie, Onususu, Akparata, Isi Oke, Ofia Ogonogo, Ofia Aru, Ururo, Orji, Ngene Uchoo, Ngene Ogwe, Iduru and Ihu Odeje among others.”
They accused Okoye of abusing his position as a former bank manager to facilitate a N2 billion loan for PEIWA using the disputed land as collateral without due process.
“Is it not an extreme form of corruption that Gozie Okoye, for his selfish interest, applied for a loan for his company and used public deposits to feather his nest?” they queried, promising to call for a probe by law enforcement agencies.
They also cited the 2024 report of the Enugu State House of Assembly Committee on Land Disputes, which sided with their community, as further validation of their claim.
The people of Obeagu Awkunanaw are now calling on the highest authorities in the Nigeria Police Force and Police Service Commission to act swiftly and decisively to prevent further erosion of public confidence in the police and to forestall a potential breakdown of law and order.
Police, Agunechemba Reinforce Security Operations
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Tension has heightened in Abacha Community, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, following the conduct of an election for the position of President-General of the town.
The election reportedly took place despite a pending petition by the Akanato quarter of the community before the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Representatives of the Ministry, led by Mr Chukwuma Joseph Echidiegwu, were present at the election and reportedly advised the parties to establish a peace committee to address the lingering dispute.
However, the situation was brought under control following the intervention of officers of the Anambra State Police Command, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), alongside operatives of the Agunechemba Security Squad.
The intervention became necessary after aggrieved members of the community stormed the election venue, insisting that the exercise should not proceed.
The disagreement reportedly centres on allegations of imbalance in the distribution of traditional and community leadership positions.
Members of the Akanato quarter argued that Umudisi Village, which currently occupies the positions of traditional ruler and Prime Minister, was also seeking to produce the next President-General of the community.
They described the arrangement as unjust and marginalising, insisting that leadership positions should be distributed equitably among the constituent villages.
Consequently, the Akanato quarter boycotted the election, maintaining that allowing one section of the community to occupy all the major leadership positions was unacceptable.
Speaking on the development, the leader of the Akanato quarter, Chief Jonahs Okafor, said the arrangement amounted to a deliberate shortchange of other sections of the community.
“So this is actually the matter and, as a matter of fact, we boycotted the election. Those who participated in the election were people from the other quarter of the community,” he said.
Okafor further disclosed that the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr Obinna Obika, resigned on the eve of the election, explaining that he could not be part of any process capable of destabilising the peace of the community.
In his resignation letter, made available to journalists by Okafor, Obika cited growing disagreements and divisions among the various clans over the distribution of leadership positions.
He stated that the controversies had created an atmosphere of tension, mistrust and uncertainty, turning what should have been a collective exercise into a source of division and hostility.
“It is deeply painful to witness a situation where brothers who ought to stand together for the common good of Abacha have been divided into opposite camps, with threats of legal action also taking a considerable toll on my personal peace of mind, well-being and health,” he stated.
Obika added that his decision to step aside was in the interest of his personal well-being and, more importantly, the peace and stability of the community.
Explaining their position further, Okafor appealed to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to intervene, noting that Abacha Community comprises seven villages, with four belonging to one section and three to the other.
He urged the governor to address what he described as an imbalance and marginalisation in the sharing of leadership positions.
“The Akanato people are peace-loving, respect constituted authority and are law-abiding. We cannot take the law into our hands.
“Hence, we appeal to our governor, who believes in equity, fairness and good conscience, to intervene in this matter. We have implicit confidence that he will do the needful,” he said.
Meanwhile, security operatives have reportedly reinforced their presence in the community and remain on alert to respond swiftly to any possible breakdown of law and order.
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.
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