News
Enugu Traditional Ruler Ordered To Pay N1 Million, Apologize For Violating Rights Of Traditional Worshiper
In a landmark ruling delivered by the Enugu State High Court, His Royal Highness Igwe Raph Okolo, the paramount ruler of Iwollo Community, Ezeagu Local Government Area, has been ordered to pay N1 million in damages and issue a public apology for violating the fundamental rights of a traditional worshiper, Mr. Charles Chinaecherem.
The case, Suit No: A/10/2024, was filed by Chinaecherem, who stood for himself and as the Speaker and Public Relations Officer of the Ebette Iwollo Omashi Association.
The suit also implicated Mr. Hillary Chukwuebuka, known as Osuofia, as well as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ezeagu Police Station and the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command.
Represented by Chief Sir OAU Onyema of Akpaagu Law House, Chinaecherem accused the traditional ruler and his henchman of orchestrating his unlawful arrest, humiliation, and illegal detention on February 5, 2024, at Afor Iwollo Oghe Market Park.
According to court records, Chinaecherem was bundled into a police vehicle like a “common criminal” and held without food or drink from 8:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. that day.
“The arrest was a gross violation of my client’s fundamental rights, which are protected by the Nigerian Constitution,” Chief Onyema argued in court. “This judgement serves as a compass in addressing fundamental rights violations in Nigeria.”
The court, presided over by Justice E. Egumgbe, ruled that Chinaecherem’s arrest and detention, instigated by Igwe Raph Okolo and Osuofia, were baseless and malicious.
The court emphasized that their actions infringed on Chinaecherem’s constitutional rights, including freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as enshrined in Sections 34 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Justice Egumgbe noted in his judgement: “The applicant was dehumanized and illegally detained without any cause. The police, acting on the orders of the traditional ruler and his henchman, had no grounds to infringe on the applicant’s rights. The arrest, made in full view of the public at Afor Iwollo Market, was both unnecessary and embarrassing.”
The court further condemned the threats issued by Igwe Raph Okolo and Osuofia against members of the Ebette Iwollo Omashi Association, a group of traditional worshipers. The threats allegedly aimed to prevent them from practicing their traditional rites, such as the Igo ana or Itu Inyi, actions the court found to be an unwarranted interference in their religious freedoms.
In an extensive judgment that spanned more than an hour, Justice Egumgbe ordered the following, “A declaration that the illegal arrest, humiliation, and detention of the applicant without just cause constituted a violation of his fundamental rights.
“An injunctive order restraining the respondents from further harassment, intimidation, or infringement on the applicant’s rights regarding his religious beliefs and practices.
“A mandatory order directing Igwe Raph Okolo and Osuofia to issue a written apology to Chinaecherem within seven days of the judgment.
“An award of N1 million in punitive damages to be paid by the first and second respondents for their roles in the infringement of the applicant’s rights.
Chief Sir OAU Onyema, speaking after the judgment, expressed gratitude to the court, describing the ruling as “erudite and well-illuminated.”
He further remarked, “This judgment is a compendium for enforcing fundamental rights and sends a strong message to those who abuse their authority.”
Counsel for the first and second respondents, G.O. Ayogu, and counsel for the police, Cajethan Ugwu, were present during the proceedings.
OSOGBO — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the outcome of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that it is not convinced that Governor Ademola Adeleke secured the highest number of valid votes.
INEC on Sunday declared Adeleke the winner after the Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwale, announced the final results at the commission’s headquarters in Osogbo.
Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord Party, polled 511,067 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dr Najeem Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.
However, the APC said it would not accept the declaration without conducting a comprehensive review of the electoral process.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on Monday, the Director-General of the APC campaign for the Osun governorship election, Hon. Oluwole Oke, said the party had commenced an audit of the results and electoral materials from the poll.
Oke said the party had directed its agents across the state to submit relevant result sheets for scrutiny as it investigates alleged infractions.
“We need to do the needful which is to evaluate the process, review the process and then form an opinion. We’ve embarked on an audit process; we’ve asked all our party agents to submit copies of Form EC8A, B, C to our secretariat for review. We need to inspect all the materials because we do not agree with the declaration of INEC, and that’s our position for now,” he said.
The APC campaign chief also dismissed suggestions that the party was under pressure to immediately accept the outcome following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s congratulatory message to Adeleke.
Tinubu had congratulated Adeleke after the declaration, describing the outcome as a reflection of the will of the people.
Reacting to the President’s position, Oke said Tinubu spoke in his capacity as President and a democrat following INEC’s declaration.
“Mr. President spoke as the Father of the nation and a democrat following the declaration by INEC,” he said.
Oke, however, maintained that the APC would rely on its own assessment of the election after completing its review.
“We’re on ground and politics is local and, like I’ve told you, what we’re doing is to conduct a thorough review of the entire process and form an opinion,” he said.
He added that the party would not be rushed into congratulating Adeleke, insisting that its preliminary position was that the governor did not secure the highest number of valid votes.
“We won’t be under any subtle pressure to easily reach out to congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke because we believe he didn’t score the highest valid votes,” Oke said.
The APC is expected to determine its next course of action after completing its audit and reviewing the electoral materials and results submitted by its agents.
ABAKALIKI — The 2027 governorship race in Ebonyi State is gathering momentum, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Odii, unveiling a package of reforms aimed at improving the welfare of workers, teachers and retirees.
Odii made the commitments during a meeting with representatives of Ebonyi civil servants and members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) at his Lagos residence, where he outlined his plans for a comprehensive reform of the state’s public service.
A major component of his agenda is a workers’ housing scheme designed to provide 1,000 housing units within his first year in office and up to 5,000 units over four years if elected governor.
Odii said the housing programme would be structured to minimise dependence on direct government funding, with workers’ contributions and existing pension assets forming part of the financing framework.
He said the initiative would address the housing difficulties faced by workers and retirees, particularly retirees who often struggle to sustain rented accommodation after leaving government service.
The PDP candidate also proposed a paperless digital loan platform that would allow workers to access loans against their contributory pension savings without the bureaucratic delays associated with the existing system.
On retirement benefits, Odii pledged that workers would have access to their entitlements immediately upon retirement, arguing that retirees should not endure prolonged delays in receiving benefits accrued during their years of service.
He further promised to reform the promotion process through computer-based promotion examinations capable of producing results instantly.
According to him, the digital system would reduce delays, curb opportunities for manipulation and promote greater transparency and fairness in the career progression of civil servants.
Odii said the proposed reforms were aimed at creating a public service where workers would have improved access to housing, credit facilities and timely retirement benefits, while ensuring a more transparent promotion system.
He presented the proposals as part of his broader agenda to improve workers’ welfare and reposition the Ebonyi State civil service for greater efficiency if elected governor in 2027.
The MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has confirmed the death of one of its operations staff in an electrical accident.
The Head of Communications, MEDL, Mr Emeka Ezeh, who confirmed the incident in Enugu on Monday, said that the incident occured on Aug. 13 at Eke in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Ezeh said that the incident, which occurred at about 1p.m., involved Mr. Samson Okechi, the Team Lead, Abor, attached to the company’s 9th Mile District.
He said, “Okechi was carrying out maintenance work on a 50kVA/11kV pole-mounted distribution substation at Eke when he sustained an electric shock.
“Okechi was immediately evacuated to Our Saviour Hospital, Ngwo, for medical attention but was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty. His remains were subsequently deposited at a mortuary.”
He said that the incident was formally reported at the Ngwo Police Station for documentation and other necessary statutory actions.
Ezeh also debunked claims circulating on some social media platforms that Okechi was murdered or that the incident was the result of sabotage.
“I wonder why some people take pleasure in conjuring unfounded narratives and circulating them, thereby creating unnecessary tension and bad blood. This is so unfair,” he said.
He urged members of the public to disregard the claims, describing them as baseless.
According to him, Okechi had requested a Station Guarantee (SG) for the Okwe 11kV Feeder, which was granted at about 11:06 a.m. at the 9th Mile Injection Substation. The feeder was subsequently opened and tagged.
“This is a very unfortunate development and a big shock to all of us, his colleagues. Our hearts go out to his immediate family as they grieve,” Ezeh said.
The MEDL spokesman disclosed that MainPower management had commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the immediate, underlying and root causes of the accident.
He said, “We are committed to ensuring that the investigation is thorough and evidence-based.
“The findings will be used to identify any gaps, determine appropriate corrective measures, and strengthen safety procedures and operational controls where necessary.”
Ezeh MEDL assured its customers and stakeholders that safety remained a paramount priority in its operations, adding that appropriate measures would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
Idiaye, a third-term lawmaker, takes over from Blessing Agbebaku, who resigned as Speaker on Monday amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him.
The emergence of Idiaye was said to have been influenced by the gentleman’s zoning arrangement in the Assembly, which provides that when the governor is from the Edo Central Senatorial District, the Speaker should come from Edo North.
Idiaye, being the oldest member from the Edo North Senatorial District, was subsequently elected Speaker.
Without the zoning arrangement, the Deputy Speaker would have automatically succeeded Agbebaku, according to the new Speaker.
Members of the Assembly were at the Government House to inform Governor Monday Okpebholo of the change in leadership.
Agbebaku was said to have resigned early on Monday following alleged moves by lawmakers to impeach him.
Reports gathered that 17 of the 24 lawmakers had signed a notice of impeachment on Sunday night, a development that may have prompted his resignation.
Agbebaku’s resignation was confirmed by Ebojele, who said details of the development would be made public later.
She said, “I can confirm the Speaker’s resignation but details will be made public later.”
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from his position.
Agbebaku stepped down on Monday amid moves by some lawmakers to impeach him.
His resignation was confirmed on Facebook by his media aide, Ivy Adodo-Ebojele, who said further details on the circumstances surrounding his exit would be made public later.
“EDO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER RT HON CHIEF BLESSING AGBEBAKU RESIGNS,” she wrote.
The development has thrown the Edo State House of Assembly into a fresh leadership crisis, with lawmakers expected to determine a new Speaker.
Details shortly…
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