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Enugu: Villagers drag PEACE Mass Transit MD to Court over Maduka Onyishi University land

Published

3 years ago

March 29, 2024

Everydaynewsngr

The Amolu-Uwani Family of Ekwegbe Igboetiti Local Government Area of Enugu State has dragged Maduka Onyishi, the owner of Maduka Univerity and Peace Mass Transit to the Enugu State High Court over the family land matter.

Copies of the writ of summons and motion on notice for Injunction currently pending at the Ogbede Division of the state High Court in suit No OG/06/2024 filed on 26th March 2024, as obtained by our correspondent listed the following as the 3rd -5th Defendants respectively, SAMUEL MADUKA ONYISHI, REGISTEERED TRUSTEES OF SAMUEL MADUKA ONYISHI FOUNDATION, MADUKA UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT BOARD among other Defendants.

Reliiefs sought by the Plaintiffs in the said writ among others prayers include :

“A DECLARATION that the Amolu-Uwani family in Amudu village, Ekwegbe, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State, comprising of 9 sub-families: Umu Attama, Umu Mbeke, Umu Edeoga, Umu Ugwuidogwu, Umu Ugwu, Umu Ezugwu, Umu Ele, Umu Agbo and Umu Gugu who are the deem holders of right of occupancy/ owners of the large expanse of land contained in the Sketch No 60/2022; Plan no HOU/EN/17/2022 measuring an area 377513.464sqm situate at Ugwu Udelle Agu Ekwegbe in Igbo Etiti LGA of Enugu State, has not shared the said Large expanse of land amongst the members of the Amolu-Uwani family and thus no member of the family can validly claim any portion of the said land nor sale, alienate nor enter an agreement for the sale or alienation of any such portion of the said land which by further description is bordered in the North direction by Obara Stream, the natural boundary between Opi Agu and Agu Ekwegbe , bordered in the East by land originally owned by the Amaezi family, now belonging to Dr. Dan. Shere, bordered in the West by the land belonging to Egbogu family, bordered in the South-West by Umuagogwu kindred’s land and bordered in the South by lands originally belonging to the Umunwogodo kindred.(the said bordering land which originally belong respectively to the Umunwogodo, Umuagogwu, Egbogu (Amairagu), and Ezemararua families are now owned by the 3rd Defendant) .

“A DECLARATION that the Plaintiffs being the principal members of the Amolu-Uwani family, their consent are required for any valid alienation or transaction of the said land or any part of the said land.

” A DECLARATION that the agreement signed by the 1st and 2nd Defendant to sell or alienate any part of the said Amolu-Uwani family land to the 3rd Defendant without the consent of the Plaintiffs who are the principal members of the family is invalid, null and void.

“AN ORDER OF COURT restraining the 3rd to 5th Defendant, either by themselves or through their agents or privies from entering any part of the said Amolu-Uwani family land without the consent of the Plaintiffs for the purpose of carrying out any fencing, excavation, building, construction, development or tampering with the said land in any manner howsoever.

On 27th March 2024 when the suit came up before the presiding Judge Hon Justice C.A Ogbabor for mention, Counsel to the Plaintiffs Ikechukwu Maximus Ugwuoke Esq moved a motion for substituted service of the processes in the suit on the Defendants.

Motion was granted and the case was adjourned to 30th May 2024 for Motion on Notice.

Narrating the trajectory of facts leading to the suit in their Statement of Claim, the Plaintiffs stated among other things that ‘the said Amolu-Uwani family land holds deep historical and spiritual significance for the family. According to their traditions, the land which was occupied by their ancestors from time immemorial serves as “Ala Oluwa”, a sacred resting place for deceased members of the family. This belief is further reinforced by the custom that prohibits both male family heads (Onyishi Amolu-Uwani) and married female members of the family from visiting the land. Consequently, the land is being revered and protected for generations.

“In 2017, one Dr. Dan. Shere offered to purchase the land. However, his proposal was politely declined by the Plaintiffs due to the aforementioned cultural and spiritual attachment of the family to the said land.. Around the same time, the 3rd Defendant also expressed interest in acquiring the land as part of land for his Private University which he superintends under his 4th and 5th Defendant establishments but he received the same response from the Plaintiffs.

‘However, the 3rd Defendant did not want to take no for an answer from the Plaintiffs, Instead, driven by desperation, he devised various ploys to divide the family members and manipulate them into agreeing with him to sell the land to him.

“That despite the family’s resistance to a meeting with the 3rd Defendant, the 3rd Defendant persisted and eventually secured a meeting sometime between 2017 and 2019 with the Plaintiffs. There at the meeting, the Plaintiffs’ family stood their ground that they would not sell the land. In an attempt to placate the family, the 3rd Defendant wheedled them with a promise: either to buy a cow for appeasement of the family land, or to purchase another piece of land somewhere else as a replacement. Still in an attempt to persuade the family, he told them that a man can sell anything he owns, even emphasizing that he (the 3rd Defendant) could sell everything he owns except his wife and children.

However, the Plaintiffs’ family who would not give into his logic, responded to him that their attachment to the said land is akin to his devotion to his love for his wife and children. Exiting the meeting hall in a dramatic huff, the 3rd Defendant issued a final threat: “Mark my words, in less than a decade, this family will be crawling back to me, begging me to buy the land!”

“That just months after the contentious meeting, the Ekwegbe Youth intervened and prevented the 3rd Defendant from fencing off a large portion of the land. Undeterred, he attempted to acquire the land through the official channels by reporting the Plaintiffs’ family to the Ekwegbe General Assembly, claiming the family obstructed development of the Community.

“At a subsequent meeting convened by the General Assembly at the late Igwe N.B.T Ezeani’s Palace, both parties presented their cases. Finally, the General Assembly advised the 3rd Defendant to respect the Plaintiffs’ family’s clear decision and cease attempt to acquire the land.

“In spite of the advice, the 3rd Defendant continued pressing the Plaintiffs’ family for the land “that notwithstanding the above resolution, the 3rd Defendant successfully persuaded 1st Defendant to collaborate with 2nd Defendant to execute a temporary sale agreement of part of the said land to him. Both 1st and 2nd Defendants signed a document outlining the terms and acknowledging a partial payment of 5 million naira, serving as evidence of their arrangement.

“The family considers this deal dishonest. The Plaintiff pleads and shall found on a copy of the said agreement and hereby give the said Defendants to produce the original copy.

“The Plaintiffs state that from the beginning, the 3RD Defendant was informed that the land was not for sale. Furthermore, as a native of Nsukka familiar with its customs, the 3rd Defendant should be aware that, even if the land were available, the 1st and 2nd Defendants who are the young men the 3rd Defendant dealt with lacked the authority to sell the land or any part of it without the elders consent.

“Moreover, the agreed price of 400 thousand naira per plot significantly under values the land, which would be worth at least 3.5 million naira per plot if it were in the market.”

News

NUJ to induct Arthur Eze into Hall of Fame as Umahi receives Bridge Builder Award

Published

12 hours ago

October 31, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

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.

News

Enugu West Senate: Court Dismisses Suit, Affirms OAU Onyema as ADC Candidate

Published

12 hours ago

October 31, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

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.

News

Police Promotes Over 4,000 Officers, Elevates Two to DIG, 10 to AIG

Published

1 day ago

October 30, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

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.

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NSCDC Suspends Officer Over Market Shooting, Orders Disciplinary Trial

Published

2 days ago

October 29, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

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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C’Riiver Speaker Ayambem Opens 2027 Budget Retreat, Pledges Thorough Scrutiny of Appropriation Bill

Published

3 days ago

October 28, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has opened the 2027 Budget Retreat in Obudu, pledging a thorough legislative review of the proposed budget to ensure prudent resource allocation and effective service delivery.

The retreat, themed “Consolidation and Renewed Hope,” is being held at Centurion Hotel, Obudu.

Ayambem said the retreat would enable lawmakers to critically examine the 2027 Appropriation Bill, assess government spending priorities and ensure that proposed expenditures reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.

He identified agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure and human capital development as key sectors requiring adequate attention in the budget.

The Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to a comprehensive and timely review of the budget estimates, emphasising the need for fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

He commended Governor Bassey Otu for maintaining a constructive relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government, noting that cooperation between both institutions was essential for effective governance.

Ayambem described the annual budget retreat, sustained by the 10th Assembly for four consecutive years, as evidence of the legislature’s commitment to strengthening budgetary oversight and improving its engagement with the state’s fiscal plans.

He expressed optimism that the deliberations would produce a responsive and people-centred budget that advances the gains of Governor Otu’s People First Administration, promotes sustainable development and translates government policies into tangible improvements in the lives of Cross River residents.

Matthew Okache
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker
October 28, 2026