Crime
Jim Nwobodo Clears Wife of Demolition Allegation, Accuses Pastor of Land Grabbing in Enugu Estate
Elder statesman and former governor of old Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo, has distanced his wife, Pat, from allegations linking her to the demolition of an illegal property under construction by Pastor Basil Ogbuanu in his private estate in Enugu.
Ogbuanu had earlier accused Mrs. Nwobodo of orchestrating the demolition of an unapproved building inside Patson Estate at Independence Layout, Enugu, last week.
However, in a detailed statement issued on Monday, Nwobodo strongly condemned what he described as the criminal conduct and illegal activities of Basil Ogbuanu, whom he referred to as “a self-proclaimed pastor.” He accused Ogbuanu of endangering other property owners in the estate he allegedly took unlawful control of.
Nwobodo explained that he originally acquired a large parcel of land in Enugu in 1976 under the company name Linkana Hotels, with plans to build a hotel. He said those plans were abandoned after he became governor of the old Anambra State, as he chose to focus entirely on governance.
According to him, during his time in office, individuals entrusted with managing the property allegedly sold off large portions of the land, leaving him with only a small fraction of what he initially owned.
After retiring to his hometown of Awkunanwu in Enugu State, Nwobodo said he made efforts to recover the remaining parts of the property, including the Linkana Hotel land. However, he claimed his attempts were resisted by Ogbuanu and his cousin, Barrister Amaka Igwe, who allegedly tried to fraudulently carve out parts of the land.
He further alleged that although he declined to hand control of the estate to Igwe, she later bought a plot within the property but tried to avoid a refund when the transaction was eventually invalidated.
The situation reportedly escalated when Ogbuanu allegedly pressured him to allocate additional plots of land despite being informed that the titles were still undergoing certification due to changes in government land use regulations.
Nwobodo stated that he remained committed to following the legal process for the certification of the land and even offered to refund Ogbuanu if he was unwilling to wait for the documentation to be completed. Instead, he alleged that Ogbuanu proceeded with illegal construction activities within the estate.
The dispute took a dramatic turn on January 16, 2026, when Nwobodo’s wife, accompanied by professionals including a landscape architect and a police officer, visited the estate.
According to Nwobodo, the team discovered the estate gate locked and security personnel missing. They were allegedly confronted by a group of men who detained them inside the premises and prevented them from leaving.
“My wife and the group were subjected to a tense situation, and the police officer accompanying them was physically assaulted. His uniform was torn and they were threatened with further harm,” Nwobodo said.
He explained that his wife contacted authorities, prompting a police response that led to the estate being surrounded and the detained individuals rescued. Some suspects were also arrested.
Nwobodo alleged that Ogbuanu, who reportedly instructed the men to detain the visitors, attempted to flee Enugu by boarding a flight to Lagos but was apprehended by police at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
He was subsequently taken to the Independence Layout Police Station, where he was charged with kidnapping, illegal construction, and other criminal offences.
Police investigations, Nwobodo said, revealed that Ogbuanu had been involved in unauthorized building activities within the estate and had allegedly harboured criminals while ignoring government directives to halt such activities.
Nwobodo said the actions of the pastor had created fear among other property owners in the estate, many of whom were worried about living alongside someone he described as having a criminal disposition.
The former governor strongly rejected allegations linking his wife to any wrongdoing, insisting that she had acted in good faith and had even tried to assist Ogbuanu before his alleged misconduct became evident.
“I’m at a loss as to why Basil Ogbuanu would implicate my wife in this ordeal. She has been nothing but kind and supportive to him, yet he repaid her kindness by endangering her life and falsely accusing her,” Nwobodo said.
Ogbuanu has since been arraigned in court and granted bail while trial continues over multiple charges, including kidnapping and illegal land dealings.
Nwobodo described the pastor’s conduct as “lawless” and “criminal,” stressing that he would continue to pursue justice and protect the rights of legitimate landowners in the estate.
“I am deeply troubled by the motives behind Ogbuanu’s actions. His disregard for the law and manipulation of innocent people for personal gain is unacceptable. I will ensure justice is served,” he added.
According to information released by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the coordinated offensive targeted fighters affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), one of the deadliest extremist groups operating in the Lake Chad Basin.
AFRICOM disclosed that the operations, conducted in close collaboration with Nigerian military forces, eliminated more than 200 terrorists, including high-profile commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who had been linked to several insurgent activities in the region.
In a statement posted on its official social media platforms, AFRICOM said the operation was executed without any casualties among Nigerian or American personnel.
“AFRICOM, in continued coordination with Nigeria, conducted operations against ISIS fighters in northeast Nigeria. No U.S. or Nigerian forces were harmed. The targeted operations eliminated more than 200 terrorists, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki,” the command stated.
The development marks one of the most significant joint counterterrorism successes recorded by both countries since the strengthening of military cooperation earlier this year.
Reacting to the operation, the Director of Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, confirmed that the joint efforts had significantly weakened terrorist networks operating in the northeast.
Speaking during a virtual discussion hosted jointly by the Defence Headquarters and AFRICOM, Uba revealed that the collaborative operations have not only eliminated hundreds of insurgents but have also disrupted their logistics chains and command structures.
According to him, intelligence-sharing arrangements between both countries have improved the Nigerian military’s ability to identify and target terrorist camps, weapons depots, and supply routes.
“The partnership has strengthened intelligence-driven operations, leading to the destruction of terrorist enclaves, logistics infrastructure and enhanced surveillance capabilities across affected areas,” he said.
He further noted that Nigerian troops have benefited from specialized training programmes, intelligence fusion initiatives, joint planning exercises and professional military education facilitated through the partnership with the United States.
Security analysts believe the operation represents a major setback for ISIS-affiliated groups that have continued to launch attacks in parts of Borno State and neighbouring areas despite sustained military offensives.
Borno State remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s insurgency crisis, which began in 2009 with the emergence of Boko Haram before splinter groups such as ISWAP gained prominence.
Over the years, terrorists have targeted military formations, local communities, schools and critical infrastructure, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of residents across the northeast.
The elimination of senior commanders and the destruction of operational facilities are expected to weaken the insurgents’ ability to coordinate future attacks.
The latest success is expected to boost confidence in the counterterrorism strategy of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has repeatedly pledged to intensify efforts to restore security across the country.
The operation also highlights growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and military capacity building.
While military authorities caution that the fight against terrorism is far from over, officials insist that recent gains demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated international partnerships in tackling evolving security threats.
Security experts, however, stress that sustained military pressure, improved border security, community engagement and economic development programmes will be necessary to prevent terrorist groups from regrouping.
For residents of the northeast who have endured years of violence, the successful operation has been welcomed as another important step toward lasting peace and stability in the region.
The attack, which occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, threw the community into mourning and heightened concerns over security in the area.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, the Kogi State Police Command said a large number of armed bandits, operating on about 40 motorcycles, invaded the school with the suspected intention of abducting students and other residents.
The statement said the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response after receiving distress calls, deploying personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, and tactical teams.
It added that military personnel and local vigilante groups already stationed in the area also joined the operation.
“The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush.
“Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents.
The Command, however, confirmed that three persons were killed during the attack.
“They include Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70 years; and Sunday Ayele, aged six years.”
The police said one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols in the affected area. According to the Command, joint security operatives are still conducting intensive operations to apprehend fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
Members of the public were urged to remain calm and assist security agencies with credible information.
“Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress,” the statement added.
The Edo State Government has ordered the temporary closure of three public secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a potential kidnapping threat targeting students.
The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.
The directive, issued through the State Ministry of Education, followed security advisories warning of possible attacks on educational institutions in the area.
In a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, the government said the closure was a precautionary measure aimed at protecting students, teachers and host communities pending further security assessments.
Sources familiar with the development revealed that intelligence gathered by security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), indicated that suspected criminal elements were plotting attacks on schools in Edo North Senatorial District.
According to the sources, kidnappers may have shifted focus to schools after previous attempts to abduct wealthy individuals reportedly yielded little financial gain. Security operatives were also said to have intercepted information suggesting that attacks on schools could attract quicker attention and higher ransom payments.
Tension heightened after the arrest of a suspect allegedly caught conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in early June. Investigators believe the development may be connected to the reported threat.
Following the intelligence reports, security agencies advised the state government to take preventive measures, including strengthening security around schools and other public facilities. Recommendations reportedly included increased patrols, enhanced intelligence gathering and closer collaboration with local vigilante groups and community security outfits.
The ministry announced that all academic and administrative activities in the affected schools have been suspended until further notice.
However, candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will continue to sit for their papers under enhanced security arrangements.
The government said security personnel and community stakeholders would work together to ensure the safety of examination candidates throughout the exercise.
School authorities have been directed to facilitate the safe return of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain close communication with security agencies during the closure period.
The state government appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel, assuring them that efforts are underway to neutralise any threat and restore normal academic activities as soon as possible.
Gunmen have abducted the Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Hon. Debo Farounbi, during an attack on Ora community along the Osun/Kwara boundary.
The incident reportedly occurred around 10 p.m. on Tuesday when the armed men invaded the community and fired several gunshots into the air, throwing residents into panic.
Farounbi was reportedly abducted alongside three other persons during the attack.
However, security operatives, including military personnel and local vigilantes stationed in the area, engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon three of the victims.
According to residents, the gunmen eventually escaped with Farounbi after the exchange of gunfire.
One resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers had initially succeeded in moving the victims toward a nearby bush before security operatives intervened.
“Four people, two Fulani women and two men including the Ifedayo Local Government Vice Chairman, Debo Farounbi were abducted. But the resistance put up by the military made the perpetrators to abandon three people.
“They however went away with Farounbi. Our people did not sleep throughout the night. We are in serious fear. The incident happened around 10 p.m. on Tuesday,” the resident said.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said security agencies had launched efforts to rescue the council vice chairman.
“One person was abducted. He is a local government vice chairman, Hon. Debo Farounbi. Immediately the incident happened, the military, police and others responded. Efforts are in place to rescue the man. It is abduction until we are able to prove that it is a case of kidnapping,” Ojelabi stated.
A middle-aged woman has been arrested by the police in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State for allegedly throwing her five-year-old physically challenged son into a river after a self-proclaimed prophet reportedly told her that the child was a python.
The suspect was apprehended by angry residents shortly after the incident at a riverbank in the community.
According to reports, the woman confessed that she acted on the instruction of a spiritualist based in Benin City, who allegedly convinced her that the child was responsible for her inability to have more children.
The woman explained that she had suffered several miscarriages after giving birth to the child and sought spiritual assistance in an effort to overcome her fertility challenges.
In a video circulating on social media, the suspect reportedly said: “Every pregnancy ended in miscarriage. A seer told me to put my five-year-old child inside the river and that I would be able to give birth again. The seer said if I put my baby inside the river, the child would turn into a python.”
She claimed the spiritualist convinced her that the physically challenged child was a spiritual obstacle preventing her from conceiving successfully.
Acting on the alleged advice, she reportedly took the child to a nearby river and threw him into the water.
Residents who noticed her suspicious movements near the riverbank reportedly rushed to the scene but arrived after the child had already been thrown into the river.
The woman was immediately detained by community members and later handed over to law enforcement authorities.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents, child rights advocates and public health experts, who condemned the role of superstition and misinformation in the tragedy.
The suspect is currently in police custody and is expected to face prosecution.
Meanwhile, community leaders and human rights groups have called for the arrest and prosecution of the self-styled prophet alleged to have influenced the woman to commit the act.
Police authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
-
Crime4 days agoFULL LIST: What Kidnappers are demanding before releasing Oyo pupils, teachers
-
Politics1 day agoSenate: Aspirant Petitions EFCC Over Alleged N20m Extortion by NDC Screening Committee
-
Good Morning Mr Governor3 days agoGovernor Mbah’s Compassion Reaches Ikem as ENSOCU Identifies Indigent Persons for Life-Changing Support
-
Politics3 days ago2027: Ebonyi commissioner resigns, dumps Nwifuru For Odii
-
Politics3 days agoEbonyi 2027: Can Odii Ride the Winds of Change to Turn the Tables?
-
Politics4 days ago2027: Enugu’s Backing for Tinubu, Mbah Shows Political Maturity — Nwoye
-
Politics4 days ago2027: Enugu East endorses Tinubu, Gov. Mbah for second term
-
Education4 days agoUNN Dismisses Terror Attack Rumours, Tightens Security on Nsukka Campus